Well-Being, Support, and Mentorship

Resident Well-Being

The program directors and faculty leaders at BCH-Oakland recognize the importance of providing emotional support and understanding the psychosocial needs of our house staff during the challenges and stresses of residency. Particular efforts to maintain resident well-being include the following:

Resident retreat each year of training
Monthly support groups led by faculty facilitator
Regular support group for residents on the Hematology/Oncology and Critical Care rotations led by skilled leaders
Mindfulness and Integrative Medicine Curriculum
Healer's Connection--opportunity to connect with colleagues and discuss meaning in medicine outside of work
Caring for the Caregiver training
Resident Appreciation events
Schedules with Well-being in mind--optimizing variability in the schedule to promote learning and well-being

Residents are supported by program directors and faculty throughout their three years of training. The most important source of support comes from other reisdents who invariably develop close ties, a team spirit and sense of community. The resident-led Well-Being Committee collaborates with the program and plans activities outside the hospital to help achieve life balance.

Educational Support and Career Planning

Residents are supported by program directors and faculty throughout their three years of training. The most important source of support comes from other residents who invariably develop close ties, a team spirit and sense of community. The resident-led Well-Being Committee collaborates with the program and plans activities outside the hospital to help achieve life balance.
Frequent and timely verbal feedback encouraged
Biannual meetings with one of the program directors with individualized learning plans and wellbeing check ins
Support to develop individual learning goals
Guidance if interested in developing a scholarly concentration or participation in a GME pathway
Mentoring and career development
Support to develop one's own mentor team
Broad and supportive alumni network--for mentorship and help finding jobs
Life After Residency Panels--inpatient, outpatient, subspecialty
Subspecialty/Primary Care/Hospitalist Job Workshops
Projects/research guidance
Support for study plans for tests (Step 3/COMLEX and Boards)

Mentorship

Mentor Family Program: Every resident is in a cohort with other residents, faculty and alumni from a wide variety of clinical areas. Within their larger mentor family, residents are also in groups of three with a big, middle and little sibling.
Partnership with UC Berkeley/UCSF Joint Medical Program: Mentoring 1st and 2nd year medical students.
Community Health and Adolescent Mentoring Program for Success (CHAMPS): Mentorship of high school students.
Affinity Groups: Over the years, residents and faculty have formed affinity groups that foster a supportive and inclusive environment. These groups are based on shared backgrounds, interests and experiences, providing a valuable space for mentorship and community building. Whether it's through organized events, informal gatherings, or on-on-one mentorship, these groups contribute to a rich, supportive network that helps residents thrive throughout their training. The dynamic nature of these affinity groups ensures they remain responsive to the diverse and changing needs of our residents.

Residents as Teachers and Mentors

There are many opportunities to develop skills in leadership, teaching and mentorship.

Clinical teaching (inpatient and outpatient)
Didactics on teaching, clinical reasoning and leadership
Lead didactics all three years of training (journal clubs, case conferences, rotation-based talks and more)
Co-facilitate seminars on Community Advocacy and Primary care rotation
Virtual Advocacy Elective for Medical students
Education Elective (teaching, develop curriculum)
Research and projects (optional)