As we close the chapter on 2023, the Resident Wellness Office (RWO) proudly reflects on a year filled with growth, support, and new accomplishments in our initiatives. Let’s take a moment to recognize some of the key highlights that have made a significant impact on the well being of residents and our office as a whole.
The RWO Turned 10!
The Resident Wellness Office celebrated a milestone this year, as we turned 10 years old! From opening its doors in the fall of 2013 to residents on a part time basis, to now offering full time support to hundreds of residents annually, it is safe to say the Resident Wellness Office has grown exponentially in the last decade. To read more about our wins, read our previous blog post here!
Workshops & Retreats: Nurturing Minds, Fostering Community
In 2022/2023, the RWO team hosted 34 groups and workshops across 26 different programs and sites. From the popular Ice Cream Rounds to psychoeducation workshops, these sessions not only provided valuable tools for coping but also strengthened the sense of community among residents.
The Wellness Counsellors had an ever growing presence at Retreats this year attending to the Surrey residents, Surgical Foundations residents, as well as the Internal Medicine Bootcamps. Partaking in these unique experiences allowed our to team to support enhancing wellness both inside and outside of the traditional medical setting.
Peer Support: Strengthening Bonds, Fostering Resilience
One of the turning points of the RWO’s success in 2023 was the Peer Support program. In collaboration with Dr. Jo Shapiro from Harvard Medical School, the RWO welcomed and trained 10 new Peer Supporters. The commitment to this initiative was further emphasized through the monthly acknowledgment of a Peer Support volunteer on the RWO blog, showcasing gratitude for their unwavering dedication.
In 2023, the RWO witnessed an increase in demand for Peer Support, receiving a remarkable 43 reach-outs—a threefold increase from the previous year. What’s even more exciting is that 68% of residents who reached out accepted and responded to the support offered. Those who chose not to accept the support expressed gratitude for knowing it was readily available, creating a culture of openness and mutual support.
Engaging in the reinvigoration of the Peer Support program was meaningful to the RWO team, while meeting with different directors to understand the unique needs of each program provided invaluable insights moving the program forward into 2024.
Elder Support: A Second Year of Collaborative Growth
The Elder Support and Counselling program, now in its second year, continued its collaborative efforts with Elder Jean Wasegijig. This year, 19 counseling sessions were booked by both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous residents, reinforcing the program’s success in providing culturally sensitive and inclusive support. The RWO remains committed to working closely with Elder Jean, laying the foundation for future initiatives that will further enhance resident well being.
New Initiatives in 2023: Pioneering “Focus and Flow”
The RWO didn’t shy away from moving resident feedback forward in 2023. We saw an increase in demand for supports with residents experiencing symptoms of ADHD in residency. A notable highlight was the pilot of “Focus and Flow,” a 6-week psychoeducation group designed to support residents experiencing symptoms of ADHD and challenges with Executive Functioning. Developed in collaboration with Dr. Brent Hogarth, this initiative aimed to equip residents with resources and tools for enhancing executive functioning skills to apply to their residency experience.
The response was overwhelming, with over 60 residents expressing interest in joining the group. In September 2023, 40 residents completed intakes, signaling the successful launch of a program that promises to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who engaged.
Staff Highlights
One of the main staff highlights from 2023 was returning to in person orientations and group sessions after Covid-19’s impact on group learning. Engaging in person with resident groups proved to be a highlight for residents as well. One resident shared “Loved loved loved [Ice Cream Rounds]! Felt that community sense afterwards that I had been missing for a while”. Ringing in the new academic year at the resident orientations in person was also a refreshing way to meet the newest cohort of medical professionals in the field. Celebrating our efforts at orientation with Dr. Roger Wong, Vice Dean of Education at the Department of Medicine, was nostalgic as his engagement to support the RWO in 2013 was instrumental.
A definite highlight for the RWO team was travelling to Halifax, NS for the International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE), in addition to meeting Dr. Jillian Horton after her keynote speech at the Resident Awards Dinner. The impact of Dr. Horton’s work, as well as her book “We Are All Perfectly Fine”, has been an inspiration to the Resident Wellness Office over the past several years. Check out our previous blog post about ICRE here.
At the end of 2023, the RWO team responded to feedback received from a group of Residents during a workshop. The residents shared how much having a coffee maker in their lounges enhanced their wellness. A Coffee Initiative Project took place in December 2023 to deliver coffee machines to all resident lounges across the province without one as a gift to wrap up the year! We are proud of our efforts to respond to resident feedback whenever possible.
Overall, one of the main takeaways from the RWO team from 2023 was the special opportunity to witness the incredible resilience and strength of residents through individual counselling sessions this year. We can’t wait to see what achievements and successes come out of 2024 and we look forward to continuing to support residents every step of the way! As we conclude this year in review, the Resident Wellness Office remains dedicated to fostering a culture of well being, support, and growth. The accomplishments of 2023 are not just markers of success but also catalysts for a promising 2024. Here’s to continued collaboration, resilience, and the pursuit of resident wellness in the years to come.