COVID-19 Faculty Support Committee
As the response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a team of faculty have been charged with organizing support and resources for Department of Medicine members. Led by Joe Pierson, M.D., professor in the Division
of Dermatology; Marie Sandoval, M.D., associate professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine; and Jennifer Kelly, D.O., associate professor in the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (pictured
L to R), the Faculty Support Committee serves as a clearinghouse for issues related to the COVID-19 crisis.
“We want to make sure that people have a place to go with their questions and have an outlet for any concerns to be addressed,”
says Kelly. “We want faculty to feel like they're being taken well care of during these challenging times.”
Kelly says the committee has been reaching out to divisions at the frontlines of the pandemic response to assess
any needs, reporting what they find back to Department of Medicine Chair Polly Parsons, M.D., and other relevant medical center leaders. They’ve also been in regular communication with chief residents across the divisions, both to keep tabs
on resident wellness and to determine what additional resources or support may be needed in the day-to-day response.
The committee has already helped to identify a number of needs, including childcare options for frontline workers
and support related to the switch to telemedicine. They’re also working to provide resiliency training and resources, says Sandoval. As a member of UVM Medical Center’s provider wellness committee, she has seen colleagues benefit from
even small changes, like incorporating a gratitude practice into their daily routine.
Clear and consistent communication is helping department members take care of themselves and their patients, says Sandoval.
“We
have excellent leadership, which makes all the difference. Our leaders - from the head of my division, to the chair of our department, to the folks who represent us - are very honest, supportive, confident, and informative,” she says. “It
feels scary, but having a plan makes you feel like you are part of the solution, and that we can get through this.”
To share questions or concerns with the COVID-19 Faculty Support Committee, please email Marie.Sandoval@uvmhealth.org,
Jennifer.Kelly@uvmhealth.org, or Joseph.Pierson@uvmhealth.org