Dr. Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist and wellness expert, discusses her new book 'How Do You Feel?' and its focus on the mental toll of caring for others in medicine. She highlights the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Dr. Gold shares compelling insights on the importance of self-awareness and support systems, advocating for authentic expression and storytelling within the medical community. She also emphasizes aligning medical careers with personal values to foster meaningful connections.
Dr. Jessi Gold's book 'How Do You Feel?' emphasizes the mental and physical toll of caregiving in healthcare professions, advocating for self-care.
The podcast highlights the importance of authenticity in healthcare to combat burnout and promote a supportive environment among medical professionals.
Deep dives
Role as Chief Wellness Officer
The Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee oversees the well-being of a large population, including 59,000 students and 19,000 staff across multiple campuses. This role prioritizes breaking down silos between different institutions and creating a collaborative environment to address common wellness challenges. Daily responsibilities include extensive meetings, campus visits, and the establishment of working groups involving various mental health professionals to foster a shared approach to wellness. The primary goal is to identify the current state of wellness across campuses, assess the needs of the population, and implement evidence-based interventions to improve overall well-being.
Exploration of Healthcare Worker Experiences
The new book 'How Do You Feel?' offers insights into the emotional struggles of healthcare workers, sharing personal narratives to depict their experiences during the pandemic. It highlights the importance of understanding one’s own feelings and experiences instead of predominantly focusing on the care of others. By following the stories of different healthcare professionals, the book addresses issues like burnout, perfectionism, and the stigmatization of mental health in the medical community. This exploration aims to resonate with readers, particularly those in healthcare, fostering recognition of their experiences and promoting a culture of self-care in a demanding profession.
Authenticity in Clinical Practice
Authenticity is emphasized as a core value in clinical interactions and is crucial for effective caregiving. It explores the conflict healthcare professionals face in expressing their own emotions while being expected to provide steadfast support to others. The inability to be authentic can enhance feelings of burnout and disconnect, as healthcare workers often feel pressure to suppress their emotions. Acknowledging personal struggles and bringing human experiences into the workplace is necessary for maintaining both personal well-being and professional integrity.
Breaking Down Siloed Medical Training
The podcast discusses the often isolating nature of medical training, where individuals feel the need to perform without expressing vulnerability or personal challenges. This culture can lead to misconceptions about emotional fitness, as those in training may see their struggles as weaknesses rather than shared human experiences. By sharing personal narratives and cultivating a more supportive environment, the aim is to encourage medical practitioners to embrace their authentic selves and foster open discussions about well-being. Addressing these cultural norms is essential for creating a healthier and more connected healthcare landscape, ultimately benefiting both providers and patients.
This week, the Curious Clinicians meet Dr. Jessi Gold to talk about an important, and often undiscussed question in medicine: "How Do You Feel?" Dr. Gold's new book, out 10/8, covers the mental and physical costs of caring for others as a medical professional. More information about her book can be found here.
Regular episodes will return with our final pre-100th episode reboot on 10/16 and a special live episode on 10/30! Thank you for listening.
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