Clarion Hospital Family Medicine - Hospital Wellness Day  2023

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

We saw it as a way of teambuilding and general wellness. We were able to relax together in a non-work environment, and build normal bonds as individuals rather than just as co-workers. As such, this helped grow the sense of comradery amongst the residents and improved the quality of our support for each other even as the quantity stayed the same. 

More importantly, it was a much needed break which helped improve our moods and general wellness, thereby helping stave off the possibility of an impending burnout. 

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

During the activity, we learned more about each other including our strengths and weaknesses and how they complimented each other. We also worked on our communication. Finally, we were actively participating in an activity geared towards improving our wellness which is only possible when determinedly incorporating a work-life balance

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

When stressed or experiencing a well-being imbalanced, I often feel helpless and alone. It is incredibly hard to reach out and ask for help of anyone. I have been learning to reach out when I need it, and still am only able to do so with those I trust both in and out of work. At this stage of my personal and professional growth, I would be unable to do that with anyone should I not have developed the interpersonal connections which comes with spending free time together

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

As much as work life balance is an important skill to learn, residents also need the agency to be able to incorporate these lessons. As such, a focus on self advocacy will be helpful, as will the prioritization of wellness events within programs. 

At this time, the ACGME requires wellness lectures. Similarly, the required AMA online modules instruct us to focus on our wellness. How can we truly apply our lessons without having the time/agency to do so? 

Wellness days such as this one are excellent as they teach without demanding something in return be that lecture engagement or a quiz on completion. We can benefit from the lessons by learning while doing and also being given the opportunity to do them. The entire removal from the confines of work expectations to have a wellness day is something wonderful that should be prioritized by encouraging more people to attend, and also facilitating the attendance in the first place. 

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?

This event has helped improved my response to stressful situations by building friendly relations with my co-residents which allow me to turn to them during stressful situations. I also learned what each person's strengths/weaknesses are on a personal level, which helps guide my decisions to turn to one person for one type of assistance, and another person for a wholly different need. 

Altogether, these events, these days, and these programs are essential teambuilding which have a marked impact on resident well being and should be cherished as such