The Whole U Brings Wellness and Connection to UW Medicine This Summer
The Whole U brings wellness and connection to UW Medicine this summer
As the University of Washington’s well-being engagement program, The Whole U supports wellness and connection for all UW faculty and staff across our many academic campuses, medical centers and worksites. Institutions increasingly recognize the value of workplace wellness, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout prevention, stress reduction, work life support and holistic wellness practices are being incorporated into our UW worksites more than ever.
The Whole U is proud to work alongside our many partners in delivering well-being, most notably within UW Medicine this season. Join us in celebrating these efforts and the impact a culture of well-being has on our many staff and faculty across the University of Washington. As your partner in well-being, The Whole U is here to bolster programming in your local environments.
Summer Market at Harborview Medical Center
We hosted our second annual Summer Market at Harborview Medical Center on August 22, in partnership with the Harborview Resiliency committee. The market is part of an ongoing series, including a Winter Market just before the holiday season. The event brought together a diverse community of staff, patients and visitors to enjoy an array of local vendors offering everything from canned peppers and delicious treats to adorable animal toys. One of the most popular vendors was Harborview Medical Center’s research nurse, Allison Larimore, who creates hand-sewn scrub caps. Attendees had the chance to shop local while connecting with one another outdoors in Harborview Park, taking in the gorgeous views of the Seattle skyline and waterfront.
Summer Music Series at UW Medical Center
Highlighting the sounds of summer, we are partnering with local musicians for an onsite music series at UW Medical Center campuses. On August 20 and 21, the Leonore Chamber Orchestra, a UW registered student organization, performed a quartet with two violins, viola and a violoncello. The UW students provided an entertaining and calming environment for medical center staff to enjoy while on break. Of course, snacks and swag were passed out to savor alongside the performance.
Local harpist Deborah McClellan will perform at UWMC Northwest on September 9, and at UWMC Montlake on September 10.
Thank you to AT&T FirstNet for sponsoring this summer concert series.
Project Refresh 2.0 – frontline staff break support
The Whole U was honored to lead the first installment of Project Refresh, a donor –funded project that aims to improve break culture and break spaces for frontline medical center staff. In 2022, round one updated 40 break rooms across UW Medical Center with much needed new furniture, appliances, equipment and wellness items.
In 2024, UW Medical Center received a second generous donation to support Project Refresh 2.0! We are thrilled to join an interdisciplinary group inclusive of nursing leadership, the CARE4U program, Spiritual Care and in-patient unit staff to produce the Refresh Response Cart and Refresh Responder program. Each installment will share a well-being practice with units to support meaningful break culture. The funding will also support improvement of a shared break space and creation of walking guides for both campuses.
The Refresh Response Cart kicked off on August 22 and 23 during both day and night shifts at the Montlake and Northwest campuses with delicious beverages and a “‘Take 5 For Well-Being Guide’,” provided by the CARE4U program. During these two days, Refresh Responders brought joy and energy. The staff members enjoyed delicious treats and moments of relaxation, recharging their spirits and fostering a sense of community.
The Whole U’s virtual event specialist Sebastian shared: “I had such a great time making rounds and supporting the entire team at UWMC – NW. It was truly fulfilling to experience firsthand how actions of well-being, connection and appreciation make such a strong impression on our staff.“
UW Endurance Club
The beginning of August kicked-off the UW Endurance Club, hosted by The Whole U and sponsored by UW Medicine. This group of over 1,000 UW faculty and staff are training for the Seattle Half and Full Marathon, with training plans created by Lauren Updyke, executive director of employee experience. Alongside training plans, The Whole U is providing monthly learning webinars with UW Medicine and UW Sports Medicine experts and training clinics onsite at Seattle campus with running coach Aaliyah Earvin.
In August, we hosted Dr. Sara Chrisman for a discussion on unlocking your inner strength and mental fortitude in endurance sports (View the recorded talk on YouTube.) Join us in September for a keynote with Dr. Mark Harrast, medical director of the Sports Medicine Center at Husky Stadium, clinical professor of rehabilitation medicine at UW Medicine and medical director of the Seattle Marathon.
Supporting the UW Medicine residents and fellows
UW Medicine is the largest sponsor of Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs in the five-state region of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI). Each year over 1,350 residents and fellows conduct their residency or fellowship training at UW’s four primary training sites.
The Whole U is excited to partner with the GME Wellness program to support UW Medicine residents and fellows. Find us alongside Dipti Chrastka, LMFT, GME Director of Wellness, and her team at periodic tabling events at worksites including Harborview Medical Center, Seattle Children’s and UW Medical Center. Alongside providing free counseling to UW Medicine residents and fellows, the GME wellness program works to engage students in holistic well-being, supporting their journey at UW.
In August, we were thrilled to share nutrition resources and hand out Starbucks tumblers. Connect with our various nutrition resources, including recipes and more in our Nutrition guide.
Looking for more support in wellness?
As your partners in well-being, The Whole U is here to provide resources, support and guide the well-being experience of all University of Washington faculty and staff. Let us know how we can support your departmental initiatives and practices for connection and wellness.
Stay tuned for events and activities from The Whole U, including UW Yoga Month later this fall.
CARE4U
Visit the CARE4U UW Medicine webpage for resources, contact information, and programs designed around support for staff at UW Medical Centers Montlake and Northwest (UW NetID required).
CARE4U can work with you to create individual and team support plans and events for your work area. Reach out to schedule a quality improvement or moral distress debrief, join group chats, or find a booster buddy for support. For questions about the CARE4U program, email Marie Cockerham at marie678@uw.edu.
Fall well-being and resilience curriculum for UW Medicine
This fall the UW School of Medicine is offering a Mindful Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities Series. It takes place on Zoom every Thursday, noon to 1 p.m., from September 5 to October 10 . Learn more and sign up here.