This episode of 'The Patient Physician' features Dr. Carol Bernstein, Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Well-being in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Montefiore Medical Center, to discuss the critical subject of mental health and well-being among medical professionals. She shares the history and evolution of addressing mental health in graduate medical education (GME). The conversation explores stigma, access to mental health services, and the need for systemic changes in the treatment of mental health within the medical field during training. Dr. Bernstein shares her insights and opportunities for improving mental health support for residents & fellows.
This episode of 'The Patient Physician' features Dr. Carol Bernstein, Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Well-being in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Montefiore Medical Center, to discuss the critical subject of mental health and well-being among medical professionals. She shares the history and evolution of addressing mental health in graduate medical education (GME). The conversation explores stigma, access to mental health services, and the need for systemic changes in the treatment of mental health within the medical field during training. Dr. Bernstein shares her insights and opportunities for improving mental health support for residents & fellows.
MEET OUR GUEST: DR. CAROL BERNSTEIN
Dr. Carol A. Bernstein is a psychiatrist at Montefiore Medical Center, a premier academic medical center and nationally recognized leader in patient care, research, and community service located in the Bronx, New York. With over 20 years of experience, she is a Professor and Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Well-being in the Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center.
Dr. Bernstein’s expertise includes emotional support and well-being, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has published research on stress, burnout, and depression in graduate medical education, as well as the impact of the pandemic on pediatric faculty burnout.
As a board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Bernstein is dedicated to providing high-quality patient care and contributing to the advancement of psychiatric knowledge and practice.
TIME STAMPS:
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:11 Introducing Dr. Carol Bernstein
01:45 The Importance of Mental Health in Medical Training
02:33 Dr. Bernstein's Journey and the ACGME Task Force
06:09 Challenges in Mental Health and Well-Being
08:47 Addressing Stigma and Access to Mental Health Services
12:49 Defining Good Mental Health
17:08 Barriers to Mental Health in GME
19:51 The Importance of Anonymity and Dedicated Mental Health Services
26:21 Understanding Mental Health Analogies
26:49 The Importance of Therapy and Medication
28:55 Personal Experiences with Mental Health
29:49 Grading Mental Pain
31:48 Generational Differences in Mental Health Perception
33:02 De-stigmatizing Mental Health in Medicine
34:34 Encouraging Mental Health Support in GME Programs
39:39 The Importance of Self-Care for Physicians
43:43 Cultural Shifts in Mental Health Acceptance
49:02 The Human Side of Physicians