Office of Professionalism and Well-Being

Our Well-Being Advisory Committee has established a strategic plan to systematically guide our vision. Our strategy uses evidence-based models and content-expert consensus to guide decision-making; uses a tiered approach to target physicians, followed by nursing and staff; appreciates intra-personal and system-level factors; and focuses on work unit-level interventions to address root causes.

We assess our providers' well-being using standardized and evidence-based measurement tools. Results are used to create strategic reports, which, in turn, guide our work-unit-level programming and broader system-level initiatives.

Providers have access to a dedicated licensed psychologist for consult, assessment, treatment and triage at no cost to them. Services include but are not limited to coaching, professional development, and psychological, social or behavioral support. The use of services is confidential. Contact Jay Ashmore, PhD, ABPP, at 469.814.4289 or Jamile.Ashmore@BSWHealth.org.

Note: This is not an emergency service. For an emergency, dial 988 or text CONNECT to 741741 to reach the National Suicide Hotline.

This clinical well-being site (login required) was designed for physicians and provides information related to mental and emotional health, self-assessments, coping tools and other self-help resources.

When providers need support, the Peer Support team (login required) provides empathetic peer-to-peer guidance. Meet with a trained physician colleague who can help you manage a difficult situation.

Practice inefficiencies are a main cause of burnout and lack of professional fulfillment. We use data from our annual assessments to identify specific work groups in need and the likely root causes of problems. Then we activate our practice optimization expert teams to evaluate, design interventions and measure outcomes.

Our dedicated team of full-time informatics specialists at The Heart Hospital focuses solely on reducing unintended burdens for physicians by improving EHR and related practice inefficacies. Contact Dr. Andrew Kim at 469.814.3464 or Andrew.Kim2@BSWHealth.org

The 18-month Advanced Physician Leadership Program is a collaboration between Baylor Scott & White and Southern Methodist University. The curriculum includes communication, leadership, finance, negotiations and organizational change. Participants are part of a cohesive small group that learns, shares and grows together.

These customizable seminars are led by content experts and focus on intra-personal factors known to be associated with burnout and low professional satisfaction. Evidence-based strategies are used to help participants change behaviors and thoughts that can interfere with optimal work performance and well-being. Contact Jay Ashmore, PhD, ABPP, at 469.814.4289 or Jamile.Ashmore@BSWHealth.org.

Our research currently focuses on the psychometric evaluation of questionnaires and predictive modeling aimed at providing insights into the factors associated with burnout and professional fulfillment, including but not limited to physician perceived peer and leader social support and perceived practice autonomy.

The annual STAR Award was created to honor a physician at The Heart Hospital who has demonstrated exceptional servanthood, teamwork, attitude and results as recognized equally by staff, leadership and physician peers. In selecting an awardee, an emphasis is placed on physician behaviors that promote a culture of respect, group cohesiveness, wellness practice and practice process improvement. That is, the award recognizes a physician who, in addition to exceptional patient care, promotes "well-being" and collegiality across all who work in the organization.