In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Saint, Chief of Medicine at the VA Ann Arbor and the George Dock Professor of Internal Medicine at U-M, features as guest. Saint’s Sacred Moments Initiative highlights emotionally profound connections between patients and caregivers. These moments — where time slows and humanity shines — combat burnout and remind clinicians why they entered healthcare.

Inspired by both research and personal stories, like a dying veteran thanking a student or a small act of kindness on a pickleball court, Saint emphasizes creating environments and cultures that invite presence and healing. Through reflection rounds, storytelling, and even architectural redesign, the initiative seeks to normalize, preserve, and celebrate these transformative human experiences in medical care.

Transcript

Learn more:

• Sacred Moments Initiative
• Research paper: Sacred Moment Experiences Among Internal Medicine Physicians
• Research paper: Making Room for Meaningful Moments in Medicine—Prioritizing Continuity and Relationships

Learn more about how the Office of Well-Being aids it team members and brings a culture of belonging, resilience and support. Well-Being at Michigan Medicine is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication.

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