As the demands on physicians continue to grow, there is increasing attention on the importance of health, wellness, and wellbeing as key elements for both personal fulfillment and effective patient care. Michael H. Gendel, MD, Medical Director Emeritus at the Colorado Physician Health Program, highlights that while these three concepts are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct but interconnected aspects of a physician’s life.
According to Dr. Gendel, health extends beyond simply being free from illness. “For us, it’s not just the absence of disease but maintaining our physical condition to meet the demands of long hours, mental strain and, at times, physical exhaustion,” he said. He noted that many physicians tend to overlook their own health needs in favor of caring for others. However, neglecting regular check-ups or failing to address emotional distress can have significant consequences: “Even minor physical health issues, when left unchecked, can impair our ability to focus, diagnose and treat our patients effectively, ultimately compromising patient safety.” Dr. Gendel also stressed the importance of addressing mental health concerns by seeking support from family or medical professionals.
Dr. Gendel distinguishes wellness as an active process involving good habits and routines that help prevent burnout and maintain balance across various aspects of life—physical, mental, social, financial, spiritual, intellectual and professional. “In a profession as demanding as medicine, wellness practices are not indulgent; they are essential to sustaining longevity in the field,” he said. He added that increased emphasis on physician wellness programs reflects a need for systematic approaches to ensure sustainable careers in medicine.
Wellbeing is described by Dr. Gendel as encompassing psychological and spiritual dimensions that go beyond measurable factors like physical fitness or established routines. “A physician might be physically fit and maintain good wellness practices yet still experience a lack of fulfillment or emotional exhaustion,” he explained. Wellbeing relates closely to meaning and purpose in one’s work and personal life; without it physicians may feel disconnected from themselves and their patients.
Dr. Gendel pointed out that doctors often misjudge their own state of wellbeing and suggested tools such as the Mayo Physician Wellbeing Index for self-assessment while emphasizing the value of feedback from trusted individuals: “One can take the Mayo Physician Wellbeing Index online for free – but there is no substitute for asking for feedback from loved ones (or others that know you well) concerning how they view your state of wellbeing.”
The distinctions between health, wellness and wellbeing underline the need for comprehensive strategies supporting physicians throughout their careers.
