Medical school is time-consuming and intellectually challenging. Balancing coursework with your personal life is essential for mental health and physical wellbeing. We understand and encourage spending time with family, socializing with classmates, volunteering with a community organization, enjoying arts and engaging in sports and fitness. Good news: Ohio State and Columbus offer countless opportunities to replenish the body and soul away in meaningful ways.
Community Service
We encourage our students to volunteer at one of the many clinics in Columbus to gain additional real-world experience, including the Columbus Free Clinic, a primary and urgent-care clinic managed by Ohio State medical students.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Healthy Community Day provides free health screenings and vital information to community members — and hands-on experiences for our students.
Student Involvement
Ohio State runs the largest recreation and intramural sports program in the nation; our Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC) offers aquatics, sport clubs, fitness and wellness programs, and outdoor recreation programs. Students may also join any number of student organizations that feature community-specific groups such as Women in Medicine, LBGTQ+ & Allies in Medicine and the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association.
Ohio State regularly attracts noted artists, musicians, lecturers and celebrities to its variety of venues. As an Ohio State student, many of the events are free through the Ohio Union Student Activities Program plus you may receive discounts for off-campus events.
Discover Columbus
Columbus is a wonderful place to begin your education or continue your career in medicine. The second largest city in the Midwest after Chicago, Columbus is diverse, accessible and affordable. A dynamic arts scene, acclaimed science and history museums, multicultural dining, comfortable neighborhoods and easy commutes make this a perfect place for students, researchers and physicians to call home. Visit Experience Columbus to get information about everything from neighborhoods to dining.
