Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays from WPHP!

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!

Dr. Chris Bundy Highlights Wellness at the WSVMA DVM Masterclass

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.

WPHP Presents at MPLA Underwriters Workshop

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:

• PHPs as a Trusted Risk Management Resource
  Dr. Bundy highlighted how PHPs serve as a reliable resource for MPLs, reassuring underwriters of their role in supporting healthcare professionals. PHPs are equipped to provide proactive help-seeking resources for policyholders, ensuring they receive the necessary support when facing challenges.
• Supporting Physician Health and Well-Being
  By advocating for and supporting the work of PHPs, insurers can help support physician health and well-being while also promoting high quality, safe, and accessible healthcare. Dr. Bundy emphasized that having critical resources available can make all the difference when healthcare professionals need help the most.
• The Power of Collaboration
  Dr. Bundy concluded his presentation with a powerful message: “Together, we can accomplish things that we could never do alone.” He underscored the importance of collaboration between PHPs and MPLs in enhancing the health and well-being of physicians, ultimately leading to improved patient care.

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.

Suicide Prevention Training for Veterinary Professionals

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.

Mindfulness for Healthcare Professionals available online!

Mindfulness Northwest is offering a 5-week mindfulness series designed for medical professionals and therapists beginning October 19^th. This course is online and offers 14 CME hours. Please visit Mindfulness Northwest for more information.

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Online Class: Mindfulness for Healthcare Professionals

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.

For more information

A Day of Compassion Cultivation Practice

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.

Learn more