Rounding and Relaxing: Embracing Wellness in Medicine

Wilson Li, Tracy Xu, and Chelsea Wong

To become a doctor, wellness is an essential part of the training

Wellness in medical school is not one-size-fits all. Three students from different undergraduate medical programs across the country share their perspectives on wellness and reflect on finding balance and avoiding burnout. 

What does Wellness in medical school mean to you personally?

Tracy Xu, MS1 McMaster - As Vice President of Student Affairs and lead of the Wellness Committee at McMaster, I’ve come to see that wellness in medical school looks different for everyone. It is a collective shift many of our peers experience as they navigate new pressures, identities, and expectations. Seeing students recognize that they are not alone in these challenges has been incredibly meaningful. As future health care providers, we are often taught to prioritize others first, yet medical school has shown me the importance of learning to care for ourselves alongside caring for our peers.

Chelsea Wong, MS2 UofA - I always approach wellness from an all-encompassing perspective. It means caring for my mental, physical, and social well-being in a way that allows me to show up fully for my patients, my peers, and myself. Academic success alone is not sustainable without mental resilience, physical health, and meaningful connections. When these domains are in balance, I’m better able to learn, lead, and provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

Wilson Li, MS3 USask - Wellness to me isn’t an individual goal. While part of it entails balancing an active lifestyle with academic demands, it truly is the relationships around us that sustain one another. There are times when studying an extra hour is worth sacrificing if it means catching up with a loved one.

What is one activity you regularly turn to for your own mental or emotional wellbeing?

Chelsea Wong, MS2 UofA - It’s hard to choose just one activity, as I find both creative and physical outlets essential for my mental and emotional wellbeing. I love experimenting in the kitchen through cooking and baking, as well as staying physically active. I discovered these passions long before medical school, but they continue to provide structure, stress relief, and a strong sense of purpose. Cooking and baking, which I also share through my food blog (@freshandflavourful), offer a creative and grounding space where I can slow down and be present. Engaging in fitness through skating, running, and leading the Med Fit club allows me to prioritize my own wellbeing while fostering a culture of movement and balance within the medical student community.

Wilson Li, MS3 USask - I started meditating when I was 16 years old, and find mindfulness to be an indispensable skill during busy call shifts. Whenever I feel stressed or anxious, I can recognize the present moment and mentally rest, even if just for a moment. This helps me approach difficult cases and patients with a clear and open mind.

Tracy Xu, MS1 McMaster - Hiking has become an activity I regularly turn to for my mental and emotional wellbeing. I discovered it after moving to Hamilton, a city that boasts an incredible network of trails and waterfalls that make it easy to step away from the pace of medical school. Whether I’m hiking with friends or going alone, it offers something different each time.

What has been your favourite wellness initiative that you’ve participated in or helped host at your school, and why did it resonate?

Wilson Li, MS3 Usask - I’ve been organizing numerous wellness initiatives for the past few years, but my favourite is our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event, where we got to learn some basic self-defense skills and also go against each other at the end of the session! I am a huge combat sports fan, and think BJJ is a great way to stay active, safe, and encourage body empowerment.

Tracy Xu, MS1 McMaster - One of my favourite wellness initiatives I helped host was a spin class for medical students. It resonated with me because it created a space where students could release stress through movement while also sharing a sense of collective energy and encouragement. Plus, nothing beats the upbeat music and laughing with your friends as you collectively fail to keep up!

Chelsea Wong, MS2 UofA - I had the opportunity to lead the development of mentorship programs for both the Edmonton and Grande Prairie campuses, which became one of my favourite wellness initiatives. I then developed and hosted two new mentorship events—one for each campus—that integrated structured speed-friending with informal social engagement to facilitate meaningful relationships between student cohorts. Seeing students engage, share experiences, and form lasting peer connections reinforced for me the power of community in fostering resilience and overall wellness in medical school.