As emergency physicians, we have the best job in the world, but we also recognize it can be mentally, physically and emotionally taxing. Fortunately, the Department of Emergency Medicine is committed to supporting residents’ wellness and mental health through a variety of thoughtful initiatives. A dedicated Wellness Committee composed of residents and faculty hears the needs of the residents, advocates for necessary changes and organizes events to support resident’s mental health.
Importantly, this commitment to wellness is shared by the entire department. The Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Outstanding Department for Wellness Award, recognizing a comprehensive, data-informed and department-wide commitment to physician well-being.
Residency Wellness Initiatives and Resources
Orientation Month
The transition from medical school into residency can be stressful. To combat this, we have a structured one-month orientation where we cover necessary logistics/IT, procedural mastery, content review and much more. Additionally, you will spend a lot of time with your new co-residents and will start creating lifelong friendships!
Facilitated Mentoring
Each intern is paired with an upper-level resident, a faculty member and a member of the PD team to assist them with the transition to residency and to serve as a career mentor going forward.
Opt-Out Counseling
A free opt-out counseling appointment is scheduled for you during orientation month. The goal is to facilitate access to counseling as needed throughout residency and lower the barrier to access.
Weekly Conference
Weekly, protected, four-hour conference comprised of incredible faculty and resident lectures, simulation, visiting educators and much more. Breakfast provided!
Chief Resident Breakfast
Led by the chief residents, every month we have a dedicated resident-only hour of conference where we discuss program updates and have open-forum to discuss any issues/feedback. We also read any ‘Kudos’ that were submitted about residents over the past month and have a potluck breakfast!
Resident-Led Peer Support Program
Optional meetings in which residents can discuss experiences during residency with peers, led by peers.
Wellness Elective
Dedicated time to explore the pillars of wellness, including time to see your primary care physician, dentist, therapist, family, friends, etc. The purpose of this elective is to explore what makes you well, reconnect with what makes you who you are and create a project that addresses your needs while concomitantly benefiting other residents and their wellness as a resource.
Bereavement Policy
For residents experiencing loss or imminent loss of a loved one. A stipend is provided for residents that provide emergency shift coverage.
Family Responsiveness and Pregnancy Needs
- Family elective: The primary objective is to care for your child at home in lieu of in-hospital responsibilities or call, with additional at-home learning opportunities.
- Pregnancy scheduling policy: No overnight shifts in the first or third trimester.
- Cost covered for a hands-free breast pump for lactating residents.
Social events
We host a variety of social events throughout the year to promote time for residents and faculty to hang-out outside of the hospital. Some of our annual highlights are a resident-faculty kickball game, ‘Nerd Party’, Wine and Cheese night, formal gala and many more.