Resident Wellness
Resident Wellness
Wellness in the Department of Neurology at the University of Rochester means practicing medicine of the highest order in a supportive, collaborative, and stimulating environment. This enables our residents and faculty to flourish in both their professional and personal lives.
Our resident wellness program, originally created by Dr. Andrea Wasilewski (UR Neurology Class of 2018), focuses on the development and implementation of initiatives designed to improve the resident experience. Our residents graduate well-rounded and well prepared to handle the often-taxing aspects of independent Neurology practice.
Objectives of the Resident Wellness Program:
- To discuss and monitor the signs, symptoms, and consequences of trainee burnout
- To develop educational, professional, and social programming to highlight and combat issues that can lead to burnout specifically during residency training
- To cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth
- To encourage participation in institutional programs as well as national programs through the AAN, NAM, AMA, AAMC, and ACGME
Key Initiatives:
- Resident “buddy system,” which pairs an incoming PGY1 with a PGY4 resident to provide support and encouragement through the challenges of intern year
- Weekly meetings with the program directors to identify and regularly address resident needs and suggestions for practical improvements
- Formal and informal monitoring of resident well-being to help residents examine the factors affecting their physical and psychological status on a regular basis
- Frequent round table resident discussions to air needs and concerns, so that wellness initiatives remain dynamic and relevant
- Resident-driven quality improvement projects to assess, study, and ultimately improve patient care and improve systems issues that can contribute to burnout
- Monthly resident birthday celebrations and annual Resident & Fellow Appreciation week
- Continuous improvements to the resident work spaces to enhance workflow, learning, and comfort
- Creation of an enhanced pumping space for nursing residents
- Multiple planned social events, including picnics, resident Happy Hours, holiday parties, and food/ice cream truck visits
- Daily catered lunches and free coffee and snacks
- Annual Resident Wellness Retreat at local fun locations, including the beach, the amusement park, and the zoo!
Additional Resources
URMC
- https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate-medical-education/benefits-contract.aspx
- https://nam.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/University-of-Rochester-Medical-Center_Commitment-Statement.pdf