Cultivating Joy in Medicine: Dr. Madeline Lagina on PERMA and Positive Psychology

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Madeline Lagina, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan, delves into the importance of joy in education and medicine. Drawing from her paper on the PERMA model—a framework for well-being comprising Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—Dr. Lagina shares personal anecdotes and insights on how joy and other positive emotions can significantly impact both educators and learners. The discussion explores how fostering joy can counteract burnout and enhance professional fulfillment, especially among physician educators.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Personal Anecdote: The Impact of a High School Teacher

02:48 The Concept of Communicable Emotions

04:02 Exploring the PERMA Model

06:13 Applying PERMA to Physician Educators

12:57 Tips for Flourishing in Career and Life

15:34 Final Thoughts and Conclusion