Recent data from nationally-representative studies on resident well-being indicate that burnout is extremely common in this population. Internship, residency, and fellowship training may involve long hours and challenging work, often during a time of increasing responsibility at home.
The UFCOM Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) is working with program directors toward continuous improvement in the training environment. Recognizing that healthy physicians are able to learn more effectively and provide better care, we are committed to the development of a workplace that promotes well-being and professional fulfillment. The GME Institutional Wellness Committee was established in 2018 to support these efforts. Examples of institution-wide and program specific initiatives designed to promote well-being among residents and fellows are highlighted below:
“The mission of the Graduate Medical Education Wellness Committee is to identify and encourage the development of and promote access to the array of institutional and program resources that support the professional and personal well-being of housestaff and faculty.”
Culture of Wellness
Wellness Through the Arts
Wellness Through the Arts is a series where College of Medicine members explore local arts events together to connect, build community, and boost wellness through shared creative experiences.
Social Event Planning Guide
Looking to have some fun with your department, division, program, or lab? Take the stress out of event planning, with this guide to local options and venues!
Culture of Wellness Guide
Check out this guide of activities to build a culture of wellness in your department, division, program, unit, lab, or clinic! Most activities take 1-10 minutes and can be completed in-person or via Zoom.
Lactation Spaces
In order to support house staff who are nursing/pumping, the health science center and off-site clinics offer a number of lactation spaces that are open throughout the day
Baby Gator
On-site day care is available through Baby Gator, providing a convenience resource for residents and fellows with children
Job Placement Assistance for “Trailing Spouses”
UF offers job placement assistance for “trailing spouses” who relocate to Gainesville to accompany physicians completing a residency or fellowship with UFCOM
GatorPerks Discount Program
Access to discounts on food/entertainment/services through the GatorPerks program
Housestaff Wellness Center
Resident lounges are available at UF Health Shands hospital, as well as other clinical sites, with free snacks and beverages available 24/7.
A recently-renovated on-site gym for residents is located near the Resident Lounge and GME Office in the UF Health Shands Hospital.
Wellness Committees…
- The GME Institutional Wellness Committee is completing a needs assessment of residents and program directors in order to identify areas to target for improvement.
- Most residency and fellowship programs have a Resident Wellness Committee that is dedicated to supporting well-being for house staff within their program.
Workplace Efficiency
Public Speaking Lab
The Public Speaking Lab offers assistance to residents and fellows seeking to develop effective speaking skills. The speech lab is a free service and provides an opportunity for individuals to brush up on this critical communication skill
Interlibrary Loan Services
Extensive Interlibrary Loan Services are available to help residents and fellows access hard-to-locate references for their scholarly work
Free Literature Searches by Librarians
The UF Health Science Center librarians offer free literature searches conducted by librarians to assist residents and fellows with literature reviews for grants, articles, or other scholarly endeavors
Funding for Open-Access Publication
Access to funding for open-access publication of articles, in order to increase dissemination of scholarly work conducted by UFCOM community
Individual Factors
UF Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Residents (and their spouses) have access to 6 free counseling sessions per academic year through the UF Employee Assistance Program.
Professionals Resource Network, Inc.
All residents and fellows in Florida who are struggling with a potentially-impairing condition have access to the resources offered by the Professionals Resource Network, Inc., which provides advocacy and monitoring services to help licensed health care professionals succeed in their path to recovery.
UF GatorAdvantage Program
Preferred scheduling of medical appointments through GatorAdvantage program. Residents in need of same day medical care can access primary care services on site.
Resource Hub
The UFCOM, UF Health, the University of Florida, and Alachua County/Gainesville have a huge variety of wellness-related resources available for residents and fellows.
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
Wellness resources for residents and fellows are available from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).