Wellness as a Pre-Health Student
Your Well-Being Matters: Thriving on the Pre-Health Journey
Being a pre-health student comes with its challenges—long hours, tough exams, and the pressure to succeed. But your journey to a health profession isn’t just about academics; it’s about you. We’re here to support you through the ups and downs with wellness programs, events, and initiatives designed to help you recharge, find balance, and remember that you are more than pre-health.
Explore the resources below and discover ways to prioritize your mental health and well-being throughout your journey.
Why does mental health matter for pre-health students?
Pursuing a career in the health professions is rewarding, but it also comes with high expectations, rigorous coursework, and emotional demands. Mental well-being is just as important as academic success—both for your journey now and for your future as a healthcare professional.
Here’s why mental health should be a priority for pre-health students:
50%
of medical students and 30% of nursing students experience burnout before they even enter the workforce.
30%
of medical students report symptoms of depression.
10%
have considered suicide or serious self-harm.
A Foundation of Wellness
Stress and mental health struggles are leading factors in students leaving pre-health tracks or changing career paths.
Additionally, research shows that healthcare professionals with untreated stress and burnout are more likely to make errors and experience compassion fatigue.
Taking care of your mental health now sets the foundation for resilience and success—not just in school, but throughout your career. Explore our wellness programs and resources below to stay balanced and supported on your journey.
The Den Initiative
Opened in Fall 2024, the Den serves as a welcoming, multi-use space for peer-to-peer mentorship and student relaxation and connection. The space has multiple comfortable bean-bag chairs, a full-body massage chair, snacks, and puzzles.
With almost 80 students in attendance for the opening of the space, it serves as a popular common area for pre-health students to use.
Special thanks to Dr. Wez Mizutani for donating funds towards the purchase of Den supplies and equipment.
Paws for Mental Health: Puppy Wellness
In partnership with LAX 4 Pups, this wellness event is an opportunity to love on our furry companions, meet fellow PH students, and strengthen mental health.
Hosted for the first time in Spring 2025, 55+ students had the opportunity to meet 3 wonderful puppies: the Dude, Coral, and Maple. With catered food and drinks, the event was a tremendous success!
Once again, special thanks to LAX 4 Pups for making this event possible!
De-Stress 4 Success
Students gathered for yoga, sound bath meditation, and chair massages to help them de-stress before finals.
Getting Help
We understand the multifaceted nature of mental health. If you are seeking additional mental health assistance, please contact the USC Student Health Center’s 24/7 phone line at (213)-740-9355 (WELL).
Additionally, please reference the pages below for additional campus resources or to inquire about opportunities to further advance USC Wellness Initiatives.
Make a Gift Today
Support the Well-Being of Future Healthcare Professionals!
The journey to a career in healthcare is challenging, and mental well-being is essential for students to thrive. By making a gift, you can help fund wellness programs, mental health resources, and initiatives that empower pre-health students to balance their academic success with self-care.
Your support ensures that future healthcare leaders have the tools they need to succeed—both in their studies and in their personal well-being.
Make a Gift Today and invest in the health and resilience of the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Contact Us
Office of Pre-Health Advisement
3641 Watt Way
Hedco Neurosciences Building (HNB), Suite 120
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Visit us: HNB 120 (Hedco Neurosciences Building, Suite 120)
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Follow us
On instagram @uscprehealth