Support Resources

The University of Minnesota Medical School is committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of our residents and fellows. Please see the categories below for more detailed and comprehensive resources and support.

What do you need help with...

Immediate Resources

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I Need Help With Primary Care Needs

Available Primary Care Providers in the Community

A list of primary care doctors was created to help residents/fellows find a primary care doctor in the community.

  • Once you identify a doctor from the list, please check your insurance to make sure that the doctor is in-network. 
  • NOTE: If you do not have Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance, check with your current healthcare provider
  • List of primary care doctors 

Office of Student Health Benefits (Blue Cross Blue Shield medical plan)

Doctor on Demand (BCSB)

  • Doctor on Demand is available to all residents/fellows who have opted into the Office of Student Health Benefit plan and have BCBS insurance
  • Doctor On Demand is available for medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Mental health appointments are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.
  • Register today. It only takes a few minutes.
  • More information on Doctor on Demand

8 Free Confidential Counseling Sessions - Physician Wellness Collaborative

  • Independent non-profit that is not directly connected to any one employer
  • 24/7 counseling - no cost to residents/fellows
  • Services are provided to all physicians, residents, fellows and family members in the state of Minnesota
  • There is no “list” that a resident has to be on in order to receive services
  • Sessions are “per issue”. A resident could use eight sessions to talk about a stressful experience, and then receive another 8 free of charge for depression or another issue
  • Call the Physician Wellness Collaborative 612-362-3747
  • "When you call to make an appointment, state that you are calling to make an appointment through the Physicians Wellness Collaborative support program for residents and fellows." 
  • Press '0' if you have an urgent need to speak to a counselor.
  • More information on the Physician Wellness Collaborative

Peer Connect App- Physician Wellness Collaborative

PWC PeerConnect is a joint project between Minnesota Metro Council on Graduate Medical Education and the Physicians Wellness Collaborative and provides a confidential space for you to connect with a supportive colleague who understands what it’s like to be a resident.

  1. Download the PWC PeerConnect app ad update your contact information and contact preferences.
  2. Select who you want to be part of your Peer Support Team. All Peer Support Mentors are recent residency graduates and/or practicing physicians who are passionate about supporting residents’ wellbeing.
  3. You’re ready to use the app! Anytime you want to talk with someone who has walked a similar path, click the “Connect” button and your Peer Support Team will be notified. You will receive a call or text (however you indicated you’d like to be contacted) within 24 hours.

NOTE: The Peer Supports Mentors are not therapists, but if you would like additional support, there are extensive resources in the app with therapists and clinicians who specialize in providing care to healthcare workers. You can find more info and filter by location under the Resources tab. 

 If you have questions or are having any trouble accessing PWC PeerConnect, please reach out to Amber Kerrigan at akerrigan@metrodoctors.com, Phone: 612-362-3706

Ongoing Counseling

  • Check for in-network Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) mental health providers
    • BCBS in-network mental health providers have a $10.00 co-pay
    • There are no limits/year on how many appointments you schedule
    • Log in to your BCBS portal and search for a doctor
    • Call customer service toll-free number at 1 (888) 630-2583
    • NOTE: If you do not have Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance, check with your current healthcare provider

Disability Insurance:

Many people are aware that medical diagnosis or conditions can sometimes impact disability rates and eligibility. The University of Minnesota has vetted a disability insurance product by Guardian through Foster Klima.   The disability insurance does not require a medical examination or disclosure of medical conditions, as long as you have not been denied by a disability insurance company other than Guardian within the last 5 years and you have been in your program for more than 9 months. This product is only available to University of Minnesota residents and fellows while they are in training, and up to 90 days after graduation.

For more information:

Life Insurance Concerns

The University provides $50,000 of basic group term life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance to all Graduate Medical Education residents and fellows. Enrollment is automatic and coverage is guaranteed. You have the opportunity to purchase supplemental life insurance for yourself, your spouse and your children. The amount elected for yourself and your spouse includes a matching AD&D benefit.

