|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
With an increase worldwide in clinician stress and burnout ― worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic ― Baptist Health South Florida has named Ana Viamonte Ros, MD, as its first Chief Well-being Officer.
Dr. Viamonte Ros, also medical director of Palliative Care and Bioethics Services at Baptist Health, will lead an initiative to make mental health wellness and overall well-being a priority. It will include developing system-wide strategy and support to help all Baptist Health physicians, clinicians and employees facing the stress, anxiety, exhaustion and depression common in the healthcare industry today.
“As a best workplace, we want to ensure our physicians and staff are supported in their quest for well-being in every way,” said Brian E. Keeley, Baptist Health president and CEO.
“We are excited that Dr. Viamonte Ros will put mental health and well-being at the forefront of our organization. Her experience, knowledge and passion for improving mental health and well-being will greatly benefit our Baptist Health family.”
In addition to her role in palliative care and bioethics, Dr. Viamonte Ros brings a wealth of experience working with a wide variety of healthcare issues, as she was Florida’s first state surgeon general, and the first woman and Cuban American to head the Florida Department of Health.
Prior to COVID-19, studies showed that 50 percent of physicians reported symptoms of burnout, and a New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst Insights publication stated that 70 percent of clinical leaders and executives surveyed recently believe the problem will worsen in the next two to three years.
“Clinician burnout is a long-standing problem and we have an opportunity to improve the health and wellness of our caregivers and staff, which, in turn, allows them to continue to provide the highest quality care to our patients,” said Dr. Viamonte Ros, who received her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
She also has a master’s in public health from the Harvard School of Public Health, where she received the Gareth Green Award for Excellence in Public Health, the highest student award.
Across the nation, increased patient loads, long hours and adapting to complex new technology are among the factors that may contribute to mental and physical health issues among caregivers.
“It is critical that we make it a priority to focus on the total well-being of all Baptist Health employees, who work tirelessly to care for our community every day,” said Adriene McCoy, sevior vice president and chief human resources officer at Baptist Health. “We will base our program on best practices and evidence-based care models that will equip physicians and employees with the tools they need to live healthy, happy lives.”
This includes additional well-being education and coping mechanisms, enhancing access to confidential resources and support, and fostering a community culture that eliminates any stigma that can occur when people reach out for help. It will also mean reviewing the healthcare infrastructure and making changes in the way people work.
“This will be a comprehensive program,” Dr. Viamonte Ros said. “It will not only look to minimize the source of stressors but will emphasize recognizing the signs of distress instead of waiting for someone to ask for assistance. It’s about optimizing total well-being.”
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, more than 23,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
