GME Wellness
Wellness At WVU
“The West Virginia University School of Medicine (WVU SOM) is committed to preparing our residents and fellows for a lifetime of caring for others and themselves. Therefore, one of the most important lessons we must teach them is the crucial importance of the physicians’ own physical and mental well-being to their ongoing practice of medicine. Initiating learning in well being and self-care, and normalizing these pursuits, is crucial for residents and fellows at this stage of training because GME is the time when they begin to establish the practice habits they will have for the rest of their lives. “
Notable Achievements and Initiatives:
- AMA Certification: The AMA recognizes hospitals for their meaningful work towards provider wellbeing. In 2025, WVUH achieved Bronze status in the AMA Joy in Medicine Certification.
- Wellbeing Mini-Grants: WVUH and WVU have partnered to provide $100,000 for wellness mini-grants as a way of enhancing the commitment to physician wellbeing at all levels of the organization.
- Appreciation:
WVUH recognizes and appreciates the hard work of those caring for our patients. In order to ensure that physicians feel appreciated for their work.Recognition and Esteem: Being recognized for the work we do is important. Positive Press Ganey comments are shared throughout the institution and recognition through the GME “Kudos” button (for residents), and via the BRAVO! Shout outs and Ecards.Thank a Resident Day: The resident wellness committee collaborates with the GME Department to put on a yearly thank a resident event.Doctors Day: Hospital leadership works with the BRAVO! Team to put on a Doctors Day Breakfast including packable items to grab and go. This accommodates physicians’ busy schedules. The BRAVO! Team has even come in pre-sunrise to ensure that colleagues fasting during Ramadan get their Drs. Day breakfast!
- Facility Improvements: Our physical environment influences our wellbeing and is a reflection of institutional esteem. WVUH has undergone extensive renovation of clinical and non-clinical spaces over the past 10 years. In addition, WVUH has committed to renovating the physician lounge on the 4th floor, and the surgeons’ lounge on the 5th floor.
- Perks and Specials:
Hospital perks are listed on “Bravo!” website (on Connect – accessed from hospital network)WVU perks listed here.Discounts at AT&T, Care. com, and area small businesses such as free classes at area gyms.
Profile of Physician Well Being:
Below are some helpful resources curated by Dr. Cara Sedney, WVU Hospitals Chief Wellness Officer.
Gyms:
The HSC and Ruby Hospital Gyms are accessible to residents. There is 24/7 access at the HSC and off-shift access to the hospital gym.
Classes are held at various times throughout the week, such as during lunch or after shift.
Parenthood and family:
keeps the webpage updated (organized by age)
- Backup Daycare Resources: The WVU Daycare has a “backup care” program for people who need back up, first come first serve daycare. Children must be pre-registered to use this service.
- Paging parenthood: contact the CWO for a sign up to join our physician parent group for residents and faculty! We do meet ups, playdates, etc.
- There is more information for parents on the “Moving to Morgantown” page.
- Contact the CWO for specific information on parental leave, lactation assistance, and our “experiential healthcare learning and creative writing elective” which can be done from home.
Support:
Individual, family, and couples counseling and coaching; community referrals; 3 complimentary visits per resident or their dependents per year.
Multi-disciplinary program offering peer-to-peer support and debriefing opportunities for stressful or disturbing clinical situations.
The WVU LGBTQ+ Center was established in 2016 to provide education, programming, and advocacy for WVU students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Health:
Contact the CWO for information on facilitated access to healthcare, including mental healthcare.
Medical Center Pharmacy will deliver prescriptions to the work unit or academic department if ordered through MyChart.
Practical:
There are various programs to reduce EMR burden, including the “Get rid of stupid stuff campaign”, AI scribing, and a “control-alt-consult” program where you get at elbow support from physician builders. Contact CWO for details.
Private resident/faculty/medical student community for buy/sell/giveaway and help wanted ads (great for parents!)