january 2008 | Welcome to Finding Balance eNews.

Why this, why now?
There has been no known venue, until this time, to share and contribute information about physician health and well-being outside of the area of Physician chemical dependency and recovery, yet the average physician in our community is struggling to manage their life. The American College of Physician Executives 2006 report of Physician morale speaks to this need (ACPE.org). In this study 46% of physicians surveyed had a low morale, 77% experience fatigue, 67% experience burnout, 33% depression & family discord as a result of their work as physicians.

These numbers can be daunting; however there are ways to manage these issues. Each monthly Finding Balance Newsletter will provide information from the literature and helpful tips and resources from me and others on ways to manage stress, diminish burnout and have more fun in your career. After all, you will be working hard, you may as well have fun doing it! I will also include recommendations of fun music and books for your pleasure.

I also encourage you to give input to the newsletter – articles and stories – from your career which you feel will help us all. Please email me to contribute. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you in your careers.

I have also set up a web site to serve as a resource for us all. It will include:

• A list of recommended books, CDs, health products and resources for you and your patients.
• A list of resources for you, the practitioner
• A listing of Finding Balance Programs for you and your health system
• Upcoming Finding Balance Programs

Just for Fun
Check out “Gently Weeps” by Jake Shimabukuro. Jake is an incredible ukulele player who combines Jazz, rock and blues for a phenomenal result! Click here to check it out.