Our Well-Being

Thrive in Medicine

In the Duke Department of Medicine, we know that our most valuable asset is our workforce. We recognize that academic medical centers experience increased rates of burnout in the work place. This burnout is driven by a diverse set of circumstances and is often dependent on an individual’s roles and responsibilities. Our well-being initiative therefore aims to provide the members of the department with a diverse set of resources and opportunities that enable them to thrive while accomplishing their professional goals.

Our Well-Being Mission

In order to support the well-being of the its members, our well-being initiative uses a three-pronged approach that includes enhancing professional and personal development, increasing a sense of community and belonging, and providing resources to improve individual well-being. Our goal is create an environment in which the members of the Department of Medicine are empowered to care for themselves and each other while continuing to set standards of excellence in research, education and clinical care.

Cary Ward, MD, associate vice chair for provider experience and development, is leading the Department's Well-Being initiative with feedback and support from the Well-Being Committee. View a list of committee members.

kathleen cooley and department of medicine
Dr. Kathleen Cooney and faculty in the Department of Medicine gather to share knowledge with Duke medical students.

Resources for Well-Being

Individual Well-Being It is difficult to care for your patients and colleagues if you forget to take time for yourself. Use the resources here to check in and ask for support if you need it.
Personal Assistance Service (PAS) PAS is here to provide support during this challenging time. To obtain an appointment, contact the PAS office at 919-416-1727. PAS also offers video and telephone sessions. Other resources through PAS include:
Behavioral Health Urgent Access The Duke Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences has same-day appointments available (in-person and telephone-based) for faculty, staff, Graduate Medical Education (GME) trainees and their families (including children) who are seeking support related to stress management, coping resources, and behavioral health concerns. In-person appointments are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Extended hours are available for telehealth services. Call 919-681-1631 to access these services. (fee for service, eligible health insurance accepted)
Duke Health Intranet for Well-Being (Duke Net ID and login required) Caring for our patients, their loved ones and each other continues to be our priority, especially during the rapidly changing environment created by our current health crisis. To help everyone effectively manage and remain resilient through such uncertain times, resources and information is available for caring for yourself so you can care for others, including your family. 
PDC Intranet for Well-Being (Duke Net ID and login required) Caring for our patients, their loved ones and each other continues to be our priority, especially during the rapidly changing environment created by our current health crisis. To help everyone effectively manage and remain resilient the PDC has outlined resources and information for caring for yourself so you can care for others, including your family. 
Resilience Tools The resilience tools are evidence-based, interactive, and specifically designed for busy healthcare workers. Interventions last between 3-15 days. Participants will receive prompts for the tools via email or text message.
Live for Life Live for Life offers a variety of wellness opportunities, such as health assessments and education, smoking cessation programs, fitness activities and nutrition activities, to help eligible faculty, staff and family members reach their health and fitness goals. 

Meal Ideas

Meal ideas for the whole family when fresh ingredients may not be available.
Wellbeats Workout anywhere with "Wellbeats," an on-demand fitness provider that has nearly 300 classes that range from one to 50 minutes. Classes are divided into 22 channels including circuit and strength training, office breaks, yoga, Pilates and more.
The Science of Well-Being, offered by Yale Yale has a popular course (with almost 3 million enrolled!) called The Science of Well-Being on Coursera. As a Duke employee, you can access this course that is offered.
Community and Belonging There are many ways to connect to others in the Department of Medicine in order to foster a sense of community. Take time to review the options listed below.
Office of Durham & Community Affairs Opportunities to engage in the Durham community through volunteerism and giving. Specific opportunities available now to support COVID relief.
Together Duke: Giving Back Opportunities to give and/or donate to support student emergency relief efforts, PPE collections, giving blood and other ways to support the community.
Durham Restaurants List of Durham restaurants, noting those that deliver.
Medicine Grand Rounds Join the Department of Medicine community (faculty and trainees) each week for the Medicine Grand Rounds lecture.
School of Medicine Events Check regularly for upcoming events hosted by the Duke School of Medicine for faculty and trainees. 
Professional and Personal Development In the Department of Medicine, we want to provide you with tools and resources to grow professionally and personally. We encourage you to take advantage of the many resources listed below.
Program for Women in Internal Medicine (PWIM) PWIM is an active group, seeking to enhance the advancement of women in medicine. Notices of our events are distributed via email to all women faculty.
Faculty Development Academy (FDA) Since its establishment in 2011, the Academy continues to provide individual faculty development needs, supplement on-going mentorship, and develop faculty in multiple career tracks.
Career Development Seminar Series (CDSS) The Department of Medicine is invested in the career development of all faculty and offers a Career Development Seminar Series. This series was developed and piloted by Cary Ward, MD, as part of the Faculty Development Academy and benefited from feedback from FDA members.
Duke's Health and Well-Being Toolkit Find well-being ideas, strategies and other resources for you and your whole team.
Executive Coaching The School of Medicine Executive Coaching Program provides executive coaching services to faculty in the clinical and basic sciences. This initiative is led by Sharon Hull, MD, MPH (Family Medicine and Community Health).
Mentoring Resources The relationship between Mentor and Mentee can be a critical determinant for successful career development. Effective mentoring of trainees and early career faculty is a professional responsibility, and the Office for Research Mentoring is offering a number of programs to help guide both novice and experienced mentors to expand their knowledge, and provide tools and resources to improve the mentor and mentee experiences. 
How to Care For Yourself and Others

Have you found a great well-being resource? Please share by emailing brittany.c.young@duke.edu.

Visit the Internal Medicine Residency Program Well-Being page.

New Duke Staff Meeting
Department of Medicine faculty gather at the 2019 new faculty orientation event.
Cardiology Fellows
A group of cardiology fellows join Dr. Kathleen Cooney for Coffee with the Chair.