I recently had the good fortune to attend the second American Conference on Physician Health in Charlotte, NC. Several of our colleagues also attended and it was meaningful to meet some individuals for the first time and to deepen relationships with others.

The event was uplifting and refreshing with a clear focus on burnout and its causes and ramifications, along with various organizations’ strategies to remain resilient and find ‘joy in medicine’. One speaker presented data on the incidence of depression and burnout in a medical student cohort. Upon entering medical school, this population had lower-than-average rates of depression and burnout. However, by the time of graduation and as residents, the rates had increased to above average. This pointed to something in our training culture as the cause rather than our profession somehow selecting for individuals with higher incidences of depression and burnout.

Other topics focused on leadership and on the financial return on investment for organizations that have programs dedicated to improving the health and well-being of their clinicians. Still other presentations explored ways to make positive changes to workplace systems including scheduling practices which increase clinician control over their day without negatively impacting productivity.

What I found especially impactful was the emphasis placed on the importance of caring for ourselves as clinicians. This is difficult for us as we have been trained in a culture that has not traditionally valued clinician self-compassion and instead viewed it as a weakness.

In concluding this summary, I want to share some of my conference ‘take-aways’. My hope is that one or two may resonate and be helpful to you along the way to treating yourself with kindness, dignity, and compassion.

• Express gratitude
• Remain mindful – present, every moment, every day
• Practice self-compassion
• Appreciate life
• People are the most important asset
• Respect your colleagues and staff
• Engage your entire group
• Work on your own wellness
• Enhance your resilience
• Maintain your individual voice above the din
• Enjoy time outside of the workplace

Warmly,