In this episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Crystal Chang, a clinical assistant professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University. As a hospital dentist, Chang treats medically complex patients who often can't receive care in a traditional private practice. They also discuss the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Chang shares results of a pre-pandemic research study that shows Healthcare Professionals have the highest suicide rates in the country and opens up about her own previous struggles with isolation. Today, as Associate Director of Wellness for the Department, Chang shares the initiatives she’s helping to implement at Stanford to support her colleagues. Key Topics: • Dr. Chang's path to becoming a surgeon and her experiences in healthcare • The significance of self-care and mental health awareness in high-pressure environments • The "Tell Us About It" campaign aimed at improving communication and support among surgical staff • Strategies for fostering empathy and understanding among healthcare professionals • Insights on peer support systems for surgeons after unexpected events • The importance of acknowledging and addressing wellness as a priority in the medical community