Strategies to Support Physician Well-Being

I’m **Listening to My Body: The Art of Slowing Down as a Busy Physician** Today, my Oura Ring app suggested that I take it slow and find a moment to unwind. As a physician running my own practice, this is easier said than done. Every day is filled with challenges, from making critical decisions about patients' health to managing administrative duties, dealing with insurance companies, and balancing revenues and expenses. However, finding time to unwind is essential for maintaining our well-being and effectiveness. **1. Prioritize Self-Care** The first step is recognizing that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. I make it a point to schedule short breaks throughout the day, even if it's just five minutes to stretch, meditate, or take a few deep breaths. **2. Delegate When Possible** Running a practice means I wear many hats, but I’ve learned the importance of delegation. Trusting my team to handle certain tasks frees up time for me to focus on what truly requires my expertise and gives me moments to decompress. **3. Set Boundaries** It's crucial to set boundaries between work and personal time. I make it a habit to leave work at the office as much as possible. This means not checking emails after a certain hour and dedicating evenings to family and personal interests. **4. Mindful Moments** Incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine helps me stay grounded. Whether it’s a short walk between appointments, a moment of gratitude before starting a procedure, or a few minutes of meditation, these mindful moments make a significant difference. **5. Lean on Your Support System** I rely on my support system, both professionally and personally. Sharing challenges and successes with colleagues, friends, and family provides a sense of relief and perspective. **6. Regular Physical Activity** Exercise is a fantastic way to relieve stress. Despite a busy schedule, I ensure I make time for regular physical activity, whether it’s a quick workout, stretches, or a walk. It’s a powerful way to recharge. **7. Embrace Technology** Technology, like my Oura Ring, helps me stay in tune with my body’s needs. I use it to monitor my sleep, activity, and readiness levels, ensuring I listen to my body’s cues and take necessary breaks. In conclusion, finding time to unwind as a physician requires intention and effort. It’s about creating a balance that allows us to thrive both professionally and personally. Today, I’m heeding the advice from my Oura Ring and taking it slow – because taking care of myself is the best way to continue taking care of my patients. #PhysicianLife #SelfCare #WorkLifeBalance #Mindfulness #HealthcareProfessionals #MedicalPractice #StressManagement #WellBeing #HealthyLiving #LeadershipInHealthcare #PhysicianWellness #MedicalCommunity #PersonalDevelopment #Unwind #HealthcareLeadership ŌURA

Have I Missed the Mark After 20 Years in #ExerciseOncology? For over two decades, I've dedicated my career to integrating lifestyle medicine into oncology care. But lately, I've been asking myself: Have we been focusing on the wrong area of implementation? We pour endless resources into patient education on lifestyle changes—nutrition, movement, stress management—but what if the real catalyst for meaningful change is empowering our physicians first? A recent study found that physicians who maintain healthy lifestyle habits are significantly more likely to advise breast cancer patients on lifestyle modifications that can positively impact survival. In this study, the reality is clear: 🔹 85% of surveyed physicians practice healthy eating 🔹 88% are physically active 🔹 But the gaps remain—especially in obesity treatment and patient referrals What about everyone else? Physicians who DON't engage in regular physical activity are 2.5 times more likely not to recommend these life-changing habits to their patients. This makes me wonder—are we truly setting our oncology teams up for success? If oncologists could be supported to utilized these habits, could that shift patient outcomes more effectively? And here's the game-changer: Supporting oncologists in prioritizing their own well-being isn't just good for patients—it’s a powerful tool to combat burnout. We know that when healthcare providers engage in physical activity, mindfulness, and self-care, they are more resilient, more present, and better equipped to face the emotional toll of cancer care. We advocate for empowering our oncology teams with: ✅ Accessible wellness programs ✅ Mindfulness and stress reduction strategies ✅ Physical activity opportunities tailored for demanding schedules If we prioritize the well-being of our healers, imagine the ripple effect on the patients they touch. This is exactly what's on the next buildout of the My Lifestyle Shift program - more resources focused on our #healthcare professionals! Maybe, just maybe, the path to better survivorship begins with those who lead it. What do you think? Is it time to shift the focus to supporting our oncology providers? #LifestyleMedicine #ExerciseOncology #BreastCancer #PhysicianWellness #HealthcareLeadership #CancerSurvivorship #LifestyleIntervention

