The Well-being Word

Associate Vice-Chair of Well-Being
Hi Friends!
Forget resolutions—this year, it’s all about vibes. So, what’s yours? Are you feeling motivated? Energized? Inspired? Or maybe your vibe is more relaxed, refreshed, or inquisitive?
Whatever energy you’re bringing into 2025, our department has programming designed to help you thrive—personally and professionally.
- Looking to grow in your career or build new skills? Explore our workshops and learning opportunities across a variety of topics.
- Hoping to feel more connected at work? Check out our events for social and networking opportunities, and ways to engage with your team.
- Prioritizing mental health and work-life balance? Don’t miss our upcoming lecture on setting better boundaries, plus resources like the Calm App, which has so many bite-sized resources to help you relax and recharge. WashU Psychiatry also has a fabulous program that allows employees easy access to professional therapists.
Not sure what your vibe is yet? That’s okay, too. Dive into our programming (it’s all FREE!) and see what resonates. Take a few minutes to explore this newsletter and discover all the amazing opportunities waiting for you.
Let’s make 2025 your best year yet—together!
Yours in wellness,
Erin
What’s ahead?
- Jan. 29 | “Tick-Tock goes by Biological Clock: Navigating Reproductive Aging, Fertility Options, and Family Building in Medicine”
- February | Black History Month
- February 3 | National Women Physician’s Day
- February 11 | Invisible Burdens: Emotional Labor, Mental Health, and Work-Life Balance
- March | Women’s History Month
Distinguished Honor Awards
It is once again time to honor a deserving staff member through the university’s Distinguished Honor Awards. We are excited to announce nominations are now open for the three university wide awards, one CFU-specific award and school-specific awards.
- University wide awards
- School of Medicine Awards (Dean’s Distinguished Award, Operations Award, Research Award and Kelley Mullen Clinical Award)
- Central Fiscal Unit (CFU) Operations Award
Nominations will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15. Each award’s nomination criteria and online application can be found on the Distinguished Honors webpage.
The winner receives $1000 cash, a personalized award, acknowledgement on the Dean’s plaque, and recognition in the Record.
SAFE Accolades
The Department of Anesthesiology is proud to recognize 13 individuals who have received accolades through the SAFE (Supporting a Fair Environment) Reporting platform during the
Second Quarter of Academic Year 2025-26.

SAFE Reporting is an integral part of WashU Medicine’s ongoing efforts to ensure that we uphold the highest standards of professionalism in our workplaces and learning environments. It enables clinicians, scientists, educators, staff, residents, fellows, postdocs, students, and other members of our community to safely report either positive or concerning behaviors, with or without identifying themselves.
This tool is a key resource for recognizing outstanding contributions and flagging unprofessional or abusive behaviors. By utilizing the SAFE Accolades tool, members of our community help to cultivate an atmosphere where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
A Day in the Life of Jimmy Moss, MD, & Alexis Williams
Jimmy is a nocturnal intensivist at WashU Medicine. Outside of work, he dedicates his time to writing, reading, spending time with his daughters, engaging in charitable initiatives, and playing basketball. His book, available on his website, chronicles his inspiring journey from youth homelessness to Harvard. All proceeds from the book sales have been donated to national and local charities, supporting causes such as domestic violence shelters, women’s safe houses, and homelessness initiatives in the St. Louis area. Since 2023, Jimmy has raised and donated over $16,000 through his book sales.
Alexis is an Administrative Coordinator for the Research Division within the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine. She splits her time between the Haroutounian Lab and the Center for Clinical Pharmacology. Outside of work, she enjoys exercise, reading, learning guitar, participating in church activities, and hanging out with her family!
Read about their days below ↓

Black History Month
As February approaches, we’re proud to celebrate National African American History Month, or Black History Month. This year’s theme, Awareness, Reflection, Action, encourages us to explore African American history, recognize the enduring contributions of Black communities, and take intentional steps toward advancing equity and inclusion in all we do.
Stay tuned for our upcoming newsletter from WUDA’s Office of Professional Growth & Inclusive Culture, where we’ll share meaningful ways to celebrate Black History Month, both in your personal life and within our professional community!

