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mindfulness

Introduction to Mindfulness for Physicians

Teaser: 

D'Arcy Little MD CCFP FCFP FRCPC,

D’Arcy Little, MD, CCFP, FCFP, FRCPC, Medical Director, Journal of Current Clinical Care and www.healthplexus.net Radiologist, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Imaging cross-appointed to Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract:
This article was modelled after the Mindfulness Research Symposium and Retreat at the University of Toronto* in partnership with monastics from Plum Village, France, January 2026, the monastery of the famous Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. (See Figure 1)
Mindfulness, the practice of bringing non-judgmental awareness to the present moment, has emerged as a significant intervention for addressing physician burnout, enhancing clinical decision-making, and improving patient-provider relationships. This article synthesizes teachings from contemplative traditions with contemporary neuroscience to provide physicians with practical, evidence-informed techniques for cultivating present-moment awareness. Drawing on symposium presentations by experienced practitioners, we explore the foundational elements of mindfulness practice, including breath awareness, body scanning, emotional regulation, and the integration of mindful awareness into daily clinical activities. The article emphasizes that mindfulness is not an additional task to be accomplished but rather a quality of attention that can transform routine activities into opportunities for restoration and insight. *https://www.newcollege.utoronto.ca/events/mindfulness-research-symposium/



Key Words: mindfulness, present-moment awareness, physician burnout, decision-making.
1. Mindfulness is non-judgmental awareness of present-moment experience, distinct from relaxation or concentration techniques.
2. The breath serves as an ideal anchor for practice because it is always available, reflects emotional state, and can be attended to discretely.
3. Difficult emotions, when met with acceptance rather than resistance, tend to resolve within 90 seconds; rumination extends suffering.
4. Integration into clinical workflow requires no additional time; it transforms the quality of attention brought to existing activities.
5. Self-compassion is not self-indulgence; it is a prerequisite for sustainable compassionate care of others.
The 90-Second Emotion Rule: Difficult emotions like anger naturally resolve within 90 seconds if you don’t resist them. Suffering extends beyond this only through rumination. Allow the emotion, then consciously choose whether to continue engaging with it.
Transform Transitions into Micro-Resets: Use existing clinical moments—handwashing, walking between rooms, waiting for the EMR—for brief breath awareness. Even a single conscious breath during these transitions helps reset your presence.
Self-Compassion as Professional Responsibility: Self-care isn’t optional; it’s essential for sustainable patient care. When your inner critic says “I’m not good enough,” recognize this as a passing thought, not truth—it’s one aspect of your experience, not your totality.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Radiology, mindfulness, present-moment awareness, Physician burnout, decision-making
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

Mindfulness and Stoicism for Doctors and Medical Trainees: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges

Teaser: 

D'Arcy Little MD CCFP FCFP FRCPC,

Medical Director, Journal of Current Clinical Care and www.healthplexus.net, Adjunct Clinical Lecturer, Departments of Medical Imaging and Family Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Medical training represents one of the most demanding educational journeys, characterized by intense academic pressure, emotional challenges, sleep deprivation, and the weight of future responsibility for human lives. The prevalence of burnout, anxiety, and depression among medical students and residents has reached alarming levels, with studies showing rates significantly higher than the general population.

Key Words: mindfulness, stoicism, doctors, medical trainees.
1. The Dichotomy of Control (Stoic Foundation) Medical trainees must learn to distinguish between what is within their control (actions, preparation, responses) versus what is not (exam results, patient outcomes, others’ behavior). This fundamental principle prevents wasted energy on uncontrollable factors and channels effort toward areas where trainees can make a real difference, such as focusing on study quality rather than match competitiveness.
2. Present-Moment Awareness (Mindfulness Core) Developing the ability to stay fully present during patient encounters, procedures, and clinical tasks dramatically improves both performance and well-being. Rather than mentally rehearsing presentations or being distracted by anxiety, present-moment awareness allows trainees to engage completely with the immediate clinical situation, leading to better patient care and reduced stress.
3. Non-Judgmental Observation of Difficult Emotions Medical training inevitably involves criticism, failure, and overwhelming situations. Learning to observe emotions like shame, anxiety, or frustration without adding self-critical thoughts prevents the “secondary suffering” that compounds initial difficulties. This skill allows trainees to process feedback constructively rather than being paralyzed by emotional reactivity.
4. Integration Creates Synergistic Benefits Combining mindfulness and Stoic practices provides complementary tools: mindfulness creates awareness and space between stimulus and response, while Stoicism provides the ethical framework for choosing wise responses. This integration addresses both emotional regulation and meaning-making challenges inherent in medical education.
The 3-Minute Reset Between Patients Use the “3-Minute Breathing Space” technique between patient encounters: spend one minute noticing current thoughts/emotions without changing them, one minute focusing on breath as an anchor, and one minute expanding awareness to create perspective. This brief practice prevents emotional carryover between patients and maintains clinical presence.
Weekly Virtue Check for Professional Development Each week, systematically evaluate how you demonstrated the four cardinal virtues: wisdom (admitting knowledge limits, seeking feedback), justice (patient advocacy, treating staff with respect), courage (difficult conversations, admitting mistakes), and temperance (sustainable work habits, avoiding unhealthy coping). This creates a framework for character development alongside clinical competency.
Transform Routine into Resilience Practice Convert mandatory activities like hand washing into mindfulness anchors by focusing completely on water temperature, soap texture, and the present moment. This transforms mundane tasks into opportunities for grounding and presence throughout busy clinical days, building resilience without requiring additional time.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Preventive Health, mindfulness, doctors, medical trainees, stoicism, preventive health
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

Neuropathic Pain in Older Adults

Neuropathic Pain in Older Adults

Teaser: 

Jackie Gardner-Nix, MB BS, PhD, MRCP(UK), Assistant Professor, University of Toronto; Chronic Pain Consultant, Department of Anesthesia, St Michael’s Hospital; and Pain Management Programme, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON.

The management of neuropathic pain at any age is aimed at the relief of suffering rather than focusing on decreasing pain scores, and it should involve even simple measures that affect pain and coping. Addressing physical stressors—poor diet, hydration, and sleep quality and quantity—is particularly relevant in older adults. Medications relieving neuropathic pain may be adjunctive to initial interventions and need to be carefully assessed for efficacy and side effects to ensure they relieve, rather than add to, suffering.
Key words: neuropathic pain, analgesics, older adults, mindfulness, psychological interventions.

Related Terms: Pain, analgesics, mindfulness, neuropathic pain, older adults, psychological interventions