National Physicians Week: Who Heals the Healers?
Let’s face it – being a physician in today’s healthcare environment comes with unique challenges. Between patient loads, administrative burdens, and the pressure to stay current with medical advances, it’s no wonder physician burnout remains a persistent issue. But as we celebrate National Physicians Week (March 25-31, 2025), we’re asking an important question: who heals the healers?
Behind the Mask: Physician Wellbeing Matters
In this special episode of the Transforming Healthcare Coaching Podcast, Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet and Dr. Grizelda Anguiano dig into what physician wellbeing really means beyond the typical “wellness talk.”
“We structure work in a way that mandates that you do have to come in at 4 a.m. And there are these expectations for pre-rounding… wouldn’t it be magical if an A.I. robot did not need you to ever pre-round?” reflects Dr. Emlet, highlighting how deeply ingrained certain stressful patterns are in medical training and practice.
The Culture Shift: Evidence Matters to Physicians
Recent research from Stanford shows that organizational wellbeing culture significantly impacts physician wellness. As Dr. Anguiano notes, “When it’s coming around to the evidence, then we can truly believe it.”
This insight is particularly relevant as we consider this year’s National Physicians Week theme: “Behind the mask: who heals the healers” and “Together we thrive: celebrating the power of unity in medicine.”
Finding Balance: You Can Have Both
One of the most powerful discussions centers around the false dichotomy many physicians face – choosing between medicine and a balanced life.
“I think it’s coming up with that balance… I think it’s going to start with us to say ‘I do want both,'” explains Dr. Anguiano. “Can I be present? And that way, when I look back, am I going to say I enjoyed myself?”
Beyond Medicine: Rediscovering Your “Why”
Many physicians entered medicine with diverse interests and passions. Dr. Emlet shares how broadening her focus beyond clinical practice – embracing entrepreneurship and coaching alongside her medical career – actually enhanced her appreciation for each role.
“By adding more… it actually helped me be more grateful for the different little identities I was holding in all those spaces,” she explains.
The Energy Leadership Approach
For physicians seeking change, the Energy Leadership Index Assessment has proven particularly valuable. This tool helps healthcare professionals recognize patterns in how they show up in various aspects of life.
“The best feedback I’ve gotten, especially with physicians, has been learning about energy,” says Dr. Anguiano. “They love to hear that ability to shift… that ‘aha’ moment to say, ‘Wow, I could really look at it differently and show up differently and feel better.'”
Moving Forward Together
As we celebrate National Physicians Week, both coaches emphasize the importance of mutual support and remembering our purpose in medicine.
“When we have groups of physicians and teams that carry us together, we’re able to do that,” says Dr. Emlet. “Whether you’re in a moment where you can pay it forward and give it to somebody else in your group… there’s probably some in your group who could use a friendly hand.”
The Bottom Line
You didn’t choose medicine because it was easy – you chose it because it matters. During this National Physicians Week, we invite you to reflect on your journey, reconnect with your purpose, and consider how coaching might support your wellbeing and professional fulfillment.
Want to explore how coaching could support your wellbeing and career? Book a discovery call to connect with a coach who understands the unique challenges physicians face.
For more discussions on healthcare professional wellbeing, subscribe to our podcast and join our community of healthcare professionals making positive changes in their careers and lives.
U.S. Physician Workforce Data
2025 National Doctors Day Theme
Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience
