We know that resident well-being is essential for optimal resident learning, competent and compassionate clinical care, and the smooth functioning of the residency program and department as a whole. For this reason we have devised a series of experiences which promote a sense of collegiality and enhance our residents' emotional health.

Graduate Education Committee (GEC)
This committee is made up of the residency training director and associate directors, other faculty, chief residents and two elected representatives from each class. Each member has equal voice with full voting power. The GEC reviews and discusses virtually every aspect of residency education and is constantly striving to improve and evolve our program.

UCSD Housestaff Association
Psychiatry residents are asked each year to participate in the UCSD Housestaff Association by sending a representative to its Executive Committee. The Housestaff Association provides a forum for open dialogue between the UCSD administration and housestaff. It has been instrumental in improving resident's benefits, upgrading call rooms, and maintaining good morale. Other functions organized by the Association include quarterly dinners with the administration and the end-of-the-year picnic.

Psychiatry Residency Selection Committee
Residents are asked to participate in this committee that is involved in all aspects of interviewing and selection of new psychiatry residents. We do everything possible to insure that the residents selected for admission are a "good fit" with our program.

Experiential Support Groups
PGY2 residents are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the group experience by becoming a member of the Resident Support Group lead by a skilled group leader. This experience is so popular that most classes elect to continue the group process into the PG3 and sometimes, the PG4 year.

Mentorship Program
Our program strives for close and collegial contact between residents and faculty. The mentorship program allows faculty and residents to meet informally, one-on-one to discuss career goals, research interests, or personal pursuits. Our hope is that the resident and faculty person will form an early mentorship relationship that can be built upon throughout the four years.

Retreat
Each year, residents have a 1-2 day retreat to have fun, get to know each other, discuss strengths and weaknesses of the program, and make recommendations for improvement.

No Cost Psychotherapy
In concert with the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society, residents may receive up to one year of no cost psychotherapy. At the end of the academic year, residents and their psychotherapist may work out a mutually acceptable sliding scale to continue working together.