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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Family Medicine
The Arnett Family Medicine Residency prides itself on developing a curriculum that focuses on resident physician wellness and resiliency.
family medicine residents from IU Health Arnett wearing climbing harnesses and helmets at a wellness event

Resident Wellness and Resiliency

The Family Medicine Residency program at IU Health Arnett Hospital prides itself in developing a curriculum that focuses on resident physician wellness and resiliency. We feel that resident physicians that can unwind and recharge are better able to deliver on our promise and provide excellent patient care.

IU Health Arnett Family Medicine Residents posing for a photo.

Professional Development

We are passionate about the concept that one family medicine career is not the same as another, and doing what we love is a key to physician wellness. Therefore, from the beginning of intern year through graduation residents are paired with a faculty advisor and meet with their advisor at least quarterly. During these meetings, residents develop personal and professional goals, discuss their career and evaluate their well-being.

 

Retreats

During training, residents are given time for retreats in which to do team building.  The first year retreat is early during PGY1 and allows the new intern class to spend time with each other, faculty, and the chief residents.  There is a separate end of the year retreat for all residents which gives time to reflect on the year and set up goals for the upcoming academic year.  There is also time for fun events like escape rooms and Top Golf. 

 

Wellness Half Days

 

As part didactics, residents participate in a wellness day. The goal is to relieve stress and form stronger bonds amongst our residents.  Previous half days have included hiking, trivia, laser tag, an escape room and visits to a local farm.

Wellness Action Plan

As part of our physician wellness curriculum, all residents develop, update and review a wellness action plan through educational sessions with our faculty and during quarterly meetings with their advisor. This functions similarly to an asthma action plan — what does it look like when you are in the “green,” “yellow” or “red” zones? Our goal — to intervene early when resident wellness is a challenge and be proactive about maintaining resident well-being.

Physician Wellness Didactic Series

Throughout the three years of residency, residents take part in a series of lectures designed to educate and empower wellness. Along with education sessions on developing and implementing a wellness action plan, residents receive education on resiliency, feedback, stress relief and cognitive flexibility. Residents also participate in Balint group which focuses on the challenges of being a resident and physician. In addition, residents have a dedicated wellness half-day every quarter dedicated to promoting resident wellness by engaging in a fun and educational group activity.

Here for You

IU School of Medicine takes the well-being and mental health of all resident physicians very seriously. The Department of Mental Health Services provides free and confidential mental health and personal counseling services to every IU School of Medicine resident.