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Cultivating Well-Being for the Department of Anesthesia Community

The holidays are upon us! As we enter this season, I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication to our patients and colleagues. You are what makes UCSF special.

In this issue, we will highlight some of our newest national resources to support well-being. We wish you all a restful holiday season!

For Your Well-Being,

Jina Sinskey, Associate Chair of Well-Being

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

Karl Moore, Professor at McGill brings a long history of teaching executive education and MBA programs, and now running leadership courses. In his leadership talks, he teaches managers about expressing impactful feedback. His leadership maxim is to use down-to-earth and helpful approaches delivered in one of the five languages employees most appreciate receiving. Professor Moore borrows from The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White. One can say that there are more, but these five seem to cover 95% of the territory and, five is a number that our minds can easily remember. 

The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace are Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Tangible Gifts and Physical Touch. Below, are excerpts from Moore’s Forbes article. Click on the link at the end of this article to read his write-up and bio.

Words of Affirmation. If you want to be effective with words of affirmation, be specific. Pick out a particular part of someone’s performance that makes praise meaningful. Instead of saying “Great job!” show that you were paying attention to what matters: “I know that those figures were challenging and complex. You did a great job of making them understandable.”

Quality Time. Instead of talking, listen. Let employees express their ideas at length. Share your undivided attention.

Acts of Service. This language appeals to those who think, “Talk is cheap—why don’t you actually do something?” By physically taking on a task and alleviating the overwhelmed employee, you are demonstrating that you recognize the amount of work they do, and that you value them—by actually doing something!

Giving Tangible Gifts. This act of giving shows that you thought of the person and bought something you knew they would appreciate.

Appropriate Physical Touch. This final language requires one to proceed carefully and to consider the organization’s and individual’s cultures. In the workplace, simply placing your hand on a shoulder, or a pat on the back may resonate with those that respond to Physical Touch as a show of appreciation for doing a good job.

Professor Moore ends with this explanation of The Five Languages of Appreciation at Work:

“If we wish to express appreciation to one of our people, it is best done in the language they most appreciate receiving, for it will have the most impact. Therefore, as a good manager, I must learn to speak all five languages of appreciation. It’s a simple idea, but according to many of the managers I have taught, a powerful one. Once you are able to stretch yourself to be able to give feedback in all five ways, you’re also establishing that your company is a community of human beings, each one being unique and needing to be appreciated differently.”

Presidio Picnic Draws Exuberant Crowd to Wellness Event

By Vanessa Henke, Associate Professor

The November 6 Presidio Picnic, Workout and Bake-off was a great success with over 30 people from across the department gathering to enjoy the sun, views and all the spirited activities. This Wellness Committee event was invigorating! The full-body workout was followed by the bake-off and a crowd favorite were the delicious green tea scones and pumpkin mochi made by the hands of our own Paul Cheng and Rich Liang—the department’s winning culinary chefs! Topping off the afternoon was a pizza picnic lunch that brought everyone together. There’s nothing like food to build connections. It’s how we make friends, nurture relationships, celebrate and learn about those we work with. Look out for more Wellness Committee events! In the new year, the committee is planning hikes in the city and Marin, and you are invited! Give us your ideas for Wellness events you would like. Just email committee members: that’s Jina Sinskey, Justin Libaw and Vanessa Henke. You can view all Vanessa Henke's photos at this box address: https://app.box.com/s/pi44gt37orvos4yxqg0ahufk2ffx07sl

Volunteers Lend a Gardening Hand at McCoppin Park

By Justin Libaw, Assistant Clinical Professor

On Saturday, October 1, members of the department gathered for Service Day 2022! We partnered with San Francisco Recreation & Parks for a park beautification project at the Parkside Branch Library in McCoppin Square Park in the Outer Sunset. Looking at the photos, you can see that several of us had an industrious morning gathering leaves, tilling the soil, digging up a planter and pulling ivy from the ground and bases of trees. The park custodians really appreciated our efforts, and we appreciated their introduction to what they do to keep our parks and city green and beautiful. After the hard work, we relaxed with a picnic lunch nearby. We will certainly be hosting future service days with local organizations, so stay tuned and reach out to Justin Libaw with ideas you would like to see realized!

Photos by Martie Santos

This service day gave volunteers a chance to perfect their shoveling skills and get their frustrations out! These two are seriously focused on getting this plot of land weed-free and hand-tilled. In the yellow corner is Teal Jenkins and in the blue corner is Austin Hunt. What a duel!

