Surgery Resident Wellness Committee

 

Residents participated in the Freedom Run 5K, benefiting the Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation.
Residents participated in the Freedom Run 5K, benefiting the Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation.

Research resident Audra Clark is serious about burnout. In fact, Dr. Clark’s concern for the well-being of her fellow residents prompted her and fellow research resident Caitlin Hester to form the General Surgery Resident Wellness Committee, a resident-run group that advocates for health initiatives that prevent burnout.

“As general surgery residents at UTSW, we are grateful to be getting the best operative and clinical training from the world’s leading surgeons,” she says. “Unfortunately, in our pursuit to learn how to become outstanding physicians and how to best care for others, we often neglect self-care. Rates of burnout and depression are alarmingly high for both attending physicians and residents.”

“The UT Southwestern Surgery Resident Wellness Committee aims to address this issue in our own residency by adopting and promoting wellness strategies with the hope that they will be carried forward into our future practices and contribute to improved patient care, job satisfaction, and personal fulfillment.”

The Resident Wellness Committee’s recent initiatives include healthy snacks in resident break areas, regular group physical activities, and designated days for residents to schedule doctors’ visits. The residents have also formed a running group, which serves as a way to combat stress and boost energy.

In September, residents participated in the Freedom Run 5K in downtown Dallas, benefiting the Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation.