The medical professions are hurting right now.  We find ourselves in an impossible situation of increasing demands and pressure to do more and more with limited resources.  Despite the huge costs of healthcare,  patients are frustrated,  while providers--already in short supply--are  becoming increasingly burned out.  The current situation is not sustainable.    It's true that finding practical solutions to the problems of healthcare is essential, however it's unlikely that our society will find a simple fix.   Providing healthcare will be always be challenging, even in an ideal state of boundless  resources.   

Mindfulness is not the solution, but it could be part of the solution.  Mindfulness has been studied extensively and used within healthcare organizations for decades.  The benefits of practicing mindfulness have been demonstrated conclusively for both patients and providers, and there is even growing evidence that practicing mindfulness can help leaders be more effective.  Unfortunately, mindfulness has never taken hold in a meaningful way within any local healthcare organization.  The true benefits of mindfulness in healthcare have never been realized.  Understandably,  insurance companies,  medical groups, and supporting institutions have too many other pressing priorities than to devote to incorporating mindfulness into their business practices.  It seems that staying profitable, dealing with staffing shortages, and managing the explosion in medical technology is all consuming.

The reality is that while systems change and medical technology comes and goes, the foundational human qualities that underlie healthcare will always be timely and relevant.  The power of human presence, wise judgment, and compassion will never go out of style, and will never be replaced by Artifical Intelligence.  These are just some of the benefits that living mindfully can bring.  No matter what else is happening in healthcare, mindfulness will always be beneficial.

Would you like to connect with other like-minded health professionals who share your interest in developing a holistic and healthy approach to medical care?  SIMH aspires to be a touchstone of mindfulness resources for healthcare providers in the Sacramento-Roseville area.  We are open to anyone who works in the field of healthcare: that includes nurses, therapists, medical assistants, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, doctors, counselors, optometrists, leaders, managers, clerks, environmental service workers...everyone!  Because healthcare is a team sport, everyone wins when they get up-to-speed with the mindfulness playbook.  

Over time we hope to make SIMH a hub of information and resources and a nexus of connection.  We plan on publishing references,  articles, blogs, inspiring stories, as well as highlighting opportunities for mindfulness education.  Ultimately, we hope to create ways for community members to meet in order to learn,  network, and socialize.   Our goal is to use connection to make our professions enjoyable again!  By creating a community of mindful providers, we can support each other to be our best selves for the benefit of our patients and each other.

We invite you to join us on this wonderful mission!