Wellness Resources for Healthcare Providers in New York: A Prescription for Balance

By:  Tammie Smeltz, RPLU, Content Marketing Manager

The medical profession is undeniably demanding. Long hours, high-stakes decisions and the pressure to deliver optimal patient care can take a significant toll on the mental and physical health of healthcare providers. It’s no wonder that burnout rates among healthcare providers are alarmingly high. Recognizing this critical issue, healthcare institutions and organizations in New York are increasingly prioritizing wellness programs tailored to the unique needs of healthcare providers.

The Importance of Healthcare Provider Wellness

Before diving into the specifics of wellness programs, it’s essential to understand why healthcare providers well-being is paramount:

• Improved patient care: A healthy and resilient healthcare provider is better equipped to provide compassionate and effective care.
• Reduced burnout: Wellness programs can help prevent burnout, a condition associated with decreased job satisfaction, medical errors and even suicide.
• Enhanced job satisfaction: Prioritizing well-being can boost morale and job satisfaction among healthcare providers.

Types of Wellness Resources in New York

• Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Program: MSSNY created its P2P program to provide physicians, residents and medical students with the opportunity to speak with a peer about life stressors. This program is confidential and creates a safe space for MSSNY members to have a conversation with a trained peer who will listen without judgment and validate their feelings. For information on MSSNY’s P2P program, contact them directly at 1-844-P2P-PEER or visit their website here.
• MSSNY Physician Wellness Library:  In addition to the P2P program, MSSNY offers its members several wellness resources for both physicians and healthcare employers. A list of MSSNY’s wellness resources can be found here.
• Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME):  The ACGME provides a variety of tools to address well-being for residents, fellows and faculty members. Areas of interest include systems approaches to well-being, individual well-being, diversity, equity and inclusion well-being, mental health services and suicide prevention. Information can be found here.
• The State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University:  SUNY Upstate Medical University offers an array of well-being resources online pertaining to mental health, spiritual health, medical and physical issues and safety. Additional information can be found here.
• RocDog Community Working Dogs:  Incorporating a therapy dog into the medical office or hospital setting can offer a multitude of wellness benefits for the medical professionals working there. Some benefits include improved mood, increased empathy, reduced burnout, lower blood pressure and increased job satisfaction. RocDog, a “community of working dogs,” is in Rochester, New York and provides services to a number of healthcare organizations in the Rochester area. It’s important to note that having a therapy dog in a medical setting requires careful planning and adherence to specific guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of both patients and staff. Guidelines regarding introducing animals into the hospital setting can be found here. Healthcare providers interested in implementing a therapy dog into their office practice should follow New York State regulations pertinent to healthcare facilities and consult their general liability and worker’s compensation carriers. Look here for information on RocDog.

Conclusion

Prioritizing well-being is essential for healthcare providers to thrive in their careers. By taking advantage of the available resources and implementing self-care strategies, healthcare providers can enhance their overall well-being and deliver exceptional patient care. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.

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Resources

• 1. https://dl.acgme.org/pages/well-being-tools-resources
  2. https://www.mssny.org/get-help/p2p-program/
  3. https://www.mssny.org/learn/physician-wellness-library/
  4. https://blog.encompasshealth.com/2019/12/02/7-ways-animal-therapy-benefits-patients-and-medical-teams/
  5. https://mcms.org/2023-Physician-Wellness/
  6. https://govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Document/I4fe3e474cd1711dda432a117e6e0f345?viewType=FullText&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)

This document is for general purposes only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This document is not comprehensive and does not cover all possible factual circumstances. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors for any questions related to legal, medical or professional obligations, the applicable state or federal laws or other professional questions.