Resident Life

It’s no secret that residency is challenging. At Carolinas Medical Center (CMC), our goal is not only to support our residents professionally but also personally as they navigate this exciting time. Whether through the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office, program leadership, the wellness committee, or the social committee, there are always events where residents can relax and enjoy time with their colleagues. In a city like Charlotte, there are countless fun ways to spend a day outside the program.

Residency Events

Social Committee

The Social Committee, composed of residents and faculty, plans exciting events around Charlotte throughout the year. Past activities have included organized workouts/runs at local breweries, tailgating before Panthers games, poker night at attendings’ homes, crawfish boils, resident vs. attending kickball games, virtual escape rooms, hikes at Crowders Mountain, and trivia at local breweries.

Resident Families

Every resident is assigned to a family during Intern Orientation, consisting of two members from each residency class. Throughout the year, families compete in friendly competitions, trying to earn the most points. They also meet for activities outside the hospital, exploring what Charlotte has to offer.

GME/Program Sponsored Events

Residents are provided clinical coverage to attend the annual Holiday Ball and Graduation. The program also sponsors a Pediatrics-Only Graduation where families gather to celebrate our graduates and their accomplishments. We celebrate our newly matched interns at a lunch event on Match Day followed by a party at our program director’s house. Fellowship match is typically celebrated at a local restaurant or brewery.

Wellness

Wellness Activities

Past resident wellness activities have included quarterly class dinners at the program director’s house, pumpkin painting, massages during noon conference, Zoom happy hours, monthly wellness time scheduled during academic half-day, and Zoom trivia.

Wellness Committee

The Wellness Committee meets monthly to discuss overall provider wellness within the program and hospital system. The group brainstorms wellness ideas and presents activities happening across the system and campuses to promote wellness across Atrium Health. Residents are welcome to join the committee at any point.

"One of the reasons I loved this program so much was its emphasis on wellness and getting out to be active in Charlotte! One of my co-interns has started a running group, we play ultimate frisbee and beach volleyball when possible, and there’s a strong emphasis on mental health." – Rebecca Raffler, PGY-1

More Wellness

• Interns are greeted with several ‘welcome’ events during orientation, including happy hour at our program director’s house and a Field Day full of friendly competitions.
• Annual retreats for each class centered on financial and career planning followed by off-site activities.
• Residents are scheduled several “administrative” half-days throughout the year to schedule appointments or catch up on life.
• All interns receive an appointment with a counselor within Atrium Health’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• All residents and faculty have access to free, confidential, and convenient counseling through EAP.
• Our program directors are approachable and available for texts, calls, emails, and in-person meetings at any hour of the day.

Residency Perks

• Free covered parking.
• Quarterly meal stipend.
• On-site gym.
• On-site AHEC-affiliated library.
• Multiple resident lounges with free snacks and coffee.