Physicians and veterinarians join forces for wellness

An AMA Viewpoints post by AMA Immediate-Past President Steven J. Stack, MD, and American Veterinary Medical Association President Joe Kinnarney, DVM It ’s been said that one person can’t change the world. Still, one person can make a difference. Each of us, physicians and veterinarians alike, needs to be that one person when it comes to wellness. Many of our colleagues are struggling with wellness issues and they need our help. We need to be compassionate listeners, not judgmental or cynical or proud. We need to help lift the stigma too often associated with wellness struggles, and we need to be there for our colleagues when they face those struggles. It starts with us —and it starts now. Compassion fatigue, burnout, depression and anxiety: These words have become all too common in the vocabulary of physicians and veterinarians alike. Our doctors are at risk, and we can no longer look the other way. For the first time, the leadership of the AMA and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) are working together to bring more awareness to the important issue of wellness among healthcare professionals. This joint column is a reflection of our early efforts. Both organizations have devoted time, energy and resources to addressing the mental health crisis in our respective professions. But, we must all begin to work more closely together —to share resources, passion and commitment—to break down the stigma and lead our colleagues on a brighter path to well-be...
Source: AMA Wire - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Source Type: news