In a post-COVID world, residency programs nationwide have been faced with the challenge of building community and combating resident burnout. These challenges led the University of Pittsburgh Internal Medicine Residency Program to assess their program for ways to not only strengthen bonds among residents but also promote connections with the local community. Inspired by successful programs at other institutions, such as the neurology residency at Mass General, the Internal Medicine Residency Program has developed their own innovative house system.
The Residency Program’s new house system consists of five houses, with each house comprised of one chief resident, four faculty members, one medical education program manager, and randomly assigned residents. The houses distinguish themselves from one another by embracing different humanistic aspects of the medical profession:
- House Carson, named after environmental pioneer, Rachel Carson. With the wise turtle as its mascot, House Carson is dedicated to the protection and appreciation of nature.
- House Salk, named after medical innovator, Dr. Jonas Salk. House Salk is committed to the advancement of medical knowledge and the well-being of humanity, represented by a healing dove as its mascot.
- House Clemente, named after legendary athlete and humanitarian, Roberto Clemente. House Clemente values courage, determination, and selflessness. House Clemente’s mascot is the noble lion.
- House Moon, named after John Moon, a pioneering member of the Freedom House EMT in Pittsburgh. House Moon represents the principles of bravery, service, and innovation in emergency care. Its mascot is the guardian phoenix.
- House Rogers, named after Fred Rogers. House Rogers embodies the principles of kindness, empathy, and community, with the friendly owl as their mascot.
To learn more about this new residency house system, we sat down with Chief Residents Anne Richardson, MD, and Benjamin Zuchelkowski, MD.
The motivation for the house system
Residency burnout and a sense of disconnect within the resident program were becoming increasingly common issues, especially as residents continue to navigate post-pandemic dynamics. Residency program leaders and chief residents recognized these gaps and saw an opportunity to launch a community-focused initiative that provides more structured, smaller social groups within the larger residency program. This house system was created to meet the unique needs of our residents and encourage a deeper sense of community.
The house system fosters internal community
By dividing residents into smaller houses, this system allows them to connect more meaningfully by offering an environment that is meant to feel less overwhelming than large program-wide events. Each house will host social gatherings focused on building relationships. Additionally, by incorporating a lighthearted element of competition among the houses, the house system hopes to spark camaraderie, helping the residents rally together in pursuit of shared goals.
Connecting with the local community through outreach
One major goal of the house system is to not just build community internally but also to enhance residents’ connections with the surrounding Pittsburgh community. Each house is encouraged to organize an annual outreach event that benefits a local charity in the namesake of their house.
Measuring the system’s success
To track the success of the resident house system the program plans to use validated surveys that will assess burnout, residency sense of community, and well-being. These tools will assess residents’ feelings of connection and support, providing valuable insights that will inform future improvements. Additionally, the ACGME survey, a standardized assessment distributed annually to residency programs, will help monitor how the house system has affected our residents.
To ensure the sustainability of the house system over time, each future chief resident has been assigned to separate houses. By equipping these future leaders with hands-on experience, the program is setting up a smooth transition that will help carry the house system forwards for years to come. With guidance from faculty, these chiefs will continue to adapt the program to meet the evolving needs of residents.
Faculty and staff involvement
While the house system is still in its beginning stages, program leaders are enthusiastic about the potential for greater faculty participation. Increased engagement from all faculty members can only enhance the sense of community and support that the house system is focused on creating. Staff members are also welcome to participate, particularly in community service events, where they can work alongside residents to make a positive impact.