Prioritizing Wellness
In a post-pandemic world , employee wellness is an ever present and important aspect of our industry . Through a partnership with the UAB Medicine Office of Wellness , the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is prioritizing initiatives that highlight and improve wellness for departmental faculty , staff , and residents . Shaping experiences and addressing wellness detractors are strategic goals of the department .
Kevin Williams , MD Department Wellness Officer
For our team , fellowship and physical activity seemed a natural fit and fun way to refocus on wellness . The department participated in the annual 2022 Birmingham Mercedes Marathon race and consistently attends UAB Athletics and Birmingham Legion FC games . While COVID-19 hindered many social activities , more in-person and virtual social gatherings are now taking place , with the help of Orthopaedic Surgery resident Megan Lameka , MD .
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & WELLNESS
Other efforts include the establishment of a call room at UAB Hospital-Highlands equipped with exercise equipment and the addition of academic sessions on financial wellness .
Ortho GEMs Program
The faculty , staff , and trainees in the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery are top-notch professionals who work incredibly hard and are committed to advancing the department ’ s missions . With this in mind , the department launched a program to recognize staff who “ Go the Extra Mile ”, or GEMs . To date , over 30 team members have been nominated by colleagues for this honor . We thank our entire department for their hard work over the challenging past two years , and in particular , we recognize our Ortho GEMs for going above and beyond .
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