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Our latest news and updates from the Washington Physicians Health Program team. For an archive of relevant resources on a wide variety of health topics, please visit Research & Studies.
As we approach the close of another year, we extend our warmest wishes for a peaceful and joyful holiday season. This time of year invites reflection, renewal, and gratitude—a moment to pause, embrace life, and look ahead with hope. While the holidays can bring light and comfort, they can also evoke deep feelings and unique challenges. However you spend this season, if it is by surrounding yourself with loved ones, finding moments of quiet reflection, or practicing self-compassion, may you find balance, grounding, and peace. We extend our sincere gratitude for the privilege of sharing in your journey and hold you in our thoughts with appreciation and hope during this time.
Harmony Through the Holidays
The holiday season is a rich blend of joy, connection, and sometimes delicate threads of challenge or loss. In this season of light, allow yourself to release what no longer serves you and to embrace the beauty of your unique path. Approach this time with mindfulness and balance: nurture your well-being, pause amid the flurry, and celebrate the moments and people that bring genuine happiness. Trust that you have the tools to experience the season’s gifts and let the rest fall away.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As the year comes to an end, this is an ideal time to pause and honor both the small and significant moments that have shaped you. Each act of kindness, each lesson learned, and each spark of joy all reflect resilience and growth. Celebrate how far you have come, acknowledging both the challenges and progress along the way. The new year stands before you as a fresh chapter, inviting renewal, new intentions, and a spirit of optimism.
Hope and Healing
Amid the joy of the season, it’s natural for the holidays to seem weighty at times. When those feelings arise, remember that light can always be found even in the smallest flicker. Step into the coming days with self-compassion, courage, and hope. Each experience, whether rooted in healing, discovery, or rest, contributes meaningfully to your growth.
Nurturing Compassion Within and Beyond
As a new year begins, let the spirit of kindness and connection guide you forward. Keep close to those who care for you, draw strength from your community, and spend time with those who uplift and encourage you. These acts of care—both for yourself and others—can ease the stress of the season and help restore a sense of calm and belonging. Always remember you are not alone. If you need support, please reach out to us. We’re here to help.
On behalf of the entire WPHP program staff, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright, fulfilling year ahead!
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As the year draws to a close, the holidays offer a wonderful opportunity for reflection, renewal, and hope. While the season often brings gifts of healing, it can also bring its challenges. It’s a time to embrace what is, let go of what was, and trust in what lies ahead. Explore what gives your life meaning, purpose, and connection. Whether that’s spending time with loved ones, finding quiet moments for contemplation, or simply treating yourself with kindness, these acts can provide a sense of grounding and peace. We send you our hopes for the holiday season.
The Holidays are a Time of Celebration, Reflection, and Renewal
Take a moment to pause and reflect on the small things that bring you joy, whether it’s a favorite memory, a kind gesture from a friend, or a beautiful moment in nature. These sparks of joy can be powerful reminders of resilience that light our path and remind us that we are capable of rising time and again. Look back on the year, acknowledge your accomplishments, honor what has passed, learn from challenges, and express gratitude for experiences that have shaped you.
Take Some Time During the Holidays to Consider What the Next Year Might Bring
Holidays symbolize renewal. As the new year beckons, the opportunity arises to reset goals, embrace fresh perspectives, and embark on new adventures that fuel continued growth. It’s a chance to acknowledge the past and move forward with hope and optimism. Embrace what is yet to come, celebrating not just the end of the year, but the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Approach the Season Mindfully and with Balance
The season can be a tapestry of experiences—some woven with threads of joy, others with more delicate strands of challenge and loss. In this season of light, let go of what was and embrace the beauty of your journey. Consciously choose how you engage with the season to create a more enjoyable and balanced holiday experience. Take time for yourself amidst the hustle. Seek out and experience the best of it and leave the rest.
Practice Compassion with Yourself and Others
Carry the spirit of connection into the new year, foster community, and spend time with those who lift you up. Whether through mindful practices, acts of kindness, or simply taking time to connect with loved ones, these moments of compassion and connection can truly enhance our lives and bring relief from holiday blues.
On behalf of the entire program staff, we wish you a peaceful holiday season and prosperous, fulfilling year ahead!
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On September 17, 2024, Dr. Chris Bundy presented at the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) DVM Masterclass with a session dedicated to helping veterinary professionals thrive both personally and professionally. His presentation, “Happy Vets = Happy Pets: A Crash Course on Happiness for Busy Veterinary Professionals,” delivered insights on how veterinarians can improve their own well-being to benefit their patients and career.
Veterinarians, like many healthcare professionals, face the challenges of long hours, high emotional demands, and stress. Dr. Bundy’s session focused on actionable strategies for addressing these challenges, emphasizing the critical link between a veterinarian’s well-being and the care they provide. When veterinarians take the time to care for themselves, the result is not just a healthier, more balanced life but also better outcomes for their animal patients.
Attendees left the session equipped with tools to incorporate wellness into their daily routines, reduce the risk of burnout, and build more fulfilling careers in veterinary medicine.
For those who missed the live event, the full schedule of presentations can be accessed through the WSVMA DVM Masterclass website.
As the conversation on professional well-being continues, it’s clear that supporting veterinarians in their wellness journey is key to fostering a healthier veterinary community—and, ultimately, happier pets.
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Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director of the Washington Physicians Health Program, recently presented at the Medical Professional Liability Association Underwriters Workshop in Scottsdale, Ariz. His talk, “Better Together: Physician Health Programs, Professional Liability, and Access to Quality Care” focused on the critical role that Physician Health Programs (PHPs) play as a trusted risk management resource for medical professional liability (MPL) insurers.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Bundy’s Presentation:
This partnership represents a significant step toward fostering a healthier healthcare environment where physicians can thrive.
For more details about the conference and its objectives, visit the official event page here.
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The University of Washington has launched a free three-part course aimed at suicide prevention strategies for veterinary professionals. Our very own Associate Medical Director, Dr. Laura Moss, has invested extensive effort to help develop this comprehensive course. The modules cover a range of topics, including understanding suicide, supporting at-risk individuals, promoting wellness, reducing stigma, and addressing access to lethal means. By completing this course, veterinary professionals gain valuable knowledge on how to promote well-being and create a supportive environment within their field.
Learn more about this free course.
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Mindfulness Northwest is offering a 5-week mindfulness series designed for medical professionals and therapists beginning October 19th. This course is online and offers 14 CME hours. Please visit Mindfulness Northwest for more information.
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Join Mindfulness Northwest every Tuesday from April 7-28, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. for an investigation of mindfulness from the inside out. This online module includes 5 sessions based on based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. Students can learn from home while earning up to 14 CME credits.
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This event has been postponed. Health care providers looking for a rejuvenating and informative day with a wellness expert should check out this awesome opportunity! Join Diane Hetrick on March 28th for A Day of Compassion Cultivation Practice. This workshop includes compassion practices, guided meditations, and exercises to integrate into your life.
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