The Connor Integrative Medicine Network (CIMN), University Hospitals’ system-wide integrative medicine network based at UH Ahuja Medical Center, is hosting its first symposium for health care providers titled “Heal the Healer – Restoring Joy and Passion to Your Practice.” The symposium will take place Friday, October 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hawthorne Valley Country Club in Solon.

Stress exists in most workplaces, but possibly more so among health care providers. A recent study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Interdisciplinary Nursing Quality Research Initiative shows nurses suffer depression at twice the rate of the national population. And according to an article published by the Archives of Internal Medicine, burnout is more common among physicians than other U.S. workers.

Recognizing the unique stressors faced by caregivers, CIMN designed Heal the Healer to arm those in the patient care profession with practical tools to combat stress, work-related fatigue and to prioritize and practice self-care.

“Traditionally, health care providers are much better at caring for others than caring for themselves,” says Francoise Adan, MD, Medical Director, Connor Integrative Medicine Network. “Heal the Healer aims to shift the focus from others to self.”

Two nationally known speakers, Dr. Robert Wicks and Dr. Henry Emmons, will present at the symposium. Dr. Wicks is a professor at Loyola University in Maryland and has spoken on Capitol Hill to members of Congress and their Chiefs of Staff, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the Mayo Clinic, among many others, on his major areas of expertise – self-care and the prevention of secondary stress.  

Dr. Emmons is a psychiatrist who integrates mind-body therapies, mindfulness, Buddhist teachings, compassion and insight into his clinical work. Dr. Emmons developed the Resilience Training Program, which is currently offered at the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing in Minneapolis. He is also a founding board member of the International Network for Integrative Mental Health.

Dr. Adan will speak on the challenge of compassion fatigue. Dr. Adan brings over 25 years of experience as a family physician, psychiatrist, coach and educator and is board-certified in integrative medicine by the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. She is also Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Also on the agenda is Tanya Weiker, PT, who will speak on the importance of humor, and Anisha Durve, acupuncturist at CIMN, who will discuss the wisdom from ancient medicine. Attendees will enjoy yoga, tai chi, chair massages, reiki and music therapy throughout the day.

“We feel strongly that it is our responsibility through CIMN to foster optimal health to the community,” says Dr. Adan. “As health care providers, we should be walking the walk and setting a good example of overall wellness for our patients.”  

To register for Heal the Healer call 216-488-4757. Seating is limited. Cost is $185 for MD/DO and $125 for all other attendees. The symposium has been approved to award 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits for physicians and nurses, and 5.0 CEUs for social workers, counselors and psychologists.