Why clinician wellbeing needs dedicated space at conferences

For many clinicians, conferences are one of the few chances in the year to step away from day-to-day pressures, reconnect with learning, and remind themselves why they chose this profession in the first place.

But too often, the pace of conferences mirrors the pace of clinical life — tightly packed schedules, back-to-back sessions, and very little space to pause.

Healthcare is demanding work. Long hours, emotional load, constant decision-making and increasing pressure across services all take their toll. While resilience is often talked about, genuine opportunities to reflect, reset and look after ourselves are much harder to come by.

That’s why clinician wellbeing shouldn’t be an optional add-on at conferences — it deserves dedicated space.

When wellbeing is built into a conference programme it sends an important message, that looking after ourselves is not separate from being a good clinician, it’s part of it. Creating space for reflection, connection and practical wellbeing tools allows people to engage more fully with the scientific and educational content too.

Just as importantly, shared wellbeing experiences remind clinicians they’re not alone. Conversations that happen away from lecture theatres — over a walk, during a guided session, or in a quieter setting — often become the most meaningful. These moments of connection can be as valuable as any formal presentation.

We believe conferences should support the whole clinician, not just their clinical knowledge. By giving wellbeing dedicated time and attention, we aim to create events that feel restorative as well as educational, supportive as well as informative.

Because when clinicians are well supported, learning goes deeper, collaboration feels easier, and the impact reaches far beyond the conference itself.