Are You Done with Token Wellness Offerings?

Most physicians I know are done with watching videos, and signing up for “programs” and talks they hope will help but ultimately don't. Most physicians I know are tired of goody bags, branded trinkets, sweatshirts, water bottles, and conferences and lectures in large windowless ballrooms.

True wellness does not come through a checklist, a lecture, a meal, or a sweatshirt. It comes from nourishing yourself fully, slowing down, and learning to listen.

It comes from quieting the snow globe.

Becoming clear and calm and grounded.

And moving forward in your life from a place of mindful intention and alignment.

How do you do this?

Coaching, mindfulness, community, connection, and full mind, body spirit, and soul nourishment.

​When you are not depleted and your nervous system is not in fight or flight, its easier to see and easier to change.

It’s possible to learn and implement effective tools and strategies when you feel safe and calm and grounded.

You cannot change what you cannot see.

In order to find true wellness, you have to slow down enough to listen.

That’s when you are able to notice and own unhelpful thought patterns and old habits, and consider whether you want to make changes.

True wellness comes from feeling and being empowered. From knowing what works for you.

And from valuing and trusting yourself. And then giving yourself permission to act accordingly.

If you are tired of living your life, and practicing medicine, in ways that aren't healthy or sustainable for you, there are solutions.

They likely don't look like what you have tried already. Since that hasnt worked.

If you are stuck or unwell, why not try something new.

1:1 coaching is magic. Small immersive experiential wellness retreats are too.

They both change lives in sustainable ways.

They are the interventions, that in my 20 years of wellness leadership experience, lead to resets and meaningful change.

It is always nice when studies back this up too. A new study released in JAMA in May 2022 last week demonstrated a significant positive impact of coaching for residents. Previous studies published in JAMA in 2019 and 2020 have also shown an impact on burnout, and quality of life for attendings after just 6 weeks.

​You don't have to be burnt out or "broken" to benefit greatly from coaching. Everyone needs effective coping skills to perform at their highest level and live their best life. Mindfulness, coaching, and yoga are essential tools for this.

Wellness is experiential. It can, and should be done, in a way that is in and of itself well

It doesn't have to done at work. It doesn't have to be hard. It isn't just social events.

It doesn't have to be done inside - or on zoom. It doesn't have to be done with those you work with.

Effective wellness programming can be done in spectacular healing locations with amazing interesting people from all over the country. Without a sballroom or conference room anywhere nearby. Effective wellness interventions can also be done from home, and even from bed. They can be a way to build new communities and make new connections. They can be done in groups and spaces where you feel like you belong and it can be done 1:1.

You can cry and laugh and smile and breathe deeply while you learn and grow and begin to feel "Well" again. When CME and wellness are shared in a way that is "well" the impact of the learning is far greater.

This is why I do my retreats and coaching programs (1:1 and small group) in the way that I do.

Outside institutional walls. Where I can offer exactly what I know helps people the most. In ways where participants get the most benefit with the most ease.