“Physician Heal Thyself” Luke 4:23. As doctors, providers and healthcare advocates we spend the majority of our days caring for and improving the quality of life of everyone around us, but seldom give that same level of care for ourselves.
From long hours working, high stress personal and professional relationships to poor diet and lack of exercise, healthcare providers rarely practice the lifestyle modifications they make to their patients.
At the 46th annual Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Convention healthcare providers and advocates alike had the opportunity to take a step back from their everyday roles, even if only for a 90-minute breakout session, and take some time for themselves.
Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shumey guided a cohort of providers through a session focused on self-preservation and self-care. Providers were armed with useful tools for dealing with everyday stressors both
inside and outside of the healthcare setting.
Working with people in any capacity is stressful, physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers have the added stress of managing life or death conditions. Often times providers have difficulty separating themselves from their work, and many times wind up taking the stress of the job home with them, creating a nonstop cycle of anxiety and even depression. Effective stress management tools and practices are vital to maintaining longevity and efficacy as a provider.
In the breakout session, providers were split into small groups and encouraged to share their experiences in dealing with patients living with Sickle Cell Anemia, and how they decompress when removed from the healthcare setting. As providers in the small groups began to connect and share, they were instructed to share personal anecdotes for coping with the roller coaster ride that is patient care.
As the groups shared their collective lists of coping mechanisms there were several tools were mentioned by multiple groups. Activities such as reconnecting with nature, whether walking your pets, gardening or simply sitting in a field are great ways to center yourself, and being in the natural world actually stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system further decreasing overall stress in the body.
Other physical activities like yoga, running and going to the gym were also common ways that providers found a refuge from the stressors of patient care. In addition to the tangible tools used for dealing with stress, mental exercises are important supplements for decreasing stress levels.
Being intentional with care and knowing that you have done everything you can for your patients was another recurring expression. When it comes to dealing with patients and chronic conditions such as sickle cell anemia, providers should always remember their Serenity Prayer and try not to let the work follow you home, there has to be a time to refill, for your patients.
Following the session, several of the providers shared that they were reminded of
the impact of their work and the importance of taking time for yourself – to better serve their patients.
A common sentiment in the room was gratitude for the fellowship and camaraderie amongst fellow providers who were able to connect and relate on multiple levels. Inspiration was another omnipresent theme throughout the session, having the chance to connect with so many providers and advocates striving to advance the quality of life for their patients served as a refreshing break from the everyday grind of clinical life.
Dr. Kevin Kinney, board certified and licensed Chiropractic Physician featured on INSIDER.com, TheTodayShow.com & BlackDoctorsMatter.org. Connect with Dr. Kev at drkevinkinney.com or @DrDuval904
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