Statement of Purpose

The UAB Department of Surgery Wellness Committee is committed to cultivating a culture of holistic well-being, resilience, and professional fulfillment for all members of our surgical community — including faculty, trainees, and staff. Recognizing the unique challenges and demands inherent to surgical practice, training and overall career development, the committee works to promote initiatives that support mental, emotional, physical, and social wellness across the department.

Our mission is to:

• Promote a supportive environment that prioritizes psychological safety, collegiality, and open communication.

• Develop and implement wellness programs that address burnout, fatigue, and work-life integration.

• Foster awareness and education on wellness-related topics, including mental health, stress management, and healthy lifestyle choices.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of wellness initiatives to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with the evolving needs of our department.

Through these efforts, the Wellness Committee seeks to enhance not only the individual health and satisfaction of our team members but also the overall performance, collaboration, and longevity of our surgical workforce. We are dedicated to building a departmental culture where well-being is recognized as essential to excellence in patient care, education, and research.

Interested in learning more or participating in our wellness initiatives? Email Wellness Committee Chair Dr. Kimberly Kopecky at kimberlykopecky@uabmc.edu