Title: Navigating Burnout in Healthcare: Unlocking Resilience Through Neuroscience and Micro-Recovery
Burnout remains a critical issue among healthcare professionals, driven by increasing demands, resource constraints and the emotional toll of caregiving. This presentation explores burnout through the lens of neuroscience, exploring how chronic stress affects the brain’s reward, decision-making and emotional regulation systems. With a specific focus on high-stress environments – such as emergency departments, rural clinics, and maritime healthcare settings – the session introduces the concept of “micro-recovery moments,” small, intentional actions that help regulate the brain’s stress response and promote wellbeing. Key areas of discussion will include evidence-based strategies for personal resilience grounded in neuroscience, such as self-regulation techniques and practical methods to manage stress in real-time. Participants will gain insights into how understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of burnout can empower them to implement meaningful, sustainable changes that enhance their wellbeing, even in the most demanding healthcare environments.
Dr. Zoe Wyatt is an Australian registered (AASW) Mental Health Social Worker with over a decade of experience in the psychological wellbeing space. She holds a PhD in trauma and resilience, focusing on the integration of trauma-informed approaches within clinical and educational settings. Dr Wyatt has extensive experience working across diverse populations globally, developing and delivering mental health training, consulting on wellbeing initiatives and publishing widely on trauma, resilience and mental health. Her work emphasises building resilience and promoting sustainable mental health practices for individuals, teams, and organisations. Dr Wyatt continues to provide international expertise, supporting clients and organisations in navigating challenges and fostering mental resilience in today’s high-demand environments.