Creating a safe and stimulating program for four years of professional and personal development

Well-being of residents is a fundamental component of effective training in medicine. Residency is an apprenticeship in knowledge, skills, core professional values, ethical principles, and life wisdom about caring for patients and oneself. There has been an increased volume of research on the importance of well-being for physicians and trainees since the early 2000s. The residency program director is a role model for maintaining personal health, including integration of life and work experiences. Workplace events and challenging life experiences can present important learning opportunities for residents, who will benefit from the counsel of the program director and faculty members in managing choices. Specific preventive and intervention strategies can promote well-being and resilience in residents.