Ethics Forum Fireside Chat: The Care Equation – Receiving Care, Caring for Ourselves, and Caring for Others
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. ET — Virtual Live Webinar
Activity Description
Physician well-being is essential to a sustainable health care workforce and the delivery of safe, compassionate patient care. Yet excessive workloads, administrative burdens, workplace culture, and concerns about professional consequences often prevent
physicians from seeking mental health support.
In this fireside chat, we will explore "The Care Equation"—the essential, tri-directional balance of receiving care, caring for ourselves, and caring for others. Grounded at the intersection of medical ethics and physician well-being, the discussion will
highlight our professional code and responsibility to protect and care for ourselves as well as our peers and patients.
The session will examine the systemic factors affecting physician mental health, discuss how stigma and organizational policies create barriers to care, and share practical strategies to strengthen workplace culture and expand access to confidential support.
Emphasizing system-level improvements, the session will conclude with an opportunity for participants to identify an actionable step they can take within their own practice or organization.
Activity Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, learners should be able to:
- Describe key organizational, cultural, and regulatory factors that contribute to physician burnout and discourage physicians from seeking mental health support.
- Identify practical strategies for reducing workplace stressors, strengthening psychological safety, and improving access to confidential peer and mental health support.
- Develop at least one actionable step to improve physician well-being within their practice, department, or health care organization.
Registration Fees:
Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) Physician Member – $95.00
MMS Resident/Student Member – Free
Non-Member Physician – $190.00
Allied Health Professional/Other – $75.00
Save by bundling with other educational programs at the Interim Meeting—see the registration page for details!
*Click here for member educational voucher information
Faculty
Stefanie Simmons, MD, FACEP
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
To learn more about Dr. Simmons, click here.
Moderator
Rebecca Weintraub Brendel, MD, JD
President, Massachusetts Medical Society
To learn more about Dr. Brendel, click here.
Accreditation Statement
The Massachusetts Medical Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA Credit Designation Statement
The Massachusetts Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity meets the criteria for the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine for risk management study.
