Pritzker Student Support and Wellness

The Office of Student Affairs and Programs (SAP) is dedicated to supporting the personal and professional development of all students at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine by providing programs and services geared toward the development of happy and well-balanced physicians-in-training who will become competent, caring, and compassionate physicians.

SAP works in concert with many other Pritzker programs, e.g. the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, as well as faculty who oversee specific programs in global health and community service learning.

The Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, led by Dayle Davenport, MD, Associate Dean for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, works to ensure a supportive academic environment for underrepresented minorities at our school. Among the nation's highest ranked medical schools, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine has achieved one of the most diverse student bodies

The Pritzker School of Medicine incorporates career advising and professional development into all aspects of students' medical education. Chelsea Dorsey, MD, also assists with academic support and advising.

All students are assigned to one of eight Career Advisors through their membership in one of the four Pritzker Societies: Coggeshall Society, Huggins Society, Lewis Society, and Rowley Society. The four Pritzker Societies are named for key figures who made seminal contributions to research, clinical care, and education at the University of Chicago.

Learn more about the resources here.

(Pictured: Top Left -Shellie Williams, MD. Top Right - Steven Zangan, MD, bottom group - Pritzker Chiefs)

Faculty Ombudspersons:  Serve as student advocates and facilitators within the University of Chicago Medical Center when issues occur. The Ombudspersons are chosen because they are neutral, third party physicians who are not otherwise involved with the academic promotion or evaluation of Pritzker students. 

Peer Ombudspersons: In addition to the faculty Ombudspersons, the Pritzker Chiefs also each act as Peer Ombudspersons. The Pritzker Chiefs will work with students to explore options, offer perspective, suggest resources and, if warranted, reach out to faculty deans for guidance.

The Dean’s Council (DC) is the student government body for the Pritzker School of Medicine, comprised of elected student representatives, faculty, staff, and the Dean. The council meets monthly to discuss issues concerning the students, promote community building, and distribute funds from the Student Life Fee - including student org spending, class parties, and annual school-wide events.

Visit the Dean's Council Website for Student Engagement and Support information (includes Student Organizations, Accessing Class Funds, Society funding, Pritzker Sib Voucher Program, and more!). 

The Wellness Committee is here for YOU to:

• Design programming to celebrate, build and learn longitudinal skills for maintaining wellness throughout the medical school journey
• Promote mental health and wellness initiatives amongst Pritzker students
• Create opportunities for social connection within each class and amongst all members of the Pritzker community. 
• Advocate for students when they feel that their mental health and wellness needs are not being met to the best of Pritzker’s ability. 
• Be here as a resource and a listening ear when you are struggling!

UChicago Student Wellness offers primary and acute health care needs and routine medical services. Care provided by the SHS is confidential. You will not be treated by fellow medical students, residents, or faculty who would also supervise your clinical performance. Students with concerns about seeking care (medical or mental health) at the University of Chicago will be assisted with outside referrals.

Learn more about UChicago Student Wellness medical services.

The University of Chicago Student Wellness Staff have robust resources for mental health counseling (short-term), discrimination and sexual misconduct, bias response, and safety and security as illustrated in the Get Help website. 

Learn more about UChicago Student Wellness counseling and psychiatry services.

UChicago Student Wellness is committed to enhance the environment and the community at the University of Chicago to promote lifelong behaviors and to empower individuals to improve their quality of life and reach their highest potential.

Learn more about UChicago Student Wellness - wellness programming.

The University requires all students to carry health insurance. On an annual basis, all students are enrolled in the University Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP), administered by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources - unless they waive coverage by providing proof of alternate comparable coverage. If you are enrolled in U-SHIP, staff are able to answer questions about USHIP coverage (email: uchicagoadvocates@uhcsr.com).

Learn more about U-SHIP.

The list of immunizations that students must comply with are based on their program of study and will be included in their list of action items in the “Medical Clearances” section of the my.WellnessPortal (applicable to most students in programs/research that convene in person). Failure to submit proof of immunization or vaccination will result in class registration penalties and reduced access to campus facilities (library, athletics, etc.) by the University Registrar. 

The Pritzker School of Medicine and The University of Chicago Office of Environmental Health and Safety dictate that all medical students shall practice universal precautions to eliminate or minimize exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Read the full Needlestick Injuries and Other Blood-borne and/or Body Fluid Pathogen Control Policy here.