In our program, resident wellness is a top priority. We are committed to fostering a supportive and balanced environment throughout the training process. Our wellness initiatives address the physical, emotional, and professional well-being of our residents. Among these initiatives, we developed a post-call fatigue policy to ensure that residents have the necessary time to rest and recover after demanding home-call shifts. Additionally, we organize an annual resident retreat and frequent departmental social events, providing an opportunity for residents to unwind, reflect, and strengthen their bonds outside the clinical setting. To support academic growth and professional development, we also provide protected academic time, allowing residents to focus on research, study, and didactic learning. Resident wellness is incorporated into the resident didactic program and recent sessions have been dedicated to managing surgical anxiety and reducing stress. Finally, hospital and departmental resources are extensive, and include access to confidential mental healthcare, counseling services, and numerous resident wellness benefits through human resources.
Program leadership is highly responsive to resident feedback, and many of our recent wellness initiatives have been developed directly in response to insights and suggestions from our residents. This collaborative approach ensures that our program continually evolves to meet the needs of our trainees. Our open-door policy and regular feedback sessions create an environment where residents feel heard and supported, helping us to implement changes that enhance both the training experience and overall well-being. Through these efforts, we ensure that our residents feel valued, supported, and equipped to maintain a healthy work-life balance throughout their training and beyond.