Resident Wellness
Thrive Inside and Outside the Clinic
Psychiatry residency is a journey of personal and professional growth, where you’ll encounter complex, rewarding, and at times, emotionally challenging experiences. At the heart of this journey is the recognition that your well-being is fundamental to your success as a future psychiatrist. We are committed to fostering an environment where residents are supported not only in their clinical skills but also in maintaining a healthy balance in their lives. Our well-being initiatives are designed to help you manage stress, prevent burnout, and build resilience, ensuring that you are mentally, physically, and emotionally equipped to provide the highest level of care to your patients. With access to counseling services, peer support programs, fitness opportunities, and work-life balance strategies, we aim to help you thrive throughout your residency and beyond.
Activities
Annual Resident Retreat
Each year, our residents come together to plan and participate in a retreat designed to promote relaxation, team-building, and personal well-being. Held in August, these retreats provide a valuable opportunity to unwind and bond with fellow residents outside the clinical setting. Whether it's bowling, kayaking, hiking, or tubing, the activities—both indoors and outdoors—are thoughtfully chosen to encourage mindfulness, foster camaraderie, and provide a refreshing break from the rigors of residency. Resident-planned and resident-focused, these retreats help create lasting connections and offer a much-needed chance to recharge.
Group Didactics
On the last Wednesday of each month, all residents gather for a collaborative learning experience during our Group Didactics sessions. Unlike the more PGY-specific sessions held on other Wednesdays, these monthly didactics bring together residents from all levels to engage in a variety of presentations and interactive activities. A committee of residents works with our program to select topics and speakers that residents are interested in. This unique format allows for cross-level learning, where each resident can share insights, ask questions, and learn from their peers’ diverse perspectives. The sessions cover a broad range of topics designed to enhance clinical knowledge, promote professional growth, and foster a sense of community across the residency. It’s an opportunity for residents to connect, collaborate, and continue developing the skills necessary for success in psychiatry.
Quarterly Wellness Retreats
Each quarter, instead of our usual Group Didactics, residents of all levels come together for a wellness retreat designed to promote relaxation, connection, and rejuvenation. These retreats offer a chance to take a break from the clinical environment and engage in seasonal activities, similar to our annual retreat, but with a quarterly focus. Past retreats have included holiday parties, outdoor adventures, and seasonal events that encourage team-building, mindfulness, and community.
Mentoring
PGY-1 Mentors
To support first-year residents in their transition into the program, each PGY-1 is paired with a PGY-3 or PGY-4 resident mentor. Mentors are there to answer questions, offer support, and share experiences, helping first-year residents navigate their clinical rotations, educational milestones, and personal well-being throughout the year. This mentorship fosters a sense of community and provides first-year residents with a trusted resource as they begin their journey through residency.
Faculty Mentors
From PGY-2 through PGY-4, residents are required to choose a faculty mentor who aligns with their professional interests and career goals. This mentoring relationship offers personalized guidance, support, and professional development. Faculty mentors provide valuable insight into clinical practice, research opportunities, career pathways, and work-life balance. The faculty mentoring program fosters a close, supportive connection that enhances both academic and personal growth, helping residents build a strong foundation for their future careers in psychiatry.
Program Support
Our residency program is dedicated to fostering a supportive and healthy environment where residents can thrive both personally and professionally. Key components of our approach include:
- Work-Life Balance: We aim to keep work intensity manageable and consider the effects of longer shifts, ensuring residents can maintain a healthy balance between training and personal life.
- Healthcare Access: Residents are encouraged to attend medical, dental, and mental health appointments, including those scheduled during work hours, to support their health.
- Burnout Prevention: We provide education on recognizing and preventing burnout, depression, and substance use, ensuring residents are equipped to maintain a healthy mindset.
- Self-Care and Professionalism: We emphasize the importance of self-care, viewing it as a cornerstone of professionalism and high-quality patient care. Residents are encouraged to model healthy lifestyle habits and self-care practices.
- Respectful Environment: Our program is committed to maintaining a professional, civil, and respectful atmosphere, free from mistreatment. We provide education on professional behavior and offer a confidential process for reporting concerns.
- Impairment Recognition: Residents are trained to recognize signs of impairment, whether due to illness, fatigue, or substance use, in themselves and peers, and are supported in taking appropriate actions.
- Time Management: We assist residents in developing effective time management skills to balance clinical assignments with personal wellness.
- Lifelong Learning: Our program encourages continuous learning and personal growth, preparing residents for ongoing development in their careers.
- Performance Monitoring: We track performance indicators, including duty hours, patient outcomes, and clinical experience, to ensure residents are progressing and receiving adequate training.
This holistic approach ensures that residents maintain their health, professionalism, and well-being throughout their training.
Resources for Mental Health & Wellness
Our program is committed to supporting your mental well-being by providing access to a range of health resources. Whether you are seeking counseling, crisis support, or simply need someone to talk to, these services are confidential and available to you at any stage of your residency. We encourage you to reach out if you ever need support. Below are various resources designed to help you manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain your mental health throughout your training.
UND GME Wellness Resources
- Assess my Well-Being
- Burnout Survey
- Campus Resident Advocates
- Employee Assistance Program
- North Dakota Professional Health Program
- Preventing Suicide
- Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL)
UND GME Policies
- Concerns and Complaints
- Resident Work Environment
Sanford Health Wellness Resources
- Recognizing you
- Community Support
- Employee Assistance Program
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
- Mind and Body
- Wellness
- Food and Fitness
- Family
- Financial Well-Being
- Podcasts
- Leader Resources