Caring for Your Practice & Caring for You: October Practice Manager Luncheon 2019

On Wednesday October 9th, Practice Manager’s gathered for a two-part presentation from the Ohio Physicians Health Program and Physician Leadership Academy leader Phil Cass.

First up, Nelson Heise from Ohio PHP gave a comprehensive presentation on substance use disorders, how to identify when physicians need help, and the “One Bite” rule. Heise began by diving into specifics behind addiction and how one might come to form an addiction because of predisposition, childhood exposure, mental health, trauma, or all the above. The earlier the intervention and subsequent treatment, the quicker one can overcome their substance use disorder.

Next, Heise explained the new laws surrounding the “One Bite” rule, which the Ohio PHP is the official moderator agency for. The “One Bite” rule is a confidential path for licensed health professionals to seek help for a substance use disorder. With this rule, the Ohio PHP doesn’t report to the medical board if this is the first time and if the individual doesn’t present imminent danger to the public. Treatment through the “One Bite” program provides individualized plans, 6 months of continuing care, and comprehensive monitoring with Ohio PHP. The purpose of this is to provide a compassionate, sportive and safe environment for health professionals to improve their well-being. Resources for medical professionals can be found at The Ohio Physicians Wellness Coalition which provides wellness initiatives and free CMEs on selfcare.

Phil Cass of the PLA was next up to provide a stress workshop for the Practice Managers. Today many Practice Managers carry the same stress and degree of burnout as their physicians and understanding how to manage that stress can be daunting. Cass began by sharing a deep breathing exercise that when done in the morning and evening can drastically impact stress levels. Cass also went over the difference between stress and stressor, how to manage stress, an intro to mindfulness meditation and why taking time for you, even just a minute, is important.

You can listen to a version of this stress management workshop here.

For information about Ohio PHP and the “One Bite” rule visit: ophp.org