Did somebody make your day? This column features stories of our UCSF Anesthesia colleagues going above and beyond! In this edition, we have narratives contributed by Senior Research Associate Deeya Amatya, Senior Clinical Research Coordinator Jillene Sturgess-DaPrato, Dr. Romain Pirracchio, Resident Dr. Laura Pasternack, Dr. Stephanie Lim and Dr. Lee-lynn Chen. If you have a story to share, submit it using this Qualtrics Link or scan the QR Code.

Thank You Members of Pediatric Anesthesia

Faculty and fellows from the Pediatric Anesthesia Division enjoying an evening at the ball game. In no particular order are faculty Katharina Brab, Denise Chang, Justin Libaw, Justin Genziano, Gabe Sarah, Angela Marsiglio, Alice Barnes, Amber Borucki, David Robinowtiz, Odi Ehie and Marla Ferschl. Fellows are Carolina Blotte, Kacy Chau, Mgbechi Erondu and Geno Carragee.

Thanks so much to the Pediatric Anesthesia division for your engagement in your varied work whether it’s in education, advocacy (departmental and organizational), patient care, pulling together--with your willingness to work well over your clinical expectation to help in Oakland to help keep ORs running with the shortage of staff during the integration transition--and your caring and support of your colleagues! I’m fortunate to be able to work with you all!

By Dr. Maurice Zwass, MD, Chief Pediatric Anesthesia

UCSF Profile

Thank You Mario Sanchez

Administrative Officer



Mario is the backbone of Mission Bay. He provides high-level administrative, project management and analytical support. He handles it all and did an amazing job training and mentoring Vanessa Espino. He cares about doing a good job and I’m so very fortunate to have him as an employee.

By Jonathan Eklund, Administrative Officer III

Thank You Co-Residents

Pictured from left to right, front row Katherine Bartz, Richard Thompson and MacGregor Hodgson via Zoom); middle row Dimitri - Clara's husband, Alex Perez, Clara Stelman, Balky Thind, Mikee Arambulo, Laura Pasternack, Jonathan Villanueva, Wilson Ly; and back row David Corpman, Shamsu Hashi, Sean Siburn, Meghan Wallner, Abby Howard, Twyla Jaymes.

Thank you to all my co-residents for being so awesome! Even though we have known each other for less than four years, we’ve fostered friendships that will last a lifetime. I look forward to more time together in the upcoming months, like our impromptu wine tasting at my place the evening before AED.  

By Wilson Ly, MD, PharmD, MS

CA-3 Chief Resident

Profile

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support and connect them to resources if necessary. You can learn more about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline here.

The capacity and well-being of the U.S. health workforce has been under threat for years by an epidemic of burnout and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this systems issue. Now more nurses, physicians and state and local public health department employees than ever are considering leaving their professions. Recognizing that the function of the U.S. health system is at stake, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) released the National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being in October 2022 to drive collective action to strengthen health workforce well-being and restore the health of the nation.

By Steven Otsuki, Director of Finance

Meet Dr. Charlene Blake!

Associate Professor

UCSF Profile

Share one thing that brings you joy.

Admiring the beauty of flowers.

When did you join UCSF?

September 2015.

What is your favorite part of being at UCSF?

The values extolled by UCSF and being colleagues with those that support those values. Moreover, I have always felt fully supported by the department and my division (yay Adult Cardiac Anesthesia!) and I do not take that for granted. 

What is a little-known fact about you?

I love marching bands! I was in marching competitions in middle school, was a drum major/field conductor in high school and was a member of the Marching Jayhawks in college. 

Do you have a favorite quote to share?

"When they go low, we go high."

Michelle Obama

Any ideas on how to spread kindness and well-being in our community?

Start with kindness and compassion for yourself. Recognizing your needs and meeting them is ok! When we fill our own metaphorical cups, we gain the capacity to give of ourselves cheerfully.

Meet Jonathan Eklund!

Administrative Officer III

Staff Profile

Share what brings you joy.

Traveling brings me joy...experiencing new places, food and cultures.

When did you join UCSF?

I started at UCSF 17 years ago as a temporary employee working in Dr. William Young's office at San Francisco General Hospital (now called Zuckerberg San Franciso General Hospital and Trauma Center).

What is your favorite part of being at UCSF?

