By Esther Jenks, BS, OMS 2 & Karen Kang, BS, OMS 2
Co-Chairs, Behavioral Health Interest Group
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
At Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Club Day functions much like it does on any other campus. Clubs set up tables or booths to showcase their mission and vision and to engage with both new and returning students. Amid the sea of posters and enticing treats, the goal is to attract attention and spark meaningful conversations about joining. This year, as the new co-chairs for the Behavioral Health Interest Group, we wanted to select something that aligned with our beliefs about mental health and its critical role in the lives of future medical professionals. We chose mood rings, a unique item that we believe encapsulates our vision and invites others to explore the intersection of mental health and medicine.
Mood rings hold a nostalgic charm for many, often triggering fond childhood memories. We hoped they would bring a touch of whimsy and fun to our booth. More importantly, we saw them as a unique tool to initiate conversations with our classmates about the importance of recognizing and expressing their emotions.
Although the stigma surrounding mental health is slowly diminishing in the U.S., it remains a sensitive topic for many. Medical students often feel the need to maintain a façade of strength in a highly competitive environment. This pressure can make it challenging to acknowledge the emotional tension that comes with medical school.
A core tenet of osteopathic medicine is that holistic wellness integrates body, mind, and spirit. While our curriculum teaches us to apply this holistic approach to patients, we believe it is equally important to start practicing it for ourselves during medical school. The mood rings serve as a meaningful introduction to our message, but our commitment to this philosophy goes far beyond this symbolic gesture. We are dedicated to participating in events like the Lynchburg Walk Out of Darkness for suicide prevention, hosting psychiatrists to discuss current trends in psychiatric practice, and organizing visits from therapy dogs to remind students of the importance of self-care.
Through these initiatives, we aim to not only foster interest in psychiatry but also challenge the culture of invulnerability that often pervades medical school. By prioritizing their mental health, we hope that LUCOM students will embody the principles of osteopathic wellness, ultimately becoming empathetic and effective physicians.
