The demands of residency can be challenging at times.  Our program recognizes this and believes that as physicians, we must care for ourselves in order to provide the best care we can for our patients and their families.  As a program we are committed to supporting resident wellness in all that we do.

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We realize that some aspects of residency are more difficult than others and we encourage all residents to take advantage of the free counseling sessions that are part of our standard benefit (see EAP info below).   

                       

Resident/Fellow Employee Resources and Benefits

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Employee Assistance Program:  sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you don’t know what to do. The EAP gives you access to resources to help you through the tough times.  Some of the services offered are:

• Free Personal/Family psychology/psychiatry consultation 

• Senior Care

• Child Care

• Legal Consultation

• Parenting

• Identity Theft

• Pet Care

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Access these services by calling Aetna EAP 1-866-568-7554.

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University of Arizona Wellness Resources: For access to the University of Arizona wellness resources visit https://wellness.arizona.edu/residentsfellows/resources-residentsfellows. Here you will find information regarding access to Establishing a PCP, Mental Healthcare, Resident/Fellow Sick Time, Emergency and Crisis Hotlines, Ride Share/Taxi Reimbursement, Health Insurance and Benefits, House Staff HR contact, Creating Happiness in Medicine, Banner Spiritual Care, On-site Nutrition Consults with Registered Dietitian, PT and OT services, chiropractic care, Personalized Coaching, Duty Hours FAQs.

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Coverage:  Our program also has a process for calling in sick if you have an illness or other personal issue that keeps you from being able to come to work.  If you are feeling too fatigued to work, your team can help.  Let your attending or senior resident know and contact the Sick Pager.  We value the awareness that identifying fatigue involves and support transitioning your patients when needed to allow for safe care of them and you.  Ideas are to go sleep in the call room  for a brief period, leave early for the day or other suggestions that you and your team determine.

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Safe Ride Home: After a long shift if you do not want to take a nap in the sleep room, don’t risk driving home.  Call a cab/UBER/LYFT.  The Medical Education Department will reimburse your cab fare to and from work.  Keep your receipts and turn them in reimbursement.

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Banner Employee Wellness Resources
For access to Banner Benefits, Employee Resources, etc. visit https://www.bannerhealth.com/employees

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For access to the MyWell-Being Program which includes: an app for health tracking, financial planning and assessment tools, nutrition guides and meal planning, Mindfulness app, tips and reminders Mental health support and resources on-demand Self-growth and development, Educational seminars and more visit https://www.bannerhealth.com/employees/mywell-being and for access to on site and virtual mental health support click here.

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Employee Discounts:  check out the employee discount page at www2.beneplace.com/bannerhealth.  It provides discounts for your home, auto, educational, financial, family and sporting events to name a few.

 

Faculty Support:

Our program assigns each resident a faculty "Coach", as well as an APD CCC advocate. Both of these individuals are responsible for helping you stay happy, healthy, and successful. You can reach out to either of them at any time.

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Our goal is to build a community in which residents and faculty look out for one another.  Through deliberate planning and spontaneous creation of teams and activities, our residents are a close network of people devoted to taking care of their patients and each other.  Working toward this goal, we organize the following activities:

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Intern Orientation

These are required information sessions delivered prior to some rotations. 

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Class Retreats

PGY-1: This is a daylong retreat in November of the first year.  Interns have their clinical duties covered while they enjoy a day of team building, leadership development, hiking in the Phoenix South Mountain range and evening with their peers, the Program Leadership and Chief Residents.

 

PGY-2: This takes place during an evening in Phoenix in winter of second year.  Clinical duties are covered to allow residents to step outside their working environment and focus on each other and their class unity.  Coverage provided.      

 

PGY-3: Half day retreat in Phoenix in fall of third year allows seniors to foster their community and provides information on starting job search, financial counseling resources and transitioning to life beyond residency.  Coverage provided.

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Housestaff Council Meetings

Elected officers from each class meet monthly to be the voice of our program and collaborate with the program leadership in improving our program using the ideas and involvement of our residents.  This council organizes community service events, evening get-togethers and sporting engagements for the residents to take part in.

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Annual Med Gala

Every year Banner has a black tie event that includes the residents.  Eating, drinking and dancing are part of the night’s activities at one of the upscale resorts in Phoenix.

 

Graduation

Every academic year comes to a close with an awards dinner held at a nearby Phoenix resort to recognize and celebrate the achievements of graduating class and select faculty members.

 

Intern Week

The last week of the academic year is every intern’s 4th week of vacation!  In the past groups of interns have celebrated the end of intern year together; renting a beach house in nearby San Diego, planning a trip to the beach in Mexico, or exploring beautiful northern AZ to escape the heat.