Welcome to the BHNLR-GME residency programs. After years of hard work and untold sacrifices, you are now a resident, a physician! The transition from being a medical student to being a resident is immensely gratifying and exhilarating. Residency can also be challenging, demanding and intimidating.  The responsibility of taking care of patients, long duty hours, sleepless nights, fatigue, unfamiliar environment and people, and feelings of inadequacy while dealing with life stressors outside residency can take a toll on your wellbeing and mental health. It goes without saying that being proactive and taking care of yourself is crucial not only for your own wellbeing and mental health but just as importantly, to better take care of your patients.

To help support and promote our residents’ wellbeing and mental health, the GME program has established some resources described here. All services are voluntary and confidential.

If you need help, call the number(s) below for an appointment

Counseling and Therapy Services
SWEAP (Southwest Employee Assistance Program) Connections
501-663-1797

Psychiatric Services
Victoria Walden, M.D.
501-436-3659

Need Help Now? In Crisis?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening condition or medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can call the 24/7 free Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to speak to a trained counselor: Call or Text 988 or text 741741 and type TALK

Resources

• Counseling: SWEAP (Southwest Employee Assistance Program) Connections
  Receive free and timely in-person, or virtual, counseling services; up to eight sessions for BH/UAMS GME residents. When requesting services, identify yourself as a Baptist/UAMS GME resident. This helps you access services specifically for residents. Services are confidential and voluntary.
• Psychiatric: Victoria Walden, M.D.
  Victoria Walden, M.D., psychiatrist, provides timely, in person psychiatric care for our residents, with the possibility of virtual appointments after your initial visit. She also accepts BH insurance. When making appointments, identify yourself as a Baptist/UAMS GME resident. This helps you access services specifically for residents. Services are confidential and voluntary.
• Virtual Behavioral Health: AR-ConnectNow
  UAMS Health-AR ConnectNow is a comprehensive virtual behavioral health treatment program for all Arkansans dealing with a variety of mental health issues. If you are struggling with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and/or stress, contact AR ConnectNow.
• Mindfulness and Resilience: UAMS Mindfulness Program
  The mission of the UAMS Mindfulness Program is to help members of the UAMS community and community at large achieve equanimity in pursuit of their professional and personal goals in life by teaching secular Mindfulness practices.

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