A student walks into Cat Lewis, MSW, LICSW’s office and begins to share a challenge that has started to affect their ability to focus in school. Lewis listens closely, giving space for the story to unfold. Her role is to connect students with the right support—matching needs with resources so the weight they’re carrying feels lighter. For her, success means helping students return their focus not just to academics, but to managing life alongside medical school.
As a social worker for the past 13 years, Lewis now serves as Case Manager for Medical Student Services, a brand-new role focused on promoting holistic student wellness and success. Her decision to pursue this role was shaped in large part by her work at the UAB 1917 Clinic, where she witnessed the power of strong relationships between patients and providers. That experience reinforced for her how meaningful support can impact outcomes and inspired her to bring the same perspective to medical education.
Each day, Lewis works with students to identify individualized needs and connect them with the right resources. Her goal is to help students feel supported, reduce stress, and refocus their energy on both their studies and personal well-being. “I want them to know this is a safe place, and that I’m here to support them through both school and life,” Lewis says. Beyond immediate support, she helps them develop skills that serve them throughout medical school and beyond.
Lewis also sheds light on the stigma students face when remediating or recycling courses. “Students may feel like they’re falling behind, but there are many paths to becoming a physician. I’m here to support them on whichever path they’re on, helping them focus on growth rather than judgment.” By framing setbacks as opportunities for learning, she fosters resilience and confidence, helping students navigate challenges without fear.
Her work extends into the CU²RE program, which enhances the experience of students committed to serving as family medicine physicians, providing primary care in underserved urban and rural areas. Lewis assists the program staff by identifying and developing better ways to track student information and ensure students receive appropriate support. She also checks in on students, connecting them with resources and mentoring opportunities, helping them gain early clinical exposure and hands-on experience.
Outside structured programs, Lewis created White Coat Unwind, a flexible space for students to debrief, decompress, or connect with peers. She describes holistic student wellness as supporting the whole person—their biological, psychological, and social well-being—throughout medical training. For Lewis, this goes beyond resilience; it also means paying attention to culture, workload, and support systems that shape a student’s experience. “Wellness is about balance, purpose, and staying connected to personal values,” Lewis says, noting the importance of managing stress, building coping skills, and seeking help without stigma. True well-being, she adds, is the ability to function day to day, manage responsibilities in sustainable ways, and stay grounded so students can thrive as learners and people.
Ultimately, Lewis approaches her work with a simple philosophy: she wants students to know she chose to come here for them. She encourages them to speak up if they have a need, even if they can’t fully name it, reminding them that being proactive is key. In her view, every student has earned their place — and each one has what it takes to succeed.