September 2021

Overall mental health and well-being during the still ongoing pandemic have been seriously and negatively impacted. Yet, the tremendous opportunities for surfacing the very best in people as they cope with and respond to the breadth of challenges presented are often inspirational, offering lessons behind every story to learn about the optimism, resilience, and connectedness of human nature. The SGIM Forum September 2021 theme issue on “Physician and Patient Well-being and Mental Health” offers a variety of readings on this essential topic.

Lypson, SGIM President, reminds us of the importance of “putting on your oxygen mask first before helping others,” while Bass, SGIM CEO, and Smith, ACP Vice President for Clinical Education, offer resources and tools from both societies to promote well-being and professional satisfaction. The article of the month, by Gier, et al., translates principles of dialectical behavioral therapy into a program that supports collaborative team care that also promotes team and individual clinician and staff well-being. Caputo-Seidler shares the healing power of storytelling and writing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leung, SGIM Forum Editor, reflects on the necessity of being able “to do nothing” to make mental space and renew energy and permit creativity and innovation to flourish.

Wong, et al., remind us that structural and system interventions are the only sustainable pathway towards addressing healthcare provider burnout. On the note of structural change, Sgro reflects on the “deprivations of residency,” particularly sleep deprivation and duty hour regulations, that still yearn to be fully addressed to improve resident physician well-being. Walsh, et al., also inform us of the vital importance of financial well-being as a component of overall physician well-being. Finally, check out original artwork in this issue by Daryl Wofford, with input from his brother and SGIM member, Mark Linzer, MD (see page 15 of full issue).

May your reading of this theme issue’s featured articles help you to be well, stay healthy, and be inspired to occasionally unburden mind and heart for our shared present and future.