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A groundbreaking study reveals how deeply meaningful patient connections can significantly reduce physician burnout, but most doctors aren't discussing these transformative experiences with colleagues. Research involving 629 internal medicine physicians shows that those who experience "sacred moments" with patients have dramatically lower burnout rates, yet nearly three-quarters never share these profound interactions that could help restore purpose and meaning in medical practice.

Dr. Elizabeth Harry interviews Dr. Sanjay Saint about his Sacred Moments Initiative, which highlights profound connections between patients and caregivers that combat burnout and remind clinicians why they entered healthcare. Dr. Saint discusses creating environments that invite presence and healing, normalizing these transformative human experiences in medical care.

June 6, 2025

MedPage Today features research on 'sacred moments' in medicine and their role in reducing physician burnout. The article highlights findings from a JAMA Network Open study by Jessica Ameling, MPH, and colleagues showing that doctors who experience and discuss meaningful patient interactions have lower rates of burnout.

June 5, 2025

HealthDay covers University of Michigan research by Jessica Ameling, M.P.H., on 'sacred moments' in medicine, reporting that while most internal medicine doctors experience meaningful patient connections, discussing them with colleagues could help reduce burnout.

March 25, 2025

Dr. Sanjay Saint and Dr. Kenneth Pargament dive into the science and soul of sacred moments — revealing how deep connections in hospital care can renew purpose and transform chaplaincy.

March 11, 2025

The article highlights the power of mentorship in University of Michigan research, showing how meaningful connections build resilience, confidence, and success amid uncertainty.

Through an innovative collaboration at the University of Michigan, faculty explore how virtual reality and interdisciplinary design can create hospital environments that foster Sacred Moments — deeply human, healing experiences between patients and caregivers.