Wellness and Outreach

Wellness 

One of the program’s aims is to train future leaders in Pediatric Emergency Medicine by helping fellows cultivate their individual interests into clinical and academic niches and supporting them in reaching their highest potential while promoting balance and meaning in their work. To support this goal, the program offers numerous opportunities for community building and social connection, as well as access to a variety of holistic programming tailored to fellows’ individual needs and interests.

Fellows participate in an annual Fellows’ Well-Being Day, which addresses topics such as physician burnout, finding meaning in work, and coping with the psychosocial stressors of practicing in a busy, high-acuity pediatric emergency department. In addition, our clinical mentor program provides structured, non-academic mentorship and support throughout fellowship.

Fellows also engage in a variety of funded social activities throughout the year, including divisional and departmental events such as book clubs, holiday dinners, jazz brunches, and picnics. Many of these events are organized by the Department of Emergency Medicine’s active Wellness Committee, which fosters meaningful connections both within and across divisions. Our fellows also participate in the Pediatrics Fellowship Academy, which hosts social gatherings for fellows across pediatric subspecialties as well as career development workshops.

Fellows have access to free, confidential counseling services, as well as wellness activities such as yoga and self-defense training. An additional benefit of training in New York City is unparalleled access to world-class sports, museums, theater, and other cultural experiences. The hospital offers discounted tickets to many of these events, making it easy for fellows to take advantage of the city’s vibrant cultural life.

For more information on our Social Emeregency Medicine initatives, please visit https://www.emergencymedicine.columbia.edu/about-us/social-emergency-medicine