Chandigarh:
PGIMER is set to institutionalize regular dialogue with its residents, with Director PGIMER Prof. Vivek Lal calling for structured and periodic interactions to ensure that concerns related to workload, stress, workplace well-being and other issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
The announcement came during an open and candid interaction between Prof. Lal and around 200 residents at LT-1, PGIMER, as part of an Orientation and Well-being Programme. The Director called upon Heads of Departments and faculty guides to hold regular interactions with residents at a fixed periodicity, making communication and early resolution of concerns an integral part of the institutional support system.
“Resident well-being is integral to patient care. We must create an environment where our young doctors feel heard, supported and able to thrive,” said Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Director PGIMER further said, “I would like such open interactions to become a regular feature at PGIMER. HODs and faculty guides should also have structured interactions with residents at a fixed periodicity. Regular communication will help us understand concerns at an early stage and ensure that issues are addressed through appropriate institutional mechanisms.”
The programme provided residents with a direct platform to raise concerns, share experiences and offer suggestions before the Director, faculty and administration. Discussions focused on the transition into residency, stress and burnout, seeking timely help, peer support and strengthening institutional mechanisms for resident welfare.
Sharing anecdotes from his own residency, Prof. Lal spoke about the expectations, challenges and opportunities that accompany this formative phase of a doctor’s career. He encouraged residents to communicate openly and seek support whenever required.
“Residency is an important and formative phase of a doctor’s life. Along with academic and clinical excellence, our residents need a strong support system and an environment where they can openly share their concerns,” said Director PGIMER.
The extended question-and-answer session saw residents engage directly with the Director, faculty and administration on a range of issues. The emphasis was on creating channels of communication through which concerns can be raised early rather than waiting for them to escalate.
Prof. Lal appreciated the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) for facilitating the dialogue and bringing forward constructive suggestions on resident welfare. He assured the residents that the administration would continue to examine appropriate measures to strengthen institutional support.
Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academics), PGIMER, stressed that the institution’s responsibility extends beyond academic and clinical training to creating an environment that supports residents’ overall growth and well-being.
“Our residents are immensely talented and hardworking. The institution’s responsibility is not only to train them but also to nurture and facilitate their growth in a healthy and supportive environment,” Prof. Jain said.
Prof. Shubh Mohan Singh, Department of Psychiatry, addressed the challenges associated with the transition into residency and the multifactorial nature of stress. He discussed practical approaches to managing stress, maintaining psychological well-being and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
Dr. Nidhi Chauhan, Department of Psychiatry, highlighted the importance of recognising early signs of distress and seeking timely support. She also spoke about simple and sustainable lifestyle measures that can help residents maintain their physical and mental well-being, particularly those living away from their families.
Dr. Vishnu Jinja, President, ARD, presented the residents’ perspective and highlighted the need for accessible peer support and timely institutional interventions.
“With increasing workload and stress associated with residency, resident welfare measures need to be strengthened to safeguard the health and well-being of the resident fraternity,” he said.
The ARD President also emphasised the importance of effective implementation of the weekly off and 24-hour rest following night duty, wherever applicable, noting that adequate rest helps reduce fatigue and burnout and contributes to patient safety and quality healthcare delivery.
The programme concluded with a clear emphasis on dialogue, accessibility and timely intervention, with PGIMER reaffirming its commitment to strengthening communication between residents, faculty and the administration.
