Wellness
It's a really warm environment. Even though there are some challenging times, we're there to help each other through.
Lina Lu, MD (2021 graduate)
We believe that emotional and physicial well-being is critical to becoming an excellent physician. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of having formal programs in place to help our residents cope with both the familiar and unexpected challenges of training. The following programs and initiatives are offered to help ensure the well-being of all our residents.
Faculty Mentorship
Through our mentorship program, residents select a faculty mentor half way through their first year of residency. Mentors provide stress-free guidance throughout the remainder of the residency.
Each resident is also linked with a faculty member to help with professional development as part of the Clinical Competency Committee.
Peer Mentorship
First-year residents are matched with second-year residents during the first week of residency. Peers who have recently completed their first year of residency can be an invaluable source of information and support.
Leave Policy
Our comprehensive leave policy covers bereavement leave, caregiver leave, medical leave, and parental leave to both birth and non-birth parents. We also recognize that no two situations or residents are the same, and we work with each resident to individualize their leave plan, including attention to additional support for their transition to return to clinical duties.
Check-Ins with Psychiatry
Twice a year Laurel Mayer, MD, a psychiatrist with the Consult Liaison Service, meets with residents in an opt-out small group format to discuss challenges and stresses of resident life. These are held without faculty present to facilitate free and confidential conversation.
House Staff Mental Health Service
NewYork-Presbyterian's House Staff Mental Health Service (HSMHS) offers confidential access to mental health care. HSMHS is available to all residents and provides individualized referrals to experienced psychiatrists who are part of the program’s network. Residents are eligible for up to eight sessions at no cost with their psychiatrist and have the option to continue longer term therapy.
Resident Retreat and Social Events
Our annual day-long resident retreat offers trainees a chance to relax, reflect, and spend time together. In addition, class dinners with program leadership and resident picnics are regular events. Residents are invited and encouraged to attend the annual department holiday party, held at a Manhattan restaurant in December. Additional resident-focused events include happy hours, Yankee games, and sightseeing in New York City.
Resident Movie Nights
Regular movie nights are organized by residents and open to everyone in the program who wants to watch and discuss a movie. Movie nights have featured films streamed from New York's LGBTQ+ Film Festival to smaller video viewings in living rooms.
Perks and Discounts
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of all that New York City has to offer. Discounted tickets to baseball games, museums, Broadway shows, and gyms are available. All residents are provided monthly stipends of $100 to spend at our hospital cafeteria or lobby Starbucks.