“Wellness is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” -WHO
James Lake, M.D., wrote in a June 2020 article in the Psychiatric Times on “4 Pillars of Good Mental Health.” Dr. Lake states, “It is of utmost importance to focus on improving lifestyle factors, which may then translate into improved general mental health, and more resilience in the face of stress.” These 4 pillars are Nutrition, Physical Activity, Sleep and Stress Management.
The principles of Physician Health & Wellness may seem to pale in urgency and importance to the pressing issues associated with the global pandemic. However, it is important to consider, “If not now, when?” There will be an end to the pandemic. It’s time to get serious about physician health and wellness, and that is not something physicians can accomplish without the support of other stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Perhaps recognition of the profound suffering of many doctors during the COVID-19 world pandemic may prompt change. But for the present, change must start with us.
We can all practice healthy resilience strategies and seek to balance engagement outside our jobs that we may find fulfilling. If we don’t act proactively, we may find ourselves in a state of emotionally tragedy or worse. If that is the case, I hope each of us will reach out. Doctors are notoriously poor when it comes to asking for help. However, there are times that the strongest and wisest thing we can do is humbly ask for help. I have provided resources below for anybody that is in a situation where they may need such help. This will serve your loved ones, your patients and yourself. If you are suffering, please don’t suffer alone.
It is clear that the COVID-19 world pandemic is presently the greatest threat to physician health & wellness. We know that it is time to get serious about Physician Health & Wellness, but how? Where can we go to find help? Here are some recommended resources to help you get started.
Where to Find Help
The California Medical Association (CMA) has a wellness initiative (CMA Wellness) seeking to meet the need of physician’s challenge at the organizational and systemic level while providing innovative resources to help physicians prevent or address burnout. Learn more and sign up to receive news and announcements by emailing CMAwellness@cmadocs.org. Initiatives include:
- CMA Wellness Programs – (https://www.cmadocs.org/wellness)
- Care 4 Caregivers Now (Peer coaching & volunteering) (www.cmadocs.org/wellness/care4caregivers)
CMA Wellness Leadership Academy created by CMA Wellness under the lead of David C. Logan, Ph.D., CEO of CMA Wellness. The academy designed to train clinician leaders at all organizational levels – particularly physicians – help clinician leaders obtain higher levels of professional fulfillment and wellness to benefit themselves and their care teams. Contact Dr. Logan at dlogan@wellphysicianca.org or http://www.cmadocs.org/wellness.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has a range of resources available online. They have been working tirelessly to provide the resources and support that can ease the stress of this unprecedented time.” These tools include and can be found at: (https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/managing-mental-health-during-covid-19)
The AMA also provides free, easy-to-use online resources, quick tips on implementing practice improvement strategies and exclusive insights into how other physicians handle burnout (https://www.ama-assn.org/amaone/equipping-physicians-manage-burnout)
The Physician Support Line features volunteer psychiatrists offering free and confidential counseling to physicians and medical students at 1-888-409-0142.
Also, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) offers free, confidential support on a 24/7/365 basis to anyone of any age.
There are also local Wellness resources for my fellow physicians located on the Central Coast of California:
There are also local Wellness resources for the California Central Coast Community through:
Sansum Clinic
Cottage Hospital
Dignity Health offers a Community Wellness Program
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