The Physician Affiliate Group of New York (PAGNY) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open a new physician wellness center at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi. The PAGNY Physician Wellness Center supports the wellbeing of Jacobi physicians. The Center was specially designed by a committee of Jacobi physicians to meet their needs and those of their colleagues, such as space for physicians to complete medical charts, to discuss strategies for challenging cases with colleagues, to exercise, and to practice mindfulness. Studies indicate that physician wellness centers help prevent physician burnout. PAGNY provided capital funding for the project while NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi donated the space.
“We are proud to open Jacobi’s new Physician Wellness Center today as a demonstration of PAGNY’s ongoing commitment to wellness amongst our providers,” said Dr. Bijan Safai, President of the PAGNY Board of Directors and Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. “By the end of this year, more than half of the hospitals where PAGNY physicians serve will feature their own Wellness Centers.”
“Supporting our physicians’ mental health and preventing burnout will keep our mission-driven providers where they can do the most good and help them continue to serve the New Yorkers who rely on the excellence of our public hospital system,” said PAGNY Chief Operations Officer Jorge Montalvo. “We thank Health + Hospitals for generously providing the space to make this Center a reality.”
The new Wellness Center at Jacobi has been designed to provide an oasis away from the rest of the hospital. In line with best practices, the Center is designed to look completely distinct from the clinical areas of the hospital – with different colors, walls, and flooring – to help physicians mentally distance themselves from the common stressors of their jobs. At more than 6,400 square feet, it features areas for multiple different uses – including a kitchen, a full bathroom with a shower, a relaxation area with massage chairs, several individual work stations, and a collaborative area for physicians to meet as a group. An exercise space comes complete with yoga equipment, a stationary bike, an elliptical, and even a trampoline.
“This past year has shown that more than ever we need to ensure the wellness of those who take care of us,” said Assembly Member Nathalia Fernández. “I am excited for the opening of open Jacobi’s new Physician Wellness Center today to demonstrate our community’s commitment to the wellness of our physicians. I want to thank PAGNY and NYC HHC for their ongoing efforts toward this cause, and for making this a center a reality.”
Established in August 2010, PAGNY is one of the largest physicians and allied health professionals’ groups in the country, with nearly 4,000 physician and allied healthcare providers working within the public hospitals and diagnostic and treatment centers throughout the boroughs of NYC. In 2016, PAGNY expanded its services to include correctional health services at Rikers Island.