The Link Between Wellness and Good Medicine
Medicine is a demanding profession. The long hours, emotional weight, and constant responsibility can take a toll on even the most dedicated physicians. Over the years, I’ve learned that taking care of my own mental and physical well-being is not separate from taking care of my patients—it’s part of it.
A healthy, balanced doctor can think more clearly, listen more fully, and act more compassionately. I’ve found that spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, and even playing chess have each helped me stay grounded in ways that directly influence my medical practice.
Why Physician Wellness Matters
For too long, physician wellness was seen as a personal concern rather than a professional necessity. But when doctors are exhausted, distracted, or emotionally drained, patient care suffers. Studies have shown that burnout leads to more medical errors, less empathy, and higher turnover in healthcare teams.
When we nurture our own well-being, we are better able to give our patients the care they deserve. It is not indulgent—it is essential. For me, that balance comes from three unexpected sources: nature, mindfulness, and chess.
Finding Balance in Nature
Nature has always been one of my greatest teachers. Whether walking through a quiet forest or sitting near a lake, I feel a sense of calm that no technology or medication can match. Being outdoors resets my mind in a way that allows me to return to work with more focus and patience.
In the hospital, the environment is often sterile, loud, and stressful. Nature is the opposite—it is alive, rhythmic, and grounding. Even brief moments outside between shifts can change my mood and sharpen my perspective.
There is growing evidence that time outdoors lowers stress hormones, improves mood, and enhances cognitive performance. For physicians, who make dozens of critical decisions a day, that clarity can make a real difference. I often encourage my colleagues to take walks on their lunch breaks or spend time outside on their days off. It is one of the simplest and most effective forms of self-care.
Mindfulness: The Power of Being Present
Mindfulness has become something of a buzzword in recent years, but its value in medicine is timeless. At its core, mindfulness is simply the practice of being fully present—paying attention to the current moment without judgment or distraction.
In a world where multitasking is constant, mindfulness helps me slow down and truly focus on the patient in front of me. When I practice mindfulness, I notice the small details in a patient’s story or expression that I might otherwise miss. It helps me listen not just to their words but to their tone, body language, and emotions.
Mindfulness also helps manage stress. When I feel overwhelmed during a busy shift, taking a few deep breaths or focusing on the sensations of the moment helps me reset. It allows me to approach each patient with a clear, calm mind rather than carrying the stress of the last encounter into the next one.
There is also evidence that mindfulness training reduces physician burnout and improves empathy. Patients can sense when their doctor is truly present, and that presence builds trust.
Chess and the Physician’s Mind
At first glance, chess might not seem related to medicine. But I’ve always believed that the discipline of chess mirrors the discipline of being a good physician.
Both require patience, strategy, and the ability to see patterns. In chess, each move has consequences that unfold later in the game. In medicine, each decision—from ordering a test to choosing a treatment—has ripple effects that influence the outcome.
Chess trains the mind to think several steps ahead while staying calm under pressure. It also teaches humility; even the best players make mistakes, and each one offers a lesson. In my experience, that same mindset applies to medicine. We must approach every case with focus, flexibility, and a willingness to learn.
Playing chess reminds me that thoughtful decision-making is not about speed—it is about accuracy and balance. That lesson carries over into my daily work as a hospitalist, where careful thinking often leads to better results than rushing toward a conclusion.
Integrating Wellness Into Medical Practice
Some might wonder how these personal habits—walking outdoors, meditating, playing chess—translate into better patient care. The connection is simple. When I feel centered and engaged, I make better decisions, communicate more clearly, and approach each patient with more empathy.
Physicians who practice self-care are more resilient in the face of stress. They are better listeners. They can connect on a human level rather than operating on autopilot. This, in turn, creates stronger relationships and better outcomes.
Wellness is not a luxury for doctors—it is part of professional responsibility. We cannot pour from an empty cup.
The Broader Impact of Physician Wellness
When physicians take care of themselves, it creates a ripple effect throughout the healthcare system. Teams function better, morale improves, and patients receive more consistent, compassionate care. It also sets an example for younger doctors and medical students who are watching how we balance our lives.
As someone who has spent years teaching and mentoring residents, I always remind them that medicine is a marathon, not a sprint. The best physicians are not just knowledgeable—they are balanced, reflective, and aware of their own limits.
Final Reflections
Medicine will always be demanding, but it doesn’t have to consume us. By reconnecting with nature, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in thoughtful activities like chess, physicians can find the calm and clarity they need to do their best work.
Each of these practices reminds me that medicine is not just about diagnosing and treating disease—it is about understanding people, including ourselves. A healthy, centered doctor is not only a better caregiver but also a more compassionate human being.
In the end, caring for ourselves is one of the most powerful ways we can care for our patients.