  • Apply for supplemental individual life, spouse, or children within your first 30 days of eligibility, without evidence of insurability.
  • Insurance provided by Minnesota Life Insurance Company, a Securian Financial Group affiliate

For more information:

I Need Help With My Mental Health

8 Free Confidential Counseling Sessions - Physician Wellness Collaborative

  • Independent non-profit that is not directly connected to any one employer
  • 24/7 counseling - no cost to residents/fellows
  • Services are provided to all physicians, residents, fellows and family members in the state of Minnesota
  • There is no “list” that a resident has to be on in order to receive services
  • Sessions are “per issue”. A resident could use eight sessions to talk about a stressful experience, and then receive another 8 free of charge for depression or another issue
  • Call the Physician Wellness Collaborative 612-362-3747
  • "When you call to make an appointment, state that you are calling to make an appointment through the Physicians Wellness Collaborative support program for residents and fellows." 
  • Press '0' if you have an urgent need to speak to a counselor
  • More information on the Physician Wellness Collaborative

Peer Connect App- Physician Wellness Collaborative

PWC PeerConnect is a joint project between Minnesota Metro Council on Graduate Medical Education and the Physicians Wellness Collaborative and provides a confidential space for you to connect with a supportive colleague who understands what it’s like to be a resident.

  1. Download the PWC PeerConnect app ad update your contact information and contact preferences.
  2. Select who you want to be part of your Peer Support Team. All Peer Support Mentors are recent residency graduates and/or practicing physicians who are passionate about supporting residents’ wellbeing.
  3. You’re ready to use the app! Anytime you want to talk with someone who has walked a similar path, click the “Connect” button and your Peer Support Team will be notified. You will receive a call or text (however you indicated you’d like to be contacted) within 24 hours.

NOTE: The Peer Supports Mentors are not therapists, but if you would like additional support, there are extensive resources in the app with therapists and clinicians who specialize in providing care to healthcare workers. You can find more info and filter by location under the Resources tab. 

 If you have questions or are having any trouble accessing PWC PeerConnect, please reach out to Amber Kerrigan at akerrigan@metrodoctors.com, Phone: 612-362-3706

Ongoing Counseling

  • Check for in-network Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) mental health providers
  • If you do not have BCBS insurance, check with your current healthcare provider

Online Mental Health Tools

  • Learn to Live is an online confidential mental health service that includes;
    • Online assessments
    • Self-paced digital programs
    • Optional coaching at no charge
    • Login in HERE, Enter code 'UMN'

 

  • ACGME Aware App
    • Reflect on how their own cognitive habits may impact their sense of well-being
    • Identify strategies for promoting resilience and well-being
    • Identify helpful practices and resources for improving well-being
    • Download the free app on your smart phone in the google play/or apple store
    • More information on ACGME Aware App, Podcasts, and Workshops

 

Overcoming Barriers to Care

I am concerned my schedule will not accommodate personal appointments.

  • This is a common concern for residents and fellows because they have busy schedules.
  • Residents and fellows in ACGME accredited programs must be given the opportunity to attend medical, mental health, and dental care appointments, including those scheduled during their working hours.
  • All residents and fellows can use Health Leave (formally known as Sick Leave) for appointments. Health leave is time away from work to use to care for your own wellbeing or for the wellbeing of your dependent children or immediate family members.
  • Navigating leaves can be difficult and confusing. Make sure that you are working with your Department Human Resources person and your Program Coordinator when filling out your leave form. If you are having issues with your program in scheduling leave absences, make sure to use the path of escalation in the GME Supervision Policy.
  • If your health needs require more than just occasional appointments (physical therapy, counseling, chemotherapy, infusions, substance use treatment, etc.). Please know the Office of Disability Resources (DRC) has a program called UReturn which accepts documentation of medical necessity, and is able to describe your need and negotiate accommodations directly with your training program.

Licensing Concerns

  • The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice’s Physician License Application asks, “Do you currently have any condition that is not being appropriately treated which is likely to impair or adversely affect your ability to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety in a competent, ethical and professional manner?”
  • If you are seeking information about physician license applications in other states, this information should be available online by searching the state and physician license eligibility. 

Disability Insurance Concerns

Many people are aware that medical diagnosis or conditions can sometimes impact disability rates and eligibility. The University of Minnesota has vetted a disability insurance product by Guardian through Foster Klima.   The disability insurance does not require a medical examination or disclosure of medical conditions, as long as you have not been denied by a disability insurance company other than Guardian within the last 5 years and you have been in your program for more than 9 months. This product is only available to University of Minnesota residents and fellows while they are in training, and up to 90 days after graduation.

