Resident Information

Resident Quality of Life

“Baystate was so diverse yet so many of the residents spoke about the culture of the program known for its supportive environment and family-oriented nature paying close attention to everyone as an individual not just at work! I would say that the support was constant and helping through every step of the way. I aspire to be a cardiologist and the resources that Baystate has is just unlimited! To describe my opportunity to be in this place is just beyond words and forever grateful!” Prasana Ramesh, MD - Manager (PGY-II Resident)

Our sense of community and friendly, supportive atmosphere goes a long way towards mitigating the burden that the practice of medicine, and especially residency training, has on wellness. Still, we recognize that you will be under considerable stress.

We measure and monitor resident wellness periodically and are pleased that we are well above the norm. But we continue to focus on ways to maximize the well-being of our community by paying attention to all aspects of wellness—physical, social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial.

All of our residents are members of our Wellness Committee, with a smaller group serving as a Steering Committee to oversee our wellness curriculum and activities. At work, you can take advantage of our OTC medicine kit available for after-hour needs—periodic pet therapy and chair massage. A standout feature of our program is the monthly Cultural Diversity Celebration, fostering a sense of community and inclusion. We host annual events like the Holiday Gala, ski trips, and the Hidden Talent Show, along with more frequent social gatherings, including monthly wellness events, wine tastings, and pick-up softball and soccer games. 

Work-Life Integration

At our residency program, we emphasize flexible scheduling to support work-life integration. Our program features a thoughtfully structured orientation, including the "Fly-Up" schedule, allowing interns to adjust smoothly to residency life. With no 24-hour shifts and a focus on manageable workloads, residents experience a balanced approach to clinical duties. These efforts ensure that residents can thrive both professionally and personally while maintaining their well-being throughout training.

Workload Limitation and Progressive Responsibility

We prioritize both education and patient safety by ensuring that residents are not overloaded with more patients than they can comfortably manage. To achieve this, we limit the number of admissions for residents, the total patient load, the frequency of night calls, and the number of months on night float. These limits are supported by conscientious faculty and a resident support system that is available 24/7.

Our program utilizes a graduated, competency-based approach to gradually increase clinical and educational responsibilities. New interns begin with a month-long "fly-up" period, during which they care for up to 4 patients on the wards, 1-2 patients in the MICU and CICU, and manage up to 3 patients per session in the outpatient clinic. This gradual transition allows interns to familiarize themselves with the hospital system and residency duties before their patient load increases incrementally: starting from 4, progressing to 6, and eventually reaching a maximum of 7 patients as the year advances.

Flexibility in Scheduling

We recognize that residents may encounter a variety of personal and family needs during their medical training. At Baystate, we are committed to accommodating special scheduling requests that arise due to childbearing, health issues, spouse career obligations, and family crises. We are proud that no resident has ever had to leave the program because of financial, personal, educational, or family challenges.

In addition, our residents have the flexibility to choose their academic schedule and elective rotations each year. Vacation time is also flexible, ranging from 1 day to up to 4 weeks per academic year. Residents collaborate closely with program leadership to ensure that their individual needs are met, which is a testament to the strong culture of community and support within our program.

Night Float and Call Schedule

Our well-established night float system is designed to support day teams and ensure high-quality care during the night, without the need for overnight in-house calls. Instead, we provide dedicated night coverage in the MICU, CICU, and medicine wards. On the medicine wards, the night team works alongside a dedicated academic hospitalist, while in the MICU and CICU, they collaborate with a critical care fellow and attending physician. Night cross-coverage is managed by a resident, under the supervision of senior residents and the critical care fellow in the units. This structure guarantees comprehensive coverage for both admissions and cross-coverage, with a strong focus on education and resident learning.

Holiday Coverage

We actively encourage our residents to take time off during one of the holiday weeks to spend with family and loved ones, recognizing the importance of rest and connection. In our commitment to inclusivity, we also arrange coverage for a variety of cultural and religious celebrations, ensuring that all residents can observe and celebrate their significant occasions. By accommodating diverse traditions and holidays, we strive to foster a supportive and respectful environment that values each resident's personal and cultural needs.

Wellness Initiatives

To promote resident well-being, we offer dedicated wellness days and structured time off for medical appointments. Additionally, all residents have free access to our onsite Employee Assistance Program and Marvin Teletherapy services. These resources offer confidential therapy sessions on an as-needed basis, supporting the mental health and emotional resilience of our residents.