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SAN ANTONIO
MEDICINE

Win with Wellness:

Physicians Helping Physicians

Interview with Dr. Nora Vasquez, conducted by Monica Jones, BCMS COO, and Trisha Doucette, Editor

T he Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS) is dedicated to pro- which physicians can feel seen, heard, validated and supported. But she

believes it doesn’t stop there, stating, “Medical institutions have a moral
viding physician resources that will help its members find per-
sonal and professional balance, improve their general
well-being and mitigate the effects of burnout. Through a Texas Med- responsibility to take care of their people. Decades of research proves
that when medical organizations support and invest in their clinical
ical Association Foundation grant awarded in 2021, BCMS launched staff and leaders, this increases engagement, retention and improves the
an innovative wellness initiative through a partnership with Dr. Nora quality of patient care.”
Vasquez, a triple-Certified Physician Coach and board-certified Inter- The COI, or cost of inaction, is devastating for patients and commu-
nal Medicine Physician, that extends throughout the nation and com- nities nationwide. In 2022, upwards of 100,000 physicians left medi-
plements the Society’s extensive list of resources. cine, amidst already documented staff shortages across the nation.
In a conversation with Dr. Vasquez, she cited overwhelming statistics Every year, $979 million in excess healthcare expenditures are attrib-
reported by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. “We uted to primary care physician turnover alone. Medical professionals
know that every year we lose 400 physicians to suicide. For men, that’s are facing more work distress than ever before. “It doesn’t have to be
1.4 times their non-physician counterparts and for women it’s 2.7 times this way. Healthcare leaders at premier institutions are implementing
their non-physician counterparts. That’s my why. I’ve lost colleagues to leadership and wellness coaching programs, and they are experiencing
suicide, and it’s devastating for families and the community,” she shared, the benefits of having that level of support. For every dollar invested in
adding, “Twenty-eight percent of medical residents experience depres- wellbeing, leadership development and coaching, these institutions see
sion nationwide. We take healthy, young, vibrant, high achieving stu- a $4 return on investment in improved health and productivity. It
dents and run them through medical education and training, and they works,” said Dr. Vasquez.
start to have mental health problems, but we don’t talk about it.” Dr. Vaquez concludes by explaining, “When we talk about wellness,
Through a series of personal coaching, webinars, wellness panels and we need to expand our definition of wellness. We are creating an insti-
videos, Dr. Vasquez is able to bring clarity, awareness and action to tutional change. This is a positive and transformational movement in
transform lives for the better. Professional coaching is an evidence- medicine. I believe that we must first be well to lead well. When our
based intervention, and in just six sessions, it can decrease burnout and medical teams and leaders have the support they need to deliver the
increase their quality of life. highest quality of patient care, we all win!”
Dr. Vasquez will present her BCMS Leadership & Wellness coaching
Many of the participants in the leadership and wellness coaching webinars on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. CST, with the
program shared their reflections here: exception of May, which will take place on May 14, 2024, at 7 p.m.
“I’ve regained my energy and enthusiasm, plus also developed a set of CST. Dates are subject to change. For additional information, webinar
lifelong tools to maintain a healthy work-life balance.” topics and calendar changes, please visit www.bcms.org/phywellness.
“I’ve gained a sense of community and knowledge that I’m not alone.” php and www.renewyourmindmd.com.
“I’ve learned tools to better manage stress and prevent burnout.”
“I’m enjoying work more than before — considering my work as some- Nora Vasquez, MD, is a Certified Physician Coach and board-
thing I get to do rather than have to do.” certified Internal Medicine Physician with over a decade of expe-
“I learned so many things about leadership and wellness. I have shared rience. She developed the Physician Wellness Webinar Series for
this with my colleagues, and this has helped with our communication and BCMS physician members to empower physicians with evidence-based
morale.” coaching strategies to mitigate burnout and enhance physician well-being.
Dr. Vasquez is a member of the Bexar County Medical Society and Texas
As a physician coach who understands what it is like to lose a patient Medical Association.
and to deal with the challenges of modern medicine, as well as her per-
You can learn more about Dr. Nora Vasquez at
sonal experiences with burnout, Dr. Vasquez created a platform on www.renewyourmindmd.com.

28 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • January 2024