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September 2020 Newsletter
The health risks and fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affect all of us in many ways. Physicians and healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to challenges such as fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression and burnout.
In fact, physicians are more likely than the average individual in the American “general population” to experience burnout. One recent survey cites up to 47% of psychiatrists reporting burnout at some point in their careers, for example.
Clinicians who experience burnout are known to deal with severe challenges such as emotional depletion, frustration, cynicism, a loss of empathy and a strong sense of dissatisfaction with their careers and even their lives. Drivers that produce these negative experiences and emotions include long hours, fatigue, and a lack of support.
Clinicians and healthcare professionals who work in an institutional environment may often feel like little more than a “cog in a wheel” much of the time – a sensation that is only exacerbated during circumstances such as a long-running pandemic. All too often, physicians’ individual voices may be drowned out by the voices of management executives, and many modern clinicians are also being asked to supervise teams, clinics, nurse practitioners, and/or physician assistants – often without the benefit of any advance management training.
If left unspoken about and untreated, physician burnout can lead to many additional and severe complications – ranging from chronic depression to substance abuse issues to self-harm and suicide. Clearly, this is a very serious issue whose causes, effects, and treatments must be studied and understood further as we continue to evolve and advance the healthcare community.
Featured Lectures: Clinician Well-Being
Ana A. Rivas-Vazquez, PhD, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist,Baptist Hospital of Miami and South Miami Hospital, Miami, FL
Addresses the causes, consequences, and negative effects of physician burnout, and discusses physician- and institution-directed interventions aimed at alleviating burnout.
In this approximately 32-minute lecture, Ana A. Rivas-Vazquez, PhD, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Baptist Hospital of Miami and South Miami Hospital, Miami, FL, addresses the causes, consequences and negative effects of burnout – with particular focus on physician- and institution-directed interventions aimed at alleviating burnout. Read More
Dr. Rivas-Vazquez goes on to explain that we develop resilience by practicing responses that help us deal with stress and stressful stimuli. She takes a closer look at high-stress professions like first responders – and physicians and healthcare providers.
Dr. Rivas-Vazquez draws on studies and research by the Mayo Clinic and discusses the Maslach Burnout Inventory Index, which has been implemented in many informative and highly-cited studies on the subject. According to Dr. Rivas-Vazquez, several studies reveal a high risk of healthcare professionals suffering from burnout, with emergency room physicians and family medicine practitioners being particularly vulnerable.
In a somewhat ironic twist, Dr. Rivas-Vazquez also addresses how the loss or departure of patients can negatively impact and place stress on healthcare practitioners – primarily, they end up missing the connection with and appreciation from departing patients, particularly those who had been with them for a period of time.
In concluding her insightful and fact-filled lecture, Dr. Rivas-Vazquez addresses some specific studies and programs that are helping physicians, clinicians and healthcare professionals cope with burnout and build skills that promote resilience, psychological health, and wellness.
Featured Meeting: Family Medicine
46th Annual Family Medicine Review Course University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine Burlington, VT October 5–7, 2020
The 46th Annual Family Medicine Review Course is set to unfold from Oct. 5-7, 2020 at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Burlington, VT. Organized and supervised by the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, the three-day Review Course will take place in an in-person, safely-distanced format. However, those who prefer to virtually attend the meeting can do so via online streaming, with the ability to ask questions of speakers and presenters. Virtual attendees will also receive a $150 discount.
This intensive three-day program for family physicians, advance practice providers, nurses, and other primary care professionals will focus on current issues in the practice of Family Medicine, with special attention to new contributions. Emphasis is on practical, clinically applicable diagnostic and management issues in primary care. The course faculty is drawn from multiple specialties, including Family Medicine. The teaching program includes lectures, workshops and extensive course materials. Stated objectives include: Read More
Registrants can also participate in a choice of workshops to be conducted on Wednesday, Oct. 7, which is also officially designated as “Vermont Day”. These lively, interactive sessions will focus on various approaches to a myriad of clinical problems and management issues within Family Medicine. Review Course Director Anya S. Koutras, MD, FAAFP, JBCLC serves as an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Director of Fourth Year Electives in Family Medicine at Larner College of Medicine at University of Vermont UVM Medical Center.
The University of Vermont designates this live activity for a maximum of 20.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. The program has also been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 20.75 Nursing Contact Hours, 20.75 AAPA Category 1 CME credits, and up to 20.75 Prescribed credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Click here for additional meeting and registration information.
Upcoming Virtual Meetings:
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold and evolve, healthcare professionals and medical societies are taking every precaution available to maximize safety and responsibility. As such, many meetings, conventions, and conferences are being held in a safely-distanced, virtual fashion. Here’s a closer look at upcoming virtual meetings.
Anesthesiology Aoca Annual Conclave and Convention 2020 American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists Phoenix, AZVirtual Meeting September 19 - 22, 2020
AOCA Annual Conclave and Convention 2020 is set to take place in a safely-distanced, live-stream format from Sept. 19-22, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. The theme of the 68th Annual AOCA Convention is Vital Anesthesia Practice Optimization Review. The first-ever virtual AOCA event will be coordinated by Jessica Goeller, DO, FAOCA, and provides engaging access to world-renowned presenters and topics ranging from thriving in a pand3emic to surviving a mass casualty event. Virtual meeting attendees will be eligible to receive 30 hours of AOA Category 1A and AMA Category 1 credits. Visit the meeting site for more information
Gastroenterology 13th Annual Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Art and Science in The Diagnosis and Treatment 2020 Boston University Boston, MA Virtual Meeting September 25 - 26, 2020
The 13th Annual Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Art and Science in the Diagnosis and Treatment 2020 will unfold from Sept. 25-26 in Boston, Massachusetts, in a safely-distanced, virtual meeting format. Presented by Boston University, the meeting will deliver current, cutting-edge content in this new format — including an online exhibit hall where you can connect with exhibitors in a whole new way.
The goal of the conference is to initiate practice changes in gastroenterology practices in the diagnosis and management of patients with CD and UC, so as to improve their quality of life and prolong clinical remission. The meeting will provide support and enable participating clinicians to enhance their knowledge, competency, and performance in the areas of patient care, medical knowledge, and practice-based learning and improvement. Boston University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 9 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Visit the meeting site for more information
The 23rd Fall Primary Care Update is set to unfold in a safely-distanced, virtual format from Oct. 19–21 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Presented by the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, the meeting aims to improve the care of patients seen in primary care settings by closing common clinical practice gaps. The course combines best–practice strategies and education through case studies and lectures. Each session will include time for questions and answers. The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 25.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.Visit the meeting site for more information
The 19th Annual Psychopharmacology Update is set to unfold from Oct. 25-26, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jointly presented in a safely-distanced, virtual format by the University of Cincinnati and Global Academy for Medical Education, the Update is an interactive symposium that features nationally renowned faculty in psychiatry and psychology.
The conference is designed for child and adolescent psychiatrists, general psychiatrists, geriatric psychiatrists, neuropsychiatrists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals interested in treating patients with psychiatric disorders to remission with measurement-based care. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).Visit the meeting site for more information
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