Women doctors face unique challenges in providing effective health care, especially when balancing family and domestic caregiving roles. Burnout, moral injury, and other forms of distress among health workers have gained more visibility in recent years—but often without addressing the disproportionate impact on women doctors. Studies show that the combined weight of clinical and personal responsibilities leaves women physicians with less time for recovery, reduced professional satisfaction, and significantly higher rates of depression and suicide compared to their peers.

The Feel Better Retreat was created as a response to that gap. Eighteen women physicians gathered for a long weekend of restoration, connection, and growth—designed to both nourish the individual and strengthen the collective. The retreat was organized and led by Dr. Karen Leitner, a board-certified Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician, leadership coach, and advocate for systemic change in healthcare. Over the past five years, Karen has worked with more than 400 women physicians navigating the complexities of modern medicine—from charting demands to leadership challenges—while reclaiming joy and sustainability in their careers.

Retreat participants earned 9 credits in AMA PRA Continuing Medical Education credits, via participation in several coaching sessions, across a long weekend. They also enjoyed several yoga classes taught by a participant, therapeutic massages, guided  hikes and self-guided walks, and an art project.

Interspersed between retreat activities, the group enjoyed nourishing meals, including an Indian-themed dinner with butter chicken, Malai kofta, coconut rice and naan, a breakfast with huevos ranchero, banana bread and walnut “sausage” and another dinner of salmon piccata with pesto pasta, roasted asparagus and chocolate cheesecake. Free time in the evenings was spent in the newly installed hot-tub or shared conversation around a fire, as the rain fell outside. 

Participants departed feeling refreshed, with new tools gained from the coaching sessions and a renewed commitment to their own self-care, as they continue their critical medical work.