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Peaceful Valley ~ Weisenberg Twp
Tutto Niente ~ Chestnuthill Twp
Timbertop Lodge ~ Paradise Twp
Stony Brook ~ Lower Saucon Twp
Holly Farm ~ East Rockhill Twp
Hillcrest ~ Bethlehem Twp
Field of Dreams ~ South Whitehall Twp
Cherry Avenue ~ Forks Twp
LEHIGH COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
P.O. Box 8, East Texas, PA 18046 610-437-2288 | lcmedsoc.org
2025 LCMS BOARD OF DIRECTORS* Chaminie Wheeler, DO President
Kimberly Fugok, DO President Elect
Mary Stock, MD Vice President
Oscar A. Morffi, MD Treasurer
Charles J. Scagliotti, MD, FACS Secretary
Rajender S. Totlani, MD Immediate Past President
*effective February 1, 2024 - for two-year terms
CENSORS
Howard E. Hudson, Jr., MD Gregory Wheeler, DO
TRUSTEES
Wayne E. Dubov, MD
Kenneth J. Toff, DO Alissa Romano, DO
EDITOR
David Griffiths Executive Officer
17 BEYOND BURNOUT: STRENGTHENING PHYSICIAN FAMILIES IN A DEMANDING MEDICAL WORLD The Other Side of Physician Burnout By Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD 20 REACHING FOR THE STARS Finding Purpose and Passion in a Medical Marriage By Laura Noonan 22 THE POWER OF PLAY By Patricia Maran, MD
Bosscher
Hello and welcome to our summer edition. Before we start, I would like to thank all of our members who make this publication possible. We hope you find the contents of this issue interesting and informative.
We have several articles in this edition, from a wonderful piece on contentment, to a discussion on physician burnout, and being that it is summer, the power of play.
In the article “Beyond Burnout: Strengthening Physician Families in a Demanding Medical World,” the author discusses how the physician’s family can suffer as well and suggests ways the whole family can cope with burnout.
What does the word contentment mean to you? Hopefully you will enjoy this article as much as I did as the author discusses the meaning of the word and how we each perceive contentment. Another great article reminds us, do you remember “The Power of Play?” The author speaks of watching children play and how much joy they can find in the simplest things and asks us to try to do the same.
These are just a few of the articles you will find in this edition. We hope that you enjoy the magazine and find it both educational and relevant to your interests. If you wish to see past issues, they can be found at lcmedsoc.org/our-publication. Thank you for reading.
WITH LOVE AND LUGGAGE
Whether you are looking to see the world, try something new, visit family or check a destination off the bucket list, summer travel is fun, exciting and often highly anticipated. But for caregivers providing dementia care to loved ones with memory loss, planning a summer vacation can be daunting because of the added layer of ensuring health and safety. However, summer vacation is possible and is so very worth it!
“A dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of shared experiences,” said Carol Ditman, Senior Executive Director of Programming at Country Meadows Retirement Communities and Certified Dementia Live Coach. “In this season of life, travel is not about where you go or what you do – it’s about reconnecting to the people, places and things that matter to you and your family.”
With advance planning, adjusted expectations and a positive mindset, a memorable and meaningful experience can be had by all and actually benefit the individual’s dementia care plan. According to a recent study, “Tourism experiences offer elements of anticipation and planning; both stimulate brain function. Exercise is often an important component to tourism experiences, and is frequently included in dementia intervention plans.”
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you make plans for a summer getaway while still prioritizing the dementia care needs of your travel partner:
ACKNOWLEDGE THE ELEPHANT ON THE TRIP
The reality is that dementia can feel like the third wheel that no one asked for but that doesn’t mean the trips and the fun have to stop. Making airlines, hotels and restaurants aware, ensures that accommodations can be achieved in all of the logistics.
DETERMINE THE TYPE OF VACATION BASED ON THE STAGE OF DEMENTIA AND TYPES OF DEMENTIA CARE REQUIRED
The growing trend of staycations or day trips just might be the best thing for individuals with late-stage dementia. These familiar locations provide a change of scenery while still having the comfort of knowing that at the end of the day, home and primary medical providers are close by. If the travel involves a long flight, consider extending the trip for longer than just one week so a sense of normalcy can be created at the destination.
PACKING
AND PLANNING
• Looking for a dementia-friendly destination and activities: A 2024 National Geographic
article shared some of the best Dementiafriendly tourism spots and travel experiences such as visiting art museums and taking walks on hiking trails at nature centers. Country Meadows Retirement Communities’ resource center also provides tips for dining out with a loved one with dementia.
• Questioning whether the trip is possible or worth it: This is a normal feeling, however, there is still so much life that can be lived and as the caregiver, you are still making core memories with your family member or friend. Consult the loved one’s physician while planning the trip so you are aware of what their dementia care needs are or issues that could arise.
• Starting the packing list: Make sure to include medications, medical documents, identification cards, and comfort items. For example, bring items from the bedside table to replicate in the hotel or vacation house, travel with familiar snacks or have a playlist of favorite, calming songs ready.
KEEP A FLEXIBLE ITINERARY
Adjust expectations of timelines and activities and schedule extra time for everything that is planned. This may not be the fast-paced tourist trip that your loved one did prior to their diagnosis, but can still be enjoyed. Taking it slow and going with the flow of moods and desires can minimize the chance of confusion or behaviors. Additionally, routines are important for individuals experiencing dementia. Sticking to the same meal and bedtimes they are used to will be helpful in the transition to a different destination.
STAY SAFE
In all things, do what is safe and best for the entire travel group. Sticking together if large crowds are encountered is important. Avoid leaving the loved one in unfamiliar places. Consider investing in a GPS tracking or medical alert device prior to travel and keep a physical copy of emergency contacts accessible throughout the duration of the trip. Identification is also important. Be sure he or she is carrying an ID and a card with the caregiver’s name and contact information. It could also be helpful to take a photo of the loved one each morning to show how the loved one is dressed each day, should they become separated.