Dean’s State of the School Address
Please join WashU Medicine Dean David H. Perlmutter, MD, as he gives his annual State of the School Address in person at the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC) on the Medical Campus. Dean Perlmutter will provide updates on WashU Medicine’s progress over the past year and share future priorities and goals.
Refreshments will be served, and names will be drawn for attendance prizes for those able to attend in person.
February 6, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.
February 13, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.
Attendees also may choose to join virtually via Zoom. A recording will be available at a later date for those unable to attend.

Save the Date for the third annual “Women of WUDA” retreat!
Saturday, April 5, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Barnett on Washington
A day of connection, inspiration, and empowerment. Together, we’ll strengthen our professional networks, grow as leaders, and prioritize wellness in an environment dedicated to supporting your unique journey. Official invite coming soon. Registration will open on February 4, 2025.

PIA SAFE
What is a PIA SAFE Champion?
Interested in joining PIA SAFE?
Our spring retreat is on April 26, 2025, from 8-11 a.m.
Check out the PIA SAFE website or email Erin Herrera (erinherrera@wustl.edu) to learn more!

Sustainability App on Intranet
The Green Team is excited to announce a new addition to the intranet: the WUDA Sustainability App! This app is now available to all WUDA team members, providing easy access to the latest updates on our sustainability projects. Explore a wealth of resources focused on sustainability in healthcare and anesthesia, including the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation’s modules on low-flow anesthesia. Be sure to add the app to your favorites and check back regularly for new content and updates.

Commit to healthy habits today to improve your quality of life
It’s time to invest in your health and happiness this year! Small, healthy habits practiced consistently over time will gradually boost your physical and mental well-being.
These habits shouldn’t be hard to commit to; if they do, consider making them even smaller so you can keep moving forward.
Calm’s resources below can help you easily develop a new healthy habit today:
- Build Habits that Actually Stick
- Choose one of the 10 habit formation sessions with Dr. Julie Smith to create a healthy habit that meets your current daily needs.
- 7 Days of Growth
- Do you have 3 minutes? Try a growth-setting session with Jay Shetty and learn a new skill to be more present, calm, and confident.
- Take A Walk
- Going for a walk? Listen to one of the 10 music tracks in this playlist to fully relax your mind after a long day.
- Jump Start Your Day
- Gently wake up with Mel Mah and lightly stretch your body to set a peaceful tone before you start your workday.

WUDA Supporting Parents Group
This program not only aims to foster a supportive and connected community for parents within our department, but also serves as a tool for others so they can remain informed about important information about WashU/BJC benefits, policies, and more.
This group is dedicated to creating a resource hub and community where parents feel informed, empowered, and connected throughout their parenthood journey. We aim to provide easy access to information on all aspects of parenthood and to connect parents within our department.

The Well-developed Podcast
It is difficult to learn and perform well when you are not at your best. The Well-developed Podcast is a space to validate, normalize, and explore the ways we bring our whole selves to work. Learn how to capitalize on your own unique strengths, preferences, and sense of self to improve and develop your well-being!
Have an idea for a podcast topic? Share your suggestions using the form at the bottom of our webpage. Thanks for influencing our podcast’s evolution!

Take 2 for the Team
Introducing “Take 2 for the Team,” a new initiative and app designed to promote gratitude and positivity among our anesthesiology department’s team members. This digital peer-to-peer gratitude program encourages us all to take just 2 minutes each day to acknowledge and express gratitude towards a fellow team member.
You can find the app on our departmental INTRAnet, making it accessible to everyone in the department. Using the app is a breeze —simply compose a thank-you note, and your heartfelt “Thank You!” will be sent directly to your colleague’s inbox.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate our colleagues and their contributions to our well-being and happiness.