Saying that we physicians are accustomed to stressful circumstances is something of an understatement. We’re constantly in the midst of urgent situations with a variety of people depending on us—and for some of our patients, their very lives hang in the balance.
Added to these clinical pressures are often the frustrations of poorly developed electronic health record (EHR) systems, the unrelenting burdens of federal mandates and regulations, and the uncertainties surrounding such basic components of practice as claims payments (does Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula ring a bell?). On top of these are personal responsibilities and cares we may have outside the clinical setting.
While we excel in maintaining our focus and calm as we care for our patients and run our practices, it’s easy to lose sight of our own health and well-being under the heavy weight of our combined stressors.
But managing stress and finding a reasonable work-life balance is important so we can continue to provide high-quality care and be strong role models of healthy living for our patients.
The AMA is working to address many of the practice pressures—starting with EHRs—through our Professional Satisfaction and Practice Sustainability initiative. Among other efforts, we’re securing regulatory relief at the federal level, and we’re developing a suite of practice tools to help reduce some of the non-clinical demands on physicians’ time.
For getting a better perspective on handling our personal well-being, two great opportunities are coming up. One is a special education session about achieving a resilient medical family, hosted June 9 in Chicago by the AMA Alliance. A national expert in physician work-life balance will share evidence-based strategies to help physicians and their families thrive.
The second opportunity is the International Conference on Physician Health, which will take place Sept. 15-17 in London. Jointly sponsored by the AMA, the Canadian Medical Association and the British Medical Association, this year’s conference will focus on the major transitions in a physician’s life—from medical school through retirement—as well as personal and professional developments and challenges.
In attending the 2012 conference, I was introduced to a network of programs across the United States that are specifically designed for physician health needs, from the Mayo Clinic’s Program on Physician Well-Being, which deals with physician satisfaction and burnout, to a special recovery center for health care professionals run by Shands at the University of Florida.
Attendees heard from international experts and learned about state-of-the-art opportunities for helping physicians stay in top physical, mental and emotional health. The conference also was a valuable opportunity to meet other physicians for whom physician health is a priority and take time to reflect on my own well-being.
As we remain dedicated to running our practices and caring for our patients, let’s renew our commitment to cultivating our own health and wellness. We owe it to ourselves, our families and our patients.
