2024 CFPC Physician Wellness Retreat
Event Description
On May 23rd, 2024, the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) held its Physician Wellness Retreat, the first of its kind in Canada, in Kananaskis, Alberta. The four-day retreat provided family physicians an environment in which to learn and apply principles of physician wellness to their day-to-day lives. The goal was for this to occur at the individual and community levels by offering learning paths for both family physicians who wanted to learn more about wellness and those who are physician leaders in wellness.
The Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management Inc., and Scotiabank proudly supported the CFPC Physician Wellness Retreat, one of several initiatives that comprise their 10-year, $115 million commitment to supporting the medical profession and advancing health in Canada. Learn more about what this partnership has achieved in physician wellness.
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Daily Summaries: What did people learn?
Friday, May 24, 2024 – Taking Stock: Finding Hope, Purpose, and Balance
The opening day focused on acknowledging and validating burnout and professional fatigue. Though evidence, facts, and data were presented, physicians’ experiences took centre stage. These narratives rekindled hope and inspired a sense of purpose among those in attendance. After the program, diverse activities, a dinner for registrants and their guests, and an engaging fireside chat promoted wellness and built community by introducing experiential elements.
Presentations
Dr. Catherine Hansen presented the keynote Refuel, Replenish, and Reclaim: A Wellspring of Energy Lies Within You Waiting to be Tapped.The opening keynote explored the cultural prioritization of physical health among family physicians, which sometimes causes this group to overlook the interconnected aspects of wellness such as mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Dr. Hansen offered fresh perspectives and insights to elevate individuals’ approaches to health, natural rhythms of life, and energy renewal. It emphasized the holistic nature of human existence, asserting that we are not just bodies but also minds, hearts, and souls. By nurturing all these dimensions, individuals can experience profound effects on their health, productivity, happiness, and overall quality of life.
For the remainder of the day, participants joined sessions led by Dr. Stephanie Smith, and Dr. Sarah Kim. In these sessions, participants discovered the power of personal reflection and goal setting as they delved into what truly mattered to them. Participants also reflected on their most important relationships, committed to habits that prioritized self-care and fulfillment, reviewed different leadership styles and feedback delivery methods, and learned about the differences between mentorship, coaching, and management.
Saturday, May 25, 2024 – Envisioning Professional and Personal Fulfillment
The second day focused on the problem of burnout through multiple lenses (e.g., systemic, individual, cultural) with the aim of cultivating meaningful and positive change in participants’ personal and professional lives. After the sessions, afternoon activities reinforced wellness principles. A World Café Social connected colleagues who shared professional interests and wellness goals in a breathtaking mountain setting.
Dr. Jillian Horton delivered the keynote presentation We Are (Not) All Perfectly Fine: How Telling Our Stories Will Transform Our Culture.In a profession where burnout is an existential threat, stories about the practice of medicine are also a critical strategy for our survival. Dr. Horton helped those in attendance understand why going public with personal narratives is an urgent part of knowledge translation—and achieving culture change.
The remainder of the day, registrants joined session leaders Dr. Vanessa Brcic, and Dr. Erin Bearss as they investigated the arts and humanities as an accessible professional development tool that fosters resilience, innovation, and a means to positively redefine our professional identity and cultivate safe medical culture. Participants also showcased their creativity and talent, while exploring the role of art in medicine by sharing poems, songs, narratives, art pieces, or other creative endeavours. Other workshops introduced registrants to concepts about creating space for their identities, intersections, and values to help them remain mobile in facing the challenges within family medicine.
Sunday, May 26, 2024 – Taking Action: Journeying Forward Together
The sessions on the final day motivated and inspired ongoing dedication to personal and professional wellness by asking participants to take action. Participants were asked to commit themselves to wellness goals and support colleagues in the achievement of these goals. Parting words encouraged registrants to stay motivated in their pursuit of achieving the goals they set.
Thank you to everyone that helped support this important event.
Sponsors
The CFPC graciously thanks the Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management Inc., and Scotiabank which proudly supported the CFPC Physician Wellness Retreat. The retreat was one of several initiatives that comprise their 10-year, $115 million commitment to supporting the medical profession and advancing health in Canada.
Wellness Activity and Cultural Experience Providers
The CFPC thanks Rod and Anders Hunter, Boundary Ranch, Kananaskis Outfitters, and Coreen OneSpot Rider for the enriching experiences they provided throughout the retreat.
Scientific Planning Committee
The CFPC thanks members of the Scientific Planning Committee: Dr. Daniela Isfan, Dr. Erin Bearss, Dr. Sarah Kim, and Dr. Stephanie Smith.
Staff
Thank you to all CFPC staff involved in making this event a success, including the project team: André Girouard, Betsy Thomas, Lily Oeur, Dr. Michael Allan, Dr. Victor Ng, Jennifer Campbell, Lisa Resendes, and Deanna Draga.
