‘Bluegrass Bonanza' storms Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

ATLANTA - It was a day of music, food, and fun at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. The hospital held a "Bluegrass Bonanza" party for doctors, patients, and families to enjoy.

The event was part of the hospital's "Physician Wellness Program", which is an effort to encourage general wellness and fight depression among the doctors at Children's. According to the program coordinators, one in two physicians experiences a burn out. They say doctors also have the highest rate of depression when compared to other professions, with alarmingly high suicide rates. The program advocates increased physical activity, good nutrition, and positive stress management for their employees.

The band which played is called the "Druid Hills Billys". It features one of CHOA's own pediatric surgeons, Dr. Paul Parker. Dr. Parker said he's a surgeon by day and a musician by night. He said it's important for every professional to have hobbies outside of work, and that he was happy to bring his hobby to work as an example of how others can avoid burnout.