Department names Mary de Groot, PhD, its first Associate Vice Chair for Wellness

The Department of Medicine has named Mary de Groot, PhD, as its first Associate Vice Chair for Wellness.
 
De Groot is a clinical health psychologist and a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology.
 
“We are so fortunate that Dr. de Groot is joining our leadership team in this new role,” said David Aronoff, MD, the Chair of the Department of Medicine. “The department is committed to enhancing and supporting the wellness of our faculty, staff and learners. By adding someone of Dr. de Groot’s experience and expertise to our team, we are in a position to do just that.”
 
In this role, she will have the opportunity to shape and implement a vision for wellness in the department, and to help build a thriving community with access to resources that support the physical and mental wellbeing of its members.
 
“I am honored and delighted to work with my colleagues in the Department of Medicine to make positive contributions to our department culture of wellness,” she said.

In her research, de Groot focuses on the development of accessible interventions to treat depression and other psychological conditions associated with living with diabetes among adults and socio-economically and culturally diverse populations.      
 
De Groot says that her work–along with a rapidly growing body of research–demonstrates that wellness and well-being are dependent on the interaction between the individual and their environment. Engaging in meaningful self-care, she says, contributes to a larger culture of wellness that benefits others.
 
“When our department fosters a culture of wellness, we thrive as individuals. Wellness comes from our collective efforts to care for ourselves and each other,” she said.  “I welcome all partners to the table in this effort. Together, I believe we can enhance our strength and capacity to care for ourselves, our patients and each other.”
 
Her new role is effective July 1, 2023.