KevinMD October 7, 2025
Physical therapist and physician advocate Kim Downey, mental health counselor Nikolai Blinow, and family physician and physician coach Tonya Caylor discuss their article “Focusing on well-being versus wellness: What it means for physicians (and their patients).” Together, Kim, Nikolai, and Tonya examine why the language of “wellness” often feels performative and unattainable, while “well-being” reflects a dynamic, values-based, and relational practice that supports both physicians and patients. They highlight how well-being fosters flexibility, belonging, and system-level change, while empowering individual clinicians to reconnect with purpose and presence. Listeners will gain insights into how embracing well-being can transform physician culture, reduce burnout, and model healthier approaches to care.
Mentioned on the show:
Well-Being Toolkit of On-Demand Resources: https://caws.dukehealth.org/toolkit-on-demand/
Transcript
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