Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program

Purpose

In the current health care environment, residents, fellows and faculty members are at increased risk for burnout and depression. Psychological, emotional, and physical well-being are critical in the development of the competent, caring, and resilient physician. Self-care is an important component of professionalism; it is also a skill that must be learned and nurtured in the context of other aspects of fellowship training. Programs, in partnership with their Sponsoring Institutions, have the same responsibility to address well-being as they do to evaluate other aspects of fellow competence. (ACGME Common Program Requirements)

Scope

This policy applies to all fellows in Maternal Fetal Medicine Department.

Definitions

House Staff: a physician who is enrolled in an accredited Upstate medical University MFM fellowship.

Policy Statement

MFM physcians must support fellows in their efforts to become a competent, caring and resilient physician. This policy must be implemented without fear of negative consequences for the fellow.

This support includes:

Ensuring fellows have protected time with their patients

Are not unduly burdensome with intensity and compression

Ensuring coverage of patient care in the event a circumstance in which fellows may be unable to attend work (including, but not limited to, fatigue, family emergencies, and illness).

• The fellow must be able to easily transfer clinical responsibilities to another fellow or an attending.
• A senior fellow, supervising faculty, or the program director should assist with the transfer of clinical responsibilities
• The Program Director or his/her designee must be notified if there is any difficulty in transfer of responsibilities.

Allowing the fellow, the opportunity to attend medical, mental health, and dental care appointments, including those scheduled during their working hours. Education regarding recognizing the symptoms of burnout, depression, and substance abuse, including recognizing these symptoms in themselves and how to seek appropriate care. Resources that minimize non-physician obligations and undue administrative burden. Monitoring of workplace safety data to address the safety of fellows and faculty members.

Programs and resources available that encourage optimal fellow and faculty well-being (e.g., Employee Assistance Program).