Connection & Compassion in Physician Wellness with Dr. Catherine Pound | Flourishing in Medicine: From Surviving to Thriving #29
Description
Today, we are joined by Dr. Catherine Pound, MSc, MPH, MD, FRCPC, Director of Physician Support and Wellness at the Canadian Medical Protective Association.
Dr. Pound joined CMPA as a Physician Advisor in Safe Medical Care Learning in 2021 and became the Director of Physician Support and Wellness in 2023. She is also a pediatrician and researcher, and was an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa until 2024. Dr. Pound holds master's degrees in epidemiology as well as in public health, with a focus on health policy. Dr. Pound has obtained multiple research grants, and has been published extensively in the areas of medical education, health promotion, and clinical medicine. She has also implemented and led multiple physician wellness programs, both in clinical and administrative settings.
In the conversation, Dr. Pound shares her personal journey from experiencing burnout early in her career to recognizing the widespread silent suffering among physicians and dedicating her work to systemic change that helps healthcare professionals thrive.
We also cover:
- How her values of connection, compassion, and curiosity led her from pediatrics through public health to physician wellness leadership
- CMPA's innovative programs including peer support, longitudinal coaching, and the national Physician Wellbeing Index assessment
- The critical connection between healthcare professional wellbeing and patient safety as a public health issue
Dr. Pound concludes by envisioning a healthcare system where professionals give themselves permission to acknowledge when they need help, creating environments of trust, collaboration, and compassionate care.
Links:
Dr. Catherine Pound LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pound-b22a921/ CMPA: https://www.cmpa-acpm.ca/en/home CMPA Practically Speaking podcast: https://www.cmpa-acpm.ca/en/education-events/cmpa-podcasts EmPro Website: https://www.myempro.com/ EmPro Peer Support Program: https://www.myempro.com/peer-support/ Physician Support Line: +1(888) 409-0141 Physician Support Line Website: https://www.physiciansupportline.com/ Dr. Krasner's Website: https://mickkrasnermd.com/ Mindful Practice in Medicine Website: https://mindfulpracticeinmedicine.com/
Chapters:
(00:00 ) Introduction(03:00 ) Why Medicine: Connection and Compassion(08:00 ) Personal Journey to Physician Wellness Work(11:00 ) Public Health Approach to Prevention(14:00 ) Physician Wellbeing as Public Health Crisis(15:00 ) Joining CMPA and Building Programs(17:00 ) Developing Evidence-Based Support Systems(22:00 ) Theater-Based Training and Team Approaches(25:00 ) Research-Driven Program Development(27:00 ) Envisioning the Future of Healthcare(32:00 ) Conclusion
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