More than colorful socks: How AdventHealth is helping break the stigma around physician mental health

TAMPA, Fla. — As a chief resident at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, Arielle Ashkenazi, DO, spends her days caring for patients, supporting fellow physicians and navigating the intense demands of medical training. But like many clinicians, she knows firsthand that caring for others can come at a personal cost.

"I think burnout is very real in medicine," Dr. Ashkenazi said. "I'm really glad we talk about it more, and we have really good resources when those feelings come up."

It's why a simple pair of colorful socks has taken on a deeper meaning across AdventHealth this National Physician Suicide Awareness Day.

On Sept. 17, physicians, advanced practice providers and team members across AdventHealth hospitals and care sites in the Tampa Bay region wore silly and mismatched socks as part of the organization's "Let's Sock About It" campaign.

The initiative is designed to spark conversations about mental health, reduce stigma and remind clinicians that support is available.

For Ashkenazi, those conversations matter.

"A big thing that I don't know if we do enough of in medicine is give ourselves the grace that we give our patients," she said.

The campaign was inspired by a physician who accidentally wore mismatched socks to work and discovered that the unexpected choice became a conversation starter throughout the day.

What began as a simple wardrobe mishap evolved into a the realization that meaningful discussions often start in ordinary ways.

"Sometimes we just need a reason to start talking," said Leila Durr, Ph.D., director of Physician and APP Well-Being Services for AdventHealth West Florida Division. "A colorful pair of socks can open the door to conversations about stress, burnout, mental health and the importance of supporting one another."

Those conversations have never been more important.

National Physician Suicide Awareness Day was established to raise awareness of the unique mental health challenges physicians face and to encourage healthcare organizations and communities to create cultures where seeking help is supported, not stigmatized.

The observance has received growing national attention this year, including recognition through a bipartisan congressional resolution, according to the American Hospital Association.

At AdventHealth, supporting clinician well-being extends far beyond a single day of awareness.

The organization offers a variety of resources for physicians, advanced practice providers and team members, including confidential counseling services, peer support programs and wellness initiatives focused on helping caregivers thrive personally and professionally.

The "Let's Sock About It" campaign serves as a visible reminder that no clinician should have to carry stress, burnout or mental health challenges alone.

For Ashkenazi, the goal is simple: create more opportunities for connection.

Whether it's a conversation sparked by a colorful pair of socks or a colleague asking, "How are you really doing?," those moments can make a difference -- because sometimes, all it takes is a reason to start talking.