Gyn Onc Wellness Taskforce Volunteer Interest Form |
There is a clear and present need for a Gynecologic Oncology wellness task force due to the demonstrated high risk of stress and burnout in our subspecialty, which adversely affects the quality of life of our members. The scope of this problem was evidenced by the tremendous response to Dr. Jeffrey Fowler’s presentation of the membership survey on stress/burnout at the 2014 SGO meeting. Dr. Amit Sood’s two sessions on stress management were also met with great enthusiasm and interest.
Most of the members of our society embrace a strongly positive view of the Gyn Oncology profession and derive great satisfaction from surgery, clinical practice and helping patients. However, Gyn Oncology practice is very stressful for several reasons including: the complexity of medical decision making and lack of clear evidence-base to support many of our decisions, many elderly and/or medically fragile patients, being a chemotherapist and surgeon, challenging surgery and many long cases, complications and adverse outcomes, constantly dealing with issues of death and dying. In addition, our responsibilities demand long hours and dedication, which can contribute to burn out due to loss of work-life balance.
Most of the members of our society embrace a strongly positive view of the Gyn Oncology profession and derive great satisfaction from surgery, clinical practice and helping patients. However, Gyn Oncology practice is very stressful for several reasons including: the complexity of medical decision making and lack of clear evidence-base to support many of our decisions, many elderly and/or medically fragile patients, being a chemotherapist and surgeon, challenging surgery and many long cases, complications and adverse outcomes, constantly dealing with issues of death and dying. In addition, our responsibilities demand long hours and dedication, which can contribute to burn out due to loss of work-life balance.