Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Training in a Medical Setting- A Pilot Study

A large body of research suggests that medical professionals are at risk for increased physiological and psychological distress (Dyrbye et al, 2006; Tyssen et al, 2009). 1. First, dealing on a daily basis with the pain and suffering of others has a negative impact on those serving in a helping role (Showalter, 2010). 2. Additionally, the grueling schedule, demanding environment, and lack of supportive peer culture may leave little time for physicians to manage care for themselves, leading to depression and decreased life satisfaction as compared to the general population (Goebert et al, 2009). 3. Furthermore, physicians and other healthcare professionals often lack the knowledge and resources to attend to their own self-care as these skills are only recently beginning to receive attention as part of the medical environment (Dyrbye, 2012).