Dogtors Day
A visit by a group of therapy dogs was just what the doctor ordered for students stressing
over finals. On Friday, May 12, 2023, more than 100 LSU Health New Orleans students
met furry, feel-good ambassadors on the Center for Advanced Learning and Simulation
lawn on the corner of Gravier and South Prieur Streets.
The event was sponsored by the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Student Government Association and organized by third-year medical student Aniko Nowakowski. “Visiting Pets will bring teams (owner and dog) to campus to provide joy and allow students to de-stress during finals week.”
The Campus Assistance Team was also on hand to chat with students and distribute mental health resources.
“We strategically planned the event to take place between the L1 and L2 semester final exams. That way, the exhausted students who were just finishing their exam could walk out straight to the joy of the dogs, and the nervous students who were about to sit for the exam could get some last-minute stress relief,” said Nowakowski.
Nowakowski said fellow students reported that the event was a great way to brighten up an otherwise grueling exam day.
Therapy dogs have been shown to promote student well-being, reduce stress and anxiety and facilitate learning in educational settings.
Nowakowski expressed gratitude to CAP, the Visiting Pets Program, LSUSOM SGA, and the Office of Student Affairs for making the event possible. She said that special thanks go to LSU SOM professor and course director, Dr. Joy Sturtevant, for assisting with coordination and logistics and also for bringing her own beloved dog.
Nowakowski said she “had a blast” coordinating the event. “We are always looking for
unique ideas that promote student health and wellness on campus. School can be overwhelming,
stressful, and all-consuming at times, so it is important to provide opportunities
that allow students to slow down and be intentionally grounded in the present moment.
Seeing the genuine joy and smiles on the faces of so many students was so rewarding.
We look forward to seeing our 'dogtor' friends at Visting Pets again soon!”