For over 20 years, the annual residency fall retreat continues to be one of the many highlights of the residency year. The two-day retreat occurs each October at the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City, NE and is nestled on picturesque grounds once owned by J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. The retreat focuses on the development of effective team-building skills by uniting residents, building trust, addressing areas of improvement and highlighting strengths in order to provide exceptional patient care. The retreat is a venue for residents to learn more about each other and gain information on topics not generally covered in a traditional residency curriculum. Experts from various fields are invited to speak on the following topics: pharmacy leadership, StrengthsFinder® assessment, feedback, ethical issues in pharmacy, crucial conversations, culture conversations, communication styles, and resident personal finance.
Residents attending the retreat participate in a half-day ropes-based challenge course that builds trust as they complete the mentally and physically demanding course. Through the challenge course, residents learn how to utilize their strengths, facilitate communication skills, develop increased self-awareness, and work together to evolve into a cohesive group. Residents are encouraged to utilize their strengths throughout the residency year in order to achieve program objectives and personal goals.
