According to a recent Harvard report, physician burnout is “a public health crisis that urgently demands action.”

A large number of doctors report troubling symptoms such as depression, exhaustion, dissatisfaction and a sense of failure. Though we are aware of the issue it has not been given the attention it deserves. Experts predict that if left unaddressed, burnout will erode the mental health of doctors and radically undermine patient care.

Objectives

• Describe the key factors contributing to burnout
• The psychological effects of high stress jobs
• Behavioral and cognitive strategies for improving resilience
• Coaching strategies and development activities to use at your own institutions

Faculty

Sara Thaxton, LPC, EMDR; Mary Beth Sunick, Ph.D. and Paul Janeski, MS, LPC, CRC

Sara Thaxton, LPC, EMDR is the owner of Thaxton Wellness. She believe it is important to create a therapeutic environment where individuals, families, and couples are able to safely and comfortably explore the concerns that brought them to therapy. Using a holistic perspective as the foundation for clinical work, treating the whole person: mind, body and spirit, she incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Person-Centered, art therapy, and a humanistic approach based on your needs. She is currently finishing her dissertation for my Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education at Syracuse University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a specialized intervention for trauma, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a highly effective evidenced based intervention helpful for mood and personality disorders.

Mary Beth Sunick, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with a private psychology practice in Scranton, PA. She was born in Scranton, PA and attended Scranton schools. Mary Beth received her B.S. in Psychology, graduating with honors, from the University of Scranton. She continued her education at Marywood College and graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Psychology. Her doctorate in Counseling Psychology was completed in 1999 from Lehigh University. All through her education, she was employed by Scranton School District and Tri-County Human Services Center working with children. She has taught at Marywood University and the University of Scranton psychology departments. Mary Beth received her Psychology license in 1995. She has worked in the private mental health sector since her licensure. She is the mother of two grown children and one grandchild who is a source of joy and stress reduction. For pleasure Mary Beth enjoys concerts, traveling, reading, and singing.

Paul Janeski,MS, LPC, CRC is a licensed professional counselor. Born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and a graduate from Bishop Hannan High School, Paul went on to complete a double major in music and psychology from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, PA. Paul obtained his Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from The University of Scranton as well as a certificate of advanced graduate study in counseling. He has maintained a private counseling practice since 2013. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Paul specializes in collegiate mental health, the LGBTQ population, depression, anxiety, and opiate addiction. He is a member of the American Counseling Association, The Association for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Issues in Counseling, and The Pennsylvania Counseling Association. He is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Telebehavioral Health Provider.