For more information:

Life Insurance Concerns

The University provides $50,000 of basic group term life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance to all Graduate Medical Education residents and fellows. Enrollment is automatic and coverage is guaranteed. You have the opportunity to purchase supplemental life insurance for yourself, your spouse and your children. The amount elected for yourself and your spouse includes a matching AD&D benefit.

  • Apply for supplemental individual life, spouse, or children within your first 30 days of eligibility, without evidence of insurability.
  • Insurance provided by Minnesota Life Insurance Company, a Securian Financial Group affiliate

For more information:

 

I Need Help With Professional or Academic Coaching

Free Confidential Resident & Fellow Coaching

  • What? The GME Office offers professional coaching 
  • Who? Carolyn Hildebrandt, the GME Organizational Development Manager 
  • Example of topics: Interpersonal relationships with care teams, attendings, other trainees, handling critical feedback, time management and prioritizing, conflict, career decision making, leadership, etc.
  • Carolyn is a licensed psychologist with 20 years of experience in healthcare systems with coaching and developing people.
  • Make a coaching appointment with Carolyn 

Peer Support - Physician Wellness Collaborative

  • Independent non-profit that is not directly connected to any one employer
  • Peer to peer connections (individual and group) for physicians to talk with other physicians
  • Services are provided to all physicians, residents, fellows and family members in the state of Minnesota
  • There is no “list” that a resident has to be on in order to receive services.
  • Call the Physician Wellness Collaborative 612-362-3747
  • "When you call to make an appointment, state that you are calling to make an appointment through the Physicians Wellness Collaborative support program for residents and fellows." 
  • More information on the Physician Wellness Collaborative

Peer Connect App- Physician Wellness Collaborative

PWC PeerConnect is a joint project between Minnesota Metro Council on Graduate Medical Education and the Physicians Wellness Collaborative and provides a confidential space for you to connect with a supportive colleague who understands what it’s like to be a resident.

  1. Download the PWC PeerConnect app ad update your contact information and contact preferences.
  2. Select who you want to be part of your Peer Support Team. All Peer Support Mentors are recent residency graduates and/or practicing physicians who are passionate about supporting residents’ wellbeing.
  3. You’re ready to use the app! Anytime you want to talk with someone who has walked a similar path, click the “Connect” button and your Peer Support Team will be notified. You will receive a call or text (however you indicated you’d like to be contacted) within 24 hours.

NOTE: The Peer Supports Mentors are not therapists, but if you would like additional support, there are extensive resources in the app with therapists and clinicians who specialize in providing care to healthcare workers. You can find more info and filter by location under the Resources tab. 

If you have questions or are having any trouble accessing PWC PeerConnect, please reach out to Amber Kerrigan at akerrigan@metrodoctors.com, Phone: 612-362-3706

 

Addressing Training Gaps- Resources for Trainees

People can struggle while in training, and that's OK.  It's the desire of each program to identify any issues and work with you to close the gaps in performance.  This following linked site explains process steps and resources Program Directors and Trainees utilize to assist in closing gaps to help you achieve success in your program, and ultimately in your future practice.

I Need Help With Personal Care Needs

Emergency Child Care Resources

Every resident and fellow has been assigned a UMP Workday employee number. You will need the UMP employee ID number to register with Bright Horizons. Email Christy at gme@umn.edu for this 5 digit number.

  • Bright Horizons emergency backup care is available for all residents/fellows who are sponsored by the University of Minnesota.
  • Ten instances a calendar year for emergency back up care
  • Centers: $15/child, $25/family
  • In home $6/hour (up to 3 care recipients, 4 hour min)
  • Know the days your daycare plans to close? Plan ahead and book care up to 60 days in advance!
  • If care cannot be arranged when booked in advance a $100 stipend will be given to you to arrange and pay a provider yourself (family, neighbor, etc).
  • Exclusive discounts on tutoring and test prep through Revolution Prep, Sylvan Learning, and Varsity Tutors

Childcare Discount on Everyday Care

Get preferred enrollment and waived registration fees for ongoing child care at Bright Horizons centers, tuition discounts at network partner child care centers (such as Kindercare), free membership to Sittercity’s marketplace of sitters, discounts on personalized assistance from a nanny placement service, and access to before-and after-school programs on-site in schools nationwide.

