Resident Well-Being

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The UConn Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency Program is committed to training the next generation of Vascular Leaders.  Our program provides an environment that is committed to the well-being of our diverse residents, faculty, staff, and patients. Vascular surgery is a demanding and rewarding specialty that requires a high level of diligence, resilience, and skill. Vascular surgery training can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. Simply speaking, it is a lot of hard work and dedication, but it can be achieved with appropriate support systems in place. The well-being of our trainees and their families is crucial and is the single most important lesson provided in our vascular surgery integrated training program. Acknowledging betterment of self through well-being, provides the fundamentals for a well-balanced, healthy future, and long, successful career for all current and future Residents. Our program aims to create a culture of wellness that supports the personal and professional growth of our residents, while providing them with the best possible education and patient care.

Our well-being mission is based on the following philosophies:

  • Well-being is multidimensional and encompasses physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and professional aspects of health.
  • Self-well-being is essential for optimal performance, quality of care, and patient safety,
  • Well-being is a shared responsibility that requires individual awareness, self-care, peer support, mentorship, and institutional resources.
  • Well-being is a continuous process that involves setting goals, implementing strategies, monitoring progress, and seeking feedback.

Our well-being mission will help Residents succeed by providing the following:

  • A comprehensive curriculum that covers the core competencies of vascular surgery, as well as topics related to well-being, such as stress management, burnout prevention, coping skills, communication skills, leadership skills, and diversity and inclusion.
  • Promoting a balanced lifestyle that encourages exercise, healthy nutrition, adequate sleep, hobbies and interests, social activities, and family time.
  • Establishes a supportive environment that fosters teamwork, respect, empathy, compassion, and gratitude among our residents, faculty, staff, and patients.
  • Facilitate access to various resources and services that address the wellness needs of our residents and their families, such as mentors, advisors, counselors, coaches, well-being committees, well-being events, well-being apps, well-being books, etc.
  • Evaluate and improve our well-being program based on feedback from our residents, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.

Promoting what we preach for Well-being:

Social and Well-Being Events

  • Fall/Winter

UConn Basketball and Hockey games

  • Spring

UConn Sponsored Hartford Yard Goat Baseball games
Pet and Resident Wellness Day at Elizabeth Park
Residency Fair – Vascular Annual Meeting

Social Media

  • Facebook (UConn Health Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency)

GME Benefits

  • 4 Weeks of Vacation
  • Parental Leave
  • Program Health Benefits - Vision, Dental, Medical
  • Hospital Fitness Centers
  • Free Mental Health Counseling
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Education & Travel Funds
  • Discounts

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.

Group at Conference
Selfie
Resident with Cup
Connecticut Sun basketball game