Physician Wellbeing

Often people think of things like yoga, meditation, or organized social activities when the word “wellbeing” is used.  But it is actually much more than that.  At MedStar, we think about wellbeing in three inter-connected categories:

• Culture of Wellness – How does it feel to be at work?
• Efficiency of Practice – How difficult is it for me to do my job?
• Personal Resilience – How am I, as an individual, doing mentally and physically?

All three of these components lead to your level of Professional Fulfillment and/or your level of Burnout.  For those reasons, we approach each of the three components at MedStar in different ways. Most of what is covered in this FAQ today is focused on your personal resilience.

Absolutely.  First, bookmark the MedStar Health website www.MedStarHealth.org/Wellbeing for a current listing of wellbeing benefits.  Or, you can reach specific physician wellbeing resources on the academics landing page at www.MedStarHealth.org/Academics and click on “Wellbeing” on the top right menu bar.

We know that childcare is a major concern for all our providers with children. Therefore, we’ve made a big push toward expanding current options and creating new childcare options.

In DC: MedStar Health has partnered with Bright Horizons (2101 L Street NW) to create unlimited, consistent, and free childcare.

In DC, MD, and VA: MedStar Health has partnered with the YMCA to provide unlimited, consistent, and free childcare. All locations are highly vetted, follow CDC safety guidelines and include meals.

We have also expanded the Care.com option for a total of 25 back-up days. As previously, the service is a shared-cost model with a copay included. Information on all the childcare options can be found on www.medstarhealth.org/wellbeing.

There are several programs currently available through MedStar Health to help you financially during these difficult times.  Emergency interest-free loans up to $2,500 are available through Graduate Medical Education.  We are also working with Financial Beginnings to put together a series of financial literacy seminars tailored specifically for residents and fellows.

Remember we have the Physician Concierge program available to you at no cost.  The Physician Concierge program provides you with confidential personalized care planning, access and navigation to well-being and convenience resources (like finding a plumber who can come to your house on a specific day and time!). Physician Concierge is available to help with work or life challenges or when you just need to talk with someone. Whether you need emotional, social, physical, financial or career-related support, the Physician Concierge program is here to help. This resource can be accessed through the MedStar Concierge Connect app. This is a free app that provides easy, one-touch access to services available to you through the Physician Concierge program. Also please remember your spouse/partner also has access to utilize this service.  Download from the App Store or access these resources on the website www.MedStarHealth.org/Academics

We are working with grocery stores to create specific windows of time for healthcare provider-only access to shop.  We will continue to work on this to provide more options.  Also, remember the medical student volunteer group will provide grocery shopping and delivery.  You can access their websites by region at either (DC) DCcovidSitters.com or (Maryland) MDCovidSitters.org

In DC: We are working with Whole Foods Market to create a specific window specifically for healthcare providers to come in and do their food shopping. You will need to present your badge when you come in. Current locations include:

• Whole Foods Market Logan Circle (1140 P Street NW) 9-930PM nightly
• Whole Foods Market Foggy Bottom (2201 I St NW) 8-9PM

In Baltimore: Whole Foods Market is only taking online orders with no in-person shopping.

We are also working with other regional markets to set up similar arrangements.

In addition to the virtual support groups, we have expanded the existing peer support network through the Care for the Caregiver program.  You can use the information on the website to reach out to a peer to discuss current concerns, anxieties, and adverse events.

For residents/fellows based at MWHC, MNRH, or our Baltimore hospitals, our food vendor—Sodexo—has launched their new Bite App that enables you to order food anywhere you are 24/7.

For residents/fellows based at Georgetown Hospital, we have heard your concerns about accessing healthy food after midnight.  Beginning tomorrow, a table of healthy food items will be set up outside of Café Georgetown, from 12:00 am to 6:30 am, 7 days a week.  Overnight supervisors will check on the cart to make sure it is continuously stocked.

Additionally, for all house staff, we are working with various companies (e.g. Uber Eats, KIND Bars) to bring delivery and individually packaged healthy snacks to you whenever possible.

MedStar Health now is offering Uber rides, at no expense to associates and residents/fellows, as an option during this time of reduced public transportation. To take advantage of this service, you must add the Uber application to your smart phones. Please contact Jennifer Remington for details and authorization.