Colorado Fellowship Well-Being Elective

This has truly been a life-changing, remarkable experience. This kind of emotional work is always challenging, but this elective provided the space and the tools to do that work on an individual and group level.

Overview

Come experience the once-per-year elective that participants describe as “absolutely life-changing”! The Well-Being elective is a 2-week course made up of workshops to teach medical trainees concrete tools for how to cope in the face of chronic stress and become a leader who fosters well teams. 

Mission

Our mission is to create a psychologically safe environment in which medical trainees from diverse backgrounds can connect with other trainees, increase resilience and professional fulfillment, learn concrete strategies to cope with chronic stress, and make a lasting improvement in their overall wellbeing.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe common sources of occupational trauma in healthcare and apply coping strategies to manage its impact.
• Identify and implement techniques for managing grief and shame in clinical practice.
• Clarify personal and professional values through guided reflection to enhance professional fulfillment.
• Recognize signs of imposter phenomenon and apply evidence-based strategies to manage it.
• Demonstrate the ability to give difficult feedback using a structured approach that preserves professional relationships.
• Establish and maintain healthy boundaries with both work responsibilities and patient interactions.
• Develop a personalized work/life integration plan that aligns with individual values and goals.
• Identify early signs of burnout and implement strategies to mitigate it personally and within a team.
• Incorporate integrative health techniques (e.g., nutrition, sleep hygiene, meditation, stretching) into a daily wellness routine.
• Engage in self-reflection practices such as narrative medicine and creative expression to process clinical experiences.
• Apply reflective and artistic methods to explore personal identity and meaning in medicine.

Who can take this course?

This elective was created for all resident and fellow physicians at the University of Colorado. All specialties are encouraged to participate. 

When is the elective?

The elective is held annually in January and differs slightly each year. This year, the elective is January 12-23, 2026.

What’s the schedule like?

Workshops are in-person, interactive sessions held from Mon-Fri from 8a-4p, and there is no work on weekends. There is no direct clinical work, and trainees will be provided with all supplies required for the course.

Where is it held?

Workshops will be held in person on the Anschutz campus. Specific information about rooms will be sent out to participants prior to elective each year. 

About the Elective Course Director

Jennifer Sedler, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Associate Director of Medical Education
Section of Pediatric Hospital Medicine

Cultivating Fulfillment in Medicine

My scholarship focuses on resilience, professional fulfillment, and innovative approaches to medical education. I am deeply committed to advancing physician well-being and cultivating resilience in medical trainees. As the creator and director of the Well-Being Elective for residents and fellows, I designed a curriculum that blends evidence-based strategies, reflective practice, and peer support to equip trainees with lifelong tools to thrive in medicine. I am passionate about creating spaces where trainees feel supported, connected, and empowered to care for themselves as they care for patients.

Testimony from participants

“This elective changed me. It is helping me to heal in areas I have suppressed for years, and learn the tools I need to grow into a stronger person, doctor, and leader.” 

“While the toolkit is a powerful thing, I believe the crowning achievement is the friendships, space, and genuine love and support this elective has created. I have never felt something so powerful.”

Feel free to contact Jenn with questions at [email protected]