Description:
Wellness is a critical component of the neurology programs. There is a growing body of literature focusing on poor mental health in fellows and the impact this has on training. One study in the British Medical Journal found that residents who were depressed made 6.2 times as many medical errors than their colleagues who were not depressed. Notably, in the cohort of 123 residents involved in the study, 20% met criteria for depression and 74% met criteria for burnout. Stress-related exhaustion, which is thought to be similar to burnout, has been associated with cognitive impairment in memory and executive functioning. Finding ways to address and improve resident wellbeing is imperative for the health of the residents and the residency program as a whole.
The Neurology Fellowship League (NFL) was established in 2020 for all fellows across the Neurology Department. The NFL was spearheaded by several fellows under the leadership of Dr. Laura Donovan in the division of Neuro-Oncology. The goal of the NFL is to provide a support network for both social and career networking. Activities have included a board review lecture series, outside lecturers who have discussed practical topics such as management finances during the transition from fellowship to junior faculty roles. In addition, each fellow has been paired with a faculty member outside the division of Epilepsy to act as a mentor and to provide a forum to provide feedback.
Evaluation:
Fellows are able to provide feedback to Dr. Rebecca Straus-Farber and Tarini Goyal, Chairs to the Faculty Development Committee.
Goals and Objectives:
Medical Knowledge
- Fellows will learn the impact of burnout, fatigue, substance abuse, sleep deprivation and mood disorders on cognitive function as it relates to patient care. Techniques for managing stress and burnout will be taught. Recognition of burnout in oneself and identification of a struggling colleague with a clear protocol for how to obtain the necessary help or intervention will be taught.
Patient Care
- Fellows will have protected time for reflection on difficult patient cases and case load and group discussions regarding how to manage demands of residency.
Systems-Based Practice
- Open forums will allow for new ideas on how to improve workflow and educational responsibilities to improve resident well-being.
Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
- Fellows will learn about the growing body of literature that supports active maintenance of mental health and well-being in physicians and how to apply this data to residency and lifelong practice.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Fellows will have the opportunity to discuss difficult patient care and professional situations in a safe environment with one another and with mental health professionals.
Professionalism
- Fellows will learn how to address burnout and mental health issues in themselves and colleagues in a professional manner.
Activities/Components:
Wellness will be addressed through several approaches:
Neurology Fellow League:
The Neurology Fellowship League (NFL) was established in 2020 for all fellows across the Neurology Department. The NFL was spearheaded by several fellows under the leadership of Dr. Laura Donovan in the division of Neuro-Oncology. The goal of the NFL is to provide a support network for both social and career networking. Activities have included a board review lecture series, outside lecturers who have discussed practical topics such as management finances during the transition from fellowship to junior faculty roles.
Noon conference series:
There is a yearly lecture on sleep deprivation and burnout.
Mentoring groups:
Each fellow will be part of a team composed and paired with a faculty member outside the epilepsy division. Faculty members will serve as resources to discuss challenges in both work and life and will meet with the residents several times per year.
Fellow retreats:
Each class will have a retreat one day a year where they are excused from their work duties for the day. They will have coverage from the other residents and will be able to spend the day doing a fun activity. This will allow for a day of team-building and decompression away from the hospital.
Medical Appointments and Self Care:
Fellows should be aware that the Epilepsy Fellowship Program and its faculty will incorporate scheduled time for medical care and appointments as necessary for each trainee. Please speak with the Program Director if schedule changes are needed to afford adequate time and or to facilitate time for said care. The Program recognizes the need and supports its trainees in ensuring their wellbeing.