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Puerto Rico Governor's Newsletter February 2020
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In this Issue:
- Meet & Greet with the Medical Students and Residents
- ACP Leadership Mentoring Session
- Volunteers at Work
- Internal Medicine Special Interest Group Event
- Wellness Corner
- Puerto Rico Chapter Meeting
- NEWSFLASH!
- GET INVOLVED
Myriam Z. Allende-Vigo, MD, FACP, ACP Governor
Governor's Message
Meet & Greet with the Medical Students and Residents
The New Year usually starts with resolutions and the sensation of new beginning. January of 2020 was truly a new beginning for us in Puerto Rico. The frequent earthquakes that have affected the southwestern part of the island have made us reflect on the vulnerability of our lives, the unpredictability and that every day is a new beginning. During January we had planned activities for our medical students and residents, those beginning a career in Internal Medicine, some of which had to be modified due to the earthquakes. The mentoring and networking event with members of the ACP Board of Regents was conducted in San Juan, but with only two members from the Board of Regents, as their retreat was cancelled. Still, we greatly acknowledge the courage of Dr. Fincher and Dr. Fox, who graciously came over and met with the us. It was a very nice event, for which I thank all the participants. The day after this event a group of residents and students were present in Ponce, Yauco and Guánica helping as volunteers bringing solace and comfort to people affected by the earthquakes. And, a few days later, they continued their quest for information on residency programs in Internal Medicine in an activity in Caguas. As in the previous year, all programs showcased their uniqueness and had the opportunity of getting known. Our medical students are actively seeking information that will help them to make good choices in their careers. It was indeed an active beginning, that will continue. The chapter will meet and greet our medical students and residents at the annual meeting, clinical vignettes competition and other activities during the upcoming months.
ACP Leadership Mentoring Session
On January 10, 2020, Dr. Jacqueline Fincher, ACP President-elect, Dr. William Fox, Chair-elect of the ACP Board of Governors, and Dr. Myriam Allende, ACP Puerto Rico Chapter Governor, participated on a mentoring session tailored to medical students and internal medicine residents. We gathered at the Vanderbilt Hotel for a nice exchange of experiences and concerns. The medical students showed evidence they are well aware of practice environment in Puerto Rico. ACP leadership shared how they became involved and students, on their side, manifested that they are willing to get involved in issues relevant to their future working environment.
Volunteers at Work
On Saturday, January 11, 2020 in the aftermath of the January's earthquakes, a group of physicians, nurses, medical students and a psychologist went on a volunteer mission to Guánica to assist the earthquake victims. Guánica is one of the hardest hit towns at the southwest part of the island. The mission was organized by the Puerto Rico College of Physicians. Dr. Jacqueline Fincher, ACP President-elect, Dr. William Fox, Chair-elect of the ACP Board of Governors, and Dr. Myriam Allende, ACP Puerto Rico Chapter Governor, participated as part of the delegation of physicians. We were able to grasp first-hand the vulnerability of our patients. We found out that more than food, water, medical supplies and shelter, patients were seeking emotional relief and comforting actions.
Internal Medicine Special Interest Group Event
On January 18, 2020, the Internal Medicine Special Interest Groups of the Puerto Rico four medical schools conducted an event at Universidad Central del Caribe (UCC) for medical students foreseeing Internal Medicine as their chosen practice field. Over 80 students had the opportunity of learning firsthand what Internal Medicine is about. Thanks to the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine leadership that offered their facilities, chief residents of all IM residencies in the island showcased their programs. In this activity, Dr. Myriam Allende provided an orientation on the mission of the American College of Physicians Puerto Rico Chapter and the membership benefits.
Wellness Corner
Physician Burnout is a Reality, and it's here to stay if we do not act.
Physician Burnout occurs when the stressors in your professional and personal lives drain your internal energy into a negative balance. You feel exhausted, hopeless and even hostile, wondering the meaning of your work and life. This is the result of too many priorities, responsibilities and stress at work or home or both, and/or an inability to Relax and Renew, enjoy life, when you are not at work … Are you a workaholic?
As physicians we face many challenges every day, try balancing our different roles and giving our best to our family, to our patients, and to ourselves. Each day many of us search for the reason of our work and the meaning of our lives. These may lead to burnout.
The American College of Physicians has been very active in the initiative to Prevent Physician Burnout. Our ACP Chapter has designed several activities to create a plan to promote happiness in our lives based on studies (evidence based), and to recognize the early phases of burnout and act to prevent it as a priority.
Team work, collaboration, and mentoring are important elements to success in this effort. Take time for yourself. Participate in our Wellness program.
Our next Physician Wellness activity will be on Saturday April 4, 2020 from 8:30 to 1:00 pm at Los Paseos Gran Gazebo.
We will enjoy a very creative retreat on the topics of happiness, team work and collaboration.
Please mark your calendars and support this important initiative with your promotion and participation. For further information, please contact Mrs. Rina Vega.
Puerto Rico Chapter Meeting
March 13-14, 2020
Intercontinental Hotel
Isla Verde
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the most comprehensive live scientific program in Puerto Rico. - Register Now!
NEWSFLASH!
Please join your colleagues for an informal interactive gathering to exchange ideas on Climate Changes Impact on Health Delivery and Physician Burnout that will take place at the Intercontinental Hotel following the closing of academic activities at our annual meeting on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Don't miss the opportunity of meeting Dr. Douglas DeLong and Dr. Johanna De Jesús as leaders of this activity.
GET INVOLVED
Get involved with the ACP activities and participate in our mission for education and service in Internal Medicine.
Your attendance will contribute to the success of our activity and of our ACP Puerto Rico Chapter!
ACP Members are encouraged to review the requirements for advancement to Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Do not hesitate to contact us for information at rinavega@rivsmarketing.com.
YOUR PARTICIPATION IS IMPORTANT!
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Editorial Committee:
Dr. Myriam Allende
Dr. Melba Feliciano
Mrs. Rina Vega