Episode 046: "Physician, Heal Thyself." Physician Mental Wellness with Dr. Veronica Nkie

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the ACOPedscast wanted to take the opportunity to focus the spotlight on a topic that doesn’t get brought up nearly enough… physician self-wellness and recognition of physician burnout. Jason and Scott were lucky enough to find as a special guest, someone who just last month shared her personal story with physician burnout and how she turned it into a life lesson in The DO online magazine, Doctor Veronica Nkie, DO, MPH, MLS (ASCP). Doctor Nkie took time out of her busy schedule wrapping up her Traditional Internship and military service period at the Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State, took join the Pedscast to share more about her story, what led her to share such a personal moment, and what this experience has taught her about listening to her own body while caring for the patients in front of her. This month’s episode is a must for listeners at any level in your osteopathic medical career, as we all already have or likely will face a period of burnout, and it is important for us to know how to recognize that within ourselves, seek help, and get back to being our best when caring for our patients and each other. Make sure to save some time for this one because in true Scott and Jason style, the clock on the wall gets ignored as they get lost in the conversation. Scott, Jason, and the ACOP want to thank Dr. Nkie for sharing her story, thank her – and all of you who choose to serve our Nation in the military – for her service, and congratulate her on completing her traditional internship and moves on to a residency in General Surgery. If you haven’t read the story, the link is below as well as ways you can follow Dr. Nkie and the ACOP on your favorite social media platforms. Welcome to Summer… and Happy Listening!! If you, or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available: Get Help - 988 Lifeline The DO Magazine piece: How burnout taught me to listen to my body - The DO Mental Health resources from the AOA: Wellness Toolkit - American Osteopathic Association Contact Dr. Nkie: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Veronique Bijou Instagram: veroniquebijou Follow the ACOP: Facebook: ACOPeds Instagram: acopediatricians Bluesky: acopeds.bsky.social