247. How to Get Physician Wellness Programs Funded – Proven Strategies That Work

Healing Medicine: Mindfulness, Mindset & Physician Well-Being

In this inspiring and practical episode, I share how I made a long-time dream come true: leading fully funded, grant-supported wellness retreats for physicians—programs paid for by departments, organizations, and grants. I share with you how I helped make it happen and how you can too.

This episode is a roadmap for those who want to bring truly impactful wellness programming to healthcare settings—programs that nourish, connect, and transform rather than check a box or deliver more burnout in disguise.

With clarity, hope, and grounded optimism, I offer what I’ve learned from decades in the physician wellness space and what often moves the needle.

Whether you're a leader, a wellness advocate, or simply someone who cares deeply about your colleagues and your own well-being, this episode will empower you with both mindset and strategy to make real change.

Pearls of Wisdom:

• Believe it’s possible—because it is. The first and most important step to getting wellness programs funded is unwavering belief. When you bring grounded confidence and clarity to your request, funding often follows.

• Experience the transformation yourself first. Engaging personally in a coaching program or retreat is what gives you the insight, energy, and credibility to advocate successfully for your team or institution.

• Effective wellness programming gets funded. When you offer something proven to make a real difference—something restorative, skill-based, and community-focused—funding is far more likely.

• Creative funding abounds-- if you know where to look. Departmental funds, philanthropy grants, CME budgets, leadership development funds, and quality-of-care and patient care experience initiatives are all potential sources of support.

• Invite leadership in. When leaders participate in wellness programming, they become their most powerful champions. Experiencing wellness programs firsthand not only helps them become more well, but it also shifts their mindset and opens the door to culture change.

Reflection Questions:

• What beliefs do you hold about the possibility of bringing meaningful wellness to your organization?

• How might your personal wellness journey serve as a catalyst for broader change?

• Who could you invite to plant the seed for future transformation?

Stay tuned until the end for a mindful moment to center your intentions and renew your belief in what’s possible—for you, your team, and the future of healthcare.

If you are ready to bring meaningful wellness programming to your organization, I would love to help.

This is my specialty. I've led programs for physicians across the country—from department-sponsored retreats to grant-supported leadership workshops. If you're in the Bay Area, I can create something beautiful in Nicasio. If you're elsewhere, I can come to you and facilitate an experience where you are- with the caveat that I insist on settings that enhance the impact of the programming.

Visit https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats to learn more about opportunities to start by experiencing a retreat for yourself.

To explore coaching that will help you not only be well but also become a powerful advocate for wellness, visit https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching.

If you're interested in bringing me to speak or lead a wellness workshop or retreat for your institution or conference, reach out here: https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking. I’d love to partner with you to create meaningful change.

*Nothing shared in the Mindful Healers Podcast is medical advice.