April 27-May 1, 2024 Austin, TX #AAEM24 aaem.org/aaem24
Wellness and Resilience: Nurturing a Healthy Emergency Medicine Community at AAEM24 Al’ai Alvarez, MD,* Neha Bhatnagar, MD,† and Jennifer Kanapicki-Comer, MD§
On behalf of AAEM, the Wellness Committee acknowledges the significance of tackling these challenges, and we welcome you to join us in person at the following events we will be spearheading during the AAEM Scientific Assembly 2024 in Austin, TX.
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mergency medicine faces a critical issue of burnout. Leigh et al. found that 71.4% of urban and 85.7% of rural emergency medicine physicians experience burnout.1 Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nguyen et al. reported a burnout rate of 74.7% among emergency medicine physicians, attributing this to emotional strain and increased workload.2 Institutions must prioritize practice efficiency and cultivate a wellness culture. Institutions can: y Create supportive work environments y Implement wellness programs and retreats to alleviate stress and foster camaraderie y Strive for healthy work-life harmony3 y Provide and seek mental health resources and support y Encourage open discussions about stress and burnout However, individual actions also play a crucial role in personal and colleague well-being. We as individuals can: y Practice self-compassion and mindfulness y Establish clear professional boundaries4,5 y Prioritize physical and mental health and wellness y Cultivate a positive work environment and relationships y Seek professional support when needed A crucial component of these interventions is fostering a sense of community. In the post-pandemic era, a feeling of interpersonal distance has emerged, particularly where virtual events have become the norm. These events include department meetings, interviews, individual Zoom meetings, and online conferences. While convenient, this shift towards virtual interactions often leads to a sense of social disconnection. Gathering in person, building relationships, networking actively, and participating in shared wellness activities are vital for combating burnout and nurturing awellness-oriented culture.
Wellness Room: A free space dedicated to relaxation and rejuve-
nation, prayer and meditation, creativity and comfort (open daily during the conference, starting Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 8am and ending Wednesday, May 1, at 12pm). Wellness Committee Meeting: Meet and mingle with Wellness Committee leaders and colleagues, discuss our initiatives, and brainstorm ideas for our future endeavors (Sunday, April 28, 4-5pm). Smash Your Stress Away!: A fun and engaging stress-relief activity (Sunday, April 28, 7-8pm). This is an offsite event at Breaking Point Austin where you can safely smash objects, splatter paint, throw axes, or solve an escape room for the sake of Wellness! Registration required. Transportation is not included but it will be coordinated with other registrants. “Lost in Austin” Walk: A social and physical wellness walk (Sunday, April 28, 7:15-9:30pm). During this leisurely walking tour, discover the charm of Austin, TX. Connect with colleagues, explore the city’s hidden gems, and refresh your mind and body. Lace up for a unique blend of wellness and exploration. New Attendee Reception: Networking and community-build-
ing (Monday, April 29, 6-7pm). Join AAEM leaders from the AAEM Board of Directors, AAEM/RSA Board of Directors, Chapter Divisions, Committees, Interest Groups, and Sections over drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Representatives will welcome first-time attendees to the Scientific Assembly and connect them to fellow AAEM members based on their interests. Airways Event: Back by popular demand! An ever-entertaining, en-
gaging, and educational session (Monday, April 29, 7-10pm). We all have stories to tell. Sometimes, they are funny or uncomfortable; sometimes, they are heartbreaking and full of life lessons. Other times, they affirm our decision to become physicians in the first place. Come to an evening event that promises to showcase a fantastic range of human experiences, enlighten minds, expose vulnerabilities, commiserate, and suggest ways to overcome the challenges we all face each day. >>
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COMMON SENSE MARCH/APRIL 2024