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Resident Wellness and Culture

A Program Built Around People

At UMMC PM&R, wellness is more than a policy—it is part of our culture.

Our residents learn in an environment where faculty know them personally, celebrate milestones with them, and support both their professional and personal goals. We believe outstanding physicians are created when residents are challenged academically while also having the opportunity to build meaningful lives outside the hospital.

A Family-Friendly Residency

Our residents, faculty, spouses, partners, and children regularly gather throughout the year, creating a close-knit and supportive community.

Whether relocating alone or with a family, residents find a welcoming environment with strong mentorship, meaningful friendships, and a culture that genuinely values life outside medicine. Many faculty and residents are parents themselves, fostering a culture that understands the importance of family, flexibility, and balance.

Quarterly Resident Events

The residency hosts social and wellness events throughout the year that bring together residents, faculty, spouses, partners, and children.

Examples include:

• Fall family picnic
• Football tailgates
• Holiday celebration
• Faculty-hosted dinners
• Resident appreciation events
• Community service activities
• Outdoor social gatherings
• Graduation celebration
• Welcome events for incoming residents
• Family-friendly seasonal activities

These events provide opportunities for residents and faculty to connect outside the clinical environment, strengthen relationships across training classes, and foster a supportive residency community.

Life in Jackson

Jackson offers the advantages of a capital city with a lower cost of living than many large academic medical centers.

Residents enjoy:

• Affordable housing
• Family-friendly neighborhoods
• Short commute times
• Local restaurants and coffee shops
• Parks and outdoor recreation
• Community festivals and cultural events
• Sporting events
• Easy weekend travel throughout the Southeast

Work-Life Balance

During PM&R training years (PGY-2 through PGY-4), residents benefit from:

• No overnight in-house call
• No night float rotations
• Protected educational time
• Strong faculty mentorship
• Team-based clinical care

This structure allows residents to focus on learning while maintaining healthy and fulfilling lives outside of medicine.

Mentorship and Community

Each resident is paired with faculty mentors who support:

• Career Planning
• Fellowship Decisions
• Research Opportunities
• Leadership Development
• Professional Growth
• Personal Wellness