ACGME Well-Being Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin is joined by Dr. Daniel Saddawi‑Konefka, associate professor of anesthesia, and Dr. Matthew Tung, instructor in anesthesia, both at Harvard Medical School. They discuss their JAMA viewpoint, Meaning and Comfort in Physician Well‑Being: An Integrated Framework, and explore how two complementary dimensions of well‑being—meaning and comfort—can help physicians thrive throughout their careers. Drawing on concepts rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, Drs. Saddawi‑Konefka and Tung examine the relationship between eudaimonia (the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from service, growth, and connection) and hedonia (the well‑being associated with comfort, safety, and the reduction of unnecessary burdens). They discuss why these concepts are often framed as competing priorities in medicine and argue instead that both are essential components of sustainable physician well‑being. The conversation also explores practical applications within graduate medical education, including fostering intrinsic motivation, promoting autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and creating opportunities for learners to connect with the meaning inherent in patient care. Throughout the discussion, the speakers highlight how organizational efforts to reduce administrative burdens and improve working conditions can create the space needed for physicians to engage more deeply with purpose, connection, and professional fulfillment. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how an integrated approach to meaning and comfort can support well‑being for learners, educators, and practicing physicians alike. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro and Guest Introduction (01:15) – Origins of the Meaning and Comfort Framework (03:00) – Rethinking Physician Well-Being (04:30) – Understanding Meaning and Comfort (06:03) – Hedonia, Eudaimonia, and Well-Being (08:10) – Finding Life and Meaning in Work (10:06) – Balancing Purpose and Comfort (11:20) – Intrinsic Motivation and Medical Training (12:56) – Self-Determination Theory in Practice (14:47) – Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness (16:39) – Creating Cultures of Meaning and Connection (18:18) – Gratitude, Recognition, and Daily Purpose (19:45) – Rediscovering Meaning in Everyday Clinical Work (21:20) – When Loss of Meaning Signals a Need for Support (22:27) – Hedonic Adaptation and Sustainable Well-Being (23:11) – Integrating Meaning and Comfort (24:48) – Closing and Resources

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin is joined by Bret Stevens, director of medical education and associate designated institutional official (DIO) at McLaren Oakland, and Reanna Benedict, director of GME operations and assistant DIO at Lexington Health. Drawing on their leadership experience and service on the ACGME's Coordinator Advisory Group, they explore how community-building and professional development can strengthen job satisfaction, resilience, and long-term success for program coordinators and other GME professionals. Bret and Reanna discuss the importance of building connections at the institutional, regional, and national levels, particularly for those working in smaller programs or organizations with limited local support. They share practical strategies for engaging with professional organizations, seeking mentorship, developing peer networks, and creating opportunities for collaboration and learning. The conversation also highlights the value of giving back to the GME community through mentoring others, sharing resources, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The discussion further examines the evolving skills needed in the coordinator role, including navigating new technologies, leveraging residency management systems, leading difficult conversations, and supporting learners through challenging situations. Throughout the episode, the speakers emphasize the importance of asking for help, embracing lifelong learning, and extending compassion to oneself while navigating the complexities of GME. Listeners will gain practical insights into how community, mentorship, and ongoing professional growth can enhance both the coordinator experience and the broader clinical learning environment. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro & Guest Introduction (00:45) – Community and Professional Development in GME (04:00) – Finding Support Through Professional Networks (05:28) – The Value of Conferences and Peer Learning (07:25) – Mentorship, Leadership, and Giving Back (09:02) – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (10:50) – Growth Mindset and Continuous Improvement (13:27) – Embracing Change and Lifelong Learning (14:50) – Technology, AI, and Working Smarter (17:15) – Creating Coordinator Communities (20:16) – Developing Communication and Leadership Skills (25:00) – Self-Compassion and Final Reflections (25:38) – Closing & Resources