How my job is ever-evolving, which keeps it very interesting. I am constantly learning new things and being challenged.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I love tattoos! I have three of them myself.

Do you have a favorite quote to share?

“Now, voyager, sail thou forth to seek and find.” Walk Whitman

Any ideas on how to spread kindness and well-being in our community?

Model those behaviors--actions are more powerful than words.

Golden Gate Bandshell Concert - Soul - Jazz - R&B

Giving Thanks with Julio Bravo y su Orquesta Salsabor

Free concert

Friday, November 18,

4:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Music Concourse Drive

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - SOLD OUT!

November 19, 12 pm

Hello All,

Thank you to those that have submitted an RSVP. We have reached capacity for the event.

For those who have reservations, I look forward to seeing everyone at 12:00 pm on November 19 at the Alamo Drafthouse San Francisco - New Mission (2550 Mission Street, San Francisco, Ca 94110) for a screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided at the event.

Leah Pimentel, MBA

Director of DEI and Culture

The Office of Diversity and Outreach invites the UCSF community to this in-person gathering at Spark Social on December 6 from 4 pm to 7 pm. This event centers on UCSF's queer and trans Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. Join the gathering for food, drinks and to make connections.

Registration

Anesthesia Holiday Party at University Club

Dear all:

During this holiday season, we want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we finalized our holiday venue. The traditional yearly holiday celebration has grown increasingly difficult to prepare due to new restraints and restrictions. We are confident that you will be pleased with the venue.

Please click on this link to RSVP, only if you haven't already.

Please take the following Covid pre-screener and present it at the door.

·      UCSF employees, please click on the UCSF pre-screener link.

·      Non-UCSF employees, please use this non-UCSF pre-screener link.

Happy Holidays!

Maelani Atken

Small Group Teaching

November 17, 1 pm to 5 pm

Much of clinical and classroom teaching takes place in small groups. A faculty member can use the skills for leading an effective discussion and encouraging active student participation in a variety of instructional formats including case studies, problem-based learning and small group discussions. This virtual session will begin with an introduction by the facilitator, who will describe the roles and expectations just as we would with learners in real life. A handout derived from Tools for Teaching will serve as the basis for the discussion.

Fundamental Skills in the Art of Effective Feedback

December 9, 1 pm to 3 pm

In this virtual workshop, the wisdom and experience of the entire group and a review of the literature will be tools we use to write a foolproof guide to giving effective feedback. Participants will practice these new skills in the workshop, specifically focusing on challenging cases of their own. We also welcome returning faculty to reinforce and build on previously attained skills.

For the second part of the session, we will invite a panel of local experts in remediation to make comments, and then field your questions about best practices (as they exist) for helping students and residents in need of larger-scale correction. More information is given at the registration link below.

Mentoring, Teamwork and Culture Change

November 18, 12:10 pm to 1 pm

This discussion is part of the Faculty Mentoring Lunchtime Series. The presenter is Starr Knight, MD, Associate Professor in Emergency Medicine and inaugural Director of Faculty Experience at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

During this informal session, Dr. Knight will share her thoughts and experiences on how to be an effective mentor for mentees at all levels. The discussion will rely heavily on audience participation – so please bring your questions.

■Teamwork and community building as a foundation for career development and mentorship approach

■An approach to mentorship centered around self-awareness

■The current culture shift in the field of medicine is one of our greatest opportunities.

In addition to the credentials previously noted, Dr. Starr Knight is an Emergency Medicine Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Endowed Professor and serves as the Associate Chair of Diversity & Inclusion in the Department of Emergency Medicine. She is a national speaker on the use of diagnostic and procedural Point-of-Care Ultrasound. She actively mentors students, residents, fellows, and faculty from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine, is a dedicated mentor to local high school students and integrates an ultrasound education program within a high school curriculum. In 2022, Dr. Knight was the recipient of the UCSF Academic Senate Distinction in Mentoring Award (Associate rank).

We are awaiting your recommendations in future issues! The Recommendations column is open for contributions from you. It's a space where you can share your favorite things. The sky's the limit with your suggested favorites, like your favorite restaurants, great things to do, best reads, podcasts, films, or suggestions about Best Delivery or Best Pet Friendly places. The point is to bring out your favorites and bests to share with all of us!

WELL-BEING QUARTERLY is a publication of the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care @ 2022 UCSF. All rights reserved. You can contact me at our department mailbox, Anesthesia Well-Being, or [email protected].