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Correspondence to Dr Adler Archer, Technology Innovation Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; [email protected]
Biography
Dr. Lisa Ishii, Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, is Senior Vice President for Operations for Johns Hopkins Health System. At the national level Dr. Ishii served as the Research & Quality Coordinator and Board of Directors member for the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. During that time she chaired the Registry Task Force that developed the specialty’s first qualified clinical data registry, Reg-ent. Dr. Ishii is also an elected member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) Board of Directors, and serves as the Group Vice President for Research and Development. She serves in the dual of roles of Associate Editor and Statistical Editor for her specialty journal, JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.
First and foremost, are there any key leadership messages you want to get out to our readership?
When individuals join healthcare professions, they generally learn how to manage stress and respond skillfully during life and death situations. That was certainly my expectation when I began my medical training. We sign-up to work tirelessly, and they take pride in the impact of our service to our community. However, responding to COVID-19 has tested even the most seasoned among us. Stress levels and difficulties, both personal and professional, have been overwhelming and unrelenting for nearly all. I thought about management and process optimisation tips I could share, but I believe self-care is the top enabler for sustaining oneself under so much stress.
As the pandemic has continued, I have worked with my colleagues to help our employees manage and reduce stress in order to increase well-being. By way of example, our mindfulness programmes office is offering three daily meditation sessions via zoom. Many participants have commented on the value of hitting the pause button and taking some time to be present with what they are experiencing in life. Additionally, to help employees balance, manage and afford childcare and...