According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, social connection refers to the feeling of closeness, belonging, and being valued, which acts as a fundamental human need for mental and physical well-being. Strong social bonds reduce risks of chronic illness, anxiety, and depression, while boosting longevity and immune function, making them as essential to survival as food and sleep.
Support Groups: The school hosts student-organized support groups for significant others of medical students, families, and for students suffering bereavement and loss.
Service: The school sponsors a number of service projects each year, including the annual day of service during the fall semester and the Gold Humanism Honor Society day of service each spring. In addition, a multitude of programs and student groups provide various forms of community service throughout the District of Columbia including the ISCOPES program and the student-run HEALing medical clinics. Information about these programs can also be found at:
The Arts and Cultural Points of Interest: Both the University and Washington, DC support vibrant programming in the arts. From on-campus activities to the nearby Kennedy Center students can readily access theater, music, and dance programs. The National Mall is walking distance from campus where students can find numerous museums and monuments.
- GW's Lisner Auditorium
- DC Theatre Scene
- Live music venues
- Theater venues
- The Smithsonian
- National Mall & Memorial Parks
Professional Sports: The District has professional sports teams in virtually every major sport for both women and men. Root for the home team, or, like many folks in DC, go root for YOUR home team when they come to town!!
- Washington Nationals (Major League Baseball)
- Washington Commanders (National Football League)
- Washington Capitals (National Hockey League)
- Washington Wizards (National Basketball Association)
- Washington Mystics (Women's National Baseketball Association)
- Capital City Go-Go (National Baseball Association's G League)
- D.C. United (Major League Soccer)
- Washington Spirit (National Women's Soccer League)