For more tips on dementia care while traveling with a loved one and resources on memory support programs, visit Countrymeadows.com/resources.
NEW DATA ON RESIDENT PHYSICIAN BURNOUT
With year-over-year improvements in several key metrics, an AMA report offers some cautious optimism on the state of resident well-being.
Based on responses from more than 3,600 resident physicians across the United States, the AMA National Resident Comparison Report reflects 2024 trends on six topics— job satisfaction, job stress, burnout, feeling valued by an organization, intent to stay post-residency and total hours spent per week on work-related activities (known as “time spend”). The findings, which are exclusive to the AMA and are not published anywhere else, represent data from all organizations that surveyed residents with the AMA’s Organizational Biopsy® in 2024.
The purpose of the aggregated data is to provide a national summary of resident well-being and to serve as a comparison for other residency programs and health care organizations.
For 2024, residents reported increased job satisfaction and lower burnout compared with 2023. The report also details improvements in a number of key wellness metrics.
While the top-line findings offer reason for encouragement, challenges remain, particularly related to administrative burden and variability of burnout across training years and other demographic breakdowns.
Here are four big takeaways on what the data suggests about how resident physicians are doing, where things are improving, and what still needs attention.
RESIDENTS FARE BETTER ON BURNOUT
According to the 2024 AMA data, residents reported higher job satisfaction, lower burnout, and a greater sense of being valued by their organization. Reported residency burnout dropped by 8% from the 2023 findings to 34.5% in 2024. The 2024 reported burnout for practicing physicians came in at 43.2% in comparison. It is important to note, there is continued variation in reported burnout by resident gender, program year and specialty.
The longer-term outlook, however, will be important to track, according to Nancy Nankivil, the AMA’s director of organizational well-being.
“If residents are feeling a sense of burnout, when they get into practice—depending on their specialty—this is not something
that’s going to go away or be reduced,” she said. “It is critical that health care organizations continue to focus on improving key system drivers related to well-being.”
As the leader in physician well-being, the AMA is reducing physician burnout by removing administrative burdens and providing real-world solutions to help doctors rediscover the Joy in Medicine™.
ALL WELL-BEING INDICATORS POINTING UP
Using the Mini-ReZ, a burnout assessment adapted for use among resident physicians, the 2024 report reflects an improvement across multiple indicators for residents compared with 2023. The aggregate findings indicate improvement on all three subscales represented by the tool: supportive work environment, practice efficiency and residency program experience.
A broader view—looking at all 15 core questions about which residents are asked as part of the Mini ReZ—shows across-theboard improvement.
“This group of residents’ aggregate responses indicate statistically significant differences on almost every key indicator over the previous year,” Nankivil said. “This is a signal that things are moving in the right direction, yet the market dynamics will continue to place pressure on the profession.”
With many institutions participating in the survey over multiple years, these improvements could potentially be attributed to programmatic interventions, Nankivil said.
The AMA Thriving in Residency series has guidance and resources on navigating the fast-paced demands of training, maintaining health and well-being, handling medical studentloan debt, and other essential tips about succeeding in graduate medical training.
THESE RESIDENTS ARE STRUGGLING
The data tell a more nuanced story about resident well-being when it comes to training year and gender.
As has been the case with past iterations of the report, there is an uptick in burnout and dip in satisfaction following intern year. In 2024, program satisfaction dropped from 91% in PGY-1 to 81% in PGY-2 and 80% in PGY-3. Burnout, likewise, showed increases
continued on next page >
“If residents are feeling a sense of burnout, when they get into practice—depending on their specialty—this is not something that’s going to go away or be reduced,” she said. “It is critical that health care organizations continue to focus on improving key system drivers related to well-being.”
from 29.3% during intern year to 40% for PGY-2s and 44.9% for PGY-3s. The burnout figures sharply decline after the third year of residency—29.9% of PGY-4s reported signs of burnout, and the figures were even lower for PGY-5s (22.7%) and fellows (21.8%).
Gender variation remains pronounced. Among male resident survey respondents, 27.8% reported burnout symptoms. Among female resident survey respondents, 40.2% reported burnout symptoms. Satisfaction scores also diverge at the extremes—far fewer women than men strongly agreed they were satisfied with their programs.
Among the physician specialties with the highest number of respondents, in 2024 pediatrics was the specialty with the lowest reported burnout at 33.5%, while family medicine (45.5%) and ob-gyn (45.4%) were at the top of the list.
WHAT IS STRAINING RESIDENTS
In an analysis of free-text responses to a question about residents’ job-related stressors and how they could be addressed, the top responses centered on the volume of administrative tasks (cited as a stressor by 32.6% of respondents) followed by schedulerelated concerns (26.1%).
“More than one out of every four residents is concerned about their schedule. So that could be an important area” for residency programs to understand and address, Nankivil said. “We do not see that come up as strongly in our physician data. So the impact
from working irregular hours, managing sleep hygiene, balancing personal responsibilities is more pronounced for residents who generally have less control over their schedule.”
Inadequate support staff was the third most common stressor mentioned by residents, and it may work in concert with the frustration surrounding administrative tasks, Nankivil said.
“The amount of documentation and other administrative components related to care delivery is a reality. It was often mentioned in relationship to available support staff,” she said. “These are system issues that impact residents, physicians and care team members. Many health care organizations are exploring and implementing digital health innovations, team-based care initiatives and streamlining workflows to lessen the current administrative burden.”
Across the entire spectrum of training, the most common stressors are created at the system level, Nankivil noted. Addressing them will require a strategic and intentional approach to the topic of burnout and well-being.
The AMA has resources to serve as a collaborator in addressing the factors that cause resident burnout and stress, including the AMA Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program, which empowers health systems to reduce burnout and build well-being so that physicians and their patients can thrive, and the AMA STEPS Forward® open-access toolkit “Resident and Fellow Burnout.”
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A SAFER SHOWERING SOLUTION WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
For individuals with limited mobility, stepping over a traditional bathtub wall—often nearly two feet high—can be both difficult and dangerous. One Day Bath, based in Bangor, PA, offers a cost-effective, life-changing alternative that enhances bathroom safety without major renovations.
Their TubcutTM service transforms standard bathtubs into accessible walk-in showers by removing a section of the existing tub wall and replacing it with a seamless, low-threshold stepthrough—just four inches above the floor. Designed without a lip, TubcutTM significantly reduces tripping hazards while preserving the tub’s overall structure and appearance.
The entire process typically takes less than a day, requiring no major demolition or plumbing work. TubcutTM works with most tub materials, including cast iron, fiberglass, and acrylic. The result is a professional, factory-finish look that is waterproof,
customizable, and even reversible if the homeowner wishes to restore the original tub in the future.
For added safety and convenience, One Day Bath also offers optional installations like built-in shower seats, shelves, and ADAcompliant safety bars. Their non-porous acrylic materials not only enhance durability but also simplify cleaning. The final design blends sleek modern aesthetics with practical function—ideal for patients who are budget-conscious or hesitant about more invasive remodels.
This innovative solution from One Day Bath allows residents of Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas to enjoy greater independence and peace of mind in their daily routines.
For more information, visit RenewYourBath.com or call 866-927-8247 to schedule a consultation.
YOUR PATIENTS’ SAFETY - ON THEIR BUDGET
Bathtub to Walk-In-Shower Conversion Experts offer aging in-place bathing solutions
Using the TubcuT® process, One Day Bath cuts out a section of the existing tub wall, then installs a seamless, color-matched factoryappearance step-through, converting any existing tub into a walk-in shower. A shower curtain is all that is needed to keep the water in. Other options and features include:
• Handicapped accessible options meet ADA Standards
• Users keep dignity by maintaining independence in the bathroom
• Customizable opening width to accommodate individual needs
• Reduce falling risk with the low 4” threshold
• Increase safety with professionally installed grab bars, built-in seats and shelves
• Most installations take less than a day minimizing home disruption
• Reversable should the tub need to be restored to its original condition
• TubcuT® can be installed on existing fiberglass, acrylic, steel or cast-iron bathtubs.
• VA Reimbursable in some cases
• Save thousands over complete bathroom remodels, plus a lifetime guarantee
• Also offering bathtub to barrier-free shower conversions and bathtub to low threshold walk-in shower conversions
For more information view our video at RenewYourBath.com or call 866-927-8247 to schedule a free in-home consultation.
GREEN
JUDY E. BUSS VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTOR
The following article is a contribution from a member of Rodale Institute’s volunteer network. The views represented in this article are solely the author’s. The information contained within this article is intended for informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for any health-related matters.
Dark green leafy vegetables are among the most nutrition-rich foods. They are dense with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, a large group of plant chemicals that have strong beneficial effects on our health. They boost the immune system, are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and aid in cellular repair. For example, the high levels of the phytonutrients beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin present in these vegetables
provide important protection from age-related eye damage, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
All green leafy vegetables (greens) also offer high levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron as well as vitamins K, C, E, A, and many of the B vitamins. Vitamin K, a nutrition celebrity, is not found as highly concentrated in most other types of food as in greens and is vital to good health. It helps regulate blood clotting, protects bones from osteoporosis, and aids in preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Chlorophyll, which gives the plants their green color, is a potent health promoter: it is a detoxifier that helps rid the body of pollution and heavy metals and protects against certain types of cancer. A word of caution: doctors advise individuals taking blood-thinning drugs to avoid foods high in vitamin K, including greens.
There are three types of greens: 1. Salad Greens (romaine lettuce, arugula, and watercress), which are eaten raw. Iceberg lettuce is nutritionally poor compared with its dark green cousins. 2. Fast Cooking Greens (spinach, chard, parsley, beet greens, escarole, rappini, dandelion, and mustard greens) can be eaten raw or briefly cooked. Poor parsley, the underappreciated overachiever! Friends, parsley is not just for garnishing: in addition to enormous health benefits it offers equal to other greens, parsley is also a body and breath deodorizer! Because the leaves of fast cooking greens are thinner and drastically shrink even during brief cooking, the amount prepared in their raw state should be three times larger than the desired cooked amount. 3. Hearty Greens (kale and collard greens) require a bit longer cooking time, particularly their stems.
Greens are a staple of certain regional cooking. Unfortunately, many of the traditional recipes include too much unhealthy fat such as butter, bacon, or ham. Additionally, greens are often cooked immersed in water that is then discarded (along with much of their nutrients). Quite a few recipes call for 45 minutes or longer of cooking time, causing a great deal of the vegetables’ nutrients to be destroyed. Casseroles may be tasty; however, baking greens, or any veggie, at high temperatures dramatically reduces their vitamin content. With a few simple recipe modifications, the yum factor can be preserved along with the food’s healthfulness—steaming instead of water-immersed cooking; using healthy fats such as olive oil; and not baking them to death in the oven.
Greens can be also chopped, covered, and cooked briefly in 3 tablespoons olive oil with spices and herbs, or added to soups and stews. Garlic, smoked turkey, cumin powder, lemon juice, or hot sauce are excellent flavors to include in these dishes. Try the following delicious recipes presented at right: Go green!
Judy E. Buss is a syndicated Eating-for-Health columnist and blogger, speaker, and nutritional cooking instructor.
GREEN RECIPES
Greens with Onion and Sesame (3 servings)
• 1 big bunch of cooking greens (kale, mustard greens, etc.)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 2-1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds
In a skillet, heat oil and cook onion (covered) for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, wash, trim tough stems, and chop the greens. Steam for 7 minutes and drain. Briefly drizzle cold water to halt the cooking, then shake the excess water off of them. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin to the onion in skillet. Cook 4 minutes. Gently mix in greens and cook 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from stove and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Citrus-Spinach Salad (4 servings)
• 6 cups spinach leaves, torn
• 2 oranges
• ¼ medium purple onion, thinly sliced, then finely chopped
Dressing:
• ½ teaspoon orange rind, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons wine or apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
In a large bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Peel and section the orange. Add spinach and onion. Cut each orange section into half (remove seeds) and add to spinach.
Potato Soup with Greens (3 servings)
• 2 large potatoes, scrubbed, cubed
• 1 cooking onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cups greens, washed, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
Cook all ingredients except oil and greens for 15 minutes. Add oil and greens and simmer 7 more minutes. Remove from stove. With a hand masher, partially mash soup, leaving some potato lumpiness for a more robust, chunky soup!
LEHIGH COUNTY 988 CALL CENTER OFFERS LOCALIZED SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH CRISES
ELIZABETH DEORNELLAS THE MORNING CALL
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. More resources can be found at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
After more than a year of work, Lehigh County launched its 988 call center, which means local callers to the suicide and crisis lifeline will reach Allentown-based operators who can provide 24/7 counseling and connection to mobile crisis intervention services and other county resources.
The 988 hotline already is live nationwide — those experiencing suicidal thoughts or another mental health crisis can call or text the number — but the launch of the Allentown call center means that Lehigh County callers will receive guidance from trained staff who work for the county’s Crisis Intervention Team and are familiar with local services.
Criminal actions and medical emergencies still should be reported to 911. Those facing thoughts of suicide or other psychological emergencies who are not in immediate physical danger can call 988 to reach a counselor.
Those concerned that another person
might be facing a mental health or substance abuse crisis also can report those concerns to 988. Staff will contact the person referenced in those reports and provide support. If requested, the concerned caller’s identity can remain anonymous.
The work of the 988 call center expands the operations of the county’s Crisis Intervention Team, which provides telephone counseling, home visits, and walk-in services. Staff from that team also run the Information & Referral program, which connects residents with county services such as transportation or utility bill assistance. Lisa Cozzi will be the director of all three programs.
Those in crisis who need someone to speak to are sometimes afraid that calling a lifeline will automatically mean that authorities will be dispatched to their house, but callers should understand that a 988 conversation is a collaborative effort to assess a person’s needs and provide them with the right support, Cozzi said.
That might mean that a mobile Crisis Intervention Team is dispatched, but that would only be done with the agreement of the caller, Cozzi said.
If callers agree, 988 staff also can perform follow-up calls or visits. Being familiar with local providers means that 988 staff can provide advice about mental health service providers who are close to the caller’s location and who are accepting patients.
“I think local support is best,” Cozzi said.
If 988 staff determine that an emergency requires police or medical assistance, they can transfer to 911 dispatch.
All 911 calls generate a police response. If a call originates with 911 and police determine that Crisis Intervention staff also should respond, police can contact Crisis Intervention directly or through 911 dispatch to request crisis mobile service assistance.
Lehigh County invested nearly $153,000 of federal pandemic relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act into the launch of its 988 call center. The funds paid for a phone system and other technology, furniture and sound masking, with an additional $23,000 for sound masking coming from the county’s base funds for mental health.
The county’s overall ARPA investments in mental health totaled $4.15 million and included suicide prevention programs and a walk-up clinic for youth services.
The importance of 988 lies in how easy it is to remember and how easy it is to access, said Mike Ramsey, clinical director at Valley Youth House, a nonprofit that provides various services to at-risk youth.
Youth in crisis can call 988, and it also will be a resource for parents seeking guidance on how to support their children and for other adults — like teachers or coaches — who might need such guidance.
The fact that a 988 call does not automatically generate a police response could be an advantage for marginalized community members who might be reluctant to reach out to law enforcement when in a crisis, Ramsey said.
“My interactions with police might be dramatically different than somebody else from a different community,” Ramsey said, referencing his perspective as a white male.
988 EXPANDS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Bucks County also is launching a 988 call center; when that and Lehigh County’s are open, there will be 14 call centers based in Pennsylvania. There is no call center in Northampton County.
988 callers from Lehigh County had been routed to a Center for Community Resources call center in Butler County that supports 38 counties.
There are only two 988 call centers in Pennsylvania that provide text and chat
services. Lehigh County’s call center does not yet support such services.
Lifeline users in Pennsylvania who text or chat reach a counselor, but only about 25% of those texts and chats are handled by an in-state counselor.
In contrast, more than 90% of 988 callers in Pennsylvania are routed to an in-state operator, said Brandon Cwalina, Department of Human Services spokesperson. The state’s 988 call centers are taking roughly 10,000 calls a month.
Use of the service is growing. From January 2024 to January 2025, texts and chats to 988 rose 132% in Pennsylvania, while voice calls rose 37%, Cwalina said.
Vibrant Emotional Health supports the operation of 988 call centers. The nonprofit trained Lehigh County’s 988 operators and will support their upcoming rollout of an outreach campaign.
continued on next page >
An advertisement for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s 988 hotline is seen at the ShawHoward University subway station in Washington, D.C. (ERIC HARKLEROAD / KFF HEALTH NEWS)
The 988 hotline is meant to be broad in its scope and to offer emotional support for people in distress, Vibrant spokesperson Ryan Kaspar said.
“We’re here to provide hope for people who feel like there is none, without judgment,” Kaspar said.