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin is joined by Julie Beckerdite, director of education for the Departments of Pathology and Psychiatry, and Carrie Racsumberger, fellowship program manager in the Department of Pathology - both at Mass General Brigham. Together, they share insights from their work on the ACGME Coordinator Advisory Group in a practical conversation on the relationships that shape the program coordinator role in graduate medical education (GME). Drawing on their experience, Beckerdite and Racsumberger discuss how interactions with residents, fellows, faculty members, and program leaders can be both a major source of satisfaction and a source of ongoing challenge. They share strategies for setting expectations early, communicating effectively, and addressing common issues like delayed responses, professionalism concerns, and recurring administrative demands. They also emphasize the importance of establishing clear boundaries with the support of leadership while maintaining a respectful, collaborative approach that promotes accountability and teamwork. The conversation highlights the meaningful connections coordinators build with residents/fellows, and the important role they play in supporting professional development and fostering psychological safety within programs. Throughout the discussion, Beckerdite and Racsumberger emphasize perspective-taking, consistency, and the value of strong relationships in navigating difficult situations. Listeners will gain practical insights into how intentional communication and clear role definition can strengthen team culture and enhance the coordinator experience in GME. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro and Guest Introduction (00:45) – Focus on Coordinator Well-Being and Relationships (02:10) – Managing Task Completion and Setting Expectations (04:41) – Using Leadership Support and Accountability (06:45) – Coordinator Role in Professionalism and Recruitment (09:20) – Setting Boundaries and Defining the Coordinator Role (11:45) – Finding Satisfaction in Resident Relationships (13:25) – Managing Difficult Interactions and Perspective (15:52) – Growth, Meaning, and Supporting Trainees (16:26) – Psychological Safety and Connection (17:23) – Coordinators as Leaders (18:20) – Closing and Resources

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin welcomes Dr. Daniel Saddawi‑Konefka, associate professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School and co-founder of the Emotional PPE Project, for a thoughtful conversation on improving access to mental health care for health care professionals. Dr. Saddawi‑Konefka shares the origins of the Emotional PPE Project, created during the COVID‑19 pandemic to connect clinicians with free, confidential, and accessible mental health support, and outlines its dual focus on immediate care and long‑term cultural change. The discussion explores the complex, multi‑layered barriers that prevent physicians and physician learners from seeking care, including stigma, fears around confidentiality and professional consequences, and persistent logistical challenges such as time, cost, and access. Dr. Saddawi‑Konefka highlights how deeply ingrained cultural norms in medicine can discourage help‑seeking, but emphasizes the importance of system‑level reform, leadership, and education in shifting those patterns. The conversation further examines the role of leadership and local culture in promoting psychological safety, normalizing vulnerability, and encouraging timely support for mental health needs. Dr. Saddawi‑Konefka also introduces the concepts of hedonic and eudaimonic well‑being, illustrating how both comfort and meaning are essential to sustaining fulfillment in medicine. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain practical insights into how reducing barriers, improving access to care, and fostering supportive environments can help health care professionals thrive while delivering high‑quality patient care. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro and Guest Introduction (00:48) – Origins of the Emotional PPE Project (01:57) – Mission: Removing Barriers to Care (03:53) – Scale & Access to Mental Health Support (05:03) – Key Barriers: Culture, Stigma, and Logistics (07:27) – Generational Shifts & Ongoing Stigma (08:22) – Culture Change in Medicine (10:26) – Systems, Leadership & Multi-Level Solutions (12:55) – Education & Understanding Mental Health (17:38) – Leadership & Role Modeling Vulnerability (20:02) – Meaning vs. Comfort in Well-Being (23:26) – Final Reflections & Takeaways (23:59) – Closing & Resources  

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin welcomes Dr. Chris Bundy, executive medical director of the Washington Physician Health Program and chief medical officer of the Federation of State Physician Health Programs, for a comprehensive conversation on the role of Physician Health Programs (PHPs) in supporting physicians and protecting patient safety. Dr. Bundy explains how PHPs have evolved over the past several decades, their dual mission of rehabilitation and public protection, and the range of issues they address, including mental health, substance use, and cognitive concerns. The discussion explores common misconceptions about PHPs, including fears around confidentiality, licensing board involvement, and program burden, while clarifying the voluntary and supportive nature of these programs. Dr. Bundy also highlights the various pathways into PHPs, from self-referral to recommendations by colleagues or treatment providers, and shares outcome data demonstrating high rates of sustained recovery. The conversation further examines the role of the Federation of State Physician Health Programs in advancing standards, research, and collaboration across states, as well as ongoing efforts to improve transparency, reduce barriers to care, and expand awareness. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how PHPs fit into the broader health care ecosystem as a trusted resource that enables physicians to seek help, return to safe practice, and maintain long-term well-being. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro & Guest Background (01:23) – What Are Physician Health Programs (PHPs)? (04:17) – The Dual Role: Supporting Physicians & Protecting Patients (06:19) – Pathways to PHPs: Voluntary vs. Referred Participation (08:36) – Outcomes: Recovery Rates and Effectiveness (11:02) – Addressing Concerns About Licensing Boards & Confidentiality (12:49) – Understanding Limits of Confidentiality (13:40) – Common Misconceptions About PHPs (15:56) – Financial and Structural Challenges in PHP Care (19:04) – The Importance of PHPs in the Healthcare System (20:00) – The Federation of State PHPs: Role and National Efforts (25:08) – Resources, Collaboration, and Final Message of Hope  

