Self-Advocacy! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 109

Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast CEO of VITAL WorkLife, Mitch Best, a mental health and well-being expert for healthcare organizations and their workforces with a niche in physician-focused behavioral health solutions.

Over the past several years, many healthcare organizations have started recognizing the critical importance of prioritizing the well-being of their care teams, not only for the good of the individual but also for the bottom line. While it is important organizations are starting to offer resources that make a real difference, the environment must be a safe space for physicians to take advantage of these resources.

To that end, Mitch is calling for physicians and surgeons to become well-being advocates - physicians who are trained proactively to be spokespeople for their well-being and their colleagues' well-being, and offer proactive solutions in non-crisis situations.

The goal is to weave the importance of well-being into the fabric of healthcare organizations nationwide.

What steps does Mitch suggest we take to pursue self-advocacy?

• Step 1 - Educate Yourself. One of the easiest ways to be an advocate for yourself is to educate yourself on the importance of well-being. 
• Step 2 - Seek Our Resources. See what well-being resources are offered by the organizations or associations you are a part of.

Most importantly, PRACTICE self-advocacy for the good of yourself and your community!


About Mitchel Best

As the CEO of VITAL WorkLife for over a decade, Mitch guides the company's vision, directs the senior leadership team, and works towards achieving organizational objectives. His focus extends to empowering hundreds of thousands of physicians and APPs, enabling them to reach their full potential, all while fostering a vibrant and celebrated company culture.

He began with the company in 2001 as Director of Business Development, moved up to Vice President in 2004, became COO in 2008, and eventually acquired the company in 2013. 

With a background in behavioral health consulting and diverse industry expertise, Mitch infuses his work with passion and enthusiasm, offering a quick start nature, servant leadership and diligent oversight. He has also been actively engaged in executive and mental health & well-being industry groups for more than 15 years.

Mitch, a Minnesota native, resides in the Twin Cities with his wife and four children, emphasizing work-life balance through family time and an active lifestyle. He holds a BA in psychology from the University of Minnesota.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

PRACTICE Your Best!