At Tower Health-Phoenixville Hospital Psychiatry, we are fully aware of the stress that may occur during residency training. We pay close attention to wellness and resilience in our residents. Our goals are to promote healthy work-life integration by an emphasis on physical, social, professional and psychological wellness. Our robust resident-centered Wellness Program includes the following components:
Resident Meetings
All residents meet monthly for a business meeting, a forum to discuss issues and concerns, where residents are informed of upcoming events and updates from GME and the program. This meeting allows issues to be addressed in a timely matter and provides a venue for the residents to stay involved and active.
Process Group and Mentor Program
Our program strongly believes in the value of mentorship. On a monthly basis, each PGY class meets in a process group with a facilitator. This confidential group allows residents to openly discuss personal and professional matters. In addition, each resident has an individual off-site supervisor for weekly meetings to discuss patient care and other professional topics including personal growth in a structured and confidential setting. Residents have the opportunity to meet with all of our faculty on an ad hoc basis for consultation about career development. Residents may obtain a research mentor with shared interests. All residents are assigned an upper-year resident mentor to facilitate year to year transitions.
Resident Retreat
The Psychiatry Residency program hosts a two-day annual resident retreat. The retreat provides an opportunity for residents to come together as a group in a non-clinical setting. They evaluate the program, discuss their experiences over the year and offer suggestions for improvement and expansion. There are also team-building and recreational events planned.
Community Outreach
As a program, we believe in giving back to our community. In the past our residents have organized clothing and book drives for organizations in Philadelphia, participated in annual suicide prevention walks to help raise awareness, and lectured to middle school students about mental health issues. We support residents attending advocacy trainings held by local and national organizations.
Social Events and Gatherings
In addition to orientation, an annual welcome party is held for the new incoming residents, organized by the upper classes and faculty, generally at a local park. This setting offers an opportunity for residents, fellows and faculty to connect on a more personal level.
Many resident social events occur during the year, including sporting events, holiday parties and gift exchanges, theatre excursions, beach day trips, happy hours and dinners. As we work closely with residents in other departments, we occasionally have joint events.
A monthly movie club has over many years been a popular event with residents and faculty alike. Residents choose a film that has psychiatric themes, watch it as a group and then discuss their reactions. The program has also offered a book club for those interested in the intersection of psychiatry and literature. These activities occur determined by resident interest.
The GME office at Tower Health also provides wellness offerings for the house staff community.
Program Director Open-Door Policy
In our program, an open door policy has been in place since its inception. Residents are encouraged to contact the program director whenever they feel the need.