Physician well-being in allergy and immunology: Creating a culture of wellness.

OBJECTIVE

There are 3 domains of physician wellness: (1) the culture of wellness, (2) efficiency of practice, and (3) physician resilience. The culture of wellness encompasses an organization's values, environment, and behaviors that foster compassion and growth in its physicians.

DATA SOURCES

Studies have reported that burnout affects a physician's professionalism, altruism, and a sense of calling. Furthermore, burnout increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, alcohol abuse, divorce, depression, and even suicide among physicians. Physician burnout is associated with decreased efficiency at work, which can affect patient care, patient satisfaction, and even patient safety. As such, it is imperative that we develop a culture of wellness.

STUDY SELECTIONS

A culture of wellness reflects shared values and a sense of community within an organization. When a culture of wellness is present, leaders prioritize the personal and professional growth of its team members.

RESULTS

This article instructs readers on methods that can be used to develop a culture of wellness.

CONCLUSION

We need to address burnout at every level in health care, namely at health care organization and system levels, individual teams and offices, and at an individual level. In doing so, it becomes obvious that a lack of wellness (burnout) is a systems problem and not an individual's fault. We are all responsible for taking steps to change the culture to one of wellness. Working within our practices, organization, and allergy societies, we can change the culture to one of wellness.