Physician Well-Being and the Pursuit of Human Flourishing

Abstract

Physician well-being is critical for effective healthcare delivery, patient safety, and professional longevity. Grounded in positive psychology research, this article explores the interplay between virtues, values, ethos, and human flourishing in shaping the identity of “the good doctor.” Human flourishing is an integrative construct encompassing psychological well-being, humanistic values, resilience, and life satisfaction, extending the traditional focus of positive psychology by highlighting the importance of growth and thriving. Drawing on flourishing research, the author examines how cultivating core virtues and humanistic values can promote physician flourishing and explores actionable pathways to enhance physician well-being to align individual values with the professional ethos, improving well-being and patient care.