Combating the Effects of Stress and Burnout: Week of January 21st, 2022

Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

Good morning on a blustery, cold morning in Elkins Park. I begin this update with sadness.

This week, we mourn the loss of Dr. Anastasia Rose Goerl, PCO class of 2021, who lost her hard-fought and brave battle with cancer. Please join me and the entire Salus family in keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers. You can read more about Annie’s very accomplished life here.

Other things happening around campus that might be of interest to you:

OT PAJAMA DAY: Occupational Therapy students recently participated in a “Pajama Day,” where they came to school in their pajamas as a way to feel more comfortable while trying to relieve some stress. Read more here.

DICE POTLUCK: The Department of International and Continuing Education (DICE) recent potluck event gave international students a chance to meet face-to-face. Read details of the event here.

NEWEST ART EXHIBIT: Check out the newest exhibit titled “The Light We See” at the D’Arrigo Family Gallery in the University’s Hafter Student Community Center. Click here for details.

CAPSTONE LINK: Salus PA grad Kaitlyn Carmo, MMS ‘21, draws a connection between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid disease in her capstone project. Read more here.

BOOSTER CLINIC: A reminder that Sun Ray Drugs is holding a booster clinic today at TEI from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, January 28, 2022 at The Hafter Center, Elkins Park Campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family members are welcome. Bring your vaccine card with both dates/doses; photo ID and insurance information, if applicable.

FINAL THOUGHTS: The last two years have been poignant reminders that life is fragile and much too short. As healthcare providers, offering respect, thanks, care and kindness to one another are central to who we are and what we do. I am so very thankful to be part of our Salus community where we strive to personify these qualities every day.

As we continue to navigate through the pandemic, these skills become even more important in combating the effects of stress and burnout. The good news is that the Omicron variant is waning both nationally and regionally. Montgomery County cases, while still relatively high, are significantly lower than last week. This is encouraging! Until cases significantly decrease, we will stay our current course, which has proven successful.

As you prepare for this upcoming cold weekend, try to relax, get outside and take some time or yourself. I will be catching some football match-ups on TV. While I’m among many disappointed Eagles fans, I’ll be rooting for the Packers as they take on the 49ers on Saturday!

Whether you get together to watch a game or just hang out, please continue to mask, socially distance and wash your hands frequently. What you do off campus really does affect all of us on campus.

And to Dr. Goerl’s family, our students, faculty and all of us who share the loss of Annie, we are keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers. Together we are SALUS STRONG.

Mike