Thriving in Medicine Wellness Report
Results from a 2024 WSMA wellness survey revealed that across Washington
state there is a need for more adaptable wellness programs for different
clinical areas. Our colleagues overwhelmingly recognized that meaningful
time to care for our patients is paramount to our joy in medicine. Our
wellness is intricately tied to the care of our patients.
Currently, systemic issues in medicine prevent clinicians from having
adequate time with their patients. Survey respondents identified the need
for more support staff and efficiencies in practice, especially related to
electronic health records, as issues impacting their joy of medicine.
Three other significant factors contribute to satisfaction in medicine: 1)
Relationships and connections with colleagues, patients, staff, and
families; 2) Work-life balance; 3) Having autonomy to foster these
relationships, a more satisfactory work-life balance, and improvements in
medicine.
Acting on these survey results, the WSMA Foundation Wellness Committee put
forth a set of criteria for organizations, leaders, physicians, and
practitioners to assess and implement positive changes.
Wellness Report: Thriving in Medicine
“Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Choice, Competence, and Community” is a
guide to start, or to reevaluate and renew, processes to allow physicians
and practitioners to thrive. Productive and positive change requires
listening to, involving, and empowering physicians and practitioners. It
also takes dedicated resources and support. Wellness programs that are
supported with time and financial support are viewed most positively, have
better outcomes, and foster a greater sense that leadership supports joy
in medicine.
The proposals and ideas in this document are the next steps, not the final
steps. In making these recommendations, it is important to recognize the
need for greater changes in the health care system for future advocacy,
locally, regionally, and nationally.
Download “Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Choice, Competence, and Community.”
WSMA Foundation Wellness Action Committee
Thank you to the members of the WSMA Foundation Wellness Action Committee, who,
together, helped to make this document a reality.
-
Alka Atal-Barrio, MD, Optum Care Washington, Wellness Committee Chair
- Rachel Bishop, MD, PeaceHealth
- Jessica Bloom, MD, Family Care Network
- Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, Washington Physicians Health Program
- Linda Dale, PA-C
- Carrie Horwitch, MD, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
- Judy Kimelman, MD, Swedish Health Services, Retired
- Sheila Kirkegaard, Systems Evolution Inc. Consulting
- Peter Mikkelsen, MD, Pullman Regional Hospital
- Linda Seaman, MD
- Makrina Shanbour, MD, Confluence Health
- Nina Willow, MD, Kaiser Permanente Washington
- Leah Yoke, PA-C, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, UW Medicine
The WSMA Foundation Wellness Action Committee is supported by WSMA Associate
Director of Quality and Leadership Programs Monica Salgaonkar, MHA, CPHQ.