Wellness

Resident wellness is a top priority of our program. We understand that clinicians and staff who are taking care of their own mental, physical and spiritual health will provide better care for our patients and will be more likely to have long and joyful practices. We have multiple levels of supports in place.

• Chief Residents - Two full-time chief residents who are available 24/7 for support. Chief residents are program graduates who stay on for an additional year in a junior faculty role to support the resident body and advocate for resident well-being and education.
• Administrative Time - almost all R-2 and R-3 outpatient rotations now have built-in administrative time for the completion of patient-care and residency tasks during work hours
• EMR Efficiency – a new curriculum to help residents work smarter not harder when it comes to EMR use and establish better life-work balance
• Resident Wellness Committee – a resident-driven initiative that works in collaboration with the departmental Wellness Committee and Residency Administration to further identify residents’ core needs and brainstorm creative, impactful ways to better meet them. Areas of focus for this group include community building, emotional support and workplace optimization. Recent initiatives, funded by the residency program, include provision of catered lunch at didactic teaching sessions; access to healthy snacks and meals in the resident room; and funded opportunities for social engagement for residents.
• Resident Work Room -  The resident work room is outfitted with a lounge area, craft supplies, and weight-lifting station for those who want to release some steam between work tasks. The work room also includes a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker and is fully stocked with tea, coffee, and a variety of snacks and grab-and-go meals. 
• “Big Buddy” System - Interns are paired with second year resident to help them navigate the complexities of residencies and of managing complex patients.
• Faculty Advisor System - Residents are paired with a faculty advisor throughout the 3 years of residency. The advisor provides guidance for each resident’s individualized academic development and their wellbeing. Protected time during work hours is provided monthly to ensure advising meetings occur.
• Other Wellness Initiatives:
  • Balint groups monthly for R-2 and R-3 residents
  • Intern peer support groups every 2 weeks for R-1 residents
  • Annual Spring Residency Retreat with a focus on wellness as a fixed component in addition to professional development
  • Residents are provided time to attend medical appointments and can use CME money for out-of-pocket costs
  • Faculty member specifically designated as our departmental wellness representative who also serves on the university’s Physician Wellness Committee