Changing the Culture: How One Ohio Community is Normalizing Physician Mental Health episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 1, 2026 · 35 MIN

Changing the Culture: How One Ohio Community is Normalizing Physician Mental Health

from AMA STEPS Forward® podcast · host American Medical Association

Claim CME and access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/45Am4so Explore the Wellness-Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/3P6Xlab Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin When pediatrician and CMO Rob McGregor, MD surveyed his physicians and found that nearly half were at risk of or already experiencing burnout, he did something unusual: he cold-called a psychiatrist he’d never met. Joseph Varley, MD answered that call, which led to the formation of the Akron Physician Wellness Initiative (APWI), a free, confidential, no insurance mental health service built specifically for physicians. In this episode, Dr. McGregor and co-founder Dr. Varley join host Kevin Hopkins, MD, to share how they turned a bold idea into a thriving program. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including:▹ Reforming Medicare payment▹ Fighting scope creep▹ Fixing prior authorization▹ Reducing physician burnout▹ Making technology work for physicians📺 Subscribe to @americanmedicalassociation on YouTube: https://ama-assn.co/youTube📧 Sign up for #MorningRounds and free daily newsletters from the AMA: https://ama-assn.co/Newsletters🎧 Listen to our latest medical podcasts: https://ama-assn.co/Podcasts💬 Follow #AMA on social media: https://ama-assn.co/Social📓 Access the Journal of the American Medical Association #JAMA login: https://ama-assn.co/JAMA DisclaimerThe AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast is for informational purposes only. The content is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Mention of a third-party organization, product, or service in the Podcast does not imply and is not intended as a promotion or endorsement by the American Medical Association (AMA). This content is not intended as medical, legal, or consulting advice, or as a substitute for the advice of a physician, attorney, or other professional. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the speakers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the AMA, the individual’s employer, or any affiliated organization. The AMA makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information provided in this Podcast. The materials and information contained herein are provided as-is. No part of this Podcast may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the AMA.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 1, 2026

Embed this episode

Claim CME and access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/45Am4so Explore the Wellness-Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/3P6Xlab Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin When pediatrician and CMO Rob McGregor, MD surveyed his physicians and found that nearly half were at risk of or already experiencing burnout, he did something unusual: he cold-called a psychiatrist he’d never met. Joseph Varley, MD answered that call, which led to the formation of the Akron Physician Wellness Initiative (APWI), a free, confidential, no insurance mental health service built specifically for physicians. In this episode, Dr. McGregor and co-founder Dr. Varley join host Kevin Hopkins, MD, to share how they turned a bold idea into a thriving program.

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.

NOW PLAYING

Changing the Culture: How One Ohio Community is Normalizing Physician Mental Health

0:00 35:25

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of AMA STEPS Forward® podcast?

This episode is 35 minutes long.

When was this AMA STEPS Forward® podcast episode published?

This episode was published on July 1, 2026.

Can I download this AMA STEPS Forward® podcast episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!