MIEA at Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University
Tackling Burnout with Mindfulness for Medical Students
Burnout is a significant challenge in medical training, with nearly half of U.S. medical students reporting its impact on their well-being. To address this, the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU invited Dr. Holly Rogers to introduce mindfulness to medical students as a practical solution for managing stress and fostering resilience.
The Challenge
Addressing Burnout in Medical Students
Burnout is a significant challenge in medical training, with nearly half of U.S. medical students reporting its impact on their well-being, according to a recent American Medical Association report. The relentless pressures of medical training make it difficult for students to stay focused, compassionate, and resilient. This widespread issue highlights the need for innovative strategies like mindfulness for medical students to support their mental and emotional health.
The Solution
Bringing Mindfulness to Medicine
To provide tools for managing stress and combating burnout, the Burnett School of Medicine welcomed Dr. Holly Rogers, co-founder of the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA), as part of its Physician Communications and Medical Humanities Speaker Series. Dr. Rogers delivered an engaging talk on mindfulness for medical students, sharing practical techniques that build resilience and reduce stress.
Drawing on her expertise and personal journey, Dr. Rogers emphasized that mindfulness isn’t just about meditation but can also be integrated into everyday activities like walking, running, or even counting breaths.
Through evidence-based techniques, students gained practical tools in mindfulness for medical students, helping them navigate the demands of medical training while enhancing their ability to connect compassionately with patients—essential skills for thriving as future physicians.
Mindfulness in Action
Simple, Practical Techniques for Future Physicians
Dr. Rogers guided students through simple breathing exercises, illustrating how mindfulness can fit into even the busiest schedules. Her practical approach resonated with attendees, including second-year medical student and Mindfulness and Meditation Student Interest Group president, Setu Shiroya.
“As medical students, we face a lot of stressors in our daily life,” Shiroya shared. “Dr. Rogers’ approach gives us tools to step back, think clearly, and connect compassionately with our patients.”
The Impact
Resilience Through Mindfulness
Heather Hale Nguyen, M.S., Director of Humanities and Communication at Burnett School of Medicine, praised the session for its practicality. “Dr. Rogers provides clear and relatable steps for staying grounded, managing stress, and building resilience. Her methods are efficient and manageable for students who are strapped for time.”
The Impact
Building Compassionate and Mindful Physicians
By learning mindfulness techniques, medical students at TCU are not only enhancing their ability to cope with stress but are also cultivating skills that will help them become more compassionate, empathetic physicians. Evidence-based mindfulness courses like MIEA’s Intro to Mindfulness provide practical tools for managing stress, building resilience, and fostering self-compassion—skills essential for thriving in both personal and professional life.
The partnership between MIEA and the Burnett School of Medicine highlights the transformative potential of mindfulness for medical students in high-stress environments, setting the foundation for a more mindful future in medicine.
Source: Using Mindfulness to Address Physician and Student Burnout