SUPPORT GROUP & BALINT GROUP

A monthly Support Group is held for our PGY1 and PGY2 residents, and Balint group is held for our PGY3 residents; with the goal to help all of our residents process personal and professional issues specific to family medicine physician training in a supportive atmosphere. The Residency Department collaborates with the Aviva Health Behavioral Health Providers to facilitate the sessions for each resident year group. 

The American Balint Society describes a Balint group as “a group of physicians or other clinicians who meet regularly and present clinical cases in order to better understand the clinician-patient relationship. Whereas physicians are usually trained to seek the “right” answer to medical problems, in a Balint group, the focus is on enhancing the clinician’s ability to connect with and care for the patient. A Balint group session begins with a member’s presenting a case for the group to discuss. The group learns about the patient through the presenter’s story. During the facilitated discussion, the group members uncover different and new perceptions about the patient’s and physician’s feelings and their experiences with each other.”

Fifth Thursday

As part of the Didactic Schedule, each quarter there is a month where a “Fifth Thursday” occurs, these days are dedicated to Cultural Awareness. We intend the cultural awareness activities to build comradery and better understanding of our community in Roseburg, while encouraging our residents to explore learning opportunities outside the hospital/clinic setting. The “Fifth Thursday” activities are intended to be enjoyable, fun, team-building experiences that not only teach the residents more about the community, but encourage resident wellness and well-being.

Blue Zones

Blue Zones Project® is a community-wide well-being improvement initiative to help make healthy choices easier for our Douglas County residents.

In support of Oregon’s Healthiest State initiative, Blue Zones Project® encourages changes to our community that lead to healthier options. By bringing residents, worksites, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and government together, Blue Zones Project® will inspire a community movement that has the power to improve the quality of life for everyone.

What began as a New York Times bestseller by National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner has evolved into a global movement; leading to a program that helps us live longer, healthier, and happier lives. From Sardinia, Italy, to Okinawa, Japan, to Loma Linda, California, people are living vibrant, active lives well into their hundreds. Buettner calls these areas “Blue Zones” and they’re the inspiration behind his book, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.

We are proud to have Blue Zones Project – Umpqua right here in our community. The majority of resident wellness is about taking care of ourselves, how to prevent burnout and increase resiliency. Starting with yourself is a great first step, which is why RFMR feels being involved in the community and community initiatives such as the Blue Zones Project® are great opportunities for our residents; improving quality of life for our residents and offering ways they can improve the lives of their patients.

To learn more about local Blue Zones Project – Umpqua initiatives, visit https://www.facebook.com/ThriveUmpqua

Resident Retreat

Annual retreat for residents and their families; encourages healthy relationships with an emphasis on our family/support at home and the importance of maintaining those relationships.

Time for Personal Wellness

As part of the Aviva Health Benefits package, residents are provided paid time off throughout the academic year and are encouraged to use these days. We believe personal wellness, family relationships, and work-life balance are vital to resident success. See the Salary & Benefits section for more information about paid vacation and sick time.

Watch Juliete Palenshus' Tedx talk on Creating a Culture of Well-being!