135 Physician Wellness: Find Your ‘One Thing Pediatric Meltdown

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Join your host, Dr. Lia Gaggino, on this episode of Pediatric Meltdown as she chats with Dr. Danny Mallen, a pediatric gastroenterologist and medical educator at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Center. Dr. Mallen talks about his interest in nutrition, the puzzle that is the gut, and his passion for helping children with celiac disease. He also discusses his article on finding your “One Thing” and how mentors and opportunities play a role in one's career. Burnout is real. We look to physicians to take care of us, but let’s make sure that your doctor is getting everything they need for their own wellness. Dr. Mallen’s insights on the importance of finding joy in your work will ring true for every profession and he continues his efforts to improve medical education for general pediatricians and fellows. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about the challenges and rewards of physician’s wellness!          
[00:33 -12:42] Daniel's Journey to Pediatrics and Interest in Wellness
During his training, he found himself happiest and smiling more when working with children, ultimately leading him to specialize in pediatric gastroenterology.Daniel is passionate about medical education and mentoring trainees, recognizing the importance of wellness in the medical profession.  Through his own experiences in training and becoming a parent, Daniel recognized the need for addressing physician burnout and is involved in research on the topic.His interest in wellness came about through his own experiences with stress and recognizing the importance of self-care in the medical field

[12:43 - 24:32]  Addressing Burnout in Medical Professionals: Insights from a Pediatrician  
The culture of overworking and sleep deprivation has been prevalent in the medical field for a long time, with long shifts and being on call for extended periods being seen as a "badge of honor."Institutional changes such as shorter shifts and better work-life balance policies are being implemented. However, progress is slow, and more needs to be done to sustain a healthy work environment for medical professionals.Burnout is a real issue that can impact the quality of care medical professionals provide and their well-being. It is important for medical professionals to recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to address it, seeking taking time off to recharge, and finding hobbies or activities outside of work can all contribute to a healthier work life balance. Personal experiences with burnout and overwhelm are common among pediatricians, and recovery often involves taking time off, seeking support from colleagues and loved ones, and practicing self-care.

[24:33 -40:17]  Strategies for a Work-Life Balance in Academic Medicine: The Eisenhower’s Box Method
Importance and urgency are the key factors to consider while managing tasksUrgent tasks with low importance can be delegated or automatedRestorative activities, even if they are not productive, can help reduce burnoutTasks that are not important and not urgent can be avoided to reduce unnecessary stress.

[40:18 - 51:46] Creating a Supportive Environment for Healthcare Professionals: Strategies and Best Practices
Providing anonymous peer-to-peer support can make a significant difference in mental health for healthcare workers.Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams can be instrumental in helping individuals process traumatic events and feel less isolated in their experiences.It's important