The Dean of Clinical Sciences, Dr. Lanny F. Wilson, represented Avalon University School of Medicine at the 2022 ‘Joy & Wholeness Summit’. This summit was sponsored by The Coalition for Physician Well Being. Earlier this year, Dr. Wilson was elected to the Board of Trustees of The Coalition where he will represent the interests of International Medical Graduates, which make up more than twenty five percent of the physician workforce in the United States. The Mission of The Coalition for Physician Well-Being is “To promote meaning, purpose, and joy in the practice of medicine.”

The Coalition came together in 2010 to address growing concerns about physician burnout. “Education about physician well-being must start in medical school.” said Dr. Wilson, “Then, it must continue to be addressed throughout residency training, and in fact, throughout a physician’s entire practice life”. Too many physicians forget the idealism which brought them into this proudest of professions, according to Dr. Wilson. Even in medical school, we should be encouraging our young women and men to focus on the everyday stories of grace, beauty, and success which bring us joy. When at last those healthy medical students become healthy doctors, there will be ample opportunities to bring excellent healthcare to their patients. That is where the joy and wholeness of the medical profession comes to full fruition. “At Avalon, we are co creators of well-being.” Says Dr. Wilson.