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin is joined by Nick Yaghmour, director of Resident Experience, Well‑Being, and Milestones Research at the ACGME, and Dr. Greg Wallingford, assistant professor of Internal Medicine and assistant dean for Professional Fulfillment and Well‑Being at Dell Medical School. Together, they explore how the 12 well‑being items included in the ACGME annual Resident/Fellow and Faculty Surveys can be thoughtfully interpreted, and responsibly used, to support residents, fellows, faculty members, and programs. The conversation explores the origins and intent of the well‑being items, their role as signals rather than diagnostic measures, and the importance of keeping the data separate from accreditation decisions. Dr. Wallingford shares an institution‑level approach for translating survey results into meaningful action, highlighting the value of local context, deeper inquiry, and iterative improvement. Through concrete examples, the discussion illustrates how data‑informed processes can empower program leaders, strengthen trust, and drive sustainable change in the clinical learning environment. The episode also previews upcoming enhancements to ACGME well‑being reporting designed to make results more accessible and actionable for programs and institutions. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Introduction and Welcome (00:31) – Guest Introductions: Nick Yaghmour and Greg Wallingford (01:12) – Purpose and Origins of the ACGME Well‑Being Survey Items (02:32) – Who Receives the Survey Results and How They Are Used (03:17) – What the 12 Well‑Being Items Measure and What They Do Not (04:20) – Using the Data at the Program and Institutional Levels (06:03) – Limitations, Bias, and Responsible Interpretation of Results (11:07) – From Survey Data to Action: An Institutional Starting Point (15:47) – Supporting Program Leaders Through Training and Process (19:34) – Program‑Level Examples: Turning Feedback into Action (22:29) – Transparency, Communication, and Building Trust with Trainees (24:10) – "Stacked Change" and Continuous Quality Improvement in GME (25:04) – Making Data More Actionable: Upcoming Reporting Enhancements (28:03) – Closing Reflections and Encouragement for Program Leaders

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin is joined by Melanie Pigott, the residency coordinator of the emergency medicine program at the Medical University of South Carolina, and Cindy Thompson, a senior program administrator for the orthopaedic surgery program at West Virginia University, for a focused conversation on program coordinator well‑being in graduate medical education. Program coordinators play a vital role in GME programs, yet their roles have become increasingly complex, demanding, and pressured—often with little margin for rest or recovery. Drawing on their years of experience and leadership on the ACGME's Coordinator Advisory Group, Pigott and Thompson reflect on the realities of the role and share practical, experience‑based strategies to reduce stress and sustain fulfillment. The conversation explores key drivers of coordinator well‑being, including managing workload through clear expectations and communication, improving efficiency through automation and shared resources, navigating hybrid and flexible work arrangements, and coping with the constant pressure of year‑round deadlines and evolving responsibilities. Throughout the discussion, the speakers emphasize the importance of professional community, peer support, self‑compassion, and giving oneself grace in a role defined by high standards and service to others. This episode launches a new series dedicated to supporting program coordinators and offers valuable insights for coordinators, program leaders, and institutions seeking to create healthier, more sustainable working environments for those who support medical learners every day.   Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Introduction and Welcome  (00:55) – Guest Introductions: Melanie Pigott and Cindy Thompson  (01:46) – Growing Workload and Burnout Risk in Program Coordination  (02:29) – Setting Expectations, Boundaries, and Communication Norms (05:14) – Improving Efficiency Through Automation and Shared Tools  (09:03) – Community, Peer Support, and Asking for Help  (10:14) – Hybrid and Flexible Work Models in GME  (14:57) – Managing Ongoing Work Pressure and Emotional Labor  (17:05) – Organization, Delegation, and Letting Go of Perfectionism  (21:03) – Closing Thoughts and Resources

