Fortify Resilience Initiative

About/Mission: The Fortify Resilience Initiative at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine is dedicated to fostering a culture of well-being for Residents and Fellows within the Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs. Recognizing the significant impact healthcare disparities in patients served by our Residents and Fellows in the Rio Grande Valley, The Fortify Resilience Initiative aims to address the heightened risks of burnout and psychological distress that impact our Residents and Fellows.  

The initiative has three key drivers: Access Strategy, Empowerment Initiative, and System Redesign. 

Impact: Preliminary findings from our ongoing program evaluation indicate strong awareness of Fortify Resilience services, with over 85% of Residents and Fellows recognizing the available resources. Initial data also suggests positive trends in psychological outcomes such as increased resilience, self-compassion, and psychological flexibility among those who participate in wellness services. As we continue to analyze the relationship between service participation and psychological well-being, our research will provide valuable insights to further enhance the impact of Fortify Resilience services. Ultimately, we seek to contribute to the broader goal of advancing health equity by promoting the well-being of the healthcare workforce and improving care for underserved populations. By integrating wellness services into residency programs, Fortify Resilience plays a critical role in addressing the mental health challenges of medical professionals and fostering a healthcare system that is both resilient and equitable.