MMA Viewpoint
Hope for Healers
You are holding in your hands an issue of Minnesota Medicine dedicated to the subject of physician well-being. As I wrote in my last column, physician well-being is the theme of my MMA presidency. I am thrilled that so many other MMA members are concerned about this issue as well.
Since March 2010, I have been convening the MMA’s task force on physician well-being, a group of physicians and others who are devoted to work and study that is directed at healing the healers. We have reviewed literature on the morale of physicians, medical students, and residents. We have explored how others are already addressing the spiritual and mental health needs of physicians. And many members were privileged to participate in a Courage and Renewal retreat facilitated by Laura Kinkaid and Jud Reaney, M.D.
From my experience, I can say that there are many of us wounded healers out there. Physicians are not immune to the maladies common to humankind. I suspect that many of our troubles are related to our denial of our own humanness when we subjugate our own needs to those of others. But for many of us, the cause of our suffering is related to the rapid technological developments and changes in health care delivery that have taken place in recent years. The unintended consequences include the erosion of the physician-patient relationship and the commoditization of health care. As a result, many of us have lost our sense of calling.
Fortunately, sources of healing are all around us. Our colleagues can be one source if we can find ways to safely and confidentially share our pain, doubts, and joys with them. In Fergus Falls, we have a group of physicians who meet every other week to share their struggles and triumphs. This is one example of how we can make our collegial relationships work for mutual healing. The Finding Meaning in Medicine groups founded by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., which bring physicians together to rediscover their passion for their work, are another example.
Recently, a number of MMA members responded to a survey on physician wellness developed by our task force. Many of you shared your personal strategies for maintaining health and a sense of well-being with us. Making family time a priority, scheduling vacations, reducing work hours, and practicing yoga, meditation, and prayer are among the more common ones you mentioned. Involvement in hobbies and activities outside of medicine are also valuable strategies for many of you.
I’m grateful for the work that this task force has already done. The physician members are Jud Reaney, William Spinelli, Bill Manahan, Karen Lawson, Cindy Firkins-Smith, Mac Baird, Kristin Haugan, James Jordan, Laurie Drill-Mellum, Tait Shanafelt, Dale Anderson, and Rebecca Hafner-Fogarty. The committee also includes two hospital chaplains, Paula Bidle and Bradley Skogen, MMIC attorney Libby Lincoln, and physician spouse and co-president of the MMA Alliance Dianne Fenyk. I extend heartfelt thanks to all of them. May we all find healing and wholeness in this new year.