As a practicing family physician, educator, and physician coach, I witness every day how deeply women physicians are struggling and how little space there is for them to truly rest, process, and heal. The women doctors I work with carry the weight of patient trauma, systemic dysfunction, inequity, and relentless expectations, often while navigating motherhood, leadership roles, and caregiving at home. Many are burned out not because they don’t love medicine, but because the system was never designed to support the emotional and psychological labor they provide.

To address this, I created a trauma-informed wellness retreat: a safe, grounded space where women physicians can step out of survival mode, reconnect with themselves, and learn tools to support long-term sustainability in medicine. However, I also recognize that many of the physicians who would benefit most—early-career doctors, residents, and physicians underrepresented in medicine—face financial barriers that make attending something like this difficult. This fundraiser exists to help close that gap and ensure access to trauma-informed care and community for women physicians who may not otherwise be able to attend.

Funds raised will directly support sponsored retreat positions for women physicians who face financial or systemic barriers. Donations will help cover retreat registration fees, lodging, meals, and trauma-informed programming and materials. The cost of the retreat only fully pays for the individual; I have never budgeted payment for myself, as I am passionate about physician wellness and supporting my colleagues. Every contribution helps create equitable access to a space designed for healing, connection, and long-term sustainability so women physicians who care for others are also cared for.

If this mission resonates with you, I invite you to support in whatever way feels right - by donating, sharing this fundraiser, or simply spreading the word. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make this retreat accessible to women physicians who need space to rest, heal, and reconnect. By supporting this effort, you’re helping care for the caregivers and investing in a more sustainable, humane future for medicine. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping make this possible.

More information about the retreat: https://www.thrivationcoaching.com/women-physicians-wellness-retreat?cid=859f2035-af0e-4339-9b1e-25407143f161