Bethlehem, Pa.-based St. Luke's University Health Network created a new family medicine residency program designed "to stop burnout before it happens," the system announced Sept. 5.
St. Luke's is betting that healthier, more satisfied physicians will be able to provide better patient care.
"With the burnout rate among physicians at about 40 percent, and the high incidence of depression and suicide among them, it's critical to help residents develop skills to take better care of themselves throughout their careers," said Alan Remde, MD, director of research and curriculum, in a press release. Dr. Remde introduced the program at St. Luke's.
The residency aims to teach physicians how to lead by example in promoting healthy behaviors among patients. Residents will research to find processes that effectively modify patient behavior and improve mortality and morbidity. But it all starts with teaching physicians how to manage stress, eat healthy and exercise.
"The U.S. is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but our healthcare model for chronic disease is no longer working for doctors or patients," Dr. Remde said in a press release. "Clearly, it's time to develop a new model that starts with the provider."
Read more here.
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