 As the recent rainstorms promised in "April Showers" have reminded me, April is Stress Awareness Month. Just as the weather can cause unpredictable downpours, we must navigate the storms and stress of burnout that can come with our noble profession. We know all too well that stress can take a toll on both our physical and mental well-being. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the immense dedication and hard work each of you pours into your roles every day, often at the expense of your own well-being. Now, more than ever, we must prioritize self-care as a component of our professional journey.
As each of you is an indispensable member of our department, your well-being is paramount. As we developed our Strategic Plan, I ensured that DOM members' wellness is a priority. Together, we will focus on fostering a culture of kindness and respect, strengthen professional development resources, and make adjustments to bring more meaning to our work.
I encourage you to lean into wellness on both personal and professional levels. The University's Well-U program offers many wonderful resources, including stress reduction programs. You can always find help and compassionate care through the UR Medicine EAP. URMC recently welcomed Craig Rooney, PhD, and Jessica Shand, MD, MHS, as chief and associate chief Wellbeing Officers. I'm excited to see how their work will impact all of us.
Rest assured, Allen Anandarajah, MBBS, our DOM associate chair for Wellness, is looking out for you as well. Visit our DOM Wellbeing site to learn who your division Wellness Champion is, and access valuable resources. Listen to the podcast Flourishing in Medicine by our friend Mick Krasner, MD, professor emeritus of Medicine. You can also learn these simple yet proven tactics to reduce stress. Take pride in being resilient and be aware that managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.
Prioritizing your health is not just commendable, it's essential. Let's nurture ourselves with the same compassion and dedication we extend to our patients every day.
Be well,
Ruth O'Regan, MD
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