Taking care of our mental health is a science, and Dr. Cathlyn Sommerfield is bringing the latest research straight to the classroom. Accompanied by Swoop, Dr. Sommerfield traveled to Mexico this past May to dive into cutting-edge mind-body tools designed to manage stress and anxiety. Check out her takeaways below to see how she plans to integrate quick, mindful breaks into her pedagogy to help NMC students refocus—and to catch a glimpse of Swoop’s tropical getaway.
Zen Swoop: Aligning the Chakras
What was the name of the conference/PD opportunity you attended?
CME Wellness Retreat for Medical Professionals
When and where did the event take place?
May 16 – 20, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Please share details from a memorable keynote speaker, conference session, or something else notable from the event.
Most notable was learning about research-backed mind-body tools to address physical stress and anxiety. This is really well aligned with what we cover in PSY 101 – it connects the biological side of things with our learning, memory, emotion, and mental health content (students often note their surprise at the amount of bio in our course!). This PD gave me a great toolkit to weave into class, helping students connect the science to our content and their own lives while learning ways to handle stress, anxiety, and burnout.
How likely are you to recommend this opportunity to a colleague?
Very Likely
Do you have any big takeaways that you’ll be applying to your pedagogy in the near future?
Yes! My biggest takeaway is how simple movement and breath improve focus, learning, and mental health. I plan to share the research behind this connection as it relates to our course content throughout the semester. I also want to bring these practices directly into our routine through quick, mindful class breaks to help students lower stress and refocus.
Is there anything else you’d like CIE or your colleagues at NMC to know about this experience?
These habits and strategies are valuable for all of us, and they fit well with NMC’s new wellness program. Thank you for providing these opportunities!