We know the work of a resident is hard, the days can be long, and the learning is never finished (even as an attending!) so once a year, our residents take a mostly work (a little play) retreat. Typically held in February over President's Day weekend, our first through fourth year residents, along with the PD, APD, and PC leave for five days for team building, camaraderie, and learning. Our Chiefs stay behind and cover services with the help of our in-patient PA. During the retreat, our residents complete a full program review where they can provide feedback on all parts of their educational experience and bond as a team outside of work.
Our trips have included skiing, hiking, ax throwing, dining out, dining in, and many reviews for the in-service exam. Many different learning activities are incorporated on the retreat, including residents teaming up to give mini grand rounds, book club, and jeopardy and heads-up style games.
The location for retreat varies each year with cold and warm weather locations alternating. In 2020, Breckenridge, Colorado was the winning location. After travel restrictions were lifted, the team revisited Breckenridge for the 2023 retreat.
Other locations have included Scottsdale, Arizona, Winterpark, Colorado, and Austin, Texas.
