The UAB Department of Neurosurgery is spotlighting staff to focus on the importance of hobbies for stress relief, wellness and self-care.
The goal of the series is to connect individuals across the department by highlighting their hobbies as they relate to mental, physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social and financial wellness.
 
Birmingham native Chloé Ward is the residency program education administrator for the Department of Neurosurgery. In her role, Ward makes sure that the department’s resident education program remains in compliance with all national and university-related requirements to ensure continued accreditation. 

Ward has worked in her current role for one year, but at UAB for eight years. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Alabama and earned her master’s degree from LSU Shreveport. 

What hobby do you currently focus on in your downtime?   
My husband and I just recently bought a house, so we are staying busy with various home projects. Most recently, I updated our guest bathroom and am now working on a walk-in closet. We also enjoy traveling- Our latest trip was to Antigua, where we got married. 

What inspired you to explore this hobby?
Both of my parents are pretty crafty and know how to remodel/update a house, so I grew up watching them. Now that I am a homeowner, I have found joy in DIY projects. 

Have you noticed a change in your well-being since beginning this hobby and how does that translate into your work?  
I have found that remodeling and updating areas of your house can be relaxing, even if the task at hand is challenging. The reward of seeing the results makes it worth the hard work.

What are you most proud of?  
I am most proud of obtaining my master’s degree. I set a goal for myself and accomplished it. There is truly no better feeling than crossing something off of your “list”.