Throughout the year, residents and faculty share in a number of social activities.

Welcoming Reception

Each July, the Department hosts a welcoming reception for incoming residents and their significant others. Always well attended, this reception allows residents and faculty to get to know one another in a social atmosphere. Beach party – orientation and welcome bowling event.

Weekly Peer Meeting

Residents meet weekly for one hour to discuss mutual concerns among themselves and with faculty. Each Wednesday, all classes meet with program leadership to discuss department news, issues, updates, and information. Part of the session is also spent with each individual class.

Movie Nights

Hosted by Dr. Salman Akhtar, of the Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, residents gather twice a year to view and discuss a film. The faculty selects each film with the goal of stimulating social, psychological, and other conversation in an open forum. Recent movie night examples include Antoine Fisher (which prompted discussion about how to create a therapeutic relationship with patients); and Identify (which sparked lively conversation about dissociative symptoms and disorders).

Resident Retreat

The department sponsors an annual two-day retreat for residents in pleasant and relaxed surroundings. Planned by the residents, its purpose is to provide time for team-building exercises, review of the year’s individual growth, and a comprehensive review of the program by residents, based on their reflection and discussions during the retreat. A written report with resident recommendations is submitted to the Residency Director at the conclusion of the retreat. During this two-day period, clinical coverage is provided by faculty members.

Graduation Celebration

It is Jefferson’s tradition that residents take the lead in choosing the site and time for their graduation celebration. Typically, residents choose a graduation dinner although sometimes brunch celebrations have been preferred. Graduating residents and their families attend, along with a substantial number of lower-year residents and faculty. Jefferson’s annual celebration includes the presentation of graduation certificates and annual awards.

Other Activities 

• Weekly Happy Hour after Didactics.
• Seasonal bowling, softball, and other leagues.
• Benjamin Rush Ball for networking with psychiatrists in the community.
• Quarterly Housestaff parties at local venues that are rented out.