National Doctors’ Day: A Focus on Physician Self-Care

Tomorrow is National Doctors' Day – a day to recognize the contributions of physicians to individual lives and communities. 

“As we observe this meaningful day, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering commitment to osteopathic family medicine and the exceptional care you provide the patients of this world,” said David Park, DO, FACOFP dist., ACOFP President (2023-2024). “Today, we celebrate not only the impact you make on individual lives but also your vital role in the advancement of healthcare for our nation and beyond. Let us continue to be exemplary physicians through our leadership, advocacy, and education.”

Physicians, especially those in family medicine and drawn particularly to the practice of osteopathic medicine, are uniquely attuned to the connection of medicine and community. In recent blogs, many students have reinforced what draws them to this area of medicine: 

Joshua Ranta, OMS-III at VCOM Carolinas shared his perspective in February on family medicine and community, as he was inspired during rotation in his South Carolina hometown. There, Joshua “studied under preceptors who sponsored their own homes for the mentally ill, worked in free medical clinics across the area, and gave back to various community groups centered on health and spiritual well-being.” Following his story, we heard from Taylor Do, OMS-II at Des Moine University: “During a gap year, I worked in a family practice that served immigrant populations. That experience highlighted the necessities of community connection and cultural competency in successful healthcare. The osteopathic education further reinforces the values that brought me to medicine.”

With this passion and care comes a risk of burnout.

“The entire team of leaders and staff at ACOFP is grateful for the role osteopathic medicine physicians play in community and family medicine,” said Bob Moore, MA, MS, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director of ACOFP. “In order to best help others, we want to help our members invest in self-care and take care of themselves. To help, we are committed to providing resources to support physician wellbeing, including online resources and annual conference sessions.”

There are dozens of resources and articles on the ACOFP website that address physician burnout (see here). Additionally, at the upcoming ACOFP Convention and Scientific Seminars (register here), there will be sessions specific to physician wellness, including:   

• Introducing Embodiology® for Patient Justice and Radical Physician Self-Care 
• Healing the Profession of Health: A Personal and Occupational Health Approach 
• Discovering Physician Wellness and Flourishing as a Leader  
• Doctor Life Balance is Possible: Tips and Tools to Get You Home for Dinner and Leave Work at the Office 

Dr. Park shared further how he protects his own health and wellness: “I adopt a holistic approach to self-care that encompasses physical, spiritual, and intellectual well-being. Physically, I prioritize working out at the gym at least three times a week to build strength, endurance, and overall vitality. Spiritually, I pray daily, which helps me to find purpose and peace to anchor me amidst life's challenges.” 

In addition to the resources shared above, the 2023 panel discussion on Physician Health and Wellness: How to Unwind, De-stress, and Take Care of Yourself is available in the eLearning center. (Login to the eLearning center)

Continued Bob, “Today and every day, we recognize and celebrate the physicians that inspire and bring their expertise and heart to their patients and communities.”