Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency Wellness Program: Activity Planning and Lessons Learned

Background: The University of Utah Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency Program was awarded GME Wellness Grant funding to support a resident wellness initiative. We initially proposed a Snowbird summer activity day (including taking a yoga class) followed by a night of camping. Methods: Due to low participation in the Snowbird summer activity day and no availability of local camp sites in fall 2022, we redesigned the planning process for wellness activities. Most importantly: 1. Residents were surveyed regarding which activities would be of interest. 2.The program director allowed for 1 wellness day activity to be held on a weekday in which residents were excused from clinical duties. 3.Activities were planned for every few months rather than 1 per year. We are still planning on a yoga camping trip once the weather permits. Conclusions: Resident participation in wellness activities improved when the above planning steps were implemented. The wellness climate in this residency program is positive, overall. Areas of improvement in the wellness program were identified.