AMA STEPS Forward®

Pearl of the Week: Write down inspiring patient stories

Reconnect to your values and meaning.

| 1 Min Read
STEPS Forward Pearl of the Week

Physicians can feel buried with a number of common demands: a full inbox, chart maintenance, and following numerous guidelines and regulations.

Taking time to write patient stories as narratives can be a powerful technique to connect with emotions stirred up by patient interaction—and can help reflect on the meaning you find in what you do. Reconnecting with your values and meaning can help protect against burnout.

Learn more

Stay up to date on practice innovations

Physician burnout demands urgent action

The AMA is leading the national effort to solve the growing physician burnout crisis. We're working to eliminate the dysfunction in health care by removing the obstacles and burdens that interfere with patient care.

FEATURED STORIES

Speech balloons

Physicians must tell their own story—for patients’ sake

| 3 Min Read
Profiles positioned as data points across a map of the U.S.

What tops the state advocacy agenda for doctors in 2026

| 7 Min Read
Supportive group holding hands

Time for decisive action on substance-use disorder treatment

| 5 Min Read
Sitting health care worker in a busy hallway

1 in 3 NPs and PAs switch specialties at least once in career

| 6 Min Read