Resident, faculty, and residency program development. An integrated approach through annual retreats.

Retreats during residency training have evolved as an escape from the daily routine. Recognizing that the retreat format could also be used as a foundation for program design and personal development, we have designed annual retreats for each of the 3 years of pediatric residency training. The sessions vary in length and agenda, but serve as the basis for an ongoing effort fostering growth and maturation of the department and its component participants. The effectiveness of the program (and the morale of the residents) is greatly influenced by this program.