134. Holding Pressure on the Wound: Dr. Stefanie Simmons on a New Way to Treat Physician Burnout

Create Meaning in Medicine

Physicians are trained to care for others, but often discouraged from caring for themselves. In this episode, Dr. Stefanie Simmons shares how stigma and outdated systems contribute to burnout and why systemic change is essential. She also reminds us that self-compassion isn’t optional; it’s necessary. Tune in to learn how you can help change the culture of medicine.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• How Dr. Simmons’ personal journey led her to clinical well-being advocacy
• What has changed since the passage of the Lorna Breen Act
• Six "first bites" from the CDC’s Impact Wellbeing Guide
• Bright spots in healthcare where systemic solutions are working
• Why compassion without self-compassion is incomplete

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• 133. Physician Suicide, Stigma & Hope in Healthcare: Corey Feist Speaks Out

About Stefanie Simmons, MD, FACEPDr. Stefanie Simmons is the Chief Medical Officer of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and a board-certified emergency physician. A national advocate for clinician well-being, she works to eliminate barriers to mental health care and create healthier work environments in healthcare. Prior to this role, she led patient and clinician experience efforts for one of the nation’s largest medical groups, supporting more than 26,000 providers. Dr. Simmons trained at the University of Michigan and brings expertise in coaching, medical education, and organizational psychology.

Connect with Dr. Stefanie

• Website: Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation
• LinkedIn: Stefanie Simmons, MD FACEP

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