Put on your oxygen mask first
As surgeons we are trained to care for others. It is discipline and passion that pushes us to do better every day and to conquer new horizons for the sake of our patients’ wellbeing.
Being a surgeon in a University Hospital is very gratifying. It is a privilege to be able to have an impact on our patients as well as on our students.
However, as thrilling as the clinical and academic environment can be, it comes with its stressors. Beside our clinical responsibilities, many of us are also heavily involved in research, teaching and administrative duties.
Finding the balance between one's professional and personal life can be challenging and demanding. When a heavy workload and demanding standard begin to take their toll, it is important that we remember to put on our own oxygen mask first. We can only take care of others and achieve our fullest potential if we take care of ourselves.
The Department of Surgery is committed to the wellbeing of its surgeons and staff. We understand that wellness is a shared responsibility between an individual approach and a systemic approach.
If you feel overwhelmed, are struggling, or simply need to talk with someone, we recommend the services provided by the Quebec Physicians Health Program (QPHP): https://www.pamq.org/en/who-we-are/
The QPHP’s mission is to provide strictly confidential assistance to all physicians, residents and medical students who are facing a situation that can affect their psychological and overall health. The QPHP’s counselling services are free of charge and 365 days a year.
If you are a salaried employee of McGill you can also contact the Employee and Family Assistance program – EFAP : https://www.mcgill.ca/hr/benefits/eap
If you are interested in learning more about the subject of burn out and passion fatigue, we recommend the webinars and readings below:
- Association Québécoise de chirurgie: https://chirurgiequebec.ca/acces-au-webinaire-sur-la-plateforme-meduse-de-la-fmsq
- Canadian Medical Association, Wellness Support line and Wellness Hub: Wellness Support Line for Physicians | CMA
- Royal College Of Physicians and surgeons of Canada wellness resources: Wellness resources for health professionals | Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- American College of Surgeons webinars on wellbeing : https://www.facs.org/member-services/surgeon-wellbeing
Recommended Readings:
- Eugene Kim, Brenessa Lindeman ”Wellbeing” Springer 2020
- Rachel V Schwartzhoffer, Psychology of burnout: predictors and coping mechanism, Nova Science Pub Inc. 2009
- Physician burnout: a global crisis. Lancet. 2019; 394: 93
- George Mayzell, The resilient Healthcare Organization, How to reduce Physician and Healthcare Worker Burnout
If you wish to have a copy of the recommended readings, please fill out the form here.