Well, maybe.
If you're not a fan of:- Location in the scenic Wasatch Mountains of Utah
- Outdoor activities—hiking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting
- Nice accommodations, good food, ample breaks
But those who frequent professional conferences have come to expect comparable experiences and amenities in many different places, both around the country and abroad. Or maybe not. So, what made the 13th annual Joy & Wholeness Summit standout? What made it unique, special, above, and beyond (besides the 7000-foot mountain altitude)?
Starting with the pre-conference sessions – designed specifically to address the interests, concerns, and preferences of three select constituencies: graduate medical education, women physicians, and advanced practice providers – the presentations and dialogue were stimulating, provocative, and practical. The presenters spoke from both expertise and experience, addressing the prevalent professional challenges and potential remedies particular to each discipline.
Continuing through general plenary sessions and roundtable discussions, the speakers and participants addressed – with candor and passion – the challenges of burnout, moral injury, substance use disorder, and related challenges in the healthcare professions. Resources, remedies, and resilience were openly shared among participants—in the hallways and lounges, and even on the chairlift! More than one attendee shared that the relatively small size of the conference (about 150 participants this year) was a positive factor, contributing to a sense of familiarity and community, and affording abundant opportunity for networking.
Preparation is already underway for the 2024 Joy & Wholeness Summit. Put the date on your calendar and plan to join us for another exceptional experience.
Ted Hamilton, MD, MBA
Chairman and Senior Advisor, The Coalition for Physician Well-Being