  • Email GME at gme@umn.edu for your UMP workday ID # 
  • Create a BrightHorizons Account using the Employer code and password on the "more info" doc below.
  • Click “Center Finder” on your Bright Horizon page, from there you can search for the centers in the extended network and select “Visit Center Website” to find the discount coupon.  
  • More information on services and log in help

Childcare on Campus

Pet Care

  • Email GME at gme@umn.edu for your UMP workday ID # 
  • Create a Bright Horizons Account using the Employer code and password on the "more info" doc below.
  • Use your childcare credit for Dog Walking, Overnight Boarding, Cat Drop Ins, or Pet Sitting through Rover.
  • 1 childcare back-up care use = $150 Rover credit or 2 back-up care uses = $300
  • Calendar year each person is allowed 10 childcare backup days that can be converted to Rover Credit.
  • After the 10 days have been exhausted, residents and fellows can use Sittercity to find and pay for a pet sitter as an additional option.  You will receive a waived membership fee ($149 value) and free basic background checks on providers. 
  • More information on services and log in help
  • FAQ on Pet Services

Postpartum & Lactation Spaces

Online Mental Health Tools

  • Learn to Live is a online confidential mental health service that includes:
  • Online assessments
  • Self-paced digital programs
  • Optional coaching at no charge
  • Login in HERE, Enter code 'UMN'

Helpful Information for Resident/Fellows about Participating Hospitals in the Twin Cities Area

Disability Insurance:

Many people are aware that medical diagnosis or conditions can sometimes impact disability rates and eligibility. The University of Minnesota has vetted a disability insurance product by Guardian through Foster Klima.   The disability insurance does not require a medical examination or disclosure of medical conditions, as long as you have not been denied by a disability insurance company other than Guardian within the last 5 years and you have been in your program for more than 9 months. This product is only available to University of Minnesota residents and fellows while they are in training, and up to 90 days after graduation.

For more information:

Life Insurance Concerns

The University provides $50,000 of basic group term life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance to all Graduate Medical Education residents and fellows. Enrollment is automatic and coverage is guaranteed. You have the opportunity to purchase supplemental life insurance for yourself, your spouse and your children. The amount elected for yourself and your spouse includes a matching AD&D benefit.

  • Apply for supplemental individual life, spouse, or children within your first 30 days of eligibility, without evidence of insurability.
  • Insurance provided by Minnesota Life Insurance Company, a Securian Financial Group affiliate

For more information:

I Need Help with Sleep and Fatigue Management

On the GME Orientation google site you will find information created by Dr. Michael Howell regarding sleep and fatigue management.

Click here to listen to the content.

I Need Help With Specialty Care Needs

Monthly Confidential Support Meetings for Physicians in Recovery- Physician Wellness Collaborative

  • The Physician Wellness Collaborative offers mutual support, education and discussion of issues that are unique to physicians in recovery
  • Meetings qualify for HPSP attendance requirements
  • For more information on how to join 

Alcoholics Anonymous

  • Find Alcoholics Anonymous meetings throughout the state of Minnesota
  • AA members “share their experiences, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.”

Narcotics Anonymous

  • Find Narcotics Anonymous meetings throughout the state of Minnesota
  • There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using

Emergency Child Care Resources

Every resident and fellow has been assigned a UMP Workday employee number. You will need the UMP employee ID number to register with Bright Horizons. Email Christy at gme@umn.edu for this 5 digit number.

  • Bright Horizons emergency backup care is available for all residents/fellows who are sponsored by the University of Minnesota.
  • Ten instances a year for emergency back up care
  • $15/day for child, (rates last updated 1/26/21).
  • $25/day for family (rates last updated 1/26/21).
  • Know the days your daycare plans to close? Plan ahead and book care up to 90 days in advance!
  • If care cannot be arranged when booked in advance a $100 stipend will be given to you to arrange and pay a provider yourself (family, neighbor, etc).
  • Exclusive discounts on tutoring and test prep through Revolution Prep, Sylvan Learning, and Varsity Tutors

Student Parent Help Center

  • The University of Minnesota's Student Parent Help Center provides parenting resources to University students and trainees
  • Contact the SPHC by Calling 612-626-6015 or emailing sphc@umn.edu

Sleep Resources

Additional University Support Offices

Didn't find what you were looking for? Let us know: med-web@umn.edu.