Mindfulness in Medicine

The Mindfulness in Medicine program provides rural healthcare providers with tools to manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and cultivate resilience through mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training. The initiative fosters a supportive learning environment through structured courses, drop-in sessions, and a growing community of practice.

A community of practice virtual drop-in session, hosted by the MBSR team.

“I have more tolerance for my own stress and feelings. I have tools to use to manage my emotions, which has made me more attentive as a partner and friend.”

MBSR Participant

Achievements

Launch of a BIPOC-Specific MBSR Cohort

In the spring of 2024, a specific MSBR class was offered to create a supportive environment for providers who identify as people of colour, multiracial, or racialized. A total of 10 participants completed the mindfulness-based stress reduction course, with participation from all regions of BC. This 8-week program ran from May to June 2024 with 7 physicians, 1 midwife and 2 RCCbc staff.

Feedback from pre- and post-training indicated positive changes in reducing levels of perceived stress and improved levels of emotional regulation. Through the evaluation survey, participants expressed ways in which the course impacted their personal and professional lives such as showing more self-compassion and taking time to slow down and centre oneself. Several individuals indicated that the cohort for BIPOC providers created a safer space.

“I found myself quite relaxed, being in a room full of BIPOC individuals. I felt like I could openly discuss issues even if they were BIPOC related, and I could let my shield down. The exercises during the course were really helpful even if they were difficult at times.” – MBSR Participant

Growth of the Mindfulness Community of Practice

The Mindfulness in Medicine Community of Practice continued to expand, offering monthly virtual drop-in sessions from September to December 2024.

These sessions provided the opportunity to practice together, while also integrating mindfulness into work and life through the exploration of various themes, covering topics such as:

Disrupting Perfectionism
Mindfully Navigating Survival Responses
Balancing Proactive and Receptive Effort
The Two Sides of Self-Compassion – Mercy & Might

These sessions created a space for ongoing practice and peer support.

Explore the numbers

10 BIPOC participants

There were 10 participants in the dedicated BIPOC MBSR cohort, including 7 physicians.

4 Monthly workshops

Ongoing monthly community of practice workshops.

Making a Difference

Discovering a Calling: A Physician’s Journey into Mindfulness in Medicine

“This course helped me approach things with curiosity and a beginner's mind, which has revitalized my interest in life itself, rather than just trying to be as productive as possible.”

MBSR Participant

“I will take more moments throughout my day to practice mindfulness so that I can be more present for patients, and I will teach patients these practices when needed.”

MBSR Participant

Plans for the Future

The 2025 winter course is set to have full intake with around 20 providers from rural communities across BC. Ahead of this, an in–person, one-day retreat will be offered as part of the 2025 BC Rural Health Conference in Prince George.

The MBSR team are also giving some thought to an open series of seasonal mindfulness sessions, addressing issues like climate change, systemic racism, and team conflict for example.