Operators should be empathetic, vulnerable and engaging, Kaspar said. Training includes online courses as well as live roleplays and simulated conversations. Onboarding also includes observations of 988 calls.
Although 988 services began in 2022, more outreach is needed to build awareness of what the hotline offers, said Josh Bridges, Lehigh County administrator for mental health and intellectual disabilities.
“We still run into people who don’t know what it is,” Bridges said.
Building awareness in schools is important, Bridges said, adding that one idea he’s heard is putting 988 stickers on the back of student IDs.
People of all age groups can find support through 988. Callers can select Spanish language services or connect to a dedicated support line for veterans.
Lehigh County’s 988 call centers will have bilingual staff, but if they are unavailable a caller can be transferred to the Spanishlanguage line or operators can teleconference in real time with an interpreter.
HYPNOSIS
CAN HELP YOU AND YOUR PATIENTS WITH ...
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
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• Control habits Call 570-617-5323 or visit Streamhypnosis.com for more information.
Vanessa Perez Weiss Certified Consulting Hypnotist 40 South 5th St., Suite 203, Allentown Streamhypnosis.com | 570-617-5323 vperezweiss@streamhypnosis.com
STOP SMOKING!
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the CDC, smoking and second-hand smoke exposure cause 480,000 deaths in the USA each year.
Most smokers are aware that smoking causes serious health risks and that it contributes to a shortened life expectancy as compared to non smokers. They may not have been aware of the risks when they had that first cigarette. Almost no one thinks that they will get stuck in a habit that lasts many decades or even a lifetime.
Hypnosis helps people stop smoking. Perhaps you or someone you know used hypnosis to stop smoking. You may also know a person who did not stop smoking with hypnosis and came to the conclusion that “nothing works” for them. That may be true for them and it may just be true for that attempt at stopping. For
hypnosis to be effective the person must want the goal and the person must want to have hypnosis. This rule applies to other problems people want to make better with hypnosis; you need to want the goal and you need to want hypnosis.
The famous hypnotist Don Mottin is quoted as saying that of people who receive hypnosis to stop smoking 30% respond as if they never smoked, 30% reach for a cigarette and realize they don’t need it and 30% have a struggle and they overcome it with the techniques the hypnotist teaches them.
Contact Vanessa Perez Weiss, BCH, FNP, NP-C to find out about private and group sessions to stop smoking at 570-617-5325 or vperweiss@streamhypnosis.com
VANESSA PEREZ WEISS, BCH, FNP, NP-C
BEYOND BURNOUT:
STRENGTHENING PHYSICIAN FAMILIES IN A DEMANDING MEDICAL WORLD
The Other Side of Physician Burnout
LISA A. MUEHLENBEIN, PHD
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re living the physician family life—the unpredictable schedules, late-night calls, last-minute changes, and, of course, the deep pride in your partner’s calling to medicine. It’s a world that brings immense rewards, but let’s be honest—it also brings challenges that many outside the medical community don’t fully understand.
We’ve been talking about physician burnout for years now. The statistics have been staggering. At its peak in 2021, burnout rates hit 62.8%, climbing from a pre-pandemic low of 38.2%. Some studies even reported rates as high as 68.2% in certain specialties. But here’s the good news: as of 2024, physician burnout rates are showing signs of real improvement—dropping to 53% in 2022, 48% in 2023, and now down to 45% in early 2024.
While this is a step in the right direction, we know that burnout doesn’t just affect the physician—it impacts the entire family. As a spouse of a physician for more than 25 years and a researcher on physician burnout and marital relationships, I’ve seen firsthand the ripple effect it has on spouses, children, and the overall family dynamic.
The question now is: How do we, as physician families, navigate this reality in a way that supports both the physician and the entire household? The answer lies in understanding how burnout shows up at home and taking small but powerful steps to prevent it from defining our lives.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT: HOW PHYSICIAN BURNOUT IMPACTS FAMILIES
Emotional and Mental Load of Physician Spouses
One of the most common themes in my research was the feeling of “solo parenting.” Many spouses described feeling like they were carrying the household on their own, juggling the kids’ schedules, managing the home, and making big life decisions without their partner’s involvement. Not because the physician doesn’t care, but because
they’re so mentally and emotionally drained from work.
Some of the most reported challenges include:
• Loneliness and isolation – “I feel like I’m doing this alone.”
• Emotional exhaustion – The constant weight of responsibility can wear down even the strongest of spouses.
• Walking on eggshells – Carefully choosing when and how to bring up household issues based on the physician’s stress level and what type of day they had, regardless of what type of day the spouse had.
• Health struggles – Increased anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms like headaches, insomnia, and chronic fatigue among spouses.
As one spouse shared during my research: “I gave up so much—career, moves, putting my needs second to support my husband’s career. And now I feel like he’s never fully present.”
Physician burnout isn’t just a workplace issue—it’s a family issue. The good news? There are real, actionable ways to support your physician and yourself without losing your own sense of identity.
WHERE
WE’RE
HEADED: PHYSICIAN FAMILIES IN THE NEXT DECADE
With physician shortages looming— projected to reach up to 124,000 by 2034—the pressure on those who remain in the field will only increase. Many newer physicians are already struggling earlier in their careers, reporting high levels of burnout in residency and early practice.
For those of us who have been through the many seasons of medical life, we need to start reshaping the conversation from just physician burnout to physician family wellness.
The truth is, the physician’s greatest tool to combat burnout is the support of their spouse/partner. When the
physician’s spouse and family have support, the physician is less likely to burn out. It’s all connected. That’s why the focus moving forward must be on the entire physician family unit, not just the individual physician.
10 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN PHYSICIAN FAMILIES AND PREVENT BURNOUT
So, what can we do right now—in the day-to-day chaos—to create a stronger, more connected home life?
