Jefferson Einstein Medical Center OBGYN - Candle Making 02.05.25

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

• For our Wellness activity, we had a candle-making event and a separate positive-affirmation task. 
• At the candle shop, there were over 100 scents to choose from and we were able to smell many different scents to ultimately choose 2 and create our personalized candle scent.  It was very interesting to see how we each preferred certain scents over others and either liked or disliked the same. This made us reflect on the fact that we are all different beings and although we may like different scents, we can still work together - all pieces of a puzzle. 
• The positive affirmation task (labels for our candles) was done the next morning after the candle event.  We were able to sit down and write positive characteristics of each other in an anonymous fashion.  

2. Why did you choose the specific wellness project/activity?

• We chose this specific wellness project/activity because it allowed us to do something that was unrelated to Medicine and rather was creative, interactive, and soothing.  

3. During the project/program, what tangible tools or strategies were demonstrated or taught to address wellness and life balance.

• During the event, we had two hours to choose our candle scents, mix our oils together, and await our final, personalized candle product.  We were then able to take our candles home and place our labels on the candle jars.  The strategy taught by these events that outside of the hospital, our residency program is still able to enjoy wholesome events, work together, and remind us of different characteristics that make us all individually special but also collectively unique.

4. 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.

• Upon returning to work, it is nice to know that our residents are supportive of one another even though we don't share affirmations on a daily basis.  As a group, we are reminded that we are stronger together and all have different qualities that make us better.  Although we are busy with patient care tasks, our Wellness activity reminded us that a smile or positive motivation quote can change a person's day. 

5. What can POMA do to address wellness and life balance for your future?

• POMA can continue to offer grants for Wellness as it shows that they value residency programs, especially resident mental wellbeing.  During vigorous training, it is difficult to take time as a group to complete Wellness activities and with POMA funds, it allows us an opportunity to prioritize Wellness. 
• POMA should continue to host general events throughout the state of PA for all residents to attend.