As a first-year pharmacy resident, I recently embarked on a journey of self-discovery by taking the Well-Being Index (WBI) for Pharmacy Personnel, a research-validated online tool invented by Mayo Clinic and offered by APhA, aims to assess the well-being of health care professionals like us. With no prior experience using it, I found the process both enlightening and insightful.
I want to share my initial encounter with the WBI, my plans for the future, and the invaluable resources it offers for every pharmacist’s well-being journey.
Unveiling the WBI for pharmacy practitioners
The WBI home dashboard revealed itself as a research-validated online tool designed to evaluate five key areas—fatigue, depression, burnout, anxiety, and stress. However, its true essence lies in the exploration of nine distinct dimensions that shape our overall well-being. These dimensions provide a comprehensive glimpse into our inner landscape, granting us a deeper understanding of our mental and emotional state.
My first encounter with the WBI
Taking the WBI was an eye-opening experience. The assessment provided valuable insights into aspects of my well-being that I had never considered before. While my likelihood of burnout stood at 60% (which may seem high), I also discovered a profound sense of meaning in my work. This discovery instilled a sense of hope and curiosity, igniting a new appreciation for the impact I can create in my profession.
The journey of self-discovery
One of the most valuable aspects of the WBI is its potential for self-discovery. As New Practitioners, we often find ourselves deeply engrossed in the challenges of our new roles. The WBI offers a moment of introspection, allowing us to better understand ourselves and identify areas for growth and improvement.
Moreover, the WBI goes beyond mere identification; it serves as a compass for personalized growth. It offers a wealth of resources tailored to individual scores, guiding us on the path to enhancing well-being. In my case, the WBI offered up personalized recommendations for podcasts and educational videos that directly speak to the areas where I want to grow.
The importance of regular assessments
Recognizing the value of this transformative tool, I plan to assess using the WBI again in a month. Regular assessments provide a window into the evolving landscape of our well-being in our path as pharmacy professionals. The WBI provides a tracking graph so I will be able to compare my results. I hope to gain new insights that will guide me in prioritizing areas of growth and self-care.
I wholeheartedly encourage all New Practitioners to give this assessment a try. Assessing using the WBI regularly to uncover the nuances of our well-being and make informed choices for a healthier and more fulfilling career is critical. The best part? As pharmacy professionals, the WBI is free and anonymous!
As I eagerly await when I assess next month, I look forward to the small yet significant steps of progress that lie ahead. I will be back soon with another article to update you on my progress.
Kiara Torres García, PharmD, is a PGY1 pharmacy resident at Saint Joseph Health System in Mishawaka, IN, and a member of the 2023–2024 APhA New Practitioner Network Communications Standing Committee. She is passionate about enhancing patient care for underrepresented and underserved populations. She also loves trying new foods, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.