UPMC Harrisburg Emergency Medicine - Mini Golf 2024

Residents generally understood that the purpose of the mini golf activity was to provide a fun and relaxing environment to enhance camaraderie and reduce stress. The activity aimed to promote wellness through leisure and social interaction outside the clinical setting, which is essential for maintaining mental and emotional health in the demanding field of medicine.

We chose mini golf because it offers a casual and enjoyable way for residents to unwind and connect with their peers. It’s an activity that everyone can participate in regardless of skill level, and it fosters teamwork and relaxation, which are crucial for managing the high levels of stress associated with medical training.

While mini golf itself is a recreational activity, it demonstrated the importance of taking breaks and engaging in leisure activities as tools for stress management. The experience also highlighted the value of teamwork and socialization in building a supportive community among residents, which is vital for coping with the pressures of medical residency.

Upon returning to work, we will focus on fostering stronger relationships with our colleagues, as the camaraderie developed during the mini golf activity emphasized the importance of social support in dealing with the stressful and often intense environment of medical practice.

POMA could continue to organize regular social and recreational activities like mini golf to provide residents with opportunities to relax and bond. Additionally, offering workshops on stress management, mindfulness sessions, and promoting a culture that encourages taking breaks and time off would further support our wellness and life balance. Incorporating these elements can help mitigate burnout and improve overall well-being among medical professionals.