Wellness and Outreach

Wellness 

One of our program aims is to train future leaders in Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) by cultivating individual interests into clinical and academic niches and supporting fellows in reaching their highest potential by promoting balance and meaning in work. To that end, our program provides fellows with ample opportunity to attend community building activities and social events. We also provide access to a variety of holistic programming opportunities to suit individual needs and interests. Fellows participate in an annual "Fellows Well-being Day" which addresses topics like physician burnout, finding meaning in work, and coping with the psychosocial stressors of working in a busy, high acuity pediatric emergency department. In addition, our clinical mentor program provides structured, non-academic mentorship and support throughout the training period. Fellows engage in a variety of funded social activities throughout the year, including divisional and departmental events like 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 works to foster meaningful social connections both within and across divisions. Our fellows also participate in the Pediatrics’ Fellowship Academy which hosts social events for fellows across pediatrics as well as career development workshops. Fellows have access to free, confidential counseling as well as yoga and self-defense training. A perk of practicing in New York City is the unparalleled access to a wide range of sporting events, museums, theatre and other cultural activities. The hospital offers discounted tickets to many of these experiences, making it easy to take advantage of the city's vibrant cultural scene.  

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