By Tiffany Pankow, MD, VP, chief of caregiver wellness and patient experience

Leadership and Initiatives for Fulfillment and Thriving (LIFT) is a group of physicians dedicated to supporting physicians. Thank you to everyone who has completed engagement surveys, attended town halls and listening events, and shared feedback. Key themes we continue to hear include improving communication, creating more opportunities to learn and connect, expanding CME offerings and reducing administrative burden.

We’re always looking for more physicians to get involved in LIFT, whether by serving on the steering committee, joining the advisory board or supporting initiatives within your area of practice. If you’re interested, please sign up here: LIFT – Physician interest form.

Over the past year, LIFT has celebrated several meaningful successes, including updates to credentialing questions to remove stigmatizing mental health questions and receiving the Lorna Breen Foundation Wellbeing Champions Award. The third Physician Leadership Academy is currently underway, led by John Pope, MD, and Ajit Itty, MD, in collaboration with organization development consultant and coach, Jenny Yoder. In addition, more than 30 new physician peer supporters were trained in 2025. If you could benefit from a listening ear, please connect with a peer supporter here: Peer Support – Power Apps.

The Women Physicians Leadership Council recognized Trailblazer winners this past October and hosted coaching and “Crucial Conversations” education sessions in honor of Women Physicians Day in February. Nina Shah, DO, and Tiffany Pankow, MD, also hosted a listening event for women physicians last summer. This spring, they look forward to welcoming Laurie Santos, PhD, Yale University professor and host of “The Happiness Lab” podcast, on Saturday, April 25. A registration link will be shared soon.
In 2026, we have several initiatives planned to strengthen physician communication and local action planning based on your feedback. This includes developing a centralized physician and APP digital hub on HonorHealth.com, featuring a blog, resource library and events calendar. We’re also planning additional social events, expanded CME opportunities and increased support with AI.

Your voice continues to shape this work. Join LIFT and be part of the action.