Investing in clinician wellness is essential
By Omayra Mansfield, MD, Special to the FMA | Updated April 21, 2022

 

As an emergency medicine physician, I’ve seen just how easy it is for those who are overwhelmed and stressed to fall into negative habits. And for those on the frontlines of the pandemic, finding constructive relief from COVID-19’s constant, chronic stress has never been more important.

We all need to heal from the trauma of the pandemic and surrounding yourself with others who are facing similar challenges – like the team does through the AdventHealth Orchestra – is a fantastic example of healthy and healing outlet for clinicians.

A National Institutes of Health study shows playing a musical instrument is a prescription to guard against the daily pressures of life. Therapeutic outcomes of playing music include better communication skills, improved emotional release, and decreased anxiety and agitation. In addition, musical training promotes cognitive function and a connection to others.

AdventHealth’s orchestra offers colleagues both opportunities, creating a beautiful, memorable positive experience.

If you think about it, an orchestra is similar to how we collaborate in healthcare. If we do not work together cohesively, we lose harmony. But when we work and play with our colleagues, the outcome can be magnificent. It’s these encouraging moments that give me hope to push forward into the next day.

Finding your rhythm to self-care
There are a multitude of healthy outlets to engage in. Some may choose to create music, while others are more drawn to reading or mediation. Another popular activity is anything physical – yoga and running are particularly good. No matter what it is, it has to work with your schedule, you have to do it regularly and it has to bring you joy.

Another form of healing therapy for some is talking things through. In fact, a recent Becker’s Healthcare article identified that for physicians struggling with overwhelming stress, confidential therapy sessions provided significant help.

AdventHealth believes so strongly in supporting the health and well-being of our physicians and advanced practitioners that we’ve developed a website, adventhealth.com/providerwellbeing, full of resources designed specifically for clinicians’ unique needs.

Within our organization’s Central Florida Division, we’ve gone a step further and now offer all credentialed physicians and advanced practitioners – as well as their family members – six complimentary counseling sessions through The Center for Physician Wellbeing.

I’m proud of the investments AdventHealth has made to address burnout, but know we still have more to go on this journey. The work that we’ve already accomplished in improving the physician experience is just beginning, but it is critical work and its work I’m honored to be part of.



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Omayra Mansfield, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and Chief Medical Officer for AdventHealth Apopka, as well as Chief Medical Officer for the AdventHealth Central Florida Division’s Physician Experience.