As I walked into the lecture hall, I spotted my not-so-assigned seat. Familiar faces greeted me while I made my way to the familiar space and time. The standard set up ensued, making room for bags, snacks, and books. That day, I had brought in special banana bread with nuts and chocolate chips to support the appetites and nutrition of my lovely friends and colleagues, who always met me with smiles. I would “break bread" with those in the shared row who quickly became a chosen family.
One of the things I have begun to do more of over the past few years is to take the extra few seconds to show gratitude. Whether it be with friends or colleagues, it costs almost nothing, and science suggests there are many very real and measurable benefits both to the one expressing gratitude as well as the recipient.
As we begin a new year, many of us will think of new beginnings. We don’t need to wait until January of every year to start fresh. Popular poet, Juansen Dizon, wrote “I hope you realize that every day is a fresh start for you. That every sunrise is a new chapter in your life waiting to be written.” We can write new chapters every day, and our story can take a new course any time in the year, not just on January 1.
Depression, Burnout & Wellness: Lasting Pandemic Lessons for a Rural Physician
ACOI member, Nathan P. Samsa, DO, FACOI, felt overwhelmed by pressures and expectations brought on by the pandemic that neither his community, nor the U.S. as a whole, could have foreseen. He was the only physician at his hospital who was managing the patients on ventilators and oxygen in the COVID ward. He acutely felt the health emergency as did many rural communities where approximately 6.6 million COVID-19 cases and more than 175,00 COVID-19 related deaths (as of June, 2022) have been recorded according to the USA Facts and Centers for Disease Central and Prevention.
Physician Suicide Tragedy Influences Member’s View of Prioritizing Wellness
Insights From the Wellness Task Force - Dr. Julie Sterbank speaks on the loss of a colleague to suicide and the importance of finding ways to protect ourselves and each other.
A prominent pillar woven into the very fabric of the ACOI is Wellness. Our daily philosophies seek wellness for our families, friends, and patients with drive and determination. The toil of such a life can sometimes become overwhelming.
Thank you to ACOI member, Charlene Lepane, DO, FACOI for sending this very helpful information to share with our membership! Dr. Peter Tsai, inventor of the filtration fabric in the N95 mask recommends the following methods for reusing the N95 respirator:
