Programs

CARES

CARES' mission is to provide support to surgeons who have experienced an adverse event.
 
Click here to Request Peer Support

What is CARES?

MUSIC and BMC2 have been focused on reducing surgical complications within the state in partnership with our surgeons. One aspect that is often ignored is the impact these complications can have on a surgeon's well-being. There is increasing evidence that shows surgeons who experience complications can have a negative impact on patient outcomes.

This group will focus on providing peer support to tackle the lows that may happen with protracted difficult complications but not clinical/technical advice.

What is CARES working toward?

    • Support people through unanticipated events and the everyday stress of clinical work.

    • Provide consistent, targeted support across the system.

    • Strengthen preparedness for harm and offer compassionate, effective response when it occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

CARES offers a Peer Support Network for its members who have experienced difficult events.

Peer supporters can talk with you about experiences with patient care, including unexpected outcomes. Peer support can be helpful to discuss stress, burnout, pandemic challenges, or any other work-related concerns.

The network is specifically designed to offer emotional support by connecting you with a trusted colleague who has been through a similar experience. The peer supporter will offer opportunities to have conversations, support, and provide referrals to additional resources, as needed.

The program is confidential. Any member of MUSIC & BMC2 can request peer support.

Who can use CARES?
Any member who is distressed or impacted by involvement in a stressful experience. Stressful events can result in a range of experiences, including changes in mood, thinking, physical health, or coping behaviors. These responses are natural, and it can be beneficial to receive additional support to help you reconnect to sources of strength and coping during challenging times. Peer support can aid with a range of workplace stressors, as well as personal stressors that may impact one’s work.
Who are the peer supporters and what do they offer?
Peer supporters represent a wide range of urologists and vascular surgeons within the state of Michigan. They have an interest in well-being and creating a culture of support and well-being. The supporters are trained to provide one-on-one confidential, emotional support to their colleagues. The peer support interaction provides a safe and confidential space to express reactions to a stressful event. Peer supporters can also provide information, referrals, and resources, as needed. Peer supporters are not mental health counselors and do not provide clinical assessment or services.
Is the program confidential?
Yes. Peer support encounters are private and confidential. As a condition of the role, peer supporters agree to maintain the strict confidentiality of their peers. An exception to confidentiality is if someone is at imminent risk of harm to themselves or others; in this instance, confidentiality may be broken by alerting emergency services or mental health professionals to keep someone safe.
When and how should a colleague contact CARES?

Please reach out any time you would like additional support from a peer. There are several ways to access the program:

  • Contact one of the supporters: cares-support@umich.edu
  • Anyone can refer a colleague to the program through our email address: cares-support@umich.edu. The program coordinator will facilitate a connection with a supporter.

If you have more questions or would like additional information, the CARES Program visit our website.

CARES Team

Meet the providers that make up the CARES support team. 

CARES Peer Supporter's Corner

The peer supporter's corner offers resources to those on the support team. 

Resources

These resources may be helpful to those seeking support.

Peer supporters will not provide any clinical or technical advice.