Working in medicine is, generally, a demanding profession. Female doctors, in particular, face multiple intersecting demands from their various responsibilities at work and at home. Women are also socialized to serve others, often without clear boundaries or room for taking care of what they, themselves, need.

In response to this perennial challenge, The Uplands was thrilled to host a group of women doctors who work with Dr. Karen Leitner as they navigate and bolster themselves against burnout, moral injury and overall depletion from their work to keep people well. The Feel Better retreat took place at The Uplands from June 12-15. The Caregiver retreat included professional development on topics including mindfulness, resilience, nervous system self-regulation and cognitive reframing, provided by Dr. Leitner. Those sessions earned participants 9 Continuing Medical Education (AMA PRA Category 1) credits.

Around the sessions, the doctors enjoyed yoga classes (guided by one of the retreat participants), therapeutic massages and an art project centered on joy which resulted in a collective playlist and – later – a dance party. The group also enjoyed some optional activities: a guided hike, a sound bath and a big open fire in Cheriklo, a site named after a character in Greek mythology who was the healer of wounded healers.

The group also enjoyed hearty meals, with waffles, shakshuka and blueberry loaves for breakfasts, lunches featuring soups with hungarian-prepared mushrooms and Italian-themed lemon cannelloni with home-made breads and dinners of ratatouille and caesar salad, sesame ahi tuna with dipping sauces and home-made desserts.

It was a delight to host this impressive group of caregivers and to be able to offer wellness opportunities which allowed for needed respite and renewed resilience for the road ahead.