Unlocking Creativity: How the Art World Can Inspire Your Fight Against Burnout

Addressing physician burnout is critical, and Bayhealth in Delaware is trying something unique: art therapy. In collaboration with the Biggs Museum of American Art, they’re using creative expression to help health professionals cope with stress and regain balance.

This partnership was showcased at a June event where community members explored how art can be more than just inspiration; it can also be a healing force. Dr. Thomas Vaughan, Bayhealth’s chief wellness officer, emphasized the role of creative activities like painting and interactive exhibits in combating burnout.

By connecting art with medicine, Bayhealth and the Biggs Museum are promoting innovative and effective strategies that prioritize physician well-being. The AMA also supports this approach by providing resources for improving the healthcare experience and reducing administrative burdens, ultimately helping doctors rediscover the Joy in Medicine®.

Recent studies highlight the positive impact of art on mental health. For example, a systematic review in *JAMA Internal Medicine* found that creative therapies significantly reduced anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Sandra James, deputy director of the Biggs Museum, pointed out that art fosters community well-being and is a powerful tool for healing.

James recalls how inspiring it was to recognize the museum’s proximity to Bayhealth. In 2022, they organized a summit, “Arts, Meds and Eds,” to explore further collaborations with local institutions. Dr. Vaughan noted that this partnership aims to elevate everyone involved by bringing museum resources into medical settings.

Plans include rotating exhibits featuring work from Bayhealth staff and local students, alongside interactive displays to spark creativity. James added that the museum will offer art reproductions for hospital spaces and develop educational programs, such as a December lecture with Susan Magsamen, author of *Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us*.

Dr. Vaughan believes that art encourages physicians to think creatively and pay close attention to their patients. He noted that literature and art can help clinicians understand patient stories more deeply, avoiding premature judgments. The *AMA Journal of Ethics* recently explored how medicine can benefit from a closer relationship with the arts.

Art is accessible to everyone and can uplift spirits and provide relief. It can also sharpen healthcare professionals’ observation skills, which is crucial for holistic care and accurate diagnoses. Dr. Vaughan mentioned that some doctors are prescribing museum visits to combat loneliness and mental health concerns, as discussed in a 2024 book titled *The Connection Cure*, highlighted in an NPR piece.

Bayhealth’s initiative aims not only to support its healthcare team—over 4,500 members—but also to enrich the community. Dr. Vaughan commented that any opportunity for staff to engage in creative activities can only lead to positive outcomes, helping them disconnect from their daily routines.

James believes this collaboration strengthens community ties while enhancing regional vibrancy through the arts. Bayhealth, with its mission to improve community health, fits perfectly into this partnership. The collaboration opens up new ways for physicians, staff, and their families to engage with art, which can have countless benefits.

For Dr. Vaughan, the goal is to turn this collaboration into a lasting program. He hopes to incorporate art therapy into the training of residents and others in the medical field, recognizing its potential to enhance both well-being and patient care.

For more resources and insights, visit the AMA STEPS Forward® program, which offers innovative strategies for addressing burnout and improving medical practice.

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