6 Ways to Address Physician Stress During COVID-19 Pandemic

Originally published on March 20, 2020 by Sara Berg, Senior News Writer for the American Medical Assn in the AMA Public Health forum

Physicians and other health professionals are desperately needed during the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals also represent one of the most at-risk populations for acquiring COVID-19. However, they face another risk: added stress. During these trying times, it is important to keep well-being in mind and address stress.

The AMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are closely monitoring the COVID-19 global pandemic. Learn more at the AMA COVID-19 resource center and consult the AMA’s physician guide to COVID-19.

“The impact of COVID-19 is overwhelming,” said AMA member Mark Linzer, MD, director of the Institute for Professional Work Life at Hennepin Healthcare and professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. “Everybody’s wrestling with what’s happening and what we can best do to take care of it.”

“I am so overwhelmingly grateful to be part of this medical community,” said Dr. Linzer. “I have so much admiration and just exceptional gratitude for what our community is doing in this crisis.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic is changing by the hour, Dr. Linzer took some time to explain how to address physician stress while responding to COVID-19.

Click here for full AMA Public Health Article.