In this episode of CCIM, host Dr Elise Putt sits down with Dr Bethan Richards, the first Chief Medical Wellness Officer for the Sydney Local Health District. They delve into the pioneering efforts by Dr Richards and her team to address the well-being of medical trainees and the systemic changes needed in the healthcare system. Noticing concerns about distress and burnout amongst junior doctors, Dr Richards led the implementation of a pilot program that included workshops on performance under pressure, physical well-being activities like boxercise and yoga, mindfulness training, and workshops on breaking bad news. The initiative showed promising results which garnered support and funding from the Ministry of Health.

With a diverse background, Dr Richards is a clinician, researcher, and lecturer. She co-directs the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, which boasts 75 researchers, over $60 million in grants, and approximately 300 publications per year. Initially resistant to a career in medicine, inspired by her father and a personal interest in science, Dr Richards eventually found her calling in rheumatology.

Dr Richards touches on the importance of extending well-being programs to senior doctors, emphasising that their well-being significantly influences junior doctors. Seeking guidance from Stanford, she developed a strategy to include all medical staff, with the ambitious goal of ultimately supporting all 14,000 staff members at her organisation. System-level changes such as introducing healthy vending machines and reinstating a popular food option for doctors were also implemented to foster social connections and improve well-being.

Dr Richards highlights the crucial role mentorship plays in personal and professional development, encouraging practitioners to seek out mentors and prioritise relationships. She underscores the need for systemic change in healthcare, advocating for small victories and finding joy in practice to mitigate burnout. Her advice includes identifying meaningful work, creating a positive and supportive work environment, and being proactive in seeking well-being resources.

Dr Richards also shares her passion for teaching, seeing trainees grow, and her love for the outdoors and nature, joking about an alternate reality where she pursued marine biology. Her multifaceted career and dedication to improving medical staff well-being offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice for clinicians looking to navigate their career paths.

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