News & Events
CONGRATULATIONS, DR. THORSNESS!!
RUNNING FOR RESIDENTS
Katie Thorsness, MD, is back to run for residents at the Twin Cities Marathon on October 6th, 2024. Every year since 2021, Dr. Thorsness has raised money for the Resident Integrated Support Environment (RISE) Program. She co-directs the program, which specializes in the mental, physical, and financial health of physician residents at HCMC.
The 2023 Twin Cities marathon was canceled because of unseasonably high temperatures (this time, the temperature is forecasted to be much cooler). Despite the disappointment from last year, Dr. Thorsness is persevering to race again.
“The residents inspire me,” Dr. Thorsness shared. “We talk about resiliency and fostering strength, so training for the marathon again is an opportunity for me to practice what I hope is happening for the residents.”
Like many of the mental health available to Hennepin Healthcare’s own team members, RISE relies upon philanthropy.
To support this crucial resource, Dr. Thorsness created a Funraise page, the Foundation’s do-it-yourself fundraising platform that guides users in creating a custom campaign. Last year, she easily surpassed her goal, and the funds were used to host a resident pickleball tournament, race registrations for residents, and other community-based movement opportunities.
“It was a great experience to see compassionate and curious connections among residents from all over the system,” Dr. Thorsness said.
Since the launch of the RISE program, Dr. Thorsness has noticed an improvement in residents’ health and well-being.
“When we invest in residents, we invest in the community,” Dr. Thorsness said. “It’s caring for the caregiver, which is especially important with how residents and all medical professionals have been stretched over the last few years.”
As the marathon approaches, Dr. Thorsness is looking forward to seeing everyone cheering for racers, particularly her colleagues and family.
“This will be my first official Twin Cities Marathon, and from what I hear, the whole community shows up to support runners,” Dr. Thorsness said. “It’s the same for RISE – the community shows up.”
You can show up for residents and invest in a healthier community by donating to Dr. Thorsness’ campaign.
CONGRATULATIONS, Anna!
After months of training and logging countless miles, Anna completed the 2024 Boston Half-Marathon in!
“This race was a fantastic way for me to have consistent exercise while starting residency and have a few social long runs with friends, but the timing could not have been better this fall after a rough week just getting to spend time with family and running together. Thanks RISE for funding the registration cost!!”
CONGRATULATIONS, Jackson & Ben!
After months of training and hard work, Jackson and Ben completed the Ironman Wisconsin in September of 2024.
Dubbed as “140.6 miles of pure excitement”, RISE was proud to sponsor these two residents as they swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles, and ran 26.2 miles!
They were all smiles at the finish and even repped for Hennepin!
RISE Sponsored Pickleball Tournament
In August, 2024 RISE supported the first annual Pickleball Tournament.
29 residents and fellows competed with only one team walking away crowned Pickleball Champions!
Congratulations Nico & Meghna! (General Surgery)
Second Place: Matt & Parker (Psychiatry)
Third Place: Abishek & Alex (Family Med & Emergency Med)
Special Thanks:
Dr. Katie Thorsness for fundraising support.
Dr. Zach Davidson (EM-IM) and Dr. Jack Goldstein (PGY2, EM) for organizing this awesome event!
RISE Sponsored Lunch
On July 29th, RISE sponsored a taco lunch in the Redleaf Center for Family Healing.
Approximately 30 residents and fellows were able to attend. This event was supported by Jenny Breen, Chef, M Ed, and MPH. Jenny is a chef who promotes sustainable food systems and food justice. She teaches at the University of MN, manages the teaching kitchen at The Redleaf Center for Family Healing, and works as a Public Health culinary nutrition educator. She is also involved with HHS Integrative Health and collaborates with medical students.
Please reach out to RISE with ideas for future nutrition/food events!
New Equipment Has Arrived!
Thanks to the generous financial support of RISE, in May 2024 the resident and fellow gym expanded its equipment lineup to include a Peloton rower and Peloton bike.
Please contact Jen Sabelko to inquire about sponsorship for group events or activities, individual wellness activities, or other ideas you may have!
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