We understand the importance of well-being during training and beyond. Fellows who train at Connecticut Children's/University of Connecticut receive strong support from the fellowship program coordinator, as well as the larger fellowship team at the institution. From board study care packages to social outings and annual retreats, the goal is to provide our fellows with ample opportunities to remain engaged and supported so that they can thrive during their three years of fellowship. As part of our commitment to this goal, fellows are encouraged to take a 1/2 day quarterly during outpatient/research blocks to attend to their health or well-being, which is separate from their vacation time. Additionally, our fellows benefit from the dedicated mentorship of attendings, advanced practice providers, and the rest of the administrative staff within the endocrinology division.
At the institutional level, we have implemented a self-assessment tool for fellows to monitor their level of stress/burnout. Free, confidential counseling/mental health services are provided to any fellow who feels they are in need.
The fellowship programs at Connecticut Children's also participate in a Reflective Practice and Leadership series, through the Pediatric Subspecialty Fellows' Core Curriculum. This is a longitudinal initiative in which once monthly fellows will meet with a group of facilitators, including faculty mentors to discuss clinical, psycho-social, career, personal, and ethical challenges that they face as professionals. The model is designed to help trainees analyze and manage complex professional problems through collaborative team discussions/mentoring by faculty and peers.
The Pediatric Subspecialty Fellowship Administrative team seeks to aid fellows in reducing stress in many areas of their program. Recent initiatives include:
- Snack boxes which are restocked regularly to ensure proper nutrition during shifts/rotations
- “Study kit” provided to fellows during board prep. Complete with food, highlighters, comfy socks and more!
- A retreat for all fellows across all 12 pediatric programs, at minimum, once a year during the day, which includes lunch and a team building exercise or activity
UConn School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education is committed to supporting the well-being of all our residents and fellows during their training program. For a full list of resources offered through UConn Health, the Capital Area Health Consortium and the broader community, please visit the Graduate Medical Education Office Well-Being website.
