In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin speaks with Dr. Sydney Ey, clinical psychologist and founder of the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Consult Service for Leaders and Teams. Together, they explore the emotional toll leadership can take within graduate medical education (GME), especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Ey discusses how the consult service offers psychological first aid, peer support, and guidance to leaders facing stress, isolation, and moral distress. She highlights the importance of proactive outreach, institutional backing, and the ripple effect of supporting those in leadership roles. The conversation underscores how compassion, trust, and visibility can create a healthier culture in academic medicine.

Podcast Chapters

• (00:00) – Intro & Guest Background
• (01:30) – Origins of the OHSU Consult Service
• (03:53) – Leadership Isolation & Support Needs
• (05:52) – Supportive Listening Sessions
• (08:55) – Who Can Access the Consult Service?
• (11:43) – Consult Service Structure
• (13:19) – Coaching vs. Psychological First Aid
• (15:24) – Role of Mental Health Professionals & Trust
• (17:16) – Outreach, Engagement, and Utilization
• (22:31) – Barriers & Challenges
• (25:31) – Final Thoughts
• (27:10) – Closing & Resources