An excellent faculty with diverse backgrounds and strengths, in combination with a supportive and talented medical community, provides outstanding role models for learning the art and science of our discipline. Monthly meetings allow residents to discuss issues without faculty and other non-resident personnel present, as a means to protect residents' privacy and promote open dialogue. Problem-solving and emotional support are central to this process. Participants in these weekly sessions include residents who are rotating through the inpatient medicine teaching service, the program director and residency psychologist. This case-oriented discussion focuses on teaching principles of biomedical ethics.
Staff also provide emotional support for residents who are confronting complex issues.
Usually held in the fall or winter, these weekend get-aways encourage relaxation, recreation and personal growth for residents and their significant others. Faculty physicians assume call responsibilities and release residents from other duties. A monthly gathering of resident physicians featuring discussions of challenging medical situations. The residency's psychologist leads this activity, focusing on personal growth and emotional support for participants. Local volunteer faculty members and their significant others facilitate monthly support groups for residents and their partners.