The importance of a well-balanced life is coming to the forefront of conversation in our world as physicians. 

Here at UAB, we are intentionally and actively pursuing ways to preserve a balanced lifestyle and avoid burnout. The Internal Medicine Resident Wellness Committee was created by residents for residents, and is supported by our program and institutional leadership to promote wellness and target burnout from several angles. The committee's vision is inspired by our residency's namesake, Dr. Tinsley Harrison (think, Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine). He emphasized the importance of the heart of medicine in his equation for medical education: E=hH². The small "h" represents the head, or knowledge, and the large "H" represents the heart. We believe that promoting wellness protects that "Heart".

Burnout is defined by experiencing emotional exhaustion, feelings of depersonalization, and having a low sense of personal accomplishment. We provide platforms of community within the residency that promote reflection and awareness of ways to pursue wellness. We have sub-committees for problem solving, community service, and social events. Each of these is led by a different team of residents, promoting a continual change in focus to meet the current needs. 

Reflect

Resident Burnout Panel

The Resident Wellness Committee organizes an annual panel to address the topic of burnout prevention and wellness. This time provides a secure venue for open conversation, thoughtful dialogue, and meaningful support from colleagues. Upper-level residents share personal experiences of difficult moments, including encounters with depression, anxiety, grief, apathy, and other forms of burnout. The panel then focuses on methods of coping, active ways to promote wellness on both a daily and long-term basis, and resources available for when extra help is needed. We are committed to developing and maintaining wellness in our program. This is a time that really highlights the openness and support within our residency family.

The Memorable Patient Lecture Series

Biannually, as part of the noon conference curriculum, the Wellness Committee invites faculty members and senior residents to speak about their most memorable and meaningful interactions with a patient. It is a time of inspiration and encouragement, for both the audience and the speakers. This provides an opportunity for residents to hear the emotional perspective of faculty, reflect on the challenges and rewards of medicine, and gain perspective amidst the busy days of residency. Previous speakers include the Chair of Medicine and the Residency Program Director.

Support

Here at UAB, our internal medicine residency program is committed to the well-being of every trainee. At the program level, we have numerous events to stay connected to each other and to the community, and we are actively involved in solving problems that contribute to frustration and burnout.

At the Department of Medicine level, our Senior Advisor and Director for Wellness John Kennedy addresses wellness in a holistic fashion, focusing attention on physical, psychological and professional factors that promote well-being and resilience and mitigate burnout. Dr. Kennedy also liaises with other campus offices and organizations to help emphasize the importance of wellness.

There is online and in-person support resources available here: 

• Resident Wellness Toolkit (Graduate Medical Education)
• UAB Medicine Professional Development Office
• UAB Employee Wellness 
• UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center

The Internal Medicine Resident Wellness Committee has also responded to resident feedback to implement measure that keep trainees happier, healthier, and safer, such as: 

• Food is provided at noon conference every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Residents receive a 60% discount in the cafeteria for additional food purchases.
• Taxis are provided to shuttle a resident safely home after a 24-hour hospital shift.