Wellness
Providing care to patients begins with caring for oneself. Graduate medical training often requires rigorous work that can be draining and stressful. A key component of your success will be maintaining good health during training. Our team at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University understands and wants to help prepare trainees for continued success and health.
You may need a new personal physician or mental health provider when you start training. Even if you have no medical problems, we strongly encourage you to make an appointment with a primary care provider. Search our resources by type of care below.
Emotional / Mental Health
If you have been treated in the past for emotional or mental health issues, it’s especially important for you to continue treatment during training. This brief behavioral health screening is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations and key resources.
Because McGaw is committed to helping make mental healthcare accessible for trainees, we offer two pathways toward support and care:
- For acute or urgent issues, trainees should utilize Perspectives for counseling available 24 hours a day. Call or text 800-456-6327.
- For establishing ongoing care with a mental health professional, trainees should utilize McGaw’s Wellness Program with our partners at Meridian Psychiatric Partners. The wellness coordinator will respond to your email or call within 48 hours, discuss your needs and help establish either short- or longer-term care with an appropriate provider: mcgawwellness@meridianproviders.com | 312-477-2109
Likewise, the Department of Health and Human Services offers The Lifeline; free and confidential support services for talk, text and chat assistance for those seeking immediate 24/7 emotional support. Anyone can access via phone by dialing 988, texting 988 or by online chat.
As a reminder, McGaw trainees are allowed to attend medical appointments during weekday clinical and educational hours. Trainees must inform their program director in a timely fashion if they will be away to attend a medical appointment.
Physical Health
Physical wellness – including fitness, nutrition and proper rest – encourages the balance, energy and stress reduction. The following programs, services, resources and reading materials can help you achieve your personal fitness, nutritional and overall health goals.
Rest, Health & Wellness
- Your lives as trainees are busy and complicated. While this is an exciting time, as physicians-in-training you are vulnerable to mood disorders, anxiety and substance abuse problems, which can derail professional development and personal fulfillment. Please review this slide set to learn more about the signs of burnout, depression and substance abuse.
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
Optimize your health with a customized health and wellness plan and support. - NMH Nap Rooms
Napping rooms are located on the 4th and 6th floors of Feinberg (Door Code-67430).
Fitness
- NMH Fitness Room
Details available to NMH-based trainees on NMI. - Fitness Facilities: Northwestern Auxiliary Services
McGaw trainees can get a discounted rate at the downtown Fitness Formula Clubs and the Chicago Park District's Lake Shore Field house and facilities. - Yoga with Adrienne
YouTube channel in which a woman leads daily yoga sessions for free.
Substance Use
Please review this slide set to learn more about the signs of burnout, depression and substance abuse.
Meeting Finder
Rehabilitation Centers & Recovery
- Positive Sobriety: Evaluation and Treatment of the Impaired Healthcare Professional
- SMART Recovery- Self Management for Addiction Recovery