Physician Engagement, Alignment and Well-being Dialogues

In 2022 Baystate Health began conducting a Physician Engagement and Alignment survey at Baystate Health and in June 2023 collected our second set of data. This survey focuses on elements specific to the physician experience and helps us better understand the current state. Of note, physician participation in the survey increased to 62%, up from 61% in 2022, and is well beyond the national physician response rate for Press Ganey, which is between 35-40%.

As outlined in the social salience hypothesis of Oxytocin, we are biologically born to connect. Social connection with others is a biological need to survive. During the pandemic, we perhaps witnessed one of the largest social experiments of our time and we are learning what a lack of connection can do to our mental and our physical health, leading to what is being called the pandemic of loneliness. We have learned the critical importance of finding authentic and meaningful connections throughout our personal and works lives.

Here are some suggestions that may help to build connection:

• Join or create a work community group with whom you share a common interest. Members of that group could be a source of friendship and support, and the meetings and activities would provide a routine way to take care of yourself.
• Establish rituals with friends and co-workers outside of work. (e.g., meals, meet ups or other activities).
• Check in with colleagues to see how they are doing, if you sense like they are struggling offer times when you can meet with them later to further discuss the issue. Remember the focus is connection, you don’t have to provide the perfect solution, being there with them is very powerful.
• Make time for fun, even if in small increments.

For more ideas:

Volk, K.T., Guarino, K., Edson Grandin, M., & Clervil, R. (2008). What About You? A Workbook for Those Who Work with Others.

New and Expanded Baystate Benefits for 2024

From expanded out-of-network insurance coverage to increased reimbursement amounts for wellness activities and products, such as yoga, massage, and town sports activities, Baystate Health has several enhanced benefits. Read more here.

Are you taking advantage of all your Baystate Health Benefits?

Baystate Physicians Erika and Christopher LaChance share their thoughts about new tuition discounts for Baystate families at MacDuffie School: "Each of our five children is unique in their academic abilities and extracurricular interests and yet MacDuffie has found a way to support and nurture each child individually, helping each one to reach their full potential. Sending our children to MacDuffie has been the single best decision we have made for them," says Erika LaChance, MD, Pediatrics and Christopher LaChance, MD, Hospital Medicine. Baystate families get an automatic 25% off tuition, with up to 90% tuition discount based on financial need."

Join Head of School Steve Griffin, and proud MacDuffie parent and Baystate pediatrician, Erika Lachance, MD as they answer questions and provide an overview of the school’s mission, culture, and student experience.

• Tuesday, December 19 at noon
• Zoom link: https://baystatehealth.zoom.us/j/94133689151