The Impact of Burnout on Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers and staff face increasingly high rates of burnout, with recent surveys indicating that over 60% of physicians and up to 44% of nurses and support staff report symptoms of burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment (Medscape National Physician Burnout & Depression Report 2023, American Nurses Foundation Mental Health & Wellness Survey 2022). The impacts of burnout are far-reaching, affecting patient care, team dynamics, and the overall health of healthcare organizations. The integration of CMBM training provides a sustainable, practical solution to help healthcare professionals manage stress, enhance emotional resilience, and access tools that foster inner resources. 

We RISE to a Critical Gap in Integrative Health Equity

This program is designed to address an unmet need in health equity by creating healing spaces for those who are typically providers of care rather than recipients.  In response to increasing rates of burnout and stress among healthcare providers and staff, this proposal outlines a comprehensive, holistic wellness and community-building program for all UCSF Osher Center healthcare professionals. The program blends creative, physical, and integrative practices, offering healing modalities such as yoga, dance, painting, crafts, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, and mindfulness. The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) health professional training will be incorporated to support resilience and sustainability for healthcare professionals in their personal and professional lives. Through CMBM’s structured curriculum, healthcare professionals will gain skills in mind-body techniques such as meditation, guided imagery, and self-reflection, empowering them to foster sustainable wellness practices in daily life. This training complements the other activities in the program, such as acupuncture, massage, art, and movement, all designed to reduce stress, build community, and reinforce each team member’s sense of connection and purpose. Together, these components create a supportive and restorative environment that addresses the complex needs of our team.

 Rationale for Creating Healing Spaces that Foster Equity and Inclusion

This program aims not only to nurture well-being and build community within the UCSF Osher Center but also to create a model for equitable, restorative spaces that can have ripple effects throughout the broader healthcare ecosystem. Healthcare professionals are often tasked with supporting patients under high-stress conditions, yet opportunities for their own holistic healing and community support are limited. By investing in the wellness of the UCSF Osher Center team, this program creates a nurturing environment for the healthcare ecosystem itself. Furthermore, by centering equity, this program fosters inclusivity, making all healthcare professionals—regardless of role or background—feel valued and cared for. The ripple effects of this effort can be profound. Healthcare professionals who experience this model of restorative care are more likely to feel resourced, connected, and motivated to bring these practices and attitudes to their clinical care. This not only enhances empathy but also improves the quality of patient interactions, reinforcing a culture of compassion and holistic support within the UCSF Osher Center and beyond.