I am an abdominal radiologist and professor of radiology and urology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In my current role of executive vice chair, I have worked on several initiatives to improve work-life balance across all members of the team: faculty, residents, and staff.
In my view, small tweaks can lead to great improvement. Optimization of worklists to equalize efforts and/or allow for flexibility or remote interpretation has been key to finding that balance of teaching, clinical acuity, and clinical load for our team. These tweaks allow faculty to have autonomy and flexibility in their work and daily lives.
Efforts to help physicians practice at their level are equally important. Automation of protocols, software to propagate measurements from ultrasound examinations straight to reports, and motivated staff to help relay and close the loop on incidental findings are all examples of such efforts. It’s a constant work-in-progress that requires a unified team with open and honest communication between all team members.
Lauren M.B. Burke, MD, FSAR
Executive Vice Chair
Professor of Radiology and Urology
Department of Radiology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
In “Words of Wellness” on www.radfyi.org/, members of the ARRS Wellness Subcommittee share what “wellness” and “wellbeing” mean in their own clinical practices, research focuses, and everyday lives.
Dr. Burke’s ARRS “Sound of Wellness” Playlist Selection:
Carolina In My Mind
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