Wellness Resources

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING A CRISIS, PLEASE CALL THE 988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE.

DIAL 988 OR VISIT 988LIFELINE.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Peer Support Program

Have you or a colleague experienced an adverse event or other situation? A confidential talk with a transplant surgeon trained in supporting others might help.

Fill out our anonymous peer support form and one of our trained peer supporters will reach out.

If you could benefit from talking with a transplant surgeon trained in supporting others, or would like to refer someone you know, please enter your or their name and a brief description of the situation below. If you know their preferred contact information, please enter that as well.

All referrals are confidential. You may choose to remain anonymous or provide your contact information.

Name of person being referred

Reason for referral

Referred person's preferred method of contact (please include email address, phone, etc. if you have it)

Select a choice

If yes, name of APP (and contact information if possible):

Referrer Name (Optional)

Ergonomics

Your job as a surgeon is physically demanding. We've put together some exercises and stretches to help relieve pain and improve your physical wellbeing.

Spotlight: Surgeon Wellness

As a surgeon, prioritizing wellness is critical to preventing burnout and relieving stress! The Wellness Committee has launched this project to highlight how ASTS members focus on self-care!

Leigh Anne Dageforde, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor of Surgery, Mass General Hospital/Harvard Medical School

What media are you consuming?

Podcasts:

The Best One Yet, which is a pop-biz podcast

Newsletters/Substack

ParentData by Emily Oster, which is about data-driven parenting

What are you passionate about other than transplantation?

Dageforde 6 I love being a mom! I love it more than I ever imagined! I also love all things outdoors as a family with our family dog, a vizsla named Corbet. I love to run - my husband and I met through a running group and we just finished the Chicago Marathon together (we've both done many but never a marathon together start to finish!). We also love to travel and do adventurous things outside when we travel.

How does this activity help you achieve balance and prevent burnout?

We often go on family runs/walks/hikes/go to the dog beach. Everyone goes: my husband, me, our baby, and dog! Being outside brings me some peace and helps me unplug.

What is your advice for people considering transplantation?

There are so many different ways to be a transplant surgeon and structure a career in a way that allows it to fit in with your life. Make sure to investigate all the options! Also, the field has great opportunities in so many areas beyond the clinical/operative work. There’s also research, policy, economics, innovation, ethics, equity, and so much more.

How does your passion help improve your professional abilities/life?

I go outside with my family. If I'm totally off I try to leave my phones (especially the work phone) behind so I can recharge.

Follow Dr. Dageforde on X @la_dageforde

See More!