The details
In addition to championing workforce well-being, Bickel will lead MD Anderson’s new wellness institute, per the release.
The role was created to continue advancing efforts to nurture the physical, emotional and mental health of both employees and patients, officials said in a statement.
Representatives for the hospital system could not share further specifics on what a wellness institute might look like in terms of function but said in a statement the CWO will spearhead initiatives that prioritize the wellness of patients and employees, professional fulfillment and community resilience.
Why it matters
Prioritizing comprehensive wellness in the workplace is essential for health care institutions nationwide, according to the release.
Bickel's arrival coincides with MD Anderson's strengthened commitment to enhancing the well-being of the surrounding community, per the release, as well as ensuring “psychologically safe” work environments that empower employees to bring their best selves to work each day.
Shibu Varghese, senior vice president of people, culture and infrastructure for MD Anderson, said in the release that supporting wellness means supporting the people who make a difference for patients and families.
“This initiative is built on the understanding that a well-supported team leads to even better care and advancements in cancer treatment, and we are pleased to have Dr. Bickel joining to help us advance these efforts,” Varghese said in a statement.
Diving in deeper
According to the release, Bickel will implement a three-component model focusing on a culture of wellness, efficiency of practice and personal resilience.
The CWO will work collaboratively across the institution to integrate wellness into academic, operational and financial programs, championing strategies that support the well-being of MD Anderson employees, the release states.
Career history
Bickel formerly served as CWO at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, since 2021, officials said.
In her previous role, Bickel created and led The Moffitt Wellness Academy, chaired multiple wellness committees and helped Moffitt earn the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine recognition for its comprehensive clinical well-being initiatives, per the release.
“I strongly believe that wellness is not just an individual responsibility. It’s a system responsibility as well, so we must ensure we are building systems that optimize opportunities for well-being,” Bickel said in the release. “What I hope to accomplish is to further improve MD Anderson’s culture, operations and programs to truly meet the needs of people where they are.”
