Wellness Committee CAI
The CAI Wellness Committee is dedicated to supporting practices that encourage the wellbeing and health of anaesthesiologists, while also supporting the development of resilience and addressing the increasing rates of burnout in our specialty.
Building resilience for anesthesiologists involves cultivating mental and emotional strength to navigate the high-pressure demands of our profession.
Key strategies include fostering a supportive work environment, prioritizing self-care, and engaging in regular reflective practice.
Additionally, promoting a healthy work-life balance is crucial; incorporating physical activity and hobbies outside of work can help alleviate burnout. By investing in personal well-being and professional development, anesthesiologists can enhance their resilience, leading to improved patient care and job satisfaction.
Anesthesiologists can benefit from peer support groups to share experiences and coping strategies. Continuous education and skills training can enhance confidence and reduce stress.
Colleague in Distress
Do you wish to support a colleague in distress?
The Wellness Committee CAI is currently developing some advice in association with the HSE, to be available on this website.
In the meantime, please see this ANZCA advice if you need some guidance.
Are you worried that a colleague may be considering suicide?
The HSE has produces a very helpful programme “Let’s talk about suicide”.
Take a little time out (approximately 1 hour) to complete this useful interactive programme.
The CAI Wellness Committee was set up in 2021 with the following purposes:
- To systematically identify programmes and best practices which may be relevant and accessible to the CAI Staff and professional community.
- To identify and engage with external experts and other organisations, including medical training bodies, with a view to developing synergies and collaborating on meaningful wellness initiatives.
- To engage directly with trainees on the national anaesthesia training programme and other trainees in Ireland to elicit their views and priorities relating to promoting wellness.
- To engage directly with independent practitioners of anaesthesiology, critical care medicine and pain medicine in Ireland and elsewhere to elicit their views and priorities relating to promoting wellness.
- To develop a strategy and implementation plan for the promotion and maintenance of health and wellness amongst the CAI community.
Some of the activities of the WC to date have included:
- A formal wellness curriculum has been developed for the CAI, addressing resilience, burnout, second victim syndrome, positive psychology and other relevant topics.
- The Wellness Committee supports the role of reflection and reflective practice in the training, maintenance of professional competence and professional life of doctors.
- Specific supports and education regarding physical and psychological health and wellness in the workplace is promoted.
- The identification of practical tools for measurement of wellness at individual, departmental and community levels.
- The promotion of a positive culture within departments, hospitals and other environments in which members of the CAI community are professionally active.
- The embedding of activities which promote and maintain wellness within the CAI Professional Competence Scheme, and their recognition for PCS points.
- Dr Therese O’Connor – Committee Chair
- Prof Camillus Power
- Dr Suzanne Cronly
- Dr Brian McClokey
- Dr David Mannion
- Dr Sinead Farrell
- Dr Aisling Hickey
- Prof Donal Buggy
- Prof Crina Burlacu
- Dr Jai Parkash
- Dr Caroline Brogan
- Dr Jenny Wilson O’Raghallaigh
- Mr Martin McCormack
- Ms Margaret Jenkinson
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