Posturing Towards Wholeness: Our Radical Way Forward to Living Well as Healthcare Professionals

Over the past few decades, a concerning trend among healthcare professionals points to a rise in the symptoms of chronic fatigue, stress, and burnout, causing many to disengage or leave their profession altogether. Some solutions suggest changes to the structural system within healthcare, while others address personal development programs to enhance individual well-being. Although many have been effective, the problems persist. Could it be that our current solutions, as good as they are, do not go far enough? Do our current methods to prevent and treat burnout lack the depth necessary to achieve well-being while practicing in a challenging environment? Posturing Towards Wholeness offers a not-so-surprising solution to chronic stress and burnout by emphasizing connection, compassion, and contemplation as countermeasures to these increasing trends. Recognizing the relational exchange we have with others, nature, God, and even ourselves will be the topics of conversation throughout this book that can put us in a position to move toward wholeness and a life of living well.

Tom Lenz, PharmD is a Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Creighton University and Director of the Master of Science in Integrative Health and Wellness program. He has published over 100 articles, books, and educational materials on chronic disease, well-being, and lifestyle medicine.