Resilience Amid Disappointment: Navigating Challenges in Medical Education

Disappointment happens frequently in life; the COVID pandemic dramatically changed the field of medicine. Schedules switched rapidly, vacations were cancelled, communication changed daily. Interviews became virtual, bedside learning was no longer considered safe, patients medical needs were greater than ever before, and often coverage needs were shifted for last minute for call outs. This level of uncertainty often led to increased frustration and disengagement; team levels of disappointment was on the rise further compounded by an already burnt-out workforce. As such, it is imperative to learn skills to address disappointment signs and symptoms early, specifically how to support trainees and faculty when it occurs and support impacted team members. This support includes the increased use of peer mentoring, coaching and workshops around how to actively navigate emotional state around disappointment. Through topic-focused small group discussions and with a provided discussion guide, participants will work through possible interventions and identify ways to address barriers to implementation at their home institution. Presenters will discuss aligning interventions with institutional goals and how to maintain momentum even when supporting other can seem overwhelming. Participants will leave this workshop with their own checklist on how to navigate disappointment in medical education.