The MMA recognizes physician well-being as an important component of professionalism and that physician distress, burnout and mental illness are well-documented issues in the medical profession.

In March 2010, the MMA convened a 26-member task force chaired by MMA Past-President Patricia Lindholm, M.D., to survey members and explore ways the MMA could promote physician well-being. Based on the recommendations of this task force, the MMA is developing an implementation plan for promoting physician well-being.

Below are resources about the prevalence of physician burnout and methods to remedy it.

Webinar

September 7, 2011: Physician suicide: What is the scope of the problem? 

Physician Well-being Task Force

MMA Physician Well-being Task Force Report and Recommendations to MMA Board of Trustees
Bibliography of Resources Complied by the Physician Wellbeing Taskforce 

Minnesota Medicine January 2011 Issue Battling Burnout Mid-Career Crisis Hope for Healers Demystifying Mindfulness

Dr. Lindholm on Well-being

Other Resources

AMA Physician Suicide Webinars
Physicians Serving Physicians
Press Release: Mayo Clinic Study Suggests One Simple Question Regarding Stress Could Help Employers Tailor Wellness Programs and Improve Participation
Center for Spirituality & Healing: Working On Purpose and Living On Purpose^TM programs
Integrity in Health Care: Cultivating Organizations of Trust and Inspiration
Burnout self test
ePhysician Health
Finding Balance in a Medical Life," by Lee Lipsenthal, M.D.
International Conference on Physician Health 2010 Materials and Presentations
Podcast: Building Resilient Medical Communities, Richard Gunderman, M.D.
U of M Center for Spirituality & Healing
Meditation may help the brain "turn down the volume" on distractions