It’s no secret that residency is challenging. At Carolinas Medical Center (CMC), our goal is not only to support our residents professionally, but also personally as they navigate this exciting time. Whether it is through the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office, program leadership, the wellness committee or the social committee, there are always events where residents can relax and enjoy time with their colleagues. And in a city like Charlotte, there are countless fun ways to spend a day outside the program.
The Social Committee is made up of residents and faculty who plan exciting events around Charlotte throughout the year. Past social committee activities have included: organized workouts/runs at local breweries, tailgating before Panthers games, poker night at attendings’ homes, crawfish boils, resident vs. attending kickball games, virtual escape room, hikes at Crowders Mountain and trivia at local breweries.
Every resident is assigned to a family during Intern Orientation. Each family consists of 2 members from each residency class. Throughout the year, families compete in a friendly competition, trying to earn the most points. They also meet for activities outside the hospital, exploring what Charlotte has to offer.
Residents are provided clinical coverage to attend the annual Holiday Ball and Graduation. The program also sponsors a Pediatrics-Only Graduation where families gather to celebrate our graduates and their accomplishments. We also celebrate our newly matched interns at a lunch event on Match Day followed by a party at our program director’s house. Fellowship match is typically celebrated at a local restaurant or brewery.
Past resident wellness activities have included: quarterly class dinners at the program director’s house, pumpkin painting, massages during noon conference, Zoom happy hours, monthly wellness time scheduled during academic half day and Zoom trivia.
The Wellness Committee meets monthly to discuss overall provider wellness within the program and hospital system. The group brainstorms wellness ideas and presents activities happening across the system and campuses to promote wellness across Atrium Health. Residents are welcome to join the committee at any point.
"One of the reasons I loved this program so much was it’s emphasis on wellness and getting out to be active in Charlotte! One of my co-interns has started a running group, we play ultimate frisbee and beach volleyball when possible, and there’s a strong emphasis on mental health.” – Rebecca Raffler, PGY-1