Here are 10 actionable strategies that can make a real difference:
1. Open Communication About Stress
Let’s normalize talking about stress—for both partners. It’s not just about the physician venting about work. Spouses should feel just as safe sharing their own stress and struggles.
Try this: Schedule weekly checkins to talk about each other’s stress levels, not just medical work.
2. Set Clear Work-Life Boundaries
Many physicians bring work home—answering messages, catching up on charts, and working during “pajama time.” It’s part of the job, but it shouldn’t take over every evening.
Try this: Designate a protected “no work” time, even just 30 minutes during dinner.
3. Schedule Daily Mini “CheckIns”
Long shifts can make it hard to stay emotionally connected.
Try this: A quick morning text or a five-minute call before bed can go a long way in keeping the connection strong.
4. Prioritize Date Nights
Yes, schedules are unpredictable. But putting intentional effort into your marriage matters.
Try this: Even if it’s just a walk together or coffee on the porch, commit to one intentional “us” moment per week.
5. Encourage Each Other’s Self-Care
Both partners need time to recharge, not just the physician.
Try this: Take turns giving each other an hour of uninterrupted personal time.
6. Reduce Feelings of Isolation
Find your people—whether it’s a medical spouse support group, the AMA Alliance, or state or local medical society Alliances.
Try this: Join a group where you can talk to people who truly get it.
7. Share Household Responsibilities
Even small contributions from the physician help spouses feel more supported.
Try this: Divide household tasks in a way that makes both partners feel seen.
8. Plan Family Time in Advance
Spontaneous family time is great, but in a physician household, planning is key.
Try this: Schedule family outings or weekends in advance to make them a priority.
9. Create Emotional “Reset” Rituals
The shift from hospital mode to home mode isn’t always easy.
Try this: Set up a 15-minute unwinding ritual before diving into family life.
10. Seek Support When Needed
There’s no shame in seeking help. Whether through couples coaching, therapy, or physician support networks, getting outside guidance can be gamechanging.
WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER
Declining burnout rates are a sign that change is possible. But we still have work to do—not just for our physicians, but for ourselves and our families.
We don’t have to just survive medical life—we can thrive in it.
Let’s continue the conversation. What strategies have worked for your family? Let’s share, support, and lift each other up—
because strong families build strong physicians. E-mail me at drlisa@themedlifematrix.com.
For more resources and to download the Top 10 Things Medical Families Can Do to Prevent Burnout as a companion to this article, visit The Medlife Matrix website (www. themedlifematrix.com/resources).
Lisa A. Muehlenbein, PhD, is a leading expert on physician burnout and its impact on medical families, with over 30+ years in health and wellness and 25 years as a medical spouse. She holds a PhD in psychology specializing in health psychology and is the author of Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective, Wellness Beyond the Whitecoat: Burnout Breakthroughs for Physician Families, and The Burnout Risk Assessment Quiz for Physicians and Their Spouses, all of which can be accessed at www. medlifematrix.com. Through her MedLife Matrix methodology, Dr. Muehlenbein empowers medical families and healthcare organizations to overcome burnout, foster connection, and thrive together.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2025 edition of Physician Family Alliance in Motion magazine. It has been updated.
THE BEST READING IN READING.
REACHING FOR THE STARS
Finding Purpose and Passion in a Medical Marriage
Seven years ago my life path took a drastic change when I joined Eharmony and met the love of my life: Tim, a then first-year internal medicine resident physician. He was in Missouri and I was in Washington state. Our whirlwind romance led to a marriage just eight months after our first “hello” online.
Comments from friends saying things like, “Oh! Look at you marrying a doctor!” only added to my uneducated assumptions of what this life in medicine would be like. I had no clue that after the wedding, my life would suddenly feel like it was “on hold,” while supporting my husband’s dreams and goals as we moved across the country for his training four times in five years.
I’ve discovered that being in a medical marriage and reaching for the stars is like navigating a long, unpredictable voyage across the ocean at night. The doctor is the captain, steering the ship through the stormy seas of long hours, stress, and sacrifices; the spouse or partner serves
as both compass and lighthouse – offering stability, guidance, and light in the darkest moments.
At times, the waves of loneliness and exhaustion may feel overwhelming, but by keeping our eyes on the stars – our shared dreams, personal ambitions, and the love that started it all – we find our way forward. The journey isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about growing, adapting, and discovering new horizons together.
BEFORE WE LOOK AT THE FUTURE, LET’S FIRST GO BACK TO THE PAST
The excitement of moving across the country to be with my new husband quickly faded with the reality of the first overnight call shift. You mean I was going to have to spend nights alone as a new bride?! And what’s this about not being able to leave work until your attending physician says you can leave even if you’ve already worked an eight-hour day? Or living off a salary that broke down to maybe $10 an hour?
LAURA NOONAN
To sweeten the deal, I was living in a new city miles away from friends and family, in a city that felt like the farthest thing away from home.
Was this some cruel joke?
I sank into a deep loneliness. I knew no other partners of physicians in whom to confide my struggles; I knew no people who truly “get it.” Left to my own thoughts, I was convinced my feelings were abnormal and that other medical spouses just didn’t have the struggles I was having. I would just have to figure it out.
One way to combat this loneliness was by pouring time into my physical fitness. I started a health and wellness blog. The best part was that fitness was an activity Tim and I could share together when he was off work; blogging was something I could do during his long shifts. We both became the fittest we’ve ever been and remained connected despite the demands of his training schedule.
THE PART WHERE I DISCOVERED MY FEELINGS WERE NORMAL
Through blogging, I fostered friendships with others. One of those friends happened to be the spouse of a medical student. Through our conversations I quickly realized the frustrations I was having were very normal. Not only that, but we both naturally shared those frustrations without fear of judgment from others whose attitude might be: “Who are you to complain? At least you married a doctor.”
