Mindfulness in Medicine
The current COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the planetary health crisis and deep calls for social justice, have presented tremendous challenges to those providing care for rural society. These global crises require a level of fortitude and innovation that is rarely required of us. The Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) offers Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) sessions to rural
providers, in order to support navigating uncertainty, processing upheaval, and optimizing creativity. In pausing together, providers can care for one another in ways that activates our personal and collective resilience.
This participatory, trauma-sensitive course has been offered virtually and consists of eight weekly 2.5 hour classes and one day-long class on a Saturday.
Our Achievements
Training Completed
A total of 42 participants over two cohorts completed this training in mindfulness, with participation from all regions of the province. Cohort #1 ran from April to June 2021 with 24 participants, and cohort #2 ran from October to December 2021 with 18 participants. While most participants were physicians, several midwives and nurse practitioners also attended, alongside several RCCbc staff. Feedback from pre and post surveys indicated positive changes across the cohorts, in terms of both reduced levels of perceived stress and improved levels of emotional regulation.
Community of Practice Established
A community of practice was also established, with drop-in monthly meetings running from September 2021 through May 2022. Providers who had participated in either cohort were invited to join, alongside previous MBSR alumni from both rural and urban settings. These sessions provided opportunities to practice together, while also integrating mindfulness into work and life through addressing various themes. Topics included provider self-compassion, setting boundaries, exploring anti-racism, planetary health, and renegotiating trauma. These sessions were well-attended, with 20-30 providers attending monthly.
Stories of Success
The Mindfulness in Medicine initiative will be accepting applications for more participants.
Dr. Rahul Gupta, who led the initiative, said: “Due to the positive response to both the MBSR program and the community of practice, another 1-2 eight week programs will be offered this fiscal year and the monthly drop-in sessions will be continued.
“Based on participant feedback, new themes will include tackling perfectionism, addressing moral distress, mindful leadership, and processing grief.”
Interested in hearing about the feedback? Here is what people had to say:
Quotes from MBSR cohorts:
“I found the weekly sessions very helpful for gaining understanding, learning techniques and practising them. I found the home meditations very effective for establishing a regular practice. The whole day retreat was extremely impactful for me.”
“It is a process…a practical, well designed, and well facilitated process that creates a wonderful opportunity to a new and self-connected way of being.”
“Practicing mediations in a group setting and exploring different forms was the most effective part for me. Was helpful to find what worked best for me and to listen to others discuss their experiences and challenges.”
“The impact is too much to really write out – a new level of awareness, self-reflection, and connection to my full being (acceptance of the ‘good, bad, and ugly’ and trying not to categorize them as such precisely because that would be judging!)”
“I am so glad that I had the opportunity to do this course online since I live in an isolated community…the virtual platform allowed the group to connect, to express their experience and feelings… My experience was very excellent.”
“This program has impacted me immensely – more grounded, more joyful, easier to communicate with others, and improvements in personal relationships.”
“I have already noticed I am better able to manage my time and my workload so I experience less stress at work and more enjoyment. I feel like integrating my spiritual side with my professional side means that I feel less conflicted in my work and more ‘myself’, which feels more sustainable in the longer term.”
“Mindfulness will be a part of my life forever. I will bring a healthier more present self into my work, life, and relationships. I will recommend MBSR to patients as a way of getting unstuck…finding acceptance and deeper connection to self.”
Quotes from Community of Practice:
“Thank you Rahul and RCCbc team – this is such a wonderful community of practice and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
“I will have to ensure that the sessions become a priority – as every time I have had the chance to participate it has been a very grounding experience.”
“I appreciate the group discussions, learning from each other, and growing together.”
“I think this was one of the best courses I did last year. I continue to practice what I learn, especially how I can apply mindfulness to my life.”
“I love these sessions – they were easily accessible – I felt safe, and encouraged.”
Team Members
Dr. Rahul Gupta
