Commitment Statement on Faculty, Advanced Practice Provider, and Trainee Well-Being

At the University of Kentucky, our mission is to serve our community by providing outstanding patient care and advancing the future of health systems through innovation in clinical practice, research, and education. As a department of neurology, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional care and fostering an environment that supports the physical and emotional well-being of our patients, our community, our families, and ourselves.

We understand that the health and well-being of our faculty, advanced practice providers, researchers, trainees, and staff are essential to fulfilling this mission. Acknowledging the unique challenges neurology faces, we are committed to creating a workplace culture that promotes wellness while actively addressing the risks of burnout. Leadership in the department of neurology is focused on partnering with faculty, trainees, and staff to identify workplace factors that enhance well-being and minimize those that contribute to burnout. Our goal is to cultivate an environment where caregivers are supported, engaged, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.

• Team Building Activities: Designed to strengthen interpersonal connections and foster collaboration, these activities encourage team cohesion and camaraderie, contributing to a positive work environment.
• Neurology Potluck Picnic: An annual event where faculty, trainees, and staff gather to share dishes representing their cultural backgrounds. This celebration of diversity includes a friendly competition with prizes for the most creative or representative dishes. The event fosters cultural exchange, community building, and well-being in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
• Step Challenge: A yearly initiative encouraging physical activity and wellness through friendly competition, where participants track their steps and aim to achieve personal fitness goals, with prizes awarded to top performers.
• Nature Hike: An annual outdoor event designed to encourage mindfulness, physical activity, and connection with nature. The hike provides an opportunity for staff, trainees and faculty to unwind, engage in casual conversations, and rejuvenate in the natural environment.

• Wellness video, completed by a predominantly female-led team (well-received by neurology applicants, assisting to increase visibility of female neurology residents in recruitment)
• Sarah Bennett Holmes Award 2021 (Team Recipient) and 2022
• WIMS Booster Award 2021 (grant funding)
• Invited guest lecture on burnout in clinicians, patients, and society
• Invited guest lecture on the effects of the pandemic on female clinicians
• Women in Neurology collaborative project with the American Academy of Neurology
• Invited article for the National Neurotrauma Society’s Training, Education, and Mentoring committee
• Mentorship of female resident neurology residents in conducting independent wellness research projects
• Expansion of local/departmental female clinician wellness research to the wider faculty