Residency is perhaps one of the most difficult times in a doctor’s career primarily due to the long working hours. With focusing on professionalism and fulfilling all that is required taking precedence, it’s difficult for residents and fellows to find time for self-care.
Each year members of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) Chapter of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, commit to making residents and fellows’ day a bit brighter by hosting “Thank a Resident Day” at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, which was held this year on Feb. 27.
A range of wellness offerings was available at Thank a Resident Day. These included activities like massage chairs, a Reiki circle session led by Holistic RN Specialist Kathyann O’Malley, and Yoga sessions presented by Northwell Center for Wellness and Integrative Medicine members Tina Conroy and Jennifer Caliendo. Also provided were wellness information and aromatherapy sticks, courtesy of the Northwell Long Island Jewish Medical Center Patient and Family Centered Care Employee Wellness, with assistance from Program Manager Laura Hamilton. Refreshments and decorations were supplied by the LIJMC Medical Staff Society, with support from Jessica York, a LIJMSS administrator.
“Residents work so hard,” said Walkania Santos Regalado, a member of GHHS. “I think they deserve to feel appreciated and know that their work and value are seen.”
Thank a Resident Day was created by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 2018 to celebrate resident physicians and fellows and their essential contributions to human-centered care. The Gold Foundation is a nonprofit organization that champions humanism in health care
“The Gold Humanism Honor Society aims to promote humanistic values and behaviors in medicine and endorse a person-centered approach to care,” said Taranjeet Kalra Ahuja, DO, co-advisor of Gold Humanism Honor Society, associate professor of pediatrics and science education at the Zucker School of Medicine and Chair of Pediatrics at Plainview Hospital, Northwell Health. “Thank a Resident provides our students with an opportunity to apply what they are committed to.”
Refreshments, care packages and messages of appreciation from the medical students were also given to residents and fellows as a form of gratitude by GHHS members.
“It’s rare residents get appreciated and recognized from the students they teach,” said Stephanie Sabido, a member of the GHHS. “It’s so great to give back to them at least one day a year.”
Zucker School of Medicine students do not join GHHS. They are nominated by their peers.
“GHHS members are chosen for their humanistic and compassionate care, and exemplify all values of humanism,” said Carmen Rodriguez, MD, co-advisor of Gold Humanism Honor Society and clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Zucker School of Medicine. “The 15 student members of GHHS serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in medicine.”
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