70% of physicians work during their vacations. It’s no surprise, then, that time off often fails to restore energy. The challenge is real: when workplace demands make it nearly impossible to fully disconnect, the nervous system remains in a constant state of activation. While 45% of physicians report experiencing burnout, most solutions still focus narrowly on individual resilience—without tackling the systemic barriers that make recovery so difficult. What actually helps, according to research: Individual supports: – Boundary-setting (where possible) – Breathing practices and mindfulness – Nervous system regulation – Healthy daily habits – Professional coaching System-level supports: – EHR optimization – Adequate coverage – Reduced administrative burden – Psychological safety – Supportive, human, heart-centered leaders & cultures The reality: Many healthcare professionals want to set healthy boundaries but face real constraints—concerns about patient care, financial pressure, and chronic understaffing. That’s why both personal practices and systemic change are essential. Bottom line: Sustainable recovery depends on healing the individual and improving the conditions that make healthy boundaries so hard to hold. What’s one boundary you’ve successfully set at work? #JustOneHeart #BurnoutRecovery #HealthcareLeadership #SystemicChange #WorkplaceWellness #Physicians

Prioritizing Wellness for Healthcare Workers: A Saturday Reminder As healthcare workers, we often find ourselves at the frontline of a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where the needs of patients always come first. The daily challenges, long hours, and emotional toll can leave us feeling drained, both physically and mentally. However, it’s critical to remember that in order to care for others, we must first care for ourselves. This Saturday, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of wellness in our field and explore ways to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with our own well-being. 1. Acknowledge the Burnout Burnout is real, and it’s a major concern for healthcare professionals. The constant demands of the job, coupled with emotional strain, can easily lead to physical and mental exhaustion. Recognizing the signs of burnout—such as irritability, fatigue, or detachment—can be the first step in addressing it before it becomes overwhelming. 2. Prioritize Self-Care Self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential for long-term health. Whether it’s taking a few quiet minutes to meditate, scheduling regular exercise, or simply getting enough sleep, finding time for yourself can have a huge impact on your energy levels and mood. Even during a busy shift, taking small breaks to recharge can help keep you grounded. 3. Create Boundaries In a profession that demands so much, setting boundaries is crucial. This might mean saying “no” to extra shifts or stepping back from work-related tasks during off-hours. Giving yourself permission to disconnect is key to preserving your mental health and maintaining a sense of balance. 4. Leverage Support Systems No one is meant to do it all alone, and healthcare workers are no exception. Whether it's reaching out to colleagues, friends, or family, building a reliable support network can provide comfort and encouragement. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it! Healthcare workers are high risk for suicide and addiction. 🙏🏼 5. Find Joy Outside of Work Having a life outside the hospital or clinic is vital. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying nature can provide the mental reset needed to return to work feeling refreshed. It’s about finding balance which can be tough for us healthcare workers! 6. Embrace Flexibility Healthcare is unpredictable, and it’s important to give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. Allow room for flexibility in your self-care routine, knowing that some days will be easier than others. Celebrate the small wins and don’t be hard on yourself when things get tough. Healthcare workers are the backbone of our health systems, and their well-being should be just as important as the patients they care for. This Saturday, let’s take time to check in with ourselves, nurture our health, and recommit to the wellness practices that sustain us. #HealthcareWellness #BurnoutPrevention #Healthcare

  When even a physician's carry-on isn’t safe from the EHR, it’s time we rethink what ‘time off’ really means. If we want physicians to heal others, we must let them truly disconnect: without guilt, inboxes, or login screens.   Immediate Action Items: • Assign real inbox coverage for physicians during PTO • Pair physicians with a peer coach to prepare for time off: strategizing coverage, setting boundaries, and ensuring a true mental break   At VITAL WorkLife, we empower physicians with peer coaching and system-level solutions to make well-being more than a talking point.   #PhysicianWellBeing #PeerCoaching #JoyInMedicine #BurnoutPrevention #HealthcareLeadership Paul DeChant Gaurava Agarwal Chris Cavazos DeAnna Santana Cebollero, PhD Ted Hamilton Coalition for Physician & APP Well-Being AMA STEPS Forward® Todd Unger Jim Gilligan Daniel Blaney-Koen Michael Tutty Federation of State Physician Health Programs, INC (FSPHP) Linda Bresnahan Chris Bundy, MD, MPH Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA The Human Flourishing Program American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Christine Yu Moutier Trisha Calabrese, MPH Practicing Excellence Stephen Beeson, MD Jon Kuehler Clinician Burnout Foundation The Physicians Foundation Scott Becker Well-Being IndexAmerican Hospital Association American Medical Association George L. Vergolias, PsyD, CTM Togetherall Ben Locke Derek Bell Amy Factor Sam Goeb Jackie FotiAIAMC (Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers)