"We are fundamentally complete already. We're fundamentally whole."

These powerful words from meditation coach Janice Glowski capture the essence of meditation practice and its vital role in physician well-being. In a recent illuminating conversation for the PLA Podcast, Glowski joined PLA founder Phil Cass, PhD and host Dr. Stephanie Costa to unpack how meditation serves as the cornerstone of the Physicians Leadership Academy.

Far from being just another self-improvement technique, meditation offers physicians a revolutionary opportunity to challenge the perfectionism that dominates medical culture. Through regular practice, doctors develop the capacity to recognize that their often critical thoughts aren't reality, creating what Cass calls "islands of sanity" amid the chaos of medical practice. This internal shift enables physicians to be fully present for patients while maintaining connection to themselves—a skill that research shows measurably improves clinical outcomes.

The conversation addressed common obstacles to meditation, with Glowski offering practical advice particularly relevant to busy physicians. Rather than viewing meditation as requiring lengthy time commitments, she emphasized that consistent brief sessions of just 5-10 minutes can transform how physicians experience their work environment. Many PLA alumni report integrating tiny meditation moments throughout their day—between patients, in their car before entering work, or during their morning routine.

Perhaps most encouraging is the growing evidence from neuroscience confirming meditation's tangible benefits. Studies now demonstrate that different meditation practices yield specific changes in both brain chemistry and structure, cultivating greater stability, presence, and compassion. When applied in medical settings, these changes translate to enhanced team functioning during critical situations.

Whether you're a meditation newcomer or looking to refresh your practice, this episode of the PLA Podcast offers both inspiration and practical guidance for physicians seeking to reconnect with their essential capacity for presence, compassion, and clarity. Listen now to discover how this foundational practice might transform your experience of medicine.

Don't miss our upcoming meditation refresh on April 27th! Applications are open for the 2025/2026 cohort of the Physicians Leadership Academy. Get more information on the PLA website and complete the application today!

Visit the PLA website to learn more about the PLA community and how meditation can enhance your leadership journey.