Dear Wellness Community,
Happy Lunar New Year! As we welcome the year of the Wood Dragon, we find ourselves over halfway through winter! A welcome relief, as February brings the first signs of spring. This is the time to start planting seeds (indoors) to nurture through the coming months. Similarly, we are over half-way through the academic year, and many of you are preparing for your next steps. A perfect time to nurture your intentions and plant the seeds for future goals.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we are also reminded to sow the seeds of love and compassion – not only for a partner and loved ones, but for ourselves as well. I hope you will take time to practice loving-kindness for yourself this season – recognizing your hard work and bringing compassion to fears, doubts, anxieties that may be arising during this time – while also, celebrating the joys of successes and community.
Your hard work and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. So, it is with deep gratitude that we thank all trainees for your dedication and commitment to serving our community. We would like to formally thank you on Thank a Resident Day on February 23rd. See details below.
We also celebrate Black History month – honoring the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history. Let’s celebrate diversity and inclusivity within our community and recognize the importance of cultural understanding and equitable healthcare. We have much work to do to build a more equitable and inclusive community. May this month be a time we reaffirm our efforts and involvement.
Lastly, I want to personally extend heartfelt gratitude to all of those I have worked with either directly or peripherally in the past two and a half years. As many of you know, I will be leaving UW and GME Wellness this March. While I look forward to my continued clinical endeavors, the process of leaving has been bittersweet. I have learned so much from you all and am deeply grateful for the openness, trust, and vulnerability you have shown me. I wish you all much joy, love, and success on your journey.
Warmly,
This month’s Wellness Corner authored by:
Patty Long-Brohm, LICSW
GME Wellness Counselor
Monday – Wednesday at Seattle Children’s Hospital
pattylb@uw.edu
GME Wellness Counseling
Contents
Thank a Resident Day
It is with deep gratitude that we thank all of you for your dedication and commitment to serving our community. You provide an essential service in our healthcare system, and you strengthen our programs with your commitment, care, and innovation. Thank you!
We would like to thank you in person. Join GME and Wellness Team for a bag lunch and some swag!
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- Friday, February 23rd
- 11a-1p
- At HMC (Maleng Bldg Room 111/112), UWMC-ML (Turner Conference Room E202), and SCH (Conference Room OC.9.732)
GME Events and Announcements
- We are excited to invite the Chiefs and incoming AY25 Chiefs to attend a Chiefs-only session on supporting trainees in crisis. This session was created in response to your questions and feedback, and we look forward to an opportunity to share resources, learn from each other, and understand gaps in our support.
- Wednesday, February 28th, 5-6:30p.
- In person – UWMC-ML South Campus Center 301
- RSVP here (with your UW NetID/email) by Friday, February 16th
- Dinner provided!
- Discussion led by our Wellness Team
- Be sure to register for the Four-Part Leadership Skills Series for Residents and Fellows! Each month, we will delve into crucial areas that shape effective leadership in the medical profession. All lectures offered via Zoom. First in the series is on Wednesday, March 27th, 5-6p. “Communication Skills for Team Leaders,” by Jeffrey Friedrich. Register for the series here!
- If you missed last week’s Navigating Parental Leave for Residents and Fellows, you can view the recording on the Housestaff Events webpage.
Black History Month
- Don’t miss this NURF sponsored diversity discussion with Lindia Willies-Jacobo, MD, FAAP. Dr. Willies-Jacobo’s talk is entitled “Physician Diversity and Belonging in Medical Education: Are We There Yet?” Friday, February 16th, 6p, via Zoom. More information and RSVP here! Learn more about NURF and sign up for their mailing list.
- MUST SEE – Black Men in White Coats Documentary! Don’t miss this powerful film that explores the systemic barriers preventing Black men from becoming doctors and the ultimate cost to our communities. Learn more about BMWC, and the Association of Black Women Physicians.
- Celebrate Black History Month with one of the upcoming events at Langston Seattle – including The Human Family – a recital with the cast of X: The Life of Times of Malcolm X – February 29th, 7p, at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute.
- Join Marc Bamuthi Joseph at Town Hall Seattle for his talk From Artistic Joy to Collective Wellness – exploring art as an agent of public healing. March 5th, 6:30p, Free hybrid event! Register here.
Mindfulness Minute
- This Valentine’s Day practice some Loving-Kindness for yourself and others. Check out this 5min guided practice, and the research on the positive impact this practice has on physicians. For a deeper dive, check out Jon Kabat-Zinn’s 40min loving kindness practice.
- As we sow the seeds of loving-kindness, you might also want to sow some actual seeds to nurture in the coming months. Here are some of my favorite seed companies: Floret Farm, American Meadows, and Adaptive Seeds.
- Give yourself the gift of deep rest with Yoga Nidra. Check out Uma Dinsmore Tuli’s practices through the Yoga Nidra Network. Rest well with this lovely wild Yoga Nidra recorded with the sounds of nature.
Laughter is Meditation
Valentine's Treats
Flower and Garden Festival
Lunar New Year Events
- Don’t miss the 57th Annual Lunar New Year Gala – sponsored by the UW Chinese Student Association. February 17th, 5:30p, Kane Hall.
- Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Seattle Chinese Garden, Saturday, February 24th, 11a-3p. More information about this Free event!
- Another option in the Chinatown/International District to celebrate Lunar New Year Celebration – with a food walk and children’s Bruce Lee costume celebration and parade. February 24th!
- Learn more about what the year of the Wood Dragon may bring!
Wellness Corner Quick Links
Gems from Treasure Valley
- Celebrate Black History Month with the Afro Blue: An Ode, Celebration, and Meditation – an exhibit showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Black Community in Idaho. At the Erma Hayman House. Exhibit runs through June.
- Meet the visual artist and photographer, Gracieux Baraka – who created the Afro Blue exhibit. Artist talk February 14th, 5:30-7:30p, Erma Hayman House.
- With love in the air this Valentine’s season, check out Romeo et Juliette at Morrison Center. February 23-25th.
- Stay up to date on local happenings by signing up for the From Boise newsletter!
Got Feedback for Us?
We’d love to hear it! Share your thoughts about the Wellness Corner, suggestions for future events, discounts or articles to highlight, or anything else you’d like to share. Please email your thoughts to Dipti Chrastka (diptic@uw.edu), Julia Kocian (jkocian@uw.edu), Patty Long-Brohm (pattylb@uw.edu), Howard Schafer (hischa5@uw.edu), and or Amy Wheat (amywheat@uw.edu).