Healthcare organizations are launching more initiatives than ever to address burnout, retention, staffing strain, workflow inefficiencies, digital transformation, and operational pressures. But despite significant investment and effort, many leaders are still left asking a fundamental question: Is this initiative actually helping?

Helping physicians and advanced practice providers see that they are not alone in their desire to have balance in their lives is important. When we can help Physicians and APPs remember what brought them into this proud and wonderful profession, it is enlightening for them.

The importance of The Spirit Factor was made clear by Dr. Harold Koenig at the Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health. They found that approximately 80% of patients with serious illnesses rely on spirituality to cope, and a significant number of patients actively desire that their spiritual needs be addressed during their clinical care.

Supporting the well-being of the people who care for patients is a moral imperative. It is foundational to the health of our workforce and the quality and compassion of the care we deliver.

There are moments when we feel compelled to pause, look at the world around us, and ask whether the path humanity is walking is leading us in the right direction. For me, that question has surfaced because we are witnessing the toll that conflict is taking on families, communities, and nations.

Well-being work requires authentic leadership and deep personal commitment. It begins with self-leadership—the recognition that those who seek to support others must first cultivate their own well-being.

Faith is not a cure for mental health problems, but it can be a trusted companion. That distinction matters! Too often, people of faith feel pressure to “pray their way” out of anxiety, depression, or grief, as if struggling were a sign of spiritual failure. Mental health challenges are not moral shortcomings! They are human experiences in which faith – sincerely and deeply practiced – can be a source of grounding, courage, and connection rather than an expectation of instant

Well-being isn’t one effort. It isn’t one event or one pilot, it is about engaging with the team, learning what those closest to the problems think about potential solutions and bringing that kindness and compassion of healing not just to our patients but to the colleagues we work alongside every day.

What an astonishing gift we have been given! The poet, Mary Oliver, calls it “…one wild and precious life”. Our endlessly creative and loving God has entrusted us with this gift, but what we plan to do with it has many possible answers. Too often, we drift through our days on autopilot, moving from task to task barely noticing the world around us. We forget to look up, be intentional, take deep breaths, or marvel at the beauty of creation.

"This initiative demonstrated how many people in our organization are willing to go above and beyond to help ensure the well-being of our clinicians. Just like quality and safety, well-being impacts everything-bottom line, retention, patient satisfaction, and risk."