3 ways staff could support the "Dr. Spouse"
Often overlooked today is the role of physician spouses in healthcare. Their support is crucial for addressing issues like physician burnout and moral injury.
By Editor, Concierge Medicine Today
Spouses provide necessary insights, emotional support, and help shoulder the burdens of a Physicians life. Whether they're in the practice or not, they often go unrecognized and unappreciated despite their significant impact on doctors' personal and professional well-being.
If you're a Practice Administrator who assumes the role each day as the 'work bestie' or 'work spouse' inevitably the spouse of the Physician knows the rightful and hopefully critical role you place in the practice. Why not take a moment to pen a note or send a card or fruit basket on their birthday or special holiday?
If you are in a group practice for example, make sure the spouse doesn’t get lost in the maze of the practice when they call or visit the practice. Be ready for them when they arrive and let the team know to extend a warm welcome to them when they arrive later in the day. More often than not, it might surprise you to know that a Physicians spouse usually feels invisible, neglected, put on hold and at times, like they’re competing for time during the work week. It's common that the spouse will need to confront a gatekeeper at the practice on occasion and that interaction we all know will spillover into the marriage.
Theresa, wife of a Doctor, Mom of 3 and working professional penned a blog recently about 15 Non-Glamorous Realities About Being Married To A Doctor.
In the post she writes … It’s the saddest fact of all but burnout is a major health crisis for doctors. Every year, over 400+ doctors commit suicide. That’s among the highest of any profession. Try to visualize the equivalent of an entire graduating class of medical students of a state university who die each year. All the stress and burnout doesn’t just stop at the hospital. Our DrSpouses bring it home, emotionally and mentally within the walls of our home.
In speaking with so many concierge medicine physicians and other healthcare practitioners over the years about practice operations, mental health and marriage stressors, taking a moment to write a thank you note to acknowledge the spouse is a great idea. They don't have to work in the practice either. In fact, all the more reason to acknowledge this person!
Today, I would encourage you to consider showing some thoughtful appreciation and gratitude towards the Dr. Spouse. Acknowledging their contributions, remembering an important day or showing appreciation for something that impacted your work I believe is essential for staff morale and creates an open dialogue the next time you see each other.
I would also argue that practice support teams should extend their appreciation and support, not simply just sign the card. This is not about entitlement or treating the physicians spouse as royalty. When the spouse's important role is overlooked, it negatively impacts both the couple and the business.
Dr. Edward Krall, a psychiatrist at the Marshfield Clinic in rural Wisconsin, started a physician-spouse group several years ago. The informal group, known as The Network, hosts lunches and welcome events for spouses of prospective and incoming physicians at the clinic and some social events for existing physicians.
"The clinic had hired a New York marketing firm to do some research around our brand, and part of that was a survey of recent job candidates to find a profile of what types of spouses would be happy here," he says. "It found the Marshfield spouse drives an SUV, not a BMW, drinks Gatorade, not a Manhattan, and values family activities over ample shopping. [If] the family isn't happy, the physician isn't happy, so we felt we needed to address that more directly.” Krall and the clinic also host lectures and workshops for physicians and their families on work/life balance, workplace stress, and other personal issues. "All of the data suggest that a supportive spouse is key to a physician's success," Krall said.
Here are some additional ideas and suggestions you may want to discuss with your team to acknowledge and extend some gratitude to the bosses spouse. First, don’t wait for the Christmas party or birthday cake in the conference room, send a note and write something personal.
Second, consider chipping-in and pay for [one weekend] off-site getaway for the couple.
Finally, consider inviting the spouse into a leadership team or management meeting and ask, “What feedback do you have to improve how we serve you and your spouse?”
Janet Kidd also notes,… If your [medical practice, or] group doesn't have a formal spouse program, a good place to start is simply hosting a social gathering with spouses. Today's busy lifestyles have put a damper on socializing at work, but a little effort here can help the whole group deepen their commitment to each other.
Thanks for reading. Happy Valentines Day!
FOR YOU, FOR DOCTORS,
Editor, Concierge Medicine Today
References and Citations
https://www.secondsaturday.com/doctors-you-have-a-lower-risk-of-getting-divorced-unless-you-are-a-woman/
https://www.businessinsider.com/10-jobs-with-the-highest-divorce-rates-and-10-with-the-lowest-2017-10
https://login.medscape.com/login/sso/getlogin?wcode=102&client=205502&urlCache=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVkc2NhcGUuY29tL3NsaWRlc2hvdy8yMDE5LWxpZmVzdHlsZS1oYXBwaW5lc3MtNjAxMTA1Nw&sc=ng&scode=msp
https://www.ajc.com/news/national/how-common-are-doctor-nurse-romances-really/A0dZlMIcFN9FH25YZcIgDO/
washingtonpost.com/…/divorce-among-doctors-isnt-as-common-as-you-think-study-finds
https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-residents/medical-resident-wellness/why-doctors-marry-doctors-exploring-medical-marriages#:~:text=About%2085%25%20of%20physicians%20are,on%20the%20Medscape%20news%20website.