Memphis Medical Foundation and Memphis Medical Society launch Thrive to combat physician burnout through confidential and free appointments with independent psychologists for Shelby County physicians
Research upon research cites physician burnout as a serious health concern. In some studies, as many as 63% of physicians say they have felt a sense of burnout. And this was before the COVID-19 pandemic, which is increasing physician stress immensely. Burnout not only can harm the physician, but also his or her patients. The residual effects on our healthcare system are immeasurable. We also know that threats to a physician’s professional and social lives can be impacted due to hesitation in seeking care.
In response to this growing concern, Memphis Medical Society and Memphis Medical Foundation are launching Thrive, a physician wellness initiative. Through Thrive, a doctor can call or text a confidential hotline (901-286-3110) to request an appointment, and he or she will be connected to a licensed psychologist. The Memphis Medical Foundation will cover the costs of up to six sessions with this psychologist. Physicians may also access the program by clicking here.
“The lack of availability for in-person psychology appointments presented us with some challenges, but the pandemic has caused a rapid development in telehealth capabilities that are ideal for this program. We have partnered with CareClix to deliver a seamless, telehealth experience. We would be excited to launch this program at any time but being able to do so during a pandemic has extra relevance to it,” says Clint Cummins, CEO of Memphis Medical Society. “A physician simply needs to call or text 901-286-3110 requesting an appointment. He or she can also fill out the form at https://hipaa.jotform.com/ACOOK24/thrive-request. A psychologist will be in touch immediately. Memphis Medical Foundation works with the psychologist to pay the costs of the first six appointments. After that, the physician can continue the relationship with the psychologist at their own cost. All initial information collected for the appointment is confidential.”
The mission of Thrive is to provide independent resources for the physician community to confidentially seek counseling in a safe, convenient environment without judgement before they experience serious burnout. Physicians have a calling to take care of patients, and it is our turn to take care of them. If you are interested in donating to Thrive to help cover physicians’ appointments, please click here.
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The Thrive Physician Wellness Initiative is a partnership with The Memphis Medical Society and the Memphis Medical Foundation with telehealth support from CareClix. The Memphis Medical Society is a non-profit, physician professional organization, dedicated to uniting and advocating for the physicians of Shelby County and their patients. The Society is a trusted source of up-to-date healthcare industry news and resources to make physicians’ lives better at home and at practice. Memphis Medical Foundation is its charity foundation. For more information, visit www.mdmemphis.org.
