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Resident Wellness

There are many people and systems in place at the University of Massachusetts to keep our residents physically and mentally healthy. Both our program and our institution aim to make all residents feel supported throughout their time here. In 2019 the UMass GME office was recognized with the prestigious ACGME A.P. Gold Foundation D. C. Baldwin, Jr. Award, which recognizes institutions that are exemplary in fostering a respectful, supportive environment for medical education and the delivery of patient care.

WITHIN THE RESIDENCY

FIRM MENTORING SYSTEM

See “Learning Communities”. The firm structure truly facilitates close relationships between residents and their assigned house faculty and colleagues. Knowing our residents well allows us to tailor academic and personal mentoring to each individual’s goals, desires and needs.

WELLNESS COMMITTEE

The UMass Internal Medicine Wellness Committee, was formed as the result of a multi-year resident Quality Improvement project by former residents. Now chaired by Dr. Vandana Nagpal from the Division of Palliative Medicine, this committee meets quarterly and has resident members from all PGY years and Firms. All residents are invited to participate. Topics discussed vary throughout the year.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SESSIONS

The UMass Chan Behavioral Health Psychologist, Tina Runyan, PhD, meets quarterly with the PGY1 and PGY2 classes. These sessions are highly rated by all attendees. Sessions are sometimes run as a Balint session, but other times, mindfulness exercises are taught and practiced.

MINDFUL ROUNDING-Back to Bedside Initiative

The Mindful Rounding Initiative involves a daily mindfulness activity to be completed in between each patient encounter on rounds, designed to re-center everyone to improve the quality of time we spend with patients on rounds as well as efficiency of rounds.

WITHIN THE INSTITUTION

WELL-BEING WEBSITE

UMass Chan has a website dedicated to Well-being for residents, fellows, and faculty. Here you will find contact information for a Psychiatrist and Behavioral Psychologist who are available to residents. These services are confidential. Coverage is provided if you need time off to attend a medical or mental health appointment. https://umassmed.edu/well-being/

UMASS FITNESS CENTER
Located on the University Campus in the Albert Sherman Center, this fitness center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The fee is $25 per month for all UMass employees. With many insurance plans, the fees can be refunded, making the cost very affordable. Membership includes the use of the ASC Fitness Center and all of its amenities including group fitness classes such as spinning, strength, kickboxing, pilates, yoga, barre, Zumba, HITT, aerobics, free orientations and fitness assessments. The Fitness Center is staffed Monday through Thursday, 6 am to 7 pm and Friday 6 am to 6 pm. For details and more information visit the UMass ASC Fitness Center website at: www.ascfitnesscenter.com, email: Fitnesscenter@umassmed.edu or call at 774-455-3500.

FARMERS’ MARKET

The Farmers’ Market on University Campus is from 1-5 on Tuesdays beginning in early July through October.

MONDAY MINDFULNESS WITH DR. DICKSON

Mondays, 12:10 to 12:25 pm

Join weekly 15-minute mindfulness sessions that are led by UMass Center for Mindfulness teachers. You will be provided with instruction and opportunities for: Reflection, Mindfulness practice, Dialogue, Conceptual and experiential learning. You may join the program on any Monday. The intention is that it will become a regular and valued part of your UMass Memorial and Medical School experience.

https://www.umassmemorialhealthcare.org/umass-memorial-center-mindfulness

UMASS CHAN RESIDENT APPRECIATION WEEK

GME Sponsors an annual “Resident Appreciation Week.” Typically in Feb/March, residents are pampered with free tea/coffee, raffles, chair massage, ice cream socials, and other fun activities.