Through my friend, I learned about Side by Side, an extension of the Christian Medical and Dental Association founded for spouses of physicians wanting to connect in person with others walking the same path. This discovery gave me an “Ah ha!” moment when I realized medical spouses and partners needed a way to connect with one another. Even better, there was no shame – only strength in the shared experiences.
When I connected with someone through Instagram and found solidarity in my life with a physician, I realized I could find others needing that same support through social media. What had once been my own personal challenge became an opportunity to create a space where other spouses of physicians could feel seen and heard.
THE PATH AHEAD: BECOMING “IT’S LAURA NOONAN”
After Tim’s fellowship we reached the long-awaited moment of choosing where to settle our family, and we moved to Tennessee. Four years later, his infectious disease practice is thriving, and our roots are growing deeper. As fulfilling as this post-training life has been for our family, it hasn’t been without its struggles.
Yes, he no longer answers to attendings, but his schedule is still very busy and sometimes unpredictable! Holidays aren’t a “given.” He was only able to take a handful of days for paternity leave when our second child was born and only a few more than that when our third arrived.
Things are different, yet also not. Dedication to the training has been overtaken by commitments to patients.
What has changed though? My outlook on this life. I’m so thankful for how it’s given me a deeper sense of adventure and allowed me to live in different parts of the United States! I’m so thankful for what it provides for our family. I’m also so thankful for the community it has allowed me to develop on my Instagram page.
In his first year as an attending physician, I decided to switch my social media presence as a health and wellness blogger/influencer over to an account focused on encouraging and supporting partners of physicians. My account name is “It’s Laura Noonan.” My goal is preventing others from feeling as isolated as I did when I began this journey. Over the last couple of years, the community of medical
spouses and partners I created has grown to over 22,000 people!
Though the path of a medical marriage or relationship is filled with challenges, it is also rich with purpose, growth, and resilience. By reaching for our own stars – whether in love, personal ambitions, or the strength to navigate this journey – we create a life not just about sacrifice, but about fulfillment. The road ahead may be uncertain, but with faith, determination, and a shared vision, we continue forward, not just as spouses of doctors but as people who are building meaningful lives of our own.
As a mom to three energetic boys living in Nashville, Tennessee, and the wife of an infectious disease doctor, I understand the unique challenges and joys of life as a physician spouse. Through my Instagram platform “It’s Laura Noonan,” I support and connect with other medical spouses, offering encouragement, financial insights, and a sense of community. Whether sharing relatable moments, practical tips, or uplifting messages, my goal is to make this journey a little easier—and a lot more fun! When I’m not creating content, you’ll find me hiking, savoring a great cup of coffee, or enjoying a well-earned date night with my husband.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2025 edition of Physician Family Alliance in Motion magazine. It has been updated.
THE POWER OF PLAY
PATRICIA MARAN, MD
On a cold damp late afternoon in April, the children were playing tag as darkness fell. The parents had begun to turn on their headlights and come out of warm waiting cars to see if practice was done. As the adults pulled up coat collars and wandered onto the field, they were met with sounds of laughter. The 3rd and 4th grade girls lacrosse team members seemed oblivious to the weather, the darkness, the rain, and their waiting parents. “We told them they were done,” I said, “but they all wanted to play another few games of fox and farmers.”
Later in the season, just this past sunny Friday evening, the same group found some reuseable water balloons and would have nothing but dousing each other and we coaches in water. Shrieks of fun radiated through the girls as they attempted to catch each other unaware and dump the balloon on heads, backs and shoulders. Moments ago, I struggled to get them to run in a drill, yet here they were sprinting about the empty parking lot, jumping through puddles, and accelerating past forgotten lacrosse sticks in the pursuit of dousing each other.
I tell this story to emphasize the importance and power of play in all of our lives, the type of play we adults have forgotten to embrace. In our world of work, schedules, responsibilities and to-do lists, rarely do folks enjoy the free happiness that comes with being with friends, outside, in movement. What coaching field hockey and lacrosse children over the past thirty-five years has brought me is a chance to participate in their wonder, their unadulterated joy, their ability to have unconstrained and unscripted fun.
At times, their wonder and perception of the world reminds me that even in the simple things, there are miracles. For example, one day on the field, the black rain clouds were on one side of us and
the blue sky was on the other. All the other teams had canceled due to Doppler forecasts but on a windswept local field we were witness to the most amazing bright complete double rainbow I have ever seen.
“It’s like the hands of God were reaching out from both ends and holding not one but two rainbows for us to see.” Another girl piped in, “and it’s so close we can almost capture the gold on either end.” And with that, the sticks dropped and some put hands up as if to touch the colors.
I would encourage everyone to forget the metrics, the score, the time clock, the batting averages, the rank list. Forget exercise because it is “good for us” or the treadmill that resembles an albatross capturing half-worn clothes. Just for a moment, each day, attempt to embody what movement and play used to be, a time to be with friends, to hang upside down on tree limbs, to collapse in fatigue after giggling until your ribcage ached. Pretend like there is no time-line, no deadlines and in that way, we may all reach what scientists have found out about people living in Blue Zones.
Blue Zones are areas of the world where people live active, productive healthy lives well into their 80s and 90s. Scientists have found a common denominator in regions of the world where Blue Zones exist. Both the quality of life and the longevity with health not illness that our elders experience in far reaching places as Costa Rica, Italy, and Loma Linda, California include nutrition grown locally, prioritizing
fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. This food is unprocessed but more importantly made at home, and eaten with family and friends. The community we keep, the movement and sleep we get, the food we consume and the sense of worth or purpose each person has in that larger community matters. In fact, these simple things, so far from what many of our normal days have become, actually seems to be the elixir of life.
