Want to learn more about the speaker of this lecture?

Michael Foti, DO, panel moderator, is an internist, clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, standardized patient program coordinator, and passionate mental health advocate. His talks detail his personal experiences and patient stories as an Intern when COVID-19 first arrived in the US in 2020, the loss of his mother during that time, and his later struggles with anxiety and depression once becoming an Attending. Dr. Foti speaks about the development of his anxiety/depression, how it manifested, and how he eventually sought the help he so desperately needed. This has led to speaking engagