Lisa J. Merlo, Ph.D., M.P.E.
Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry
Medicine is a noble profession and a career in the health professions in generally fulfilling. However, the healthcare environment is a high-stress setting, with multiple administrative, interpersonal, and environmental burdens affecting clinicians. Physicians and other healthcare professionals are at increased risk for burnout, depression, and other health conditions, including substance use disorders. As a result, organizational efforts are needed to better support the clinical care team. In addition, individual resources are needed to help those who are struggling. This presentation will introduce the field of physician health, discussing the continuum of efforts from preventive wellness programs to interventions for clinicians with potentially-impairing conditions.
Dr. Lisa Merlo, a licensed psychologist, is a professor and Co-Vice Chair of Faculty Development in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida College of Medicine, where she also serves as the Director of Wellness Programs. Dr. Merlo’s research focuses primarily on healthcare professionals and trainees with potentially-impairing conditions and clinician wellbeing.
Core Standards
HE.912.CEH.1.1
Interpret the significance of interrelationships in community health.
HE.912.CEH.2.6
Analyze how culture supports and challenges health beliefs, practices, and behaviors.
HE.912.PHC.1.1
Evaluate personal health practices and overall health status to include all dimensions of health.
HE.912.PHC.1.4
Interpret the significance of interrelationships in mental and physical health.
HE.912.PHC.2.3
Analyze how friends and peers influence the health of individuals.
HE.912.PHC.3.3
Identify protective factors that help to mitigate the risks of suicide and mental health disorders.
HE.912.PHC.3.4
Recognize the signs, symptoms and how to seek treatment or support for mental health disorders.
