We've all heard it: "Just meditate to combat physician burnout." If you're like me, that suggestion can feel deeply frustrating.

There are two critical issues with this narrow focus. First, our conversation needs to shift from burnout to well-being. Burnout, defined as the exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation due to prolonged stress and frustration, is a consequence. Our primary goal should be cultivating sustained well-being, proactively nurturing our health and practice satisfaction.

Secondly, placing the sole onus on individual self-care, like meditation, while ignoring the significant systemic and organizational factors at play is not only insufficient but ultimately self-defeating.

The Maryland Academy of Family Physicians (MDAFP) recognizes this crucial distinction and has made improving physician well-being a key priority. Our strategic plan explicitly aims to enhance Family Physician career satisfaction by actively supporting and promoting well-being. We embrace a comprehensive model that considers the five interconnected factors of well-being.

The five factors of well-being include the healthcare system, the organization, the practice, the individual, and the physician culture. Without addressing all of these factors, we cannot fully address physician well-being. Systemic factors in the healthcare system can include the burden of prior authorizations or the inefficiency of EMRs. Practice level factors can include lack of physician support and overemphasis on RVUs rather than good patient outcomes and physician and patient satisfaction.

True and lasting physician well-being requires a comprehensive approach. We, as physicians, are our strongest advocates. We must actively work, both in our personal lives and within our organizations, to dismantle the barriers to our well-being.

I strongly encourage you to explore the valuable physician well-being resources available through the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

If you are passionate about this work and want to contribute to MDAFP's efforts in advancing physician well-being, we invite you to join our Wellness Committee. Your voice and experience are invaluable.

Be well, and if you have not heard if from anyone else today, I appreciate you.