Also part of the UPMC family:
At UPMC, we have a duty to create a setting that fosters both the physical and emotional well-being for us all:
A message from Drs. Donald M. Yealy, Joon S. Lee, Jennifer Berliner and Rachel Sackrowitz.
Dear Colleagues,
The COVID-19 pandemic has durable and changing circumstances and associated stressors as we give the best possible care to our patients. Today, many of us feel strong negative emotions while caring for patients with COVID-19 who did not follow the recommended COVID-19 preventive measures including vaccination.Individual decisions to forgo vaccination are usually rooted in fear and misinformation. But it can feel as though some patients or families simply don’t care or appreciate our dedication, assumed risk, and sacrifices while we aid. Our emotions are natural, not a sign of any badness, and understandable. When we feel overwhelmed, we are not alone. In addition to the support of our colleagues, friends, and family, we have access to mental health professionals to help. ( Well-being resources for UPMC Attending Physicians ) Our ask is for you to recognize these feelings and take whatever path that allows you to effectively address them. Your well-being matters.
It can be particularly challenging when patients or families ask for treatments which have not been proven to be effective and are not part of our evidence based UPMC practice. We can use the below script when navigating these requests:
UPMC physicians follow system guidance to care for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infections. These are thoughtfully created by experts, and all exist to ensure the best care.
Our experts determined that the therapy you are asking about for COVID 19 care is not effective. We cannot offer it. We will always do what is best for you or your loved one, and we know you ask because you care.
We can also seek the support of patient services, palliative care colleagues, and our local leadership including directors, chiefs, VPMAs and CNOs to help navigate ongoing related friction.
We are all in this together. Let’s continue our dialogue about how we can help each other through this phase of the pandemic and provide excellent care for our patients and communities.
— Don, Joon, Jennifer and Rachel
Learn more about our Covid-19 resources for Physicians
The leadership at UPMC recognizes the vital role healthy, passionate, and engaged caregivers play in fulfilling this duty.
We know the unique stressors our practicing modern doctors face and commit to:
To achieve this goal, we started the Physician THRIVE program in 2018.
Physician THRIVE is a committee of doctors focused on:
Committee leaders include Jennifer Berliner, MD, and Joseph Losee, MD, with executive support from Steven Shapiro, MD.
Your health information, right at your fingertips. Select MyUPMC to access your UPMC health information. For patients of UPMC-affiliated doctors in Central Pa, select UPMC Central Pa Portal. Patients of UPMC Cole should select the UPMC Cole Connect Patient Portal.
The portal for all UPMC patients EXCEPT those in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC patients in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC Cole patients.