The pandemic has highlighted the hardships and struggles of healthcare and its toll on healthcare professionals. In addition to the increased pressures for healthcare professionals, students are also faced with their own struggles in their pursuit of a healthcare career. The AASuccess Heathcare Symposium was therefore created with the purpose of providing insight into some of the present day challenges of healthcare and bridging the gap between an idealized career and its realities.
Timeline: June 3, 2023 from 10 AM to 3 PM
Key leads: Angela Le, Grace Tonnu, Vivian Cao-Dao (Read more >>)
Program Description
During the symposium, our program will be focusing on two topics that are prevalent in the current healthcare field:
Expectations vs. Realities
The goal of many students entering the healthcare profession is making a difference in society by helping others. However, the challenges healthcare professionals and trainees face in the field have important implications on their health and wellbeing. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the extreme fatigue and burnout faced by providers. Burnout is characterized by a high degree of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization with a low sense of personal accomplishment at work, leading to a strain in mental health. The symposium aims to address some of the workfield challenges and structural issues that typically contribute to burnout, while highlighting the experiences of a diverse panel of healthcare professionals. By addressing the contributors of burnout, we hope to equip students with strategies to handle common stressors in the healthcare field.
Potential Consequences of Failure
The status quo of successfully entering professional school and financing the costs are daunting. In addition, the pressure placed on students to positively distinguish themselves among a competitive pool of extremely qualified applicants takes a toll on mental health. Self image can easily be based on the ‘need to succeed’, regardless of how unhealthy it may be. These expectations can lead to cognitive distortions (e.g. ‘imposter syndrome’) and constant comparisons to others that can lead to the fear of failure and ‘not having what it takes’ These issues are universal and shared among students, trainees, and providers alike. We aim to break down specific negative cognitive distortions and the complexity surrounding a ‘failed experience’.
What to Expect
- Program
- Work directly with panelists and students in facilitated, small groups.
- Share insight, experiences, and opinions with fellow attendees and panelists.
- Respectfully listen to the backgrounds and experiences of panelists and students.
- Food Accommodations
- Catered breakfast provided at the event (coffee, bagels, etc.).
- Catered lunch provided at the event, including gluten free and vegetarian options.
- Networking
- Opportunity to network with healthcare professionals and panelists.
- Attendees have the option to explore and network with booths set up from various companies and representatives.
