In the Name of Wellness- Pathology Trainee Wellness Committee

By Anastazia Hartman | March 14 2023

Back in May 2019, a group of residents came together with the simple goal of planning a welcome barbeque in the park for the new residents and fellows. The success of the barbeque inspired more fun and creative events throughout the year that led to the establishment of the Pathology Trainee Wellness Committee. The committee was founded to create a training program that most optimally supports trainee wellness in all forms: personal, professional, mental, and physical. Our core values include promoting the general wellness of current and future trainees, encouraging personal wellness and self-care, advocating for the inclusion of wellness topics important to trainees within the training curriculum, and collaborating with education leadership to constantly improve and maintain trainee wellness.

Today, the committee has thirteen dedicated members with residents and fellows across all PGY levels. The committee also has officer positions with resident Maxwell Wang (PGY3) acting as a point communications officer, residents Ashley Brent (PGY2) and Elaina Daniels (PGY2) as primary event planners, and resident David Nai (PGY4) as treasurer. And of course, we cannot forget our amazing faculty advisor and wellness champion Dr. Maria Westerhoff. The committee meets as needed for one-hour to discuss old and new business, as well as plan upcoming events.

Our annual recurring wellness events include:

  • Welcome BBQ in the Park for new Residents and Fellows (Mid-July)
  • Trainee Pool Party (August)
  • Trainee Ergonomics Consultations (September-October)
  • Halloween Party- trainee organized (October)
  • Trainee Winter Holiday Party (December)
  • Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorations & Arts and Crafts (February)
  • Pie Day!!! (March)
  • Escape Room (April)

In addition to our exciting events, we also organize lots of at-work social events, board game sessions, and pizza parties. We get monthly wellness snack deliveries from Gordon Food Services that keep our fridge well-stocked. The Wellness Committee also sends out an annual survey to trainees to evaluate current levels of wellness and burnout, as well as solicit suggested ideas for future wellness activities and events. We welcome interested pathology trainees who would like to join the Wellness Committee to email our Wellness Committee listserv and our current Point Communications Officer, Maxwell Wang.