Find Work-Life Balance: ASA Wellness Resources
Anesthesiologists make life-and-death decisions every day, often in very difficult emergency situations and for long shifts at a time. The resulting stress can take its toll over time, resulting in difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, clinical depression and other serious issues.
In 2007, ASA established “Health and Wellness in Action,” an initiative with the goal of helping anesthesiologists stay healthier through increased awareness and simple-to-use resources. This information is updated regularly, focusing on topics that can make an immediate, positive impact on you and your patients.
ASA Wellness Resources
Evidence-Based Wellness for Anesthesiologists (PowerPoint presentation)
Robert S. Holzman, M.D., M.A. (Hon), FAAP
Wellness Initiative White Paper: The Background and Scope of the Wellness Initiative
Recommedations for Infection Control for the Practice of Anesthesiology (Third Edition) - Developed by the Task Force on Infection Control
ASA NEWSLETTER, The Wellness Issue
ASA NEWSLETTER articles on Wellness
Chemical Dependence in Anesthesiologists: What You Need to Know, When You Need to Know It
Survey of Anesthesiologists Age 50 and older
Contact the ASA Wellness Committee
Other Wellness Resources
Healthy Living is the Best Revenge: Findings From the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition – Potsdam Study (PDF)
International Medical Spouse Network
Other Organizations for Physician Health
Professional Wellbeing Work Party of the World Federation for the Socities of Anesthesiologists (WFSA)
It is time to reflect and do something about the anesthesiologist's occupational health. Recently, knowledge about the risks of somatic and/or psychological pathologies exacerbated by the stresses of the clinical practice, has improved the diagnosis, prevention, and management of these adverse conditions.
Read the full report and view the accompanying PowerPoint slides.