Research News

Exercise As Medicine: Larner Students’ Pilot Course Gets Peers Moving

April 13, 2023 by Janet Essman Franz

“Many doctors haven’t received training in exercise, nutrition, and holistic ways of taking care of yourself,” says first-year medical student Briana Leger. A new course, developed by a fourth-year student/Catamount athlete Alex Jenkins, aims to change that paradigm.

In the UVM varsity weight room, Alex Jenkins (far right) assists medical students performing squats with elastic bands creating resistance around their legs.

Alex Jenkins, a medical student, athlete, and strength coach, created a new curriculum for first-year medical students that aims to provide future physicians with exercise and movement training to empower them to discuss exercise with patients. Read about the Exercise As Medicine course.