Cultivating Compassion and System Thinking to Transform Medicine
Based on the scientific principles of neuroplasticity, epigenetics, and inborn goodness, Dr. Wong will present the scientific evidence supporting compassion as both innate and trainable.
She will discuss the difference between empathy and compassion, and explain why compassion fatigue is a misnomer. Contrary to common beliefs, compassion is an inexhaustible source of energy and resilience that acts as an antidote to burnout, which is a multi-faceted phenomenon.
She will introduce system thinking to guide us to look deeply into the systemic and structural factors contributing to physician distress. By cultivating compassion and system thinking, we can transform both ourselves and the system so that we can all flourish in medicine and build a kinder, gentler society.
Objectives:
1. To discuss the scientific evidence affirming that compassion is both innate and a trainable skill.
2. To develop system thinking skills so we can look deeply into the systemic and structural factors contributing to physician distress.
3. Use these trainable skills to build inner resources and improve the healthcare system so we can flourish in medicine.