Rural hospitals and physician practices face an ever-evolving set of challenges, one of which is the burnout of dedicated professionals on the frontlines of care delivery.
Animas Surgical Hospital, Axis Health System, Centura Mercy Hospital, Colorado Hospital Association, Durango Network, and Western Healthcare Alliance are hosting a community discussion around physician burnout in southwest Colorado and potential solutions. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 30 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Vallecito Room of the Fort Lewis College Student Union. Attendance is free and open to health care leaders, public officials, educators, business owners, students, public health experts, and interested community members.
“It’s no secret that burnout is a reality for many rural providers – and the COVID-19 pandemic has only added to the burden. Burnout can have serious consequences for the overall health of our community, including higher physician turnover and fewer services available for our residents. Physician burnout is an important issue that we need to address openly and proactively, because it affects us all,” said Joe Theine, CEO, Animas Surgical Hospital.
“Our vision is to care for everyone whole and healthy—in mind, body and spirit—and this is equally true for our patients and caregivers,” said Patrick Sharp, CEO at Centura Mercy Hospital. “After weathering the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to reflect on what is necessary to help our physicians heal and thrive in the Four Corners region, including a focus at Centura Health on access to well-being services for all our caregivers.”
Guest speakers at the event include Benjamin Anderson, Vice President of Rural Health and Hospitals for the Colorado Hospital Association and Dr. Lauren Hughes, State Policy Director of the Farley Health Policy Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Associate Professor, Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
“Our discussion will be centered around both the structural and individual drivers of burnout and innovative ways to address them,” said Benjamin Anderson. “As leaders, we know it is impossible to solve structural problems with individual solutions. Case-in-point: breathing exercises don’t solve physician call schedules. Through this event, we hope to have a lively and encouraging discussion, where we will develop solutions together for some of the thorniest issues facing our industry in the years to come.”
RSVP by March 28 at https://conta.cc/3IgEPnj or by calling 970-403-1333.