Short Wave Burnout: The Crisis Plaguing Health Care Workers
May 3, 2021
Dr. Arghavan Salles, a surgeon and researcher at Stanford University, shares her insights on the severe burnout plaguing healthcare workers, especially during the pandemic. She discusses the emotional toll of constant patient suffering in New York City hospitals, highlighting the mental health struggles of doctors and nurses. Strategies for institutions to support their staff and combat burnout are explored. The conversation emphasizes the need for human connection and coping mechanisms to navigate the profound sadness and exhaustion faced by these dedicated professionals.
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NYC ICU Volunteering
- Dr. Arghavan Salles volunteered in a New York City ICU during the pandemic's initial surge.
- This was during a time of great uncertainty and rapidly rising COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Overwhelming Suffering
- The immense suffering and death in the early pandemic overwhelmed healthcare workers.
- Effective COVID-19 treatments were scarce, increasing the sense of helplessness.
Immense Sadness
- Dr. Salles describes immense sadness for patients, families, and healthcare workers.
- Colleagues faced personal tragedies yet lacked space to process their experiences.