.png "Yvonne Golightly, PhD,MS,PT photo")
Yvonne Golightly, PhD,MS,PT
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose
Priscilla Calvache, MSW, LCSW
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York, United States
Disclosure information not submitted.
Health is more than just tests and medications—it’s about truly listening and addressing the whole person. Research consistently shows that engaging in service-oriented activities can reduce the risk of hypertension, stroke, early mortality, depression, and cognitive decline. This session will explore the critical role that building meaningful connections and fostering a sense of community play in transforming healthcare practice and improving patient care, both within and beyond the clinical setting. Attendees will learn how cultivating strong, supportive relationships—within the healthcare team and within our communities—can lead to more effective collaboration, enhanced communication, and ultimately, better outcomes for patients. Identifying the deeper "why" behind our work as healthcare providers, or cultivating a strong sense of individual purpose, has also been shown to build resilience in the face of stress. Ultimately, the session will emphasize that strong professional and personal connections, as well as a sense of community, are essential to the future of healthcare, benefiting providers and patients alike, reducing burnout, and enhancing overall well-being.
