By Tiffany Pankow, MD, VP, chief of caregiver wellness and patient experience

At HonorHealth, we are deeply committed to supporting the well-being of our physicians and APPs. As part of this ongoing commitment, we are actively pursuing the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation Champions designation, a recognition awarded to healthcare organizations that take significant steps to reduce burnout and improve mental health resources for their medical staff.

The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation was established in memory of Lorna Breen, MD, an emergency physician who dedicated her life to caring for patients but faced immense pressures in the healthcare system. The foundation’s mission is to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in medicine and ensure that healthcare professionals have access to the resources they need to thrive.

One of the key steps HonorHealth has taken in this process is revising our credentialing questions. We recognize that outdated or stigmatizing language in credentialing can discourage medical staff from seeking the support they need.

Credentialing question updates

To view a comparison of the previous and current credentialing questions, click here.

By updating these questions, we aim to create a more supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes well-being while maintaining high professional standards.

We are currently working to finalize peer reference questions to ensure alignment with the Champions designation and remove stigmatizing questions.

Supporting your mental health

Although we have not yet received the Champions designation, we are committed to meeting the criteria and furthering our efforts to support our medical staff. We will continue to implement best practices that promote mental health, reduce burnout and foster a culture of wellness within our organization.

Additionally, HonorHealth has established a Practitioner Health Committee to provide confidential support for medical staff facing health concerns. This initiative ensures that physicians and APPs have access to the resources they need in a safe and supportive manner.

We appreciate the dedication of our physicians and APPs and will keep you informed as we progress in this important initiative. If you have any questions or suggestions about how we can continue improving physician well-being at HonorHealth, please reach out to [email protected].