Dr. Loice Swisher, an emergency medicine physician at AdventHealth Lake Nona's freestanding emergency department, is an enduring advocate for physician well-being, particularly in suicide prevention. Her journey with The Coalition for Physician Well-Being began in 2016, during a time when the emergency medicine community was shaken by the tragic suicide of a young resident. Emergency medicine, a field with some of the highest burnout rates among specialties, had long struggled with the impact of intense demands, long hours, and frequent exposure to trauma. According to recent data from the American Medical Association, 56.5% of emergency medicine physicians reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout in 2023, slightly down from 62% in 2022, yet still the highest among all specialties.
In her role as chair of a well-being task force within her specialty, Dr. Swisher sought resources to address these urgent challenges and soon discovered The Coalition for Physician Well-Being. “A colleague had mentioned it but didn’t know much about it, only that it ‘sounded good,’” she says. Driven to learn more, she reached out to one of the organization founders, Dr. Ted Hamilton, whose insights solidified her commitment. From that point on, she became fully engaged, channeling her passion for supporting physicians into The Coalition’s initiatives. Her dedication ultimately led her to co-found National Physician Suicide Awareness Day, observed on September 17, a day meant to break the silence surrounding physician mental health. “It’s a day for us to remember that the mental health struggles of physicians shouldn’t have to become personal crises,” she emphasizes, envisioning it as both a reminder and a call to action to foster a more supportive healthcare environment.
Dr. Swisher’s approach to both her life and work is grounded in The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. “The hardest one for me has been to not take things personally,” she admits. “But it’s also been one of the most important.” These guiding principles shape her leadership style, allowing her to approach each day with resilience and compassion, both for her patients and colleagues, as she navigates the unique challenges of emergency medicine.
Beyond the hospital walls, Dr. Swisher finds solace in nature. She recently took up kayaking, finding peace in the gentle rhythms of the water. “The tranquility is good for my mind, and the exercise is good for my body,” she says. A recent story shared by Ted Hamilton about hummingbirds—symbols of joy and happiness—inspired her to seek the deeper meanings of the wildlife she encounters. “Now, when I see birds and other animals from the water, I think about their spiritual meaning and how it might relate to my life. It’s my way of clearing my mind and reconnecting with something bigger.”
Reflecting on the pressures in healthcare, Dr. Swisher advocates for shifting away from rigid efficiency metrics toward a deeper focus on patient connection. “No one went to medical school to get a patient out of the emergency department in 60 minutes,” she notes. She believes the relentless focus on efficiency targets erodes the human connection that brought many into medicine in the first place. “We lose sight of the connections with people, and we start to lose our humanity. I think the key is giving healthcare providers the time to connect and to truly care about individuals.” While efficiency has its place, she emphasizes, it should never overshadow quality and compassion. “Metrics are just numbers; they don’t capture the spirit of why we’re here.”
Dr. Swisher’s influence also extends to The Coalition’s annual Joy & Wholeness Summit, where her role on the Conference Planning Committee helps shape the focus on relevant and meaningful topics for healthcare providers. Her thoughtful contributions ensure that the summit addresses the real and evolving needs of clinicians, creating a space for reflection, growth, and community. Dr. Swisher’s passion and commitment bring The Coalition’s mission to life, reminding us that true healthcare is about caring for caregivers as much as for the patients they serve.
Dr. Swisher’s unwavering dedication to The Coalition’s mission, her advocacy for mental health awareness, and her compassionate approach to patient care embody the spirit of compassionate healthcare. We are deeply grateful for her time, dedication, and the wisdom she brings to our community, and we thank her for her continued efforts to uplift and support all healthcare workers. Through her actions and advocacy, Dr. Swisher reminds us of the importance of caring for those who care for others, inspiring us all to prioritize well-being in healthcare.
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