Physician Health and Resilience
The KP Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency values the health and wellness of our residents. We believe that doctors who take care of themselves take better care of their patients as modeled by our supportive faculty. Our goal is to have our residents “thrive” by having a workable schedule (no overnight shifts in the first year and no 24-hour call at all!), strict adherence to ACGME Resident Work Hours requirements.
Formal residency wellness practice includes:
- Resident Balint Group: Balint is a group method of discussing and reflecting on the doctor-patient relationship. The purpose of the Balint Group Session is to build empathy for the patient and to creatively explore the unique bond between doctor and patient.
- Personal & Professional Development (P&PD) Groups: Regularly scheduled with protected time for each class, twice per month, Personal and Professional Development (P&PD) sessions are facilitated by a faculty member to foster support and community during this dramatic time of growth and experience.
- Residents participate in HeartMath mind-body coherence training and practice for reducing stress and increasing resilience
- Quarterly administration of the Physician Wellness Inventory (PWI) to monitor resident’s emotional and mental health.
- Residents have access to our Integrative Medicine Curriculum that includes time for self-reflection, personal health goal setting, and respect for the body, mind, and spiritual aspects of the resident experience.
- Affinity BIPOC Groups are available for Black/African-American and Latine residents with plans to expand to more groups.
- Sacred listening circle where we honor stories that serves the group by guiding collective healing and support.
- Fun! Regularly scheduled activities through Physician Health & Wellness (movie nights, ski trips, group hikes, sports games) and Live Well Be Well employee wellness program.
In the words of Molly Kay, Class of 2026:
As a third-year resident with two young children, I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a family medicine program that combines outstanding full-scope clinical training with a strong commitment to resident well-being. From inpatient medicine to OB and outpatient continuity care, I’m gaining the experience I need to confidently practice anywhere while still having the flexibility and support to be present for my family. It’s a rare and invaluable balance that allows me to grow both as a physician and a parent
