1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 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 ACGME Well-Being Podcast http://acgme.libsyn.com/website <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/42100700/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/204145755