Michael H. Gendel, MD, Medical Director Emeritus,
Colorado Physician Health Program

As physicians, we often speak about health, wellness and wellbeing interchangeably, but these concepts – while interconnected – represent different dimensions of our professional and personal lives. When all three are recognized and nurtured, we are not only healthier as individuals but also provide better care to our patients. Ignoring any one of these can have profound effects on both physicians and the quality of patient care we provide.

Health is often viewed in a clinical light. For us, it’s not just the absence of disease but maintaining our physical condition to meet the demands of long hours, mental strain and, at times, physical exhaustion. Yet, many of us are quick to overlook our own health, perhaps under the assumption that caring for others should take precedence. However, when physicians neglect their health – whether it’s regular check-ups, sleep or proper nutrition – performance inevitably suffers. Even minor physical health issues, when left unchecked, can impair our ability to focus, diagnose and treat our patients effectively, ultimately compromising patient safety. Emotional or mental health is also important, from the stress and strain already mentioned, to acute distress related to a sick spouse or child, to symptoms of anxiety or depression that we initially may minimize but take their toll with time and neglect. All of these can impact practice, not to mention our wellbeing. It’s so important to talk with a spouse, friends or our doctors about these matters. 

Wellness, on the other hand, speaks to the ongoing routine of good practices and habits – an active, intentional process. It includes everything from managing stress and preventing burnout to maintaining work-life balance. It also involves maintaining good functioning in our physical, mental, social, financial, spiritual, intellectual and professional aspects of our lives. In a profession as demanding as medicine, wellness practices are not indulgent; they are essential to sustaining longevity in the field. The growing focus on physician wellness programs is a response to a pressing need for systematic approaches to fostering sustainable careers. Physicians who invest in wellness are not only more resilient but more empathetic and present for their patients, contributing to a safer, more compassionate health care environment.

Wellbeing encompasses broader psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives. While health and wellness can be measured and managed, wellbeing is deeply subjective. A physician might be physically fit and maintain good wellness practices, yet still experience a lack of fulfillment or emotional exhaustion. Wellbeing is tied to meaning and purpose in both our professional and personal lives. Without wellbeing, physicians can become disconnected, not just from their work but from themselves and those they care for. Interestingly, studies have shown that doctors are often not accurate in judging their own wellbeing. One can take the Mayo Physician Wellbeing Index online for free – but there is no substitute for asking for feedback from loved ones (or others that know you well) concerning how they view your state of wellbeing. 

By fostering all three – health, wellness and wellbeing – we cultivate a strong foundation for ourselves and the profession. If we fail to attend to any of these pillars, we risk not only our personal deterioration but also the safety and quality of care we deliver to patients. Prioritizing our “state of flourishing” is not an act of self-interest, it is an essential part of practicing safe, effective medicine. At CPHP, we strongly recommend getting support if any of these three realms is challenged. If you would like to discuss further your health, wellness or wellbeing, feel free to call the CMS/CPHP-sponsored Doc2Doc Wellbeing Consulting Program to speak to a physician peer at 720-810-9131.

It will take all of us to ensure that we, as physicians, have the support(s) we need. As we continue this journey, let’s ensure we’re building and supporting systems that recognize the importance of all three, understanding that the wellbeing of our patients begins with our own. ν