Mindfulness in Medicine

Mindfulness in Medicine is a program that offers Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) sessions to rural providers. The sessions help providers navigate uncertainty, process upheaval, and optimize creativity. In pausing together, providers can care for one another in ways that activates our personal and collective resilience. This participatory, trauma-sensitive course consists of eight weekly 2.5-hour classes and one day-long class on a Saturday.

“Total game changer—allowing me to be present in my personal life and letting go of work when I am not at work .”

Mindful Based Stress Reduction

Achievements

Mindfulness Training Success

A total of 15 participants completed this training in mindfulness, with participation from all regions of the province. This cohort ran from September through to November 2023. While most participants were physicians, several midwives and nurse practitioners also attended, alongside one RCCbc staff.  

Feedback from pre- and post-training surveys indicated positive changes across the cohorts, in terms of both significantly reduced levels of perceived stress and improved levels of emotional regulation. Through qualitative measures, participants have also described a sense of renewal, a deeper connection to self and others, and greater capacity in setting healthy boundaries despite the challenges of the current system. 

Community of Practice Sustained

A community of practice has continued to grow, with drop-in monthly meetings running from September 2022 through June 2023. These sessions provided opportunities to practice together, while also integrating mindfulness into work and life through addressing various themes. Topics included disrupting perfectionism, self-compassion, moral distress, setting boundaries, anti-racism, and trauma renegotiation. These sessions have been well-attended, with 15-30 providers attending monthly.  

Explore the numbers

15 Participants

15 rural providers took part in the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course

9 Sessions

A total of 9 sessions were held in 2023

4.65 Average Rating

Average rating out of 5 for those who participated in the MBSR training

Plans for the Future

The Mindfulness in Medicine team will continue offering 1-2 eight-week programs per year. In May-June 2024, they will be holding a cohort for rural BIPOC healthcare providers, in recognition of the unique challenges they may be facing. 