ACGME Well-Being Podcasts

ACGME

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)'s Well-Being podcast series addresses a variety of strategies for enhancing well-being among members of the graduate medical education community. Hosted by ACGME Vice President for Well-Being Dr. Stuart Slavin, the series explores mental health and well-being from the perspectives of key stakeholders and well-being experts.

  1. Empowering Faculty Leadership: Dr. Saadia Akhtar and the Well-Being Champion Model

    NOV 4

    Empowering Faculty Leadership: Dr. Saadia Akhtar and the Well-Being Champion Model

    In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin speaks with Dr. Saadia Akhtar, professor of emergency medicine and senior associate dean for Trainee Well-Being and GME at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. They explore the evolution of Mount Sinai's GME Well-Being Champion Program—an initiative that empowers faculty champions across specialties and sites to identify local challenges and drive meaningful improvements in workplace culture and efficiency. Dr. Akhtar shares how the program fosters collaboration, builds community, and supports learners and champions through structured debriefs, system-level feedback, and professional development. This model offers a scalable, data-informed approach to improving well-being in medical education.   Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro & Guest Background (01:01) – Origins of the Well-Being Champion Program (03:54) – Wellbeing Is Local: One Size Doesn't Fit All (04:37) – Champion Roles & Reporting Structure (06:13) – Monthly Debriefs & Report Outs (08:01) – Champion Independence from Program Leadership (09:05) – Trainee Support & Resource Sharing (10:34) – Collaboration with Program Directors & Champions' Role (13:42) – Professional Development & Lecture Series (15:40) – Stipends, Recognition & Career Growth (17:23) – Champion-Led Initiatives & Impact (21:00) – Reaching Institutions with Limited Resources (23:20) – The Iterative Continuous Quality Improvement Approach (25:14) – Final Reflections (26:16) – Closing & Resources

    27 min
  2. The Hidden Stress of Leadership: Addressing the Well-Being of GME Leaders with Dr. Sydney Ey

    OCT 21

    The Hidden Stress of Leadership: Addressing the Well-Being of GME Leaders with Dr. Sydney Ey

    In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin speaks with Dr. Sydney Ey, clinical psychologist and founder of the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Consult Service for Leaders and Teams. Together, they explore the emotional toll leadership can take within graduate medical education (GME), especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Ey discusses how the consult service offers psychological first aid, peer support, and guidance to leaders facing stress, isolation, and moral distress. She highlights the importance of proactive outreach, institutional backing, and the ripple effect of supporting those in leadership roles. The conversation underscores how compassion, trust, and visibility can create a healthier culture in academic medicine. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro & Guest Background (01:30) – Origins of the OHSU Consult Service (03:53) – Leadership Isolation & Support Needs (05:52) – Supportive Listening Sessions (08:55) – Who Can Access the Consult Service? (11:43) – Consult Service Structure (13:19) – Coaching vs. Psychological First Aid (15:24) – Role of Mental Health Professionals & Trust (17:16) – Outreach, Engagement, and Utilization (22:31) – Barriers & Challenges (25:31) – Final Thoughts (27:10) – Closing & Resources

    28 min
  3. Understanding Depression and Suicide in Medical Residents: Insights from Dr. Srijan Sen

    09/13/2024

    Understanding Depression and Suicide in Medical Residents: Insights from Dr. Srijan Sen

    In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin interviews Dr. Srijan Sen, professor of depression and neurosciences in the Department of Psychiatry and director of the Francis and Kenneth Eisenberg and Family Depression Center at the University of Michigan. They discuss Dr. Sen's extensive research on depression in medical residents, exploring the relationship between depression and suicide. The conversation delves into the multifactorial nature of suicide, the impact of workplace conditions on mental health, and the importance of both treatment and prevention of depression. Dr. Sen shares insights on effective preventive measures and strategies to create supportive environments in medical education.

    25 min
  4. Transforming Suicide Prevention in Medicine: Strategies from Dr. Christine Moutier and Dr. Sid Zisook

    09/13/2024

    Transforming Suicide Prevention in Medicine: Strategies from Dr. Christine Moutier and Dr. Sid Zisook

    In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin interviews Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Dr. Sid Zisook, professor of psychiatry at the University of California and director of the Physician Peer Support Program. They discuss their pioneering work in suicide prevention at the University of California, San Diego, including the development of the HEAR Program (Healer, Education, Assessment, and Referral). The conversation explores the multifaceted approach they took, including education, screening, and warm referrals, to support mental health among physicians and other health care workers. Both share insights on the importance of addressing stigma, creating supportive environments, and implementing comprehensive mental health programs.

    34 min
  5. Remembering Sarah: Navigating Grief and Advocacy in Medicine

    09/13/2024

    Remembering Sarah: Navigating Grief and Advocacy in Medicine

    In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin interviews Dr. Alan Nager, professor of pediatrics and division director for emergency medicine and transport medicine at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. They discuss the tragic loss of Dr. Nager's daughter, Sarah, a pediatric resident who died by suicide. The conversation focuses on Sarah's life, her passions, and her journey in medicine. Dr. Nager shares his insights on the pressures faced by medical residents and the importance of mental health support. They also explore strategies for creating supportive environments and reducing barriers to mental health care in the medical field.

    30 min
  6. Suicide Awareness and Prevention: A Conversation with Corey Feist

    09/13/2024

    Suicide Awareness and Prevention: A Conversation with Corey Feist

    In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin interviews Corey Feist, founder and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation. They discuss Corey's involvement in suicide awareness and prevention initiatives following the tragic death of his sister-in-law, Dr. Lorna Breen. The conversation focuses on the immense pressures faced by health care professionals, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Corey shares insights into the importance of mental health support, connection, and belonging in the medical field. They also discuss practical strategies for creating supportive environments and reducing barriers to mental health care for health care workers.

    37 min
  7. Building Resilience: Preventive Interventions for Mental Health in Medicine

    09/13/2024

    Building Resilience: Preventive Interventions for Mental Health in Medicine

    In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin interviews Dr. Paul Chelminski from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and Dr. Mukta Panda, CLER Field Representative at the ACGME. They discuss their involvement in well-being initiatives and their active roles in the Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine (CHARM). The conversation focuses on suicide prevention, exploring both immediate and preventive interventions. Both share their insights on the importance of connection, belonging, and finding meaning. They also discuss practical strategies for creating supportive environments and reducing barriers to mental health care in the medical field.

    33 min
  8. Facing Shame: Dr. Will Bynum on Transition Challenges in Graduate Medical Education

    08/15/2024

    Facing Shame: Dr. Will Bynum on Transition Challenges in Graduate Medical Education

    In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin interviews Dr. Will Bynum, an associate professor of family medicine at Duke University. They discuss the challenges of transitions in graduate medical education, particularly from medical school to residency, and the associated risks to well-being and mental health. Dr. Bynum explains how transitions can heighten feelings of shame due to new responsibilities, uncertainties, and high expectations. He describes shame as a "fire" that can be ignited in these combustible environments, affecting self-esteem and identity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to support residents' mental health.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)'s Well-Being podcast series addresses a variety of strategies for enhancing well-being among members of the graduate medical education community. Hosted by ACGME Vice President for Well-Being Dr. Stuart Slavin, the series explores mental health and well-being from the perspectives of key stakeholders and well-being experts.

Information

  • Creator
    ACGME
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All materials copyright of ACGME
  • Show Website
    ACGME Well-Being Podcasts

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