By Erin Kershisnik, MD
Chair, Providence Swedish South Puget Sound Medical Staff Wellness Committee
I am grateful to again have the opportunity to bring the members of the Medical Staff Wellness Committee (MSWC) to your attention and to offer ourselves as a touch point for a confidential ear and assistance in accessing mental health resources.
Physician and APP wellness is essential not only for the well-being of individual clinicians but also for the safety and quality of care delivered to patients. With our own inherent perfectionism, increasing demands, long hours, and the emotional weight of patient care, physicians and APPs often face high levels of stress and moral injury. Supporting mental health through peer support, access to counseling, and creating a culture that encourages self-care and transparency is critical. When we are open with our colleagues about ways in which we have sought help we free them to acknowledge their needs as well.
Equally important is recognizing the alarming rates of physician suicide — among the highest of any profession. Suicide prevention must be a core component of wellness strategies, including reducing stigma around seeking help, improving access to confidential mental health services, and fostering open dialogue about emotional challenges. Every physician deserves to feel valued, supported, and safe. By prioritizing mental health and promoting a culture of care, we can help save lives and ensure a more resilient healthcare community.
To that end, several members of the MSWC have agreed to publish not just their names but their personal contact information. These are not idle offerings but reflect our commitment to being available to colleagues as peer support. Each of these newsletters also has a QR code
linking you to mental health resources available to Providence Medical Staff members. It is my fervent hope that we take physician and APP mental health concerns out of the shadows and begin the conversation.
https://www.fsphp.org/physician-suicide-prevention-resources
- Erin Kershisnik, MD (360-280-0150) ekk@vantagephysicians.net
- Juliette Erickson, MD Juliette.Erickson@providence.org
- Melissa Purtteman, MD Melissa.Purtteman@providence.org
- Anjan Sattar, MD
- Kari Lima, MD Kari.Lima@providence.org
- Dan Gilday dan.gilday@olyemservices.com
- Heidi Sedra, ARNP
