The Osler Symposium made me re-examine my medical life. It substantially altered the way I practice and how I approach my professional responsibilities.
Thomas Scalea, MD
Director of Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland
The Osler Symposia was founded in 2015 to fill a gap by producing educational/recreational/inspirational events that bring together physicians, nurses, and other clinicians with the goal of creating committed communities…the type of community Dr Rachel Naomi Remen described in a 2006 interview:
“Forming genuine community, based on meaning and shared values, may be the best way for physicians to remember a sense of meaning and integrity in our work. When we talk about a community, we are not talking about something abstract. We’re talking about groups of people getting together in a face-to-face way that makes shared meaning and values visible. That strengthens everyone in the room. Such genuine communities can eventually have influence on political and economic forces.”
Trillion! spent by US Federal Government on healthcare in 2018
Of all US physicians claim they suffer from burnout
Estimated number of US physician suicides yearly
Of physicians report being over-extended or at full capacity of their practices
“OS 1” took place in Albuquerque in 2010 and “OS 2” was in San Diego in 2012. Both were under the umbrella of the Endorphin Power Company, a 501(c)3 nonprofit aimed at helping New Mexico’s substance dependent and homeless populations.
The 3rd Osler Symposium is the first to be held under its own independent nonprofit umbrella. Lessons learned from the first two have led to a shorter program with more focus on networking opportunities and big picture conversation. Our intent is not to “cure” burnout, but to define, address and attack its roots.