FACEMs Jenni Davidson and Courtney Peros were both working at Liverpool Hospital, in south-west Sydney, when they were nominated for – and won – the 2019 ACEM Wellbeing Award.
‘We were both thrilled,’ says Jenni.
The pair were nominated for their work on a video titled Reflections on wellbeing, produced with the help of colleague FACEM Edmond Park. The video sees Courtney and Jenni speak to their peers about six aspects of wellbeing.
- What does trainee wellbeing mean to you
- Why do you think wellbeing is important, particularly in emergency medicine
- You have had a nightmare shift. What strategies do you utilise to survive/de-stress afterwards
- What do you do to maintain your own wellbeing
- What do you see as threats to your wellbeing in emergency medicine as a career
- What tips can you give trainees for a sustainable career.
‘The video really was a project that our entire staff specialist group were engaged in. Everyone was keen to impart their personal experiences for trainees to benefit from.
‘It has prompted frank and open discussions about how trainees and their mentors and colleagues deal with the complexities of wellbeing. The video has provided a gateway for these important conversations.’
Although watching themselves back has caused them to cringe, Jenni and Courtney say they showed it at a registrar teaching day at the start of this year and were touched by the reaction.
They are continuing to host wellbeing activities – COVID permitting, but are not sure on a sequel film just yet.
‘We had discussed a possible “sequel” but are both currently preoccupied with new additions; Courtney, a baby boy Henry and Jenni a new puppy called Luca.
‘It is certainly on our 2021 plans – perhaps with some reflections of COVID-19 and its impact on wellbeing.’
The award has reinforced to them the value of wellbeing being recognised and prioritised at an organisational level.
‘Personally, we both still firmly believe wellbeing is about treating others as you wish to be treated yourselves and being kind to one another. It has however confirmed to us ACEM’s true commitment to wellbeing, which we feel is very important, even more so in 2020 and beyond.’
More information
The 2020 ACEM Wellbeing Award is currently inviting nominations, with self-nominations invited for the first time.
Nominations close 24 August.
See more