Wellness
Psychological, emotional and physical well-being are critical to the development and maintenance of the competent, caring and resilient physician. Wellness health behaviors that buffer stress reactivity include, but are not limited to, physical activity/exercise, a healthy diet, mind-body activities, social support and getting restful sleep. Self-care is an important component of professionalism and high-quality patient care; it is also a skill that must be learned and nurtured in the context of other aspects of residency/fellowship training.
Each residency/fellowship program should strive to:
- Develop innovations geared at improving knowledge of the science of wellness, reduce stress and increase wellness health behaviors.
- Promote progressive autonomy and enhance professional relationships
- Allow trainees to attend medical, dental and mental health care appointments, including those scheduled during work hours
- Teach and nurture self-care practices, an important component of professionalism and high-quality patient care
- Develop wellness programs tailored to the needs of the respective program that include both curricular and extra-curricular options
- Build and enhance a culture of well-being which may include meditation area(s), garden, etc.