Taking good care of your patients also means taking good care of yourself. Our goal is to help you become aware of the unique opportunities, challenges, and dilemmas facing today’s physicians, and teach you effective methods for resolving personal and professional concerns.
Resident support begins the day you match with our residency program.
- After Match day, you will receive communication from our program via a set of newsletters with information about our program, the area, what to expect, etc…
- During orientation, faculty work with new residents on risk assessment, stress reduction and fears, and expectations concerning residency training
- A monthly Resident Support Luncheon (RSL) and twice-monthly Balint groups help develop effective communication and interpersonal skills. These meetings provide an opportunity for residents to discuss the stresses, fears, and achievements that you may experience as resident physicians.
- A monthly Resident Director’s Luncheon (RDL) for direct feedback, communication and discussion with the Program Director
- By the end of your first month of training, you will be paired with a faculty Advisor who will meet with you to provide support and guidance throughout your training. You will also collect informal mentors throughout your time with us!
- Retreats! Twice yearly, residents organize and attend an all-day retreat designed to enhance learning through exposure to various aspects of medicine and health not easily taught in the classroom, and to encourage team building
- Examples of enhanced learning at recent retreats include:
- Occupational health through tours of local restaurants and dairy farms
- Integrative medicine through demonstration of acupuncturists, chiropractors, nutritionists, and naturopathic practitioners
- Exploring personal goals and values in medicine through writing personal mission statements
- Recent Team Building activities have included:
- Blueberry picking
- Ropes courses
- Obstacle courses
- Downhill and cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Graduation - Each year in June, the department hosts a graduation celebration for the graduating residents and their families, along with faculty and staff. Festive highlights include awards, presentation of graduates by their advisors, and presentation of diplomas. Junior residents will frequently present a skit of sorts that reflects their experience working with their senior residents.
- Welcome Picnic - In June, the residency program hosts a BBQ picnic to welcome our new interns, any new faculty, as well as their families! All faculty and staff are invited to join this fun-filled family evening.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how residents learn and practice medicine. Our program has taken steps to ensure residency well-being during these difficult times. During the height of the pandemic, we switched didactics to a virtual setting, ensured appropriate resident back-up coverage, and provided additional supports for resident well-being and mental health. We are so excited to report that our didactics are currently back in person with a virtual hybrid option for those in need!
Our medical facilities have clear protocols regarding use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and had an ample supply of PPE throughout the pandemic. There is a COVID-19 triage line available to all hospital employees. Our resident continuity clinic in Milton, VT provides COVID-19 testing and vaccinations to patients. UVM Medical Center currently provides residents with 10 “COVID” days- to be used if ill, need to isolate/ quarantine, or if you are the caregiver for someone who is sick. Personal/ sick/ vacation days do not need to be used for this time away.