Name
Fostering Medical Student Leadership Through Community-Engaged Wellness Education: The Music, Movement, and Mindfulness (3M) Program
Speakers
Authors
Kyulee Park, Eastern Virginia Medical School at ODU
Date & Time
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 12:15 PM - 12:29 PM
Presentation Category
Designing Holistic Programs: Growth-Oriented Assessment, Feedback, and Learner Development
Presentation Tag(s)
Student Presenter
Description
Purpose
Students at Eastern Virginia Medical School’s Community Engaged Learning Initiative developed the Music, Movement, and Mindfulness (3M) Program. This is an evidence-based wellness curriculum taught by medical students to undergraduate students at Old Dominion University. This wellness initiative sought to promote mental health literacy and healthy coping strategies while providing a structured model for experiential learner development.
Methods
The 3M Program consists of three 60-minute interactive sessions on (1) progressive muscle relaxation and meditative stretching, (2) recreational music making, and (3) mindfulness-based stress reduction and grounding techniques. Medical students developed and facilitated each session. For each class, anonymous pre- and post-session REDCap surveys were administered. These survey’s assessed perceived stress, anxiety, understanding of wellness concepts, and willingness to incorporate learned strategies into daily life.
Results
Participants reported immediate reductions in perceived stress following the sessions, as well as increased understanding of wellness and mindfulness concepts, and strong intentions to incorporate the techniques into their daily routines. The program also established a community partnership that provides recurring opportunities for medical students to develop teaching, leadership, and community engagement skills through these educational experiences.
Conclusion
The 3M Program demonstrates a holistic, community-engaged educational model that supports both learner development and community wellness. By allowing medical students in evidence-based health education initiatives, we help promote professional identity formation while strengthening student’s communication and leadership skills.