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University of Nebraska Medical Center

Resident Retreat

Otolaryngology residents prepare to go skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado, as part of the annual resident retreat.

We know the work of a resident is hard; the days can be long, and the learning is never finished, so once a year our residents take a mostly work (and a little play) retreat. Typically held in February over President's Day weekend, our first- through fourth-year residents, along with the program director, assistant program director and program coordinator leave for five days for team building, camaraderie, and learning. Our chief residents stay and cover services. During the retreat, our residents complete a full program review where they are able to provide feedback on all parts of their educational experience. The groups spends a great deal of time reviewing topics for the in-service exam the first Saturday of March. 

Past trips have included skiing, hiking, ax throwing, dining out, dining in, and many reviews for the in-service exam. Various learning activities are incorporated on the retreat, including residents teaming up to give mini grand rounds, book club, and Jeopardy- and heads-up-style games.

The retreat location varies each year alternating between cold and warm weather locations. Some of our travel locations have included Breckenridge, Colorado; Scottsdale, Arizona; Winter Park, Colorado; and Austin, Texas.