Building Resilient Clinicians Through Mindfulness with Dr. Jodi Jackson | Flourishing in Medicine: From Surviving to Thriving #32
Description
Today, we are joined by Dr. Jodi Jackson, Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Neonatology at Children's Mercy-Kansas City/UMKC School of Medicine.
Through a clinical partnership, Dr. Jodi Jackson has served as Medical Director of the NICU at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission (AHSM) since 2007. She was a founding member of the Physician Wellness program and Meaning in Medicine program with AHSM. From 2010 to present, she has been training in Mindful Practice, Quality of Care, Quality of Caring and Resilience, and is now certified to teach Mindfulness in Medicine through the Advanced Teacher Training Program for Mindful Practice in Medicine (MPIM), University of Rochester School of Medicine. She presently serves on faculty and the advisory board for the Mindful Practice in Medicine (MPIM) program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
In this conversation, Dr. Jackson reflects on her unconventional path to medicine, driven not by a childhood dream of becoming a doctor, but by deep curiosity about how the body and world work, and a desire for grounded understanding amid family health anxieties.
We also cover:
- How her journey to medicine was guided by genuine curiosity rather than a predetermined vision
- How the Mindfulness Scholars Program at UMKC fosters intergenerational learning, narrative sharing, psychological safety, and demonstrable improvements in wellbeing
- How combining the wisdom of mindfulness and Enneagram teachings creates powerful tools for self-discovery, noticing where we're stuck, and navigating human relationships with greater compassion
Throughout, Dr. Jackson embodies the way of the teacher. She is open but not attached to outcomes, committed to walking the path, and dedicated to helping shape a more conscious, humane generation of health professionals.
Links:
Mindful Practice in Medicine (MPIM): https://mindfulpracticeinmedicine.com/about/who-we-are/
UMKC Mindfulness Scholars Program: https://libguides.library.umkc.edu/c.php?g=1441182&p=10704649
EmPro Website: https://www.myempro.com/
EmPro Peer Support Program: https://www.myempro.com/peer-support/
Physician Support Line: +1(888) 409-0141
Physician Support Line Website: https://www.physiciansupportline.com/
Dr. Krasner's Website: https://mickkrasnermd.com/
Mindful Practice in Medicine Website: https://mindfulpracticeinmedicine.com/
Chapters:
(00:00 ) Introduction
(01:15 ) An unconventional path to medicine
(04:00 ) Choosing Neonatology
(07:00 ) The Impact of Mindful Practice
(10:30 ) Building the Mindfulness Scholars Program
(14:00 ) Training Students and Faculty Together
(17:30 ) Culture Change in Medical Education
(21:00 ) The Hidden Curriculum
(24:00 ) Enneagram and Mindfulness
(28:00 ) Understanding Patterns and Compassion
(31:00 ) Tools for Healing and Growth
(36:00 ) The Enneagram & Mindfulness
(42:45 ) Guided Mindfulness Practice
(45:00 ) Conclusion























