Burnout and Beyond with Jessi Gold, MD

CONVERSATIONS

In the last few years, mental health has become a big part of the public conversation. But what happens when the clinicians caring for others are struggling themselves?

Today’s guest, Dr. Jessi Gold, is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and the Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee.

She specializes in mental healthcare for healthcare workers, and in addition to her work in outpatient psychiatry, has become a trusted voice in the media on issues like burnout and mental health in the clinician workforce.

Her new book, How Do You Feel? One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine, takes a deep dive into these topics, weaving in Jessi’s personal story along alongside the stories of four composite patient characters, and broader insights into the emotional toll healthcare takes on clinicians.

In our conversation, we discuss the differences between burnout, moral injury, depression, and PTSD; how mental health stigma continues to affect healthcare workers; the fear that clinicians feel when filling out their licensing paperwork, not knowing if they’ll be penalized for seeking care for mental health; and the great work that’s been done to REFORM that licensing process.

We also dive into Jessi’s exploration of telemedicine, and her new role in reshaping wellness in healthcare systems.

Enjoy this episode on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.