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin speaks with Dr. Kristen Demertzis, clinical psychologist and director of GME Well‑Being at Northwell Health. They explore how thoughtful, system‑level approaches can strengthen the well‑being of residents, fellows, faculty members, and program leaders across a large academic health system. Dr. Demertzis shares her journey into resident well‑being work, the importance of early culture‑setting during orientation, and how fostering psychological safety and shared vulnerability helps residents and fellows feel supported. She discusses a range of initiatives—reflective discussions, stigma‑reduction efforts, wellness check‑ins, and enhanced access to mental health resources—that promote connection, normalize help‑seeking, and improve awareness of available support. The conversation also highlights how data‑informed decision‑making, cross‑department collaboration, and continuous evaluation are driving meaningful improvements in resident/fellow experience. Listeners will gain insight into how intentional culture‑building and system-wide engagement can create healthier, more resilient learning environments in medical education.   Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 01:00 – Dr. Demertzis' Journey into Resident Mental Health Advocacy 03:06 – Dr. Demertzis' Leadership as Director of GME Well‑Being and Committee Integration 04:57 – Expanding GME Well‑Being: Multi‑Role Leadership in Culture and Orientation 07:51 – Establishing Culture and Psychological Safety 08:39 – Addressing Mental Health Stigma and Implementing Wellness Checks 12:27 – Launching Digital Well‑Being Tools: Website and App Enhancements 13:40 – Using Data to Drive System-Wide Well‑Being Improvements 16:28 – Closing Thoughts and Resources

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin welcomes Dr. Kerri Palamara, Gill and Allan Gray Family Endowed Chair and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, to discuss the evolution and impact of physician coaching in graduate medical education. Dr. Palamara shares how her journey led to developing scalable, faculty-driven coaching programs that foster psychological safety, agency, and authentic connection among residents and faculty. The conversation explores the distinctions between mentoring and coaching, the core skills required for effective coaching, and the positive ripple effects on wellbeing, resilience, and departmental culture. Drawing on principles of positive psychology and self-determination theory, Dr. Palamara illustrates how structured coaching interventions can reduce burnout, enhance fulfillment, and empower clinicians to find their voice—even within challenging healthcare systems. Through practical insights and research-backed outcomes, this episode highlights how investing in coaching transforms not only individuals but the entire medical learning environment, making thriving possible for all. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro and Welcome  (00:13) – Guest Background: Dr. Kerri Palamara (00:54) – Discovering Coaching: Faculty Engagement & Residency Curriculum  (02:33) – Rethinking Support: Creating a Coaching Culture (04:12) – Mentoring vs. Coaching: Key Differences  (05:20) – Building Psychological Safety and Boundaries  (06:13) – Core Coaching Skills: Listening, Reflecting, Asking Questions (07:42) – Positive Psychology and Strength-Based Approaches  (09:40) – Training Faculty as Coaches: Logistics & Curriculum  (11:37) – Scalability and Feasibility of Coaching Programs (12:25) – Impact on Coaches, Residents, and Department Culture (14:27) – How Much Coaching is Enough? (15:16) – Tolerating Uncertainty and Medical Errors (15:50) – Addressing Systemic Challenges & Fatalism  (16:50) – Handling Coach-Resident Mismatches (18:03) – Authentic Connection and Deep Listening (18:28) – Agency, Autonomy, and Self-Determination Theory   (21:00) – Closing Thoughts and Resources

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin speaks with Dr. Greg Guldner, director of GME Well-Being and assistant dean for Graduate Medical Education at Loma Linda University Health. They discuss how self-determination theory (SDT)—the most widely researched framework for understanding human motivation—can guide meaningful, system-level change in medical education and training. Dr. Guldner explains how autonomy, belonging, competence, and deep meaning (the "ABCDs" of well-being) form the foundation for a healthier workplace culture. Through practical examples and data-driven outcomes, he illustrates how leaders can redesign environments, policies, and interactions to enhance connection, motivation, and fulfillment for both residents and faculty members, creating conditions where everyone can truly thrive in their work. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro and Welcome (00:14) – Guest Background: Dr. Greg Guldner (00:56) – Workplace Well-Being vs. Wellness (01:57) – Why Focus on the Work Environment (02:25) – The Role of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in Well-Being Interventions (03:36) – Self-Determination Theory: Origins and Impact (05:05) – The Basic Psychological Needs (06:18) – Finding Meaning in the Workplace (07:18) – Autonomy: What It Really Means (10:23) – The Five Steps to Understanding Autonomy (11:38) – Belonging Interventions (15:02) – Competence: Growth and Mastery (18:00) – Feedback and Intervention (18:31) – Meaningful Work: High-Impact Interventions (21:04) – What about Faculty? (21:41) – Measuring Success: Data and Dashboards (25:42) – Closing Thoughts and Resources