The University of Washington Family Medicine Residency recognizes that medical training is a time of stress. UWFMR is committed to creating an environment that fosters resident wellbeing and professional development. Some of these efforts include the following:
Physician Life and Leadership: This is a longitudinal curriculum designed to support residents in cultivating leadership practices, building community, and promoting emotional resilience through teaching, discussion and reflection. It is led by our behavioral health faculty and meets monthly (R1 and R2 years) and quarterly (R3 year). We cover topics such as clarifying values in medicine, difficult patient encounters, vicarious trauma, boundary setting, burnout, and creating a professional identity.
Residency Wellness Committee: This resident and faculty-run committee meets monthly. The committee is dedicated to finding creative ways to incorporate resident wellbeing into all aspects of the residency experience.
All Residency Fall Retreat: This is one of the highlights of residency, where the UWFMR family sheds our stethoscopes for a day of team building activities and rest and relaxation. One of the most anticipated events of the year is the residency talent show, where faculty and students show off their unique skills, hidden talents, and, of course, a roast or two.
Faculty Advisors: Each resident is assigned a faculty advisor who meets with the resident regularly to discuss professional development and career goals. Another important aspect of these meetings is checking in on wellbeing and offering faculty support.
Resident Peer Support: Each incoming intern is assigned an R2 and R3 buddy, who acts as a “go-to” person for the initial transition into residency. Upperclassmen buddies will also help cover intern outpatient inboxes and act as a source of resident support.
Free counseling through Graduate Medical Education: UW GME offers easily accessible free confidential counseling to all residents.
UW Employee Assistance Program: Free, confidential resources for counseling, legal resources, financial guidance, and more is available for all benefits-eligible employees and their families.