Wellness Library
The Resilience in Medicine Committee has compiled the following articles, books, websites, podcasts and other resources discussing physician burnout, stress, reslience, and wellness.
Articles
Physician burnout or joy: Rediscovering the rewards of a life in medicine.
by P.E. Grimes
This paper explores the causes and repercussions of physician burnout from the perspective of a physician. Published in 2020, it gives a brief overview of the literature on physician burnout.
Medscape National Physician Burnout and Suicide Report 2021
This annual survey asked 12000 physicians from 29 specialties about their experiences with burnout, depression, and happiness before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Physician burnout: contributors, consequences and solutions.
by C.P. West, L.N. Dyrbye, T.D. Shanafelt
This paper describes the definition of burnout, its causes, consequences, and possible solutions.
Follow along Meditation and Yoga
One Minute Meditation
Books
This book is a memoir written by a physician who serves as a mentor for a medical resident who is struggling with drug addiction. Named one of the top 50 nonfiction books of the 21st century, this book delves into the pressures faced by physicians through the lens of the relationship between two physicians.
The Tennis Partner
by Abraham Verghese MD
Written by a psychologist who specializes in treating physicians, this memoir tells the story of his treatment of a young obstetrician struggling with guilt and trauma.
Delivering Doctor Amelia: the Story of a Gifted Young Obstetrician's Error and the Psychologist Who Helped Her
by Dan Shapiro
Podcasts
The Doctor Paradox by Dr. Paddy Barrett
The Doctor Paradox podcast is designed to be an antidote to clinician burnout. With interviews exploring how clinicians have maintained their enthusiasm working either in traditional & non-traditional roles.
Physician Wellness Lounge by Yashoda Bhaskar, MD
Physicians from all backgrounds share their unique perspectives about wellness and balance in medicine.
The Doctor's Life by Diane Ansari-Winn, MD
The Doctor’s Life podcast features lively and candid discussions with fellow doctors and scientists on how to achieve success in clinical medicine and non-clinical careers while staying healthy in mind, body and spirit and living a rich, purposeful life.
Apps
“Calm is the #1 app for Sleep, Meditation and Relaxation. Join the millions experiencing better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety with our guided meditations, Sleep Stories, breathing programs, stretching exercises, and relaxing music. Calm is recommended by top psychologists, therapists, and mental health experts.” Limited free courses available, subscription access $14.99/month
“Meditation has been shown to help people stress less, focus more and even sleep better. Headspace is meditation made simple. We’ll teach you the life-changing skills of meditation and mindfulness in just a few minutes a day.” Limited free basic courses available, subscription access $12.99/month
Websites
The Happy MD website contains a variety of resources on preventing physician burnout including a blog, a book, coaching sessions, and more.
Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation – Brené Brown Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work. Brown has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. She's the author of five #1 New York Times bestsellers: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness and Dare to Lead, which is the culmination of a seven-year study on courage and leadership. Brown’s website contains podcasts videos, and blog posts on leadership, vulnerability, and empathy.
Other Local and National Wellness Groups and Events
Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Family Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous
“Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.” Visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website for more information and to find a meeting near you.
Al-Anon Family Groups
“The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.” Visit the Al-Anon page to access more information and to find a meeting near you.
Finding Meaning in Medicine (FMM)
FMM is a monthly evening meeting of local doctors, which can be done in person or on zoom. It is about sharing what the meaning of our work is to us. This is not for crisis-intervention, it is a program that builds companionship and resilience slowly over time. Each monthly meeting is based on a single word, such as “compassion”, which each doctor brings a story from their work to illustrate, as we share the thoughts we have about this concept. We pick the next month’s word at the end of the meeting. The point is to really reflect deeply on the heart of our work, in service and in our collegial team-work. Interested physicians can join by contacting Lara Jung, Program Manager.
Through Our Own Eyes Retreat (TOOER)
TOOER is a network of women physicians dedicated to empowering ourselves to enact positive change in our personal lives, workplaces and communities; through continuing education activities with focus on incorporating self-care and well-being practices into all aspects of our careers in medicine.TOOER has existed for about 25 years, started by Charlea Massion MD in Santa Cruz, CA. Every 2 years there is a retreat for participants, at Esalen.