Washington Health System Family Medicine Residency - Bowling - 03.10.23

On Friday March 10 the Washington Health System Family Medicine Residency held a bowling night at a local bowling alley. Food and drinks were provided to guests, and everyone enjoyed a night of bowling and fun with one another. It was very successful, and we are looking into continuing this activity in the future to include our staff as well. 

1. What was the general understanding of the purpose of the project/program by participants?

The pandemic caused a lot of isolation and inability to connect with one another. We think it is crucial to foster connectivity whenever possible. We wanted to allow residents and faculty to have a night of fun and destress from the important work we are doing to connect with one another.  One resident said that "It helped us better connect with faculty in a non-learning environment as well as allowed our class to intermingle". 

2. During the project/program, what tangible tools or strategies were demonstrated or taught (i.e, coping skills for wellness and life balance)

This activity modeled the importance of self-care and the importance of connecting with colleagues outside the workplace. 

3. What word(s) best describes how you feel when you are experiencing stress or well-being imbalance?

One resident said "anxious, detached, tired, and frustrated". Another described it as "irritation, annoyance, emotionally blank". Others agreed with words such as overwhelmed, and exhausted.

4. What suggestions do you have to increase the probability of success for the project/program for other institutions?

Finding a night that works for the most residents to have the highest level of participation. Allowing significant others and family members to join has also increased participation for us as well. These activities have helped residents to brainstorm other wellness idea such as a talent night, bonfire, or chili cookoff)

5. What do you intend to do, upon returning to work, that you learned and practiced during the activity, that will improve your response to stressful situations?

It has increased a sense of camaraderie within the residency that will help provide better support to our team. I believe this connection will help improve our responses to stressful situations in the future.