Jack O'Callaghan S.J. Wellness Space

On September 18, the Loyola Medicine community dedicated the Jack O'Callaghan, S.J. Wellness Space at Loyola University Medical Center.

Named in honor of Father Jack O'Callaghan, this space was designed to promote togetherness and build a community that supports residents and fellows during their rigorous medical training.

For nearly 25 years, Father Jack has been passionate about improving the wellness of medical residents and fellows training at Loyola. After successive careers as a Jesuit teacher and administrator, he was assigned in 1995 to University Ministry in the Stritch School of Medicine and later became vice president, mission integration at Loyola University Medical Center.

Ahead of his time, Father Jack understood that healthcare organizations must embrace their responsibility to foster a culture of wellness and support physicians' efforts to improve their own resilience.

As a Jesuit, he became aware that the medical residents needed a gathering space, a necessary element of building community and promoting wholeness, a basic characteristic of the Jesuit educational tradition since the 16th century.

The Jack O'Callaghan, S.J. Wellness Space includes a living room, kitchen, sleeping quarters and outdoor patio, a welcoming environment for residents and fellows to recharge their minds, bodies and souls.

This new space was made possible through the generous philanthropic support of donors, each of whom welcomed the opportunity to honor Father Jack and make his vision a reality.

The new residency wellness space was dedicated by Shawn P. Vincent, President and CEO of Loyola Medicine and Tad Gomez, President, Loyola University Medical Center. Both spoke of Father Jack's dedication and career of serving the health and well-being of others.

(Left to right: Tad Gomez, President, Loyola University Medical Center, Father Jack O'Callaghan and Shawn P. Vincent, President and CEO, Loyola Medicine)

Mr. Gomez noted, "Father Jack's passion for creating a strong community for our trainees enables our residents and fellows to take better care of those we have the privilege of serving."

Greg Ozark, MD, Vice President, Graduate Medical Education, who trained as a medical resident at Loyola, spoke to the major impact this space will have on the more than 700 current residents and fellows.

Dr. Ozark said, "Creating programs to build resiliency for medical professionals is critical to prevent burnout and professional fulfillment, a nationwide epidemic significantly affecting healthcare."

Mr. Vincent noted, "You have helped so many young people as they embark on their career of serving the health and well-being of others. This space is a fitting tribute to your dedication and service in these endeavors."