Name
C12 - From Burnout to Belly Rubs: A Creative Approach to Resident Wellness
Date & Time
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Location Name
Sterling 3 (2nd Floor)
Description

The “Belly Rubs for Burnout” facility dog program was developed to address rates of burnout and professional distress among resident physicians. Lean quality improvement methodology was utilized to develop and implement the “Belly Rubs for Burnout” program to most effectively address the needs of resident physicians. This session will review the emotional benefits of facility dogs including those related to burnout and mental health. Additionally, this session will address common obstacles and considerations in implementing a facility dog program at an academic health center.

Speakers
Bethany Garcia, PsyD, MHA
Rachael Potthast, PsyD
Content Level
All Audience
Tags
Quality improvement programs, Self-care/Self-management, Workforce development
Session Type
Concurrent
Describe the impact of burnout and professional distress among resident physicians.
Understand the role of facility dogs in supporting resident and healthcare provider wellness.
Identify key logistical, institutional and cultural considerations when implementing a facility dog wellness program.

Ahart, E. R., Gilmer, L., Tenpenny, K., & Krase, K. (2022). Improving resident well-being: A narrative review of wellness curricula. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 99(1173), 679-686.

Coto, J. A., Ohlendorf, E. K., Cinnamon, A. E., Ellisa, T. L., Ondrey, M. A. & Bartuch, P. (2022). A correlational study exploring nurse work anxiety and animal-assisted therapy. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 52(9), 498-502.

Jensen, C. L., Bibbo, J., Rodriquez, K. E. & O’Haire, M. E. (2021). The effects of facility dogs on burnout, job-related well-being, and mental health in paediatric hospital professionals. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(9-10), 1-24.

Machova, K., Souchkova, M., Prochazkova, R., Vanickova, Z. & Mezian, K. (2019). Canine-assisted therapy improves well-being in nurses. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(3670), 1-11.

Steinberg, B., Clark, S. S., Justice, M., Mitchell, A., Owens, R., Elum, J., Kerns, M. V., Kerns, K. R., Jefferis, H., Morgan, J., Marlowe, N., Gains, C., Vaupel-Juart, S., Keene, J., Renz, K., Hohman, K., Wynn, L., Lewis, E., & Klatt, M. (2024). The impact of animal assisted activity on healthcare worker well-being in the inpatient hospital setting. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 17(4), 174-182.