Ultimately, the issues important to emergency physicians in the sandwich generation are complex and require a multifaceted approach to support and promote well-being. As these professionals balance their medical careers with caregiving roles for children and aging parents, hospitals and health care organizations must recognize and address their unique needs.

Emergency physicians can thrive in their personal and professional lives with appropriate coping strategies, robust support systems within the workforce, and organizational advocacy for work-life balance. In the end, caring for these caregivers will have a ripple effect: improving their quality of life, eventually reflecting on better care at the bedside. Therefore, we must continue raising awareness about the sandwich generation’s challenges and work collectively towards solutions that empower emergency physicians to achieve a healthier balance in their demanding lives.

Dr. Kendall is the chief of clinician engagement at US Acute Care Solutions and has 15 years of emergency department leadership experience. She is the chair of the USACS diversity, equity, and inclusion committee, the social issues and equity in medicine committee co-chair, and leads physician leadership development for USACS.

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