ACGME Well-Being Podcasts

About ACGME Well-Being Podcasts

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)'s Well-Being podcast series addresses a variety of strategies for enhancing well-being among members of the graduate medical education community. Hosted by ACGME Vice President for Well-Being Dr. Stuart Slavin, the series explores mental health and well-being from the perspectives of key stakeholders and well-being experts.

Publisher

ACGME

Category

education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Nov 2019

Latest episode

16 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

47 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Jul 2026

   Balancing Purpose and Comfort: Daniel Saddawi-Konefka and Matthew Tung on Physician Well-Being

   In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin is joined by Dr. Daniel Saddawi‑Konefka, associate professor of anesthesia, and Dr. Matthew Tung, instructor in anesthesia, both at Harvard Medical School. They discuss their JAMA viewpoint, Meaning and Comfort in Physician Well‑Being: An Integrated Framework, and explore how two complementary dimensions of well‑being—meaning and comfort—can help physicians thrive throughout their careers. Drawing on concepts rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, Drs. Saddawi‑Konefka and Tung examine the relationship between eudaimonia (the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from service, growth, and connection) and hedonia (the well‑being associated with comfort, safety, and the reduction of unnecessary burdens). They discuss why these concepts are often framed as competing priorities in medicine and argue instead that both are essential components of sustainable physician well‑being. The conversation also explores practical applications within graduate medical education, including fostering intrinsic motivation, promoting autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and creating opportunities for learners to connect with the meaning inherent in patient care. Throughout the discussion, the speakers highlight how organizational efforts to reduce administrative burdens and improve working conditions can create the space needed for physicians to engage more deeply with purpose, connection, and professional fulfillment. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how an integrated approach to meaning and comfort can support well‑being for learners, educators, and practicing physicians alike. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro and Guest Introduction (01:15) – Origins of the Meaning and Comfort Framework (03:00) – Rethinking Physician Well-Being (04:30) – Understanding Meaning and Comfort (06:03) – Hedonia, Eudaimonia, and Well-Being (08:10) – Finding Life and Meaning in Work (10:06) – Balancing Purpose and Comfort (11:20) – Intrinsic Motivation and Medical Training (12:56) – Self-Determination Theory in Practice (14:47) – Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness (16:39) – Creating Cultures of Meaning and Connection (18:18) – Gratitude, Recognition, and Daily Purpose (19:45) – Rediscovering Meaning in Everyday Clinical Work (21:20) – When Loss of Meaning Signals a Need for Support (22:27) – Hedonic Adaptation and Sustainable Well-Being (23:11) – Integrating Meaning and Comfort (24:48) – Closing and Resources

2. 

   30 Jun 2026

   Growing in GME: Bret Stevens and Reanna Benedict on Community, Mentorship, and Lifelong Learning

   In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin is joined by Bret Stevens, director of medical education and associate designated institutional official (DIO) at McLaren Oakland, and Reanna Benedict, director of GME operations and assistant DIO at Lexington Health. Drawing on their leadership experience and service on the ACGME's Coordinator Advisory Group, they explore how community-building and professional development can strengthen job satisfaction, resilience, and long-term success for program coordinators and other GME professionals. Bret and Reanna discuss the importance of building connections at the institutional, regional, and national levels, particularly for those working in smaller programs or organizations with limited local support. They share practical strategies for engaging with professional organizations, seeking mentorship, developing peer networks, and creating opportunities for collaboration and learning. The conversation also highlights the value of giving back to the GME community through mentoring others, sharing resources, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The discussion further examines the evolving skills needed in the coordinator role, including navigating new technologies, leveraging residency management systems, leading difficult conversations, and supporting learners through challenging situations. Throughout the episode, the speakers emphasize the importance of asking for help, embracing lifelong learning, and extending compassion to oneself while navigating the complexities of GME. Listeners will gain practical insights into how community, mentorship, and ongoing professional growth can enhance both the coordinator experience and the broader clinical learning environment. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro & Guest Introduction (00:45) – Community and Professional Development in GME (04:00) – Finding Support Through Professional Networks (05:28) – The Value of Conferences and Peer Learning (07:25) – Mentorship, Leadership, and Giving Back (09:02) – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (10:50) – Growth Mindset and Continuous Improvement (13:27) – Embracing Change and Lifelong Learning (14:50) – Technology, AI, and Working Smarter (17:15) – Creating Coordinator Communities (20:16) – Developing Communication and Leadership Skills (25:00) – Self-Compassion and Final Reflections (25:38) – Closing & Resources

3. 

   16 Jun 2026

   Navigating the Coordinator Role: Julie Beckerdite and Carrie Racsumberger on Communication, Boundaries, and Building Strong Relationships

   In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin is joined by Julie Beckerdite, director of education for the Departments of Pathology and Psychiatry, and Carrie Racsumberger, fellowship program manager in the Department of Pathology - both at Mass General Brigham. Together, they share insights from their work on the ACGME Coordinator Advisory Group in a practical conversation on the relationships that shape the program coordinator role in graduate medical education (GME). Drawing on their experience, Beckerdite and Racsumberger discuss how interactions with residents, fellows, faculty members, and program leaders can be both a major source of satisfaction and a source of ongoing challenge. They share strategies for setting expectations early, communicating effectively, and addressing common issues like delayed responses, professionalism concerns, and recurring administrative demands. They also emphasize the importance of establishing clear boundaries with the support of leadership while maintaining a respectful, collaborative approach that promotes accountability and teamwork. The conversation highlights the meaningful connections coordinators build with residents/fellows, and the important role they play in supporting professional development and fostering psychological safety within programs. Throughout the discussion, Beckerdite and Racsumberger emphasize perspective-taking, consistency, and the value of strong relationships in navigating difficult situations. Listeners will gain practical insights into how intentional communication and clear role definition can strengthen team culture and enhance the coordinator experience in GME. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro and Guest Introduction (00:45) – Focus on Coordinator Well-Being and Relationships (02:10) – Managing Task Completion and Setting Expectations (04:41) – Using Leadership Support and Accountability (06:45) – Coordinator Role in Professionalism and Recruitment (09:20) – Setting Boundaries and Defining the Coordinator Role (11:45) – Finding Satisfaction in Resident Relationships (13:25) – Managing Difficult Interactions and Perspective (15:52) – Growth, Meaning, and Supporting Trainees (16:26) – Psychological Safety and Connection (17:23) – Coordinators as Leaders (18:20) – Closing and Resources

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.4 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Contact ACGME Well-Being Podcasts

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.