Humanism in Medicine: How Can We Support Clinician Well Being?
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Dr. Laura Vater, an oncologist and advocate for clinician well-being discusses the importance of humanism in medicine, the emotional toll of oncology, and the need for systemic changes to support healthcare professionals.
Dr. Vater shares her personal experiences that led her to advocate for clinician well-being, including her development of the Smile Scale, a tool designed to help clinicians assess their health and well-being.
The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by women in medicine, the importance of support systems, and strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Dr. Vater emphasizes the need for a culture shift in the medical community to prioritize mental health and reduce burnout among healthcare providers.
Takeaways
Advocating for clinician well-being is essential for sustainable healthcare.
Sleep deprivation negatively impacts clinician performance and empathy.
Support systems are crucial for maintaining clinician well-being.
Work-life balance is achievable with clear boundaries and support.
Presence in patient care is vital for effective healthcare delivery.
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Join the MembershipLearn more about Dr. Laura Vater
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH, is a writer, advocate for clinician health, TEDx speaker, and oncologist at the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is a member of the Pegasus Physician Writers at Stanford University and has published a number of narrative medicine essays. In 2022, her writing was featured in Pulitzer-Prize winning author Anna Quindlen’s book, Write for your Life. She also developed a tool to help patients and clinicians prioritize their health (The SMILE Scale™).
She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Doctor of Medicine from Indiana University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Oncology at Indiana University. She was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society in 2018 and is a member of the IU School of Medicine Honor Roll. She was also awarded the American Medical Women’s Association Charlotte Edwards Maguire, MD Outstanding Resident Mentor Award in 2022.
