Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder which functionally impairs levels of inattention or hyperactive-impulsive behavior, affects roughly 4% to 6% of adults according to the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC). Though reported rates of diagnosed ADHD in medicine are lower than other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and burnout, the occurrence in medical learners is still prevalent. Individuals may develop ways to glide through undergraduate education and medical school, while it isn’t until residency training where executive functioning skills present impairments. Getting an adult diagnosis of ADHD shares its challenges but we know that unsupported ADHD and executive functioning challenges through residency could further impact training, medical practice and patient care.
Last year, the Resident Wellness Office was met with an overwhelming interest for executive functioning supports, with over 75 residents expressing interest in a support group for ADHD! The pilot “Focus & Flow” group led residents through neuroscience based tools and training to navigate the unique challenges of residency through time management, prioritization, and attention. About 45% of attendees completing the group were R1’s, which put an emphasis on ensuring further supports were offered by the RWO in the fall moving forward.
Introducing “AttentionMD: Executive Functioning Skills for Success“, a *new* 7 week virtual skills and evidence based group to explore various coping tools for navigating the executive functioning challenges of residency. Registered Clinical Counsellor, Andrea Falco, will use her background to facilitate residents through the neuroscience of ADHD, how it might impact the brain functioning during medical training, and ways to navigate through these hurdles looking at regulating attention, self regulation, adapting to change and memory though an evidence-based lens.
In anticipation for the group Andrea shares, “ADHD can feel like a juggling act of gratitude and frustration – being so grateful for the strengths your brain has and frustrated when challenges with executive functioning make you feel like you are stumbling. The journey to residency as someone with ADHD has given you knowledge, skills and strengths that support your personal and professional development. I hope that in the AttentionMD: Executive Functioning Skills for Success 7-week group, you see you’re not alone, learn how to utilize your strengths and interests and discover applicable skills to integrate into your life.”
If you are interested in joining the next cohort on September 25th 2024, please email resident.wellness@ubc.ca to sign up for an intake session to see if you are a good fit.
