Wellness
Prioritizing Wellness in the Department of Pediatrics
The Department of Pediatrics is committed to prioritizing wellness and a psychologically safe work environment, promoting an equitable and diverse workplace, and recognizing our colleagues for their incredible work across our CARE pillars: Clinical Care, Advocacy, Research, and Education.
Our members and learners are the heart of our Department and together, we will continue to create and maintain a healthy, safe and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued, engaged, and able to thrive.
Well Doc Alberta Survey
In February 2022, a short survey was sent to all members of the Department of Pediatrics from Well Doc Alberta. The questions were analyzed using a hybrid approach of inductive and deductive thematic analysis to identify themes. A summary of the results is below.
Department Initiatives
The Department of Pediatrics continues to place great value on the well-being of our members, recognizing the achievements of our colleagues, and celebrating our wonderful diversity. Through our ongoing focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), we will continue to work towards a culture in which we strongly value our colleagues for their strengths and their differences.
Our Department looks forward to expanding on the following important initiatives (and more!) as part of our upcoming strategic planning process in 2024.
Physician Wellness Task Force
Over the past couple years, we have recruited numerous wellness champions across the Department of Pediatrics to join our Physician Wellness Task Force. Together with our Co-Chairs of the Task Force, Dr. Natalie Forbes and Cecilia Lee, this group helps to oversee the development and implementation of Wellness programs and projects within the Department of Pediatrics to promote the wellbeing of its members.
For example, the Task Force launched the Wellness & Sectional Support Program, an initiative to encourage and support a culture of wellness throughout the Department of Pediatrics and its many sites. The initiative supported team building activities, wellness retreats/seminars, and any other activities that the Section deemed appropriate to help enhance engagement and collaboration between its members.
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Committee
The goal of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Committee is to provide representation and inclusion of the diverse voices that comprise the Department of Pediatrics. Chaired by Dr. Amonpreet Sandhu, the committee advises Department leadership on topical issues related to EDI.
The committee has been instrumental in initiating the process of embedding EDI practices into recruitment and Search & Selection processes throughout the Department. They are working together with the Awards, Recognition & Leadership Committee to establish a process for recognizing and awarding Department members based on principles of EDI. Furthermore, the committee will be implementing an initiative in 2024 for EDI moments to be shared at Pediatric Grand Rounds.
Awards, Recognition & Leadership Committee
Using principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, this committee provides recommendations to Department leadership on who and how to recognize the incredible contributions of members within our Department.
Chaired by Dr. Kim Myers, this committee has been instrumental in broadening recognition of our Department members. The committee has increased the number and types of Department awards, diversified the members involved in selection of awards, and created a comprehensive list of awards with details and timelines in order to be proactive and inclusive with nominations and selections.