The CHAM Wellness Committee is a resident-led committee that develops various initiatives, which aim to foster a sense of community and a culture of self-care within the residency program. The committee meets on a monthly basis and the associate program director sits on the committee. Many of our ongoing initiatives are listed below. Feel free to contact Dr. Molly Broder at mbroder@montefiore.org with questions.
Personal Wellness
Intern Wellness Afternoon
Of all three years, interns have the most scheduled floor-time, making it more difficult to schedule appointments and other activities necessary for self-care. Each intern is scheduled to have several extra afternoons of their own choosing off when on an inpatient rotation and they are completely free to use the time to further their wellness however they see fit.
CHAM Spa
A massage therapist is on-site two to three times per week and residents are able to schedule 15-minute massages during their shift as a brief break from the floors.
Resident Lounge
The Wellness Committee is redesigning the resident lounge, creating a tranquil place for residents to relax, have a snack, and recharge.
Fostering Community
Resident Fun Days
Each class has one surprise day per year where their shifts are covered and an activity is planned by the program to allow for decompression and class bonding, with previous activity examples including scavenger hunts, escape the room, and zorbing.
CHAM Book Club
Residents choose several books throughout the year and come together to discuss, with previously selected books including Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, A Gentleman in Moscow, and Lincoln in the Bardo.
Daily Chief Candy
The chief-on-call visits every floor daily to check in and make sure the teams have everything they need for continued success … and they bring us candy!
Resident Picnic
At the end of every year, fellows and faculty cover the hospital to allow residents to attend a picnic celebrating the year. Our picnics are one of the best highlights of the year because we get to meet and spend time with the each other’s families and our CHAMily all at the same time!
CHAM Story Slam
Storytelling events held throughout the year where any member of the CHAM community can share short stories related to a theme chosen for the event. Stories do not have to be related to medicine and unlike The Moth StorySLAM, the event is not competitive.
CHAM Showcase
An annual showcase for all of CHAM faculty and house staff and their children to show off their talents outside of medicine. This year’s talents included dance, jewelry making, drawing, painting, vocals, and Lego creations!
Pizza and …!
Currently residents have a pizza lunch every Friday. During Pizza and …, residents have the opportunity to share their passions and hobbies with their classmates while taking a break from their day. We’ve learned about jazz, expanded our art history knowledge, and made bead lanyards to hold our masks.
Annual CHAM Bake-Off
Residents put their baking skills to the test and bring in their best baked goods for a competition that would make even Mary Berry proud.
Special Events
Social events from happy hours to weekend trips are coordinated by social chairs elected from each class in addition to program-wide events including the annual CHAM holiday party, our annual bake-off, and end of the year Cureatr Award party!
Wellness Committee Leadership
Amber Kihm, MD
PGY-2 Resident Co-Chair, Wellness Committee
Kathleen Schad, MD
PGY-2 Resident Co-Chair, Wellness Committee
Danielle M. Fernandes, MD
Associate Program Director, Pediatric Residency
Faculty Co-Chair, Wellness Committee