GME: Gym in Medical Education-Maintaining Physical and Mental Well Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Setting and Problem The coronavirus pandemic has limited the safety of public spaces, including gyms. Even as spaces slowly reopen, usage is limited by restricted times, required reservations, and capacities which do not benefit resident physicians with limited free time. Furthermore, despite social distancing guidelines, the gym represents a potentially contagious area. The Texas Medical Association COVID-19 Task Force and Committee on Infectious Disease categorized working out at a gym as high risk at 8 points out of 10 possible points. In recent years, resident wellness has taken a high priority in many resident programs. Maintaining resident physical activity has beneficial effects on mental and physical wellness, which in turn allows residents to more effectively learn and develop into compassionate providers. Beyond the potential impact on patient-provider relationships, surgical specialties carry a significant ergonomic toll and exercise may improve both mental focus and physical performance in the operating room. However, during this pandemic, access to typical areas of physical activity has been greatly reduced. This report describes a safe and cost-effective alternative to public gyms.