For the past 32 years, Susan Smith has provided confidential counseling assistance to countless UNMC employees. Now, she’s turning her attention exclusively to house officers, where she’ll help them better navigate the stress of residency.
“House officer wellness is a top priority for UNMC and Nebraska Medicine,” said Michael Wadman, M.D., associate dean for graduate medical education. “Susan will provide timely education on house officer wellness issues, assist in the identification and mitigation of risks for stress and burnout in our GME programs, and perform a triage function for house officers as they seek to access the many resources offered by UNMC-Nebraska Medicine.”
A registered nurse and former manager of the Faculty/Employee Assistance Program, Smith will help house officers develop more effective coping strategies in an effort to mitigate the effects of stress and prevent burnout, and help them recognize and use the confidential resources already in place. She also will interact with program directors and coordinators to discuss early recognition and intervention strategies, and ensure that appropriate resources are accessed in a timely manner.
“It’s well known that residency is probably the most stressful time in a doctor’s career,” Smith said. “The demands are many — long hours, little sleep, increasing responsibilities, isolation because of the hours and often a great distance from family support. My goal is to reach out to as many house officers as possible.”
In the past year, UNMC has initiated programs for monitoring of residents and fellows for burnout, instituted preventive measures such as mentoring and resident/fellow peer groups, dedicated conference time to education in wellness topics, and worked with Nebraska Medicine leaders to soon open a house officer lounge.
Smith, whose services to house officers are free and confidential, is now taking appointments. She is located in Bennett Hall, Room 4017, and can be reached at 559-5323, or via pager 888-1313.
She commends GME for their proactive stance in providing support services to house officers before issues disrupt their residency. “I’ve seen too many faculty and residents that were so distressed and burned out that they were ready to walk away from medicine,” Smith said. “When that happens, it’s a huge loss to the organization and to the community at large.”
What a valuable asset to UNMC's house officers! Susan's extensive career in counseling will prove to be appreciated by all who seek her services.
Susan, congratulations! Such a needed position and the right person to move the program in the right direction!
Congratulations, Susan! I know you'll be of huge help to our House Officers.
Congratulations Susan! The house officer program is fortunate! You are a gem! I know you will be missed by many staff and I wish you only the best!
Congratulations on your new position !
You will make a HUGE difference in the residency programs.