Several residency training programs have fully embraced that notion . In particular , the WVU Department of Medicine has rolled out its 360 ° Wellness curriculum , which takes a three-pronged approach to mental wellness , emphasizing how mental health corresponds with physical health and social support .
Internal medicine residents are scheduled with WVU ’ s Faculty and Staff Assistance ( FSAP ) program , a free service that connects employees to professional staff where they can sort through problems and get connected to the best long-term resources to address them .
Educational wellness initiatives available at the West Virginia University School of Medicine
Physician burnout and mental wellness has been a topical focus point in the media over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic , and the West Virginia University School ( WVU ) of Medicine has worked to strengthen and expand previously established mental wellness programs and better the overall experience for students , residents , fellows , and faculty .
Clay Marsh , MD , vice president and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences , has consistently emphasized the notion that effective healers need to take time to heal themselves , whether physically or mentally , and that kindness in our connections with one another are a driving force for positive change in our collective world .
The aim of prescheduled appointments is to reduce logistical roadblocks for the residents and establish that mental wellness is a priority . The day of the visit is a scheduled day off for convenience .
While residents can opt out , the program has seen close to 100 % attendance and a significant increase in residents scheduling follow up visits — an indication that the stigmas of seeking out help isn ’ t a major barrier for the department ’ s members .
Nishtha Modi , MD , a third-year resident , emphasized the significance of the FSAP program , noting that it ’ s a big bonus to the training program and an indicator that the department recognizes that doctors have several roles in life outside of the hospital doors .
“ I love the FSAP program here . All the residents have access to a
Congratulations
to these West Virginia State Medical Association members on being inducted into the West Virginia Executive Health Care Hall of Fame Class of 2022 .
Catherine “ Mindy ” Chua , D . O ., FAAFP , FNMN , CPE Ali R . Rezai , M . D . Tom Takubo , D . O . Kevin W . Yingling , RPh , M . D ., FACP
56 • www . wvsma . org