Support Resources

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)

• Health Plan & Dental Plans
• Wellbeing perks
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Coverage
• Cobra
• Information on these benefits can be found on the Office of Student Health Benefits Website
• NOTE: If you do not have Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance, check with your current healthcare provider

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
• Press '0' if you have an urgent need to speak to a counselor
• More information on the Physician Wellness Collaborative

6 Additional Free Confidential Counseling Sessions - Vital Worklife

• Call Vital Worklife at 1-877-731-3949
• Identify yourself as a University of Minnesota Resident/Fellow
• More information on Vital Worklife services

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:

• Visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website
• Click Resident, Fellow, and Interns from the left side navigation  
• Scroll down to Individual Disability Policy

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:

• Visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website
• Click Resident, Fellow, and Interns from the left side navigation  
• Scroll down to Life Insurance

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
• Press '0' if you have an urgent need to speak to a counselor
• More information on the Physician Wellness Collaborative

6 Additional Free Confidential Counseling Sessions - Vital Worklife

• Call Vital Worklife at 1-877-731-3949
• Identify yourself as a University of Minnesota Resident/Fellow
• More information on Vital Worklife services

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
• 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

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.
  • ACGME Common Program Requirements
  • Scroll down to VI.C : Wellbeing, in that section on Page 45 VI.C.1.d).(1) outlines this requirement.

• 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.
  • GME Leave Policy
  • Scroll down the policy to Health Leave

• 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.
• Call the Disability Resource Center directly to schedule an intake: 612-624-3316
• You can also begin the registration process by filling out the online from by going to the DRC webpage and clicking on the online request for intake form.

Licensing Concerns

• Currently, the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice’s Physician License Application asks, “Have you within the past five years been advised by your treating physician that you have a mental, physical or emotional condition, which, if untreated, would be likely to impair your ability to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety”.
• 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:

• Visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website
• Click Resident, Fellow, and Interns from the left side navigation  
• Scroll down to Individual Disability Policy

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:

• Visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website
• Click Resident, Fellow, and Interns from the left side navigation  
• Scroll down to Life Insurance

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
• More information on the Physician Wellness Collaborative

Physician Peer Coaching- Vital Worklife

• Vital Worklife peer coaching program provides a safe environment for resident/fellows to talk with another physician in the community
• Sympathetic listener
• Sounding board for ideas
• Coach for difficult conversations
• Mentorship
• Call Vital Worklife at 1-877-731-3949
• Identify yourself as a University of Minnesota Resident/Fellow
• More information on the Peer Coaching Program 

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

• 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 backup care
• $15/day for child, (rates last updated 1/26/21)
• $25/day for family (rates last updated 1/26/21)
• Ten additional instances are available through 4/20/21 due to the COVID pandemic
• Sign up today before you are in need of the service. Instructions can be found here.

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

• M Health Fairview offers comprehensive, innovative care for adults and children with unusual sleep behaviors or sleep disorders
• To find a provider and make and appointment click here

Help with Daily Personal Tasks

• Vital Worklife Concierge Services provides
• Appointment schedulings
• Travel accommodations
• Automotive service
• Identifying daycare/eldercare options in your area
• Errand service
• Call 1-888-316-6616 to speak with a dedicated Vital Worklife Concierge
• More information on Vital Worklife Concierge

Emergency Child Care Resources

• Bright Horizons emergency backup care is available for all residents/fellows who are sponsored by the University of Minnesota.
• Ten instances a year for emegency back up care
• $15/day for child, (rates last updated 1/26/21).
• $25/day for family (rates last updated 1/26/21).
• Ten additional instances are available through 4/20/21 due to the COVID pandemic.
• Sign up today before you are in need of the service. Instructions can be found here.

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

• Created by MMCGME Services
• Information covered in the MedEd to Go app includes:
• Parking information
• Facility amenities for staff
• Facility code overviews
• Epic access and other procedures and policies
• The MedEd To Go app 

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:

• Visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website
• Click Resident, Fellow, and Interns from the left side navigation  
• Scroll down to Individual Disability Policy

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:

• Visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website
• Click Resident, Fellow, and Interns from the left side navigation  
• Scroll down to Life Insurance

• The Aurora Center for Advocacy & Education
• Disability Resource Center
• Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life
• Institute for Diversity, Equity and Advocacy (IDEA)
• Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence
• Office for Conflict Resolution
• Office for Equity and Diversity
• Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA)
• The Center for Spirituality and Healing
• University Veterans Services
• Women's Center