We sat down with Dr. Becky Lodewyck, our Chief Academic Officer, to hear her reflections on a topic that resonates with so many students: managing stress and burnout. Drawing from both her personal experience as a student and her perspective as an educator, she shared honest insights, practical strategies, and encouraging words for anyone navigating the demands of healthcare education.
Returning to school can be an overwhelming experience, and whether you’re just beginning your journey or are a few weeks (or months) in, there is a period of adjustment that feels like a shock to the system. As a faculty member, I’ve seen students consistently facing the same emotional and practical challenges I remember facing myself.
In working with new students in a prior teaching role, many struggled with balancing work, family, life, and school responsibilities, and I see many of the same patterns and struggles in our students today. Some of the most common include:
- Overwhelm in the digital environment: With so many online platforms, emails, apps, and learning tools, it’s easy to feel lost at first.
- Time management and study skills: Students often struggle to develop routines that work for their new academic demands.
- Work/school/life balance: While our students are full-time learners, they still juggle responsibilities at home or in their personal lives.
- Fear of failure and self-doubt: Questions like Am I smart enough? Disciplined enough? Good enough? come up more often than you might think.
These aren’t just abstract observations. They’re deeply personal. I faced these same fears when I returned to school, and there were moments I wasn’t sure I’d make it through.
What Helped Me (And Might Help You)
To support my students, I started sharing parts of my own story: how I felt, what I struggled with, and what helped me cope. I posted about the small strategies that got me through, such as:
- Creating structured weekly schedules with built-in downtime
- Using timers to stay focused in short study bursts
- Reframing negative self-talk and reminding myself of why I started
- Asking for help, even when it felt vulnerable
These weren’t life-changing hacks, but they helped me stay grounded. More importantly, they reminded my students that someone who had been in their shoes had made it to the other side.
One of the most powerful messages I’ve shared and continue to believe is this:
If I could do this, you can do this, too.
Managing Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Education
The truth is that stress and burnout don’t wait until after graduation; they often start early, especially when students set high standards for themselves or feel they have something to prove. That’s why we, as faculty, emphasize the importance of self-care, seeking support, and developing strong habits from day one.
Here are a few gentle reminders for anyone navigating this transition:
- Remember you’re not alone. Most students, no matter how confident they appear, are struggling with something.
- Progress over perfection. Small steps add up. Focus on consistency, not perfection.
- Burnout is real. Don’t wait until you’re completely exhausted to take a break. Learn to recognize the early signs of burnout and give yourself permission to rest.
- Ask for help. Your instructors, peers, and support staff are here for you. Use them.
We want every student to succeed not just academically but personally and professionally. That means learning how to manage stress now so that you can thrive later.
Are you a student just starting your program? Take a moment to reflect on your journey so far. What’s been working for you? What small change can you make this week to feel a little more grounded?
Your success matters, you are enough, and we believe in you.
Becky Lodewyck, EdD, Chief Academic Officer