DIALING BACK THE EXCESS STRESS
As burnout takes a toll on medical professionals
nationwide, the College of Medicine works to instill
a culture of wellness
I
BY RON HARTUNG
f old-time medical schools had the
personality of a Doberman, the
FSU College of Medicine is more
like a golden retriever. Collegiality
is the watchword. “Learning
communities” foster small-
group bonding. Doors are open.
Teamwork is key.
Yet even here, you’ll find
competition, self-imposed stress,
conflict, burnout, disappointment. Even here, director of the med school’s student counseling
not all dreams come true.
For example, one researcher found that
services. “With students, for example, money students who had enrolled in (but not yet
Which is why, under the My Resources tab is a huge issue. So if that component is out of begun) med school reported a better quality
on the College of Medicine website, the first balance, then that affects their mental health.” of life than college graduates of a similar age.
And because of the lingering stigma attached
Also, their rates of burnout and depression
Committee. And which is why Wellness Week to admitting depression or other mental were better. But as they started medical school
in April featured such offerings as smoothies, illnesses, many people – including bright and moved through the medical education
massages and calming walks around the new students who’ve never had to ask for help – keep system, their rates became significantly worse
labyrinth outside. their distress a secret. than the general population. Another study
Here and around the country, medical
“There’s this idea that you have to internalize
found that someone with a bachelor’s degree
educators are taking a harder look at the rigors it,” said Assistant Professor Christie Alexander, was 20 percent less likely to be burned out than
of the health profession. Through changes co-chair of the new Wellness Committee. “That someone with just a high school diploma – but
in the curriculum and an increased emphasis you have to be strong and power through.” with an M.D., you’re 40 percent MORE likely
on mental health, the College of Medicine is Sometimes, the results are devastating. working to establish a culture of wellness. Not “From the first day of class,” Dean John P. just for students but for the faculty and staff as Fogarty said, “we tell students, ‘This is a team self-assess their distress. Which makes us very
well. (This story focuses on students.) sport. Whatever you did as an individual to get vulnerable.”
“When people talk about wellness, it’s not
to medical school probably will not work in
to be burned out.
Her conclusion: “Physicians do not reliably
Partly it’s a sense of invincibility, she said. But
just the absence of illness,” guest lecturer medical school. So you need to find friends and also it’s an instinct to take care of others ahead
Catherine Pipas, from Dartmouth University, study partners, mentors and peers. You can’t of yourself, or instead of yourself. Either way,
told the College of Medicine in April. In her swim up this stream all by yourself.’” you typically just charge ahead.
‘It just becomes explosive’ medicine attracts,” said Alexander, a graduate
view, wellness includes intellectual, emotional,
physical, social, spiritual, occupational and
environmental health.
“If certain components of your personality
are not in balance, then it affects your overall
wellness,” said psychologist Carol Painter,
“We’ve talked about the personality type that
During her guest lecture, Pipas shared
of the med school’s inaugural class. “So you
startling numbers about people who go into start with a bunch of Type A folks and you put
medicine. more pressure on them – and it just becomes
explosive.”
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listing is no longer timecards but the Wellness