Supporting wellbeing and work-life balance

By Amy Blasing, Saint Joseph Hospital President

I just got back from a magical vacation with my family in Florida. You may not know this about me, but I love Disney, and I spent two weeks with my husband and two of my grown children at Disney World and Universal Orlando! I can’t tell you how wonderful and necessary the time away was to deepen my connection with my family and to come back refreshed and ready to dive back into the important work we do at Saint Joseph Hospital.

Early on in my career in healthcare, I would have thought it was nearly impossible to take that much time off. All the reasons not to do it run would run through my mind such as ‘my teams and patients need me’ and ‘what if something goes wrong at the hospital while I am away’ and ‘most other staff members don’t take that much time off.’ The list of excuses goes on and on.

But it is important for all of us to remember that work-life balance and wellbeing are not luxuries or “nice to haves.” They are essential to sustaining the energy, focus and human connection that providing high-quality, compassionate care requires.

Every day, you bring your skill, and commitment to the patients and families who depend on you. That work is meaningful—and it is also demanding. The pace, complexity, and emotional weight of medicine can make it difficult to pause, recharge, and attend to your own wellbeing.

When physicians and APPs have time to rest, recover, and remain connected to the people and activities that give life meaning outside of work, they are better able to be fully present for patients, colleagues and themselves.

Prioritizing wellbeing also supports patient care and safety. Research has linked provider burnout with lower job satisfaction, increased intent to leave practice and potential risks to quality, and patient experience.

Your wellbeing matters. Our patients rely on you, and you deserve the same care that you so consistently extend to others. Making space for rest, connection, reflection, and support is part of practicing medicine in a sustainable and healthy way.

We encourage you to take advantage of these available resources.

‍Intermountain Health

‍For employed physicians and APPs: Well-Being - Physician and APP Well-being

‍Colorado Medical Society

‍Peer support program for physicians called Doc-2-Doc: 720-810-9131, or visit the website: ‍Physician Wellbeing Resource Center – Colorado Medical Society

‍Thank you for all you do for our patients, our caregivers, and our community. Your health and wellness are vital to the mission we share, and we are committed to supporting you.