Wellness

Residency is a time of immense learning, camaraderie, joy, and a deepened understanding of the art of medicine. It can also be an inherently bewildering and stressful time with demands that can test one’s perception of themselves and their abilities.

Physicians in training—particularly medical students and Residents—are at higher risk than their non-medical peers for depression, burnout, and suicide. At Northern Light Acadia Hospital, we are dedicated to emphasizing the importance of wellness and professional fulfillment as part of our culture and have created a curriculum to support Resident wellness starting at the beginning of the PGY 1 year.

The program provides further structure to maintain wellness for the duration of Residency through mentoring and access to various other resources.

Additionaly, there is a Faculty and Resident wellness chair that are consistently working to advocate for resident wellness and change the curriculum to better reflect Resident needs. They are also a point of contact for any Resident wellness concerns.

Monthly interactive lectures are offered on various topics that adjust based on Resident need, including:

• Self-care: sleep, nutrition, and exercise
• Self-care: mindfulness, meditation, and mental health
• Empathy and gratitude: meaningfulness at work and in personal life
• Work-life balance, time management and prioritization
• Giving and receiving feedback
• Managing complex patients and the consultation role
• Dealing with difficult events: Medical errors and shame
• Conflict resolution
• Financial health
• Communication and leadership skills
• Maintaining and building resilience

• No overnight call
• Limited weekend call
• Faculty mentors
• Balint groups
• Protected didactic days
• Monthly wellness hour
• Flexibility to attend medical appointments
• Open door policy with Program Director
• Access to therapy through our Employee Assistance Program