Residency Receives Special Endowed Gift
Friday, June 28, 2024
Thanks to the visionary generosity of Teresa Miller, MD, ’83M (Res) and John Goeke, the Dr. Teresa R. Miller Psychiatry Resident Wellness Fund was recently established in the Department of Psychiatry. “Feeling grateful for my training as a psychiatry resident at the University of Rochester, John and I decided to make this gift to provide support for the next generation of practitioners,” says Miller. “My residency was instrumental in teaching me the importance of the mind-body connection which I have integrated into my private practice over my entire career.” The intent of this thoughtful gift is to enhance the well-being of current and future generations of psychiatrists, and contribute to healthier, more resilient mental health practitioners.
The proceeds from the endowment are intended to allow psychiatry residents to attend the annual Mindful Practice in Medicine Retreat developed by the University of Rochester’s Ronald Epstein, MD and Mick Krasner, MD which Miller attended in 2019. She felt it gave her and the other healthcare practitioners in attendance opportunities to bond over the stresses of practicing medicine. They also acquired tools to restore equilibrium and allow them to flourish. This year, two residents attended the Retreat, one of whom was Liliana Luna-Nelson, MD, who remarked, “The Mindful Practice in Medicine Core Workshop was inspiring, restorative, and transformative. I continue to revisit daily what we explored there. It profoundly informs my personal and professional life with more grace, flexibility, and empathy towards patients, colleagues, and myself.”
Department Chair, Ben Lee, MD shared, “I am deeply grateful for this insightful contribution Terry and John have made to support our young trainees for generations to come. I feel that knowing someone is caring for and thinking about their well-being will be an incredible boost to morale.”
Miller was supported throughout her career by Goeke’s involvement as a partner and office manager in her practice. He adds, “By providing resources and support for psychiatry residents to cultivate mindfulness and prioritize their own wellness, we are not only investing in their individual well-being but also in the quality of care they will provide to their patients throughout their careers.”
About creating the endowment, Miller expressed, “This whole process has been illuminating for me and has helped me stay connected to the University of Rochester, which is very important. My hope is for those who might benefit from it. I am excited that it will continue for generations to come.”
In turn, the Department of Psychiatry is grateful for Miller and Goeke’s generosity and their unwavering dedication to the future of mental health care. This endowment represents a commitment to the holistic health of those who dedicate their lives to the well-being of others. It's a testament to the belief that by nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of psychiatry residents, we can create a ripple effect that positively impacts countless lives.