WELLNESS CURRICULUM

Practicing Medicine can be difficult. Developing skills to de-stress, find meaning and enjoyment that lead to resiliency to face tasks we deal with day to day.

There is much in the medical press on burnout and less on resiliency. We know that we all face stressful situations and respond uniquely. What we are learning, is that having a purpose and meaning matter. Being part of a supportive community matters. Feeling that your colleagues “have your back” and care about you matters very much.

We have a curriculum that focuses on wellness themes for each academic year and includes a "wellness self improvement QI" in intern year. We include wellness activities in didactics and meetings, and have strong organizational support for wellness initiatives.We have a wellness committee made up of residents and faculty who proactively address wellness needs as well as plan social events, wellness sessions, and retreats.

So our support begins with having a Big Sib who can guide you, having a team in clinic that supports while teaching you skills in providing continuity to your patients and having a dedicated faculty advisor. Our goal is not perfection, but working together to solve issues as they arise. Residents are on all committees. Our chiefs meet regularly with the Program Director and Faculty and the Program Director meets with the residents as a group monthly.

You have 3 half days of wellness time that you can take each year.

We have abolished all 24 hour call. We strive to develop decent schedules that allow you to have a life outside of medicine. We encourage physical activity.

We also have monthly Balint groups led by an outside facilitator. The interns have their own support group and seniors have their own too.

We also provide free access to confidential counseling provided by an OHSU counselor versed in counseling residents doctors. Their is no billing or insurance hassles and they are available every 2-3 weeks nearby.

Oregon’s amazing outdoor activities, Portland’s vibrant food and music scene round out the high quality of life and opportunities.POFMR takes resident and faculty wellness seriously!

 

Chief residents are chosen by peers and faculty and play a key role in supporting our residents. They also cover the jeopardy scheduling if someone is out ill, are happy to provide extra coaching when requested. Our chiefs also make sure there are social events for residents.

We try to have some events for socializing, although Covid 19 has put many of these on pause. Usually, we have events during orientation week, an end of the year annual holiday party and a weekend long residency retreat outside of Portland. The retreat is a time to get to know fellow residents and faculty and have fun outside of the residency.