During training, residents are given time for retreats in which to do team building. The first year retreat is early during PGY 1 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.