Dear Readers,
Over the past few weeks, I find myself reflecting on a significant juncture in my professional journey. September was a month of stark contrasts, where personal accolades mingled with professional challenges, leaving me with a renewed commitment to a cause dear to my heart.
In the same month that I was honored to be recognized among Kingston’s Top 40 Under 40 young professionals, I also had to make the painful decision to leave my position at the Chronic Pain Clinic at Hotel Dieu Hospital. This decision did not come lightly (far from it!), but it was one that echoed the values I hold dear: a commitment to patient care and a belief in the power of passionate healthcare professionals.
Five years ago, I embarked on a mission to establish a pelvic pain program within the Chronic Pain Clinic. It was a labor of love, one that took three years to materialize due to countless administrative roadblocks. When the program finally took flight, it was nothing short of amazing. We were finally able to offer evidence-based care to a critically under-served population of individuals with chronic pelvic pain. However, my joy was soon tempered by the realization that the vital support needed to sustain it was lacking.
As the program’s demands increased, the administrative burden grew proportionally, and we simply didn’t have the administrative support we needed for the success of the program. Spending a significant portion of my time on paperwork meant less time for what truly mattered – the patients. Expressing these concerns to our superiors unfortunately yielded no meaningful change. It was clear that the system was struggling, and the passion that fueled our team was at risk.
In an effort to secure better resources for patient care, we sought external funding and created an application for a $50,000 grant. This grant was designed to enhance the quality of care we could provide, as well as the number of patients we could service. However, when it came to garnering support from the clinic’s leadership, we faced a disheartening setback. Concerns were expressed — some of which were misinformed — and a meeting to address those concerns was declined. The grant, a potential lifeline for our program, was dismissed without the dialogue it deserved.
It became evident that despite our best efforts, the core focus on patient care was being compromised. This realization weighed heavily on my conscience. Thus, with a heavy heart, I tendered my resignation, knowing that without a concrete plan for the program’s continuation, the patients we served would face a gap in their care.
This experience has underscored the critical importance of institutions prioritizing both their employees and, by extension, the patients they serve. It is a reminder that the burnout of passionate healthcare providers, when ignored, can lead to significant consequences for patient care. Administrators, burdened by burnout themselves, may inadvertently make decisions that compromise the very essence of healthcare provision.
This reflection is not a lament but a call to action. It is a plea for a reevaluation of our healthcare systems, with a focus on fostering environments that allow passionate professionals to thrive. Let us remember that it is the dedication of these professionals that truly drives quality patient care.
Thank you for allowing me to share this deeply personal reflection with you. May it serve as a catalyst for positive change within our healthcare institutions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jenn Bossio, C.Psych