The Importance of Physical and Emotional Wellness for Physicians

There’s a direct correlation between the physical and emotional wellness of a physician and patient care, according to Jeffrey Fowler, MD.

Stress and anxiety are growing issues in the medical field, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We won’t get anywhere by ignoring the problem or sweeping it under the rug,” says Fowler, vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the OSUCCC – James and the director of the new James Physician Wellness Program.

“We need to recognize and address the issue, and that translates into better patient care,” he says.

Learn more about The James Physician Wellness Program on our Cancer-Free World Podcast via the video player above or on Soundcloud.

The starting point of the multi-faceted Physician Wellness Program — which began around a year ago — is an understanding of the problem, peer support and an emphasis on work-life balance. “The practice of medicine has become more complex over the past few decades,” Fowler says of the growing demands placed on physicians, including patient care, electronic medical filing and administrative duties. “It all adds up to time management and stress management problems, and there are a lot of high-stake decisions and conversations with cancer patients and their families.”

One of the keys is to normalize seeking psycho-social support. “The culture in medicine is that stress and anxiety are all part of the job, and many physicians suffer in isolation,” Fowler says. “Our strategy is to normalize seeking assistance and to also build an effective peer-support program.”

To connect doctors, The James has created physician lounges and encouraged staff to meet, talk and get to know each other better. “These lounges have become very popular,” Fowler says, adding that he’s been able to learn a lot about doctors whom he’s known for a decade or more but never really had the chance to talk to on a regular basis.

The program will also create exercise stations that will include stationary bikes and shower facilities. “A half-hour break in the middle of the day does wonders to reduce stress and re-energize you,” Fowler says.

The Physician Wellness Program will also include opportunities to do yoga and meditate.

“The goal is to optimize the well-being of our physicians and optimize the care they give to our patients,” Fowler says.