In my mind, the fountain of youth, embodied in our youth, is likely more powerful than any medicine I have prescribed or surgery I have performed. When one third grader wondered why I had come to the field in hospital scrubs and my daughter announced I was a doctor, she looked at me and asked, “If you are a doctor then why are you here?” I answered the way only children accept as a suitable explanation: “Because it’s fun, isn’t it?”
If you wish to learn more about the goal of making the Lehigh Valley become a Blue Zone Region, please consider looking up The Blue Zone Project Lehigh Valley and get involved.
In our world of work, schedules, responsibilities and to-do lists, rarely do folks enjoy the free happiness that comes with being with friends, outside, in movement.
CONTENTMENT: A GIFT YOU GIVE YOURSELF
ILENE BOSSCHER
Contentment is a richly layered concept that transcends mere happiness or satisfaction.
Contentment requires a deep understanding of oneself, an appreciation for the present, and a commitment to nurturing positive relationships. Contentment is a state of inner peace that results from one’s focus on satisfaction with present circumstances and choices, and the happiness that results.
This awareness and pursuit of contentment within each person is an important, distinctive exploration that leads to finding a sense of ease and fulfillment in that person’s present circumstances, no matter what they may be. It is not synonymous with complacency but rather, it is the ability to truly compartmentalize and embrace where one is presently while
preparing and pursuing one’s future ambitions. Contentment allows one to focus and enjoy the present, appreciating what they have rather than focusing on what they yearn for and what they don’t have.
Contentment has been a subject of contemplation for the entire written history of mankind. Epictetus from the first century taught about the importance of self-knowledge and understanding what is within an individual’s control and what is not. Epictetus taught contentment could be arrived at by focusing on what is within one’s control, which empowers that individual to cultivate a persistent sense of internal contentment no matter what one’s surrounding external conditions are.
CIRCLE OF CONTROL
Today, a common therapeutic intervention to encourage a client on how
to take control of their life is based on this principle and is called “Circle of Control.”
The most common model shows three circles, each expanding beyond the other. The innermost circle, “The Circle of Control,” is where one would put what they can directly control and hence change.
The next circle is where one would put what they have some input or some control over, “The Circle of Influence”; this is where one would put needed skills or knowledge.
The most outer circle, “The Circle of Concern,” is made up of what the individual might be concerned about but has no control over, like the pandemic.
GRATITUDE
Gratitude is a powerful feeling and a method to appreciate where one is and
what they have. Gratitude is a potent tool in developing a deeper sense of contentment. Gratitude involves taking time to recognize and appreciate the positives one has in their lives, no matter how small. This exercise can shift our focus away from scarcity and towards an attitude of abundance.
Research shows that practicing gratitude enhances well-being, reduces anxiety, and promotes a positive outlook on life. Integrating gratitude into one’s daily routine could be as simple as maintaining a gratitude journal, where we note things for which we are thankful at the end of each day. This shift in perspective can significantly contribute to one’s overall sense of contentment, helping us cultivate a deeper appreciation for our lives, relationships, and experiences.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness plays a critical role in achieving contentment by teaching us to remain present and engaged in the moment. Mindfulness helps us break free from the negative thought patterns that often lead to dissatisfaction. Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation, focused breathing, or simply being aware of our surroundings, enables us to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment. This non-judgmental awareness allows us to acknowledge and accept our current emotions rather than resist or suppress them. As we learn to accept our thoughts and feelings as they are, we foster a sense of peace and contentment within ourselves.
SIMPLIFY AND DECLUTTER
Simplify and declutter your life in both your physical and mental space. Addressing your home with the perspective of getting rid of things that no longer bring you joy and you no longer need and use gives you more space to enjoy your home. Simplifying your environment and commitments can reduce stress and enhance a sense of peace.
INTERPERSONAL CONNECTIONS
Interpersonal connections and contentment are profoundly intertwined. Having positive relationships and connections with family, friends, and your
community is an innate desire with which we are born. Positive connections with others provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, which are essential components of a contented life.
Investing time and energy into nurturing these relationships can lead to increased levels of happiness and satisfaction. Communicating openly and fostering an attitude of empathy enhances these relationships, allowing us to share in each other’s joys and challenges. Engaging in acts of kindness and supporting others can also contribute to our sense of fulfillment, reinforcing the idea that contentment often stems from generosity and community engagement.
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of contentment. In many societies the pursuit of happiness is closely tied to material success, status, and external valuation.
Social media exacerbates this phenomenon by creating an illusion of idealized lives, making it easy to fall into the comparison trap. A constant stream of curated personas can lead to feelings of inadequacy and discontent. Reevaluating these postings is advisable for discovering true contentment.
When we shift our focus from material accumulation and external validation to meaningful relationships, personal growth, and self-acceptance, we can cultivate a greater sense of fulfillment.
CONCLUSION
In a world that often prioritizes achievement and material wealth, cultivating contentment offers a pathway
to true fulfillment. By embracing gratitude, mindfulness, and connection while re-evaluating our commitments, cluttered home environments, and social media involvement, we can move closer to experiencing the profound peace that contentment brings, Ultimately, the journey toward contentment is as valuable as the designation itself, which guides us toward a more meaningful and enriched life.
REMEMBER THIS QUOTE:
“Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.” — Og Mandino
Ilene Bosscher, MDiv, MA, LMFT-S, LPCC-S, RPT-S, is a doctoral candidate in the PhD Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Amridge University, a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Association of Christian Counselors, and a certified Havening Techniques practitioner. She has a tele-health private practice in MI, IN, KY, FL, and SD. Ilene and her husband have five children and nine grandchildren.
This article was originally published in the Winter 2025 edition of Physician Family Alliance in Motion magazine. It has been updated.
Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.
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