As emergency physicians, we experience things that are not normal, but our reactions are normal and make us human. Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine is committed to supporting residents’ wellness and mental health throughout their training. A wellness committee made up of residents and faculty hears the needs of the program, advocates for resident wellness and mental health and implements changes to mitigate burnout.
Highlights include opt-out counseling, peer support groups, bereavement shift coverage, maternity scheduling and parenting support, breakfast at conference, appreciation gifts, recognizing star performance through kudos and the Golden Blade Society, and awesome social events.
Residency Wellness Initiatives and Resources
Orientation Month
- A structured month to get acclimated with procedures, content review, our emergency departments, IT/logistics, class bonding and much more! Part of wellness is feeling clinically prepared for your rotations and then creating lifelong bonds from the beginning with your classmates.
Wellness Elective
- Dedicated time to explore the pillars of wellness, including time to see your primary care physician, dentist, therapist, family, friends, etc. The purpose of this elective is to explore what makes you well, reconnect with what makes you who you are and create a project that addresses your needs while concomitantly benefiting other residents and their wellness as a resource.
Resident-Led Peer Support Program
- Bi-weekly meetings in which residents can discuss experiences during residency with peers, led by peers.
Opt-Out Counseling Provided
- Free counseling appointment scheduled for you during orientation month with the option to opt out.
Bereavement Policy
- For residents experiencing loss or imminent loss of a loved one, a stipend is provided for those residents covering shifts emergently.
Breakfast at Weekly Didactic Conferences
- Warm breakfast spread while you learn!
Mentoring Structure
- Interns are paired with upper-level resident mentors, faculty and a member of the program director team to assist them with the transition to residency.
Family Planning and Pregnancy Needs
- Family planning elective: The primary objective is to care for your child at home in lieu of in-hospital responsibilities or call, with additional at-home learning opportunities.
- Pregnancy scheduling policy: No overnight shifts in the first or third trimester.
- Cost covered for a hands-free breast pump for lactating residents.
QueerEM
- QueerEM allows for the fellowship of residents and faculty who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community as well as allies. Activities include movie nights, book club, our annual LGBTQ BBQ, marching in the pride parade and informal hang outs.
Women in Emergency Medicine Program
- The Women in Emergency Medicine Program supports fellowship and activities with women physicians throughout the year including the famous holiday cookie exchange, hiking, Galentine’s party, spring gathering, book club and mentorship.
Additional Resources
- Department social events throughout the year (gala, wine and cheese, kickball and more).
- Virtual and asynchronous options for conference, allowing for flexibility and control.
- Thoughtful wellness curriculum tailored by regular, anonymous feedback mechanism from residents.