Physician Health First®: Building community and connection
Having a supportive community in family medicine offers a sense of connection and safety when work is taking a toll.
We understand how much you value your relationships and peer support. You need people who understand what you experience every day, from compassion fatigue to system issues. When you share your experiences in medicine and find common ground, you strengthen your network and create a supportive environment where physicians feel less isolated and more supported by colleagues.
Three ways to build meaningful professional relationships
In “Creating Intentional Professional Connections to Reduce Loneliness, Isolation, and Burnout”, Mark Greenawald, MD, outlines question prompts that can help drive connections with your peers:
As little as 90 seconds each week, check in by e-mail, text, phone, or in person to provide mutual support and encouragement. Sample questions include: How are you doing? What is one specific thing I can do to help/support/encourage you this week?
Thirty to 90 minutes each month, have a more in-depth connection. Sample questions include: What is one thing that's going well? What is one thing you are struggling with? What's something that's really important to you right now?
Up to 90 minutes every 90 days, do a review of the previous 90 days and set goals for personal/professional well-being for the next quarter. Sample questions include: How are you living out your values? What are your goals for the next three months? What are your dreams, personally and professionally? When is your next vacation/adventure? How can I help/support/encourage you?