For the second year in a row, VCOM has received the 2026 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia magazine. The award recognizes institutions that make student and employee mental health and well-being a campus priority.
Across its four campuses, VCOM offers a variety of resources that support health and well-being. Academic success is a key component of student well-being at VCOM. Through its Center for Institutional and Student Success (CIFSS), the College provides proactive, individualized support, including academic counseling, study planning, and early outreach to students who may benefit from additional assistance. The goal is to help students thrive throughout their medical school journey.
"Ensuring a positive medical school experience and supporting student well-being requires a collaborative effort across all four VCOM campuses," said Jana Carlson, EdD, executive director for academic support services for the Center for Institutional and Student Success. "By combining proactive academic support with wellness resources and a caring campus culture, we help students develop the resilience they'll rely on throughout their careers."
Support for well-being extends beyond the classroom. Each campus offers a variety of opportunities that support physical, emotional, and social wellness, including access to fitness and recreational resources, nearby parks and outdoor spaces, and campus-sponsored wellness initiatives. Through the VIA Wellness program, students can participate in activities designed to promote healthy lifestyles, stress management, personal resilience, and community engagement throughout their medical education. Signature events, such as the annual Adventure Race at the Virginia campus, further encourage physical activity, connection, and work-life balance. These wellness opportunities also extend to faculty and staff, reinforcing a culture of well-being across the institution.
Creating an environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive has always been part of VCOM's mission. Medical education is demanding—for students and employees—and supporting mental health and well-being is fundamental to helping our community succeed. We're honored to receive this recognition again, and we'll continue building a culture where people feel supported both personally and professionally.
VCOM will be featured, along with 37 other institutions in the September 2026 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine. For more information about the 2026 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award, visit insightintoacademia.com.