The Support Group: Connection, Hope, and Healing for Patients and Providers

Shanda Blackmon is a pioneer in thoracic surgery, a skilled professional dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. But as a young doctor early in her career, she was overwhelmed. Her team was working at full capacity, yet Dr. Blackmon struggled to meet the needs of her many patients. Then one day at clinic she noticed patients trading stories in the waiting room, sharing not just valuable advice, but empathy and encouragement. That was the genesis of the support group, a safe place where people dealing with cancer and its aftermath could talk openly about what they were going through. It was a lightbulb experience for Dr. Blackmon. Once she saw the difference a committed ally could make in a patient’s long-term survivorship, Dr. Blackmon sought to extend the principles of support to her colleagues. Physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers endure long hours under constant stress and can succumb burnout due to the tidal wave of administrative work, patient complications, and constant pressure from administration to meet impossible demands. One doctor commits suicide every day in the United States, the highest suicide rate of any profession. Understanding and allyship can make a big difference in their lives too. An indispensable resource written by an experienced professional, The Support Group takes a candid look at the role of support in our healthcare practices and offers a workable model for patients, caregivers, and providers alike.