— College of Medicine — Department of Internal Medicine — Education — Residencies — Resident Life and Wellness

Resident Life and Wellness

Find out what life is like as an Internal Medicine resident.

Our Internal Medicine and Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residents find plenty of social outlets, including events for residents, wellness groups, intramural sports, tickets to sporting and performing arts events, and a focus on wellness.

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Coneflower Creamery, a few blocks from campus in the Blackstone District, is a favorite among residents.

The Med-Peds Holiday/Post Recruitment Party at Rathskellar Bier Haus.

Internal Medicine and Med-Peds residents enjoy a night out.

Another trip to Coneflower Creamery for Internal Medicine and Med-Peds residents.

Internal Medicine residents celebrate their first month.

Resident Wellness

Through a focus on wellness – both at the university level and at the residency program level – our residents don’t just survive residency. They thrive and feel prepared for their future medical careers.

Developing Resiliency, Coping Skills

Structured wellness curricula through the residency programs and the Office of Graduate Medical Education help to ensure that residents are fulfilled in their work; develop resiliency and skills for coping with difficult patient encounters, long work hours, and challenging situations; and are able to balance work and outside relationships and passions.

Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine-Pediatrics

Graduate Medical Education

The Internal Medicine Residency Wellness Council seeks to build camaraderie and cohesiveness, providing social events, networking sessions, mentorship, and interactive conferences to promote individual wellness, at work and home. Guided by the eight domains of wellness, this active group is able to respond to current resident needs and provide support during training.

Monthly Noon Wellness conferences

Topics include:

Biopsychosocial goal setting
Physical wellbeing
Emotional health, burnout, and resilience
Social relationships including family, partner, and colleague
Spiritual wellbeing
Financial health and managing finance-related stressors
Professional wellbeing
Second victim
Improving efficiency

Resident Chronicles
These bi-monthly debriefing sessions with select faculty provide a confidential outlet to discuss the stressors, successes and pitfalls across our medical training

Class Retreats
Protected retreats each year to help guide you in each level of your training to get the most out of your residency

Half Days
Wellness half days twice a year provide residents the opportunity to schedule doctor appointments, meetings, etc.

Weekly Wellness Messages

Celebrations and Treats
Doughnuts or treats halfway through each month, plus monthly birthday cupcakes or cakes.

Significant Others Group
A group for spouses, partners, family and friends of residents, working to build community.

Buddy Groups
Groups to link residents of all classes.

In addition to the resources and opportunities available to Internal Medicine residents, Med-Peds residents are offered:

Med-Peds Wellness Week
Annual wellness presentation at med-peds monthly conference
“Burn Out” survey and check-in at six-month evaluations with program director or assistant program director
Wellness discussion and check-in every other month during continuity clinic
Annual financial lecture to assist residents in their financial health

Centrally located House Officers Wellness lounge with food and drinks, conference room, computers and workspace, yoga room, lactation room, meditation room, showers and exercise equipment
Daily $8 on meal cards (can be used at cafeteria, Starbucks or convenience store)
Preferential parking for house officers
Free fitness facility options
House Officer Assistance Program, a cost-free, confidential program available to all UNMC House Officers and their partners who are experiencing work and personal life stressors
Picnics and social events

More Support

Our residents and faculty have created an environment that fosters wellness and a healthy and supportive learning environment. Some elements are:

Informal hangouts with residents and significant others
Backyard barbecues, game nights, dinners/drinks, and outings
Group message chats, which serve as a way to get resident feedback, get quick answers to questions and to make your co-residents laugh
Celebration of birthdays, babies, weddings and engagements

Faculty members also are a consistent support, including clinic preceptors, program faculty members and program coordinators. These people will grow to know you well and will support your emotional and professional growth.

House Officers Wellness Lounge

A 1,900-square-foot wellness lounge open to all UNMC house officers features food and drinks, treadmills, yoga room, lactation room, meditation room, showers, conference room and computer workstations.