Discover SMART: Cultivating resilience, well-being for clinicians
A practical approach to stress management and wellness for physicians and advanced practice providers
(SACRAMENTO)
Since 2021, UC Davis Health has offered the Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) Program as a dedicated resource to support clinician wellness – an initiative that began during the pandemic and continues to thrive with ongoing leadership support.
Michelle Dossett, associate professor and SMART Program instructor, leads the program, bringing more than 12 years of expertise to our community.
The SMART Program was originally developed at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. After witnessing its benefits firsthand, including pilot data indicating improvements in physician well-being, Dossett introduced the program to UC Davis Health to equip clinicians with proven strategies for managing stress and enhancing resilience.
What is the SMART Program?
Michelle Dossett
Chronic stress can affect nearly every aspect of our health, contributing to conditions ranging from sleep disturbances to gastrointestinal issues. The SMART Program is designed to counter these effects by offering a comprehensive “toolbox” of evidence-based mind-body, cognitive, and lifestyle skills. Participants learn and practice a variety of techniques in a supportive, nonjudgmental group environment.
Dossett not only believes in the power of mind-body practices, but also embodies the tools she teaches in her daily life.
“I have a long-time meditation practice and have found these tools helpful in my own life and frequently share them with patients as well. It is a joy for me to be able to share these tools with colleagues,” she said.
What participants experience
The SMART Program is designed for physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs). The group sessions provide a safe space to learn, share, and support one another on the journey to improved health.
Mind-body practices: Explore meditation, mindfulness, breathing techniques, and gentle yoga to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Cognitive strategies: Gain tools for shifting habitual thought patterns and emotional reactions, helping you feel more equipped to respond to daily stressors.
Lifestyle skills: Learn approaches to improve sleep, nutrition, and physical activity – foundations for long-term well-being.
The group meets online for one hour weekly over the course of eight weeks. Sessions include guided meditations, interactive exercises, and take-home activities. All participants receive handouts to reinforce skills both during and between sessions.
There is no fee for physicians or APPs to participate in the CME-sponsored version of the SMART Program.
The SMART Program is more than a set of techniques – it’s an opportunity to discover what works best for you.
Mehul Gandhi, professor in the Division of Transplant Nephrology, said, “The program teaches a variety of techniques to help with stress management without forcing you to choose one. You then decide what works best for you.” He adds, “Partly because of this program, I have been able to extend my career for a few more years at this hospital when I was completely burnt out and ready to retire a few years ago.”
Maria Martins, associate professor, shared a similar sentiment. Martins mentioned, “Through the SMART program I have learned valuable skills like meditation, breath control, and mini relaxation exercises that I use throughout the day to help me manage daily stressors. This program was also vital in helping me understand the role stress plays in our lives and that early recognition and coping techniques are highly valuable when started sooner than later.”
