Latrobe Hospital - Family Medicine Residency - Peaceful Pottery Painting 2024 03.08.24

General understanding of the purpose of the program by participants?
Participants had a general understanding that the purpose of this pottery program was to attend a relaxing activity where we had the opportunity to socialize and unwind after all of the hours that we invest in trying to better our patients' wellnesses. We were able to choose from an array of pottery to paint and sat down to paint for a couple of hours.

Why did I choose the specific wellness project/activity?
I chose the specific wellness activity because I had the opportunity to participate in a similar activity last year, and I drew so much wellness from it. Painting pottery is a low-stress activity and is fun even if one doesn't consider themself creative. Each piece that is created is unique and tells a story.

During the project/program, what tangible tools or strategies were demonstrated or taught to address wellness and life balance?
A strategy that we all exemplified during the event was working alongside others who are working to achieve the same goal.
Prior to and after our pottery painting event, all participants filled out the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Not only did this serve as an objective way to score our levels of burnout, but I think this also served as a way to reflect on our daily actions and thoughts.

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?
We all intend to return to work with a stronger sense and awareness of wellbeing. Whenever we are faced with stressful days, we will take some time in the evening to reflect and reset for the next day ahead of us. This reflection could be achieved by doing things such as simply sitting there and thinking, exercising, journaling, or creating some sort of art piece. It is so important to collaborate with others so we will also find comfort in knowing that our co-residents are there alongside us and ready to be supportive.

What can POMA do to address wellness and life balance for your future?
To address resident wellness and promote life balance, I think having this opportunity to apply for the grant yearly would be awesome..

Again, a sincere thank you to POMA from all of us at Latrobe FM residency!