In the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine Ophthalmology Residency Program, resident wellness is a core priority. We are deeply committed to cultivating a supportive, balanced environment that promotes the physical, emotional, and professional well-being of our trainees.
Our comprehensive wellness initiatives are designed to address the unique challenges of residency. One example is our generous post-call fatigue policy, which ensures residents have adequate time to rest and recover following overnight home-call shifts. We also host an annual resident retreat and frequent departmental social events—opportunities to relax, reflect, and strengthen personal connections outside the clinical setting. Additionally, supplemental leave is provided by the program for preventive health maintenance and resident wellness.
To support academic and professional growth, residents are provided with weekly protected academic time dedicated to research, study, didactic, and surgical simulation-based learning. Wellness topics are incorporated into the resident curriculum, with recent sessions focused on managing surgical anxiety and reducing stress.
Extensive resources are available at both the hospital and departmental levels, including access to confidential mental health services, counseling, and a broad array of wellness benefits through human resources.
Program leadership is highly responsive to resident feedback, and many of our wellness initiatives have been developed in direct response to resident input. Regular feedback sessions and our open-door policy foster a culture of transparency and continuous improvement, ensuring residents feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their training.
Through these efforts, we strive to create an environment where residents are not only challenged to grow as ophthalmologists but are also supported in achieving a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.
