SGO Wellness | SGO Wellness Initiatives | SGO Wellness Resources | SGO Wellness Perspectives

SGO Wellness Initiatives

Addressing the Issue
A career in gynecologic oncology can be rewarding, however, it is universally strenuous and demanding. Caring for women with gynecologic cancers (and complex gynecologic problems) requires a significant and continuous commitment from providers. And this, unfortunately, can lead to burnout. This website represents an effort of the Task Force to shed light on the high rate of burnout in gynecologic oncology as a specialty, promote discussion, and provide resources and potential solutions.

Defining Burnout
Burnout is a mental state defined by any of the following three elements: lack of enthusiasm for work, skepticism and distrust, and low sense of personal accomplishment. Burnout has been studied among medical oncologists and surgeons, and to a lesser extent, in gynecologic oncologists specifically. The American College of Surgeons and other professional organizations have recognized the urgency of this issue and are also working to address it.

Task Force Leadership

• Jeffrey Fowler, MD, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
• Andrew Berchuck, MD, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC
• Bobbie Gostout, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
• David Kushner, MD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI

Mission and Goals

By understanding the stressors and devising timely interventions, all members of the women’s cancer care team can implement approaches to help reduce the risk of stress and burnout and improve career satisfaction and wellness. The goals of this initiative include:

• Raising awareness
• Providing intervention tools and techniques
• Conducting additional research and surveys, and pooling resources for investigation and intervention
• Providing additional education to SGO members

2016 Annual Meeting Materials

• Practicing Wellness: Tools for Cultivating Resilience and Avoiding Burnout
• Gyn Onc Wellness social media posts/break slides at 2016 Annual Meeting

Member Resources

A number of resources have been developed to support the SGO Wellness initiative. To get involved with the task force, contact SGO Wellness staff liaison Jessica Oldham.