Addressing physician burnout through inner practice of medicine training
The majority of doctors entered the medical profession with the aspiration to serve others, but this motivation is often stifled by a fragmented and corporatized healthcare system that prioritizes profits over patients.
This misalignment contributes significantly to burnout among healthcare providers.
According to the CDC, burnout among healthcare providers increased from a third in 2018 to nearly half in 2023.
A 2024 survey by the American Medical Association found that 48% of physicians reported at least one symptom of burnout.
Burnout not only affects the well-being of healthcare providers but also leads to medical errors, hospital-acquired infections, and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality among providers.
Physicians experiencing burnout are more likely to leave their jobs, costing the healthcare system billions annually.
To address this issue, the “Inner Practice of Medicine” training program was developed, focusing on helping physicians navigate the challenges of the healthcare system while maintaining their fundamental aspiration to serve.
The program emphasizes psychophysical well-being, attentional training, communication skills, and fostering community.
The inaugural retreat, held in June 2024 at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, NM, received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, who found it transformative and supportive in reinvigorating their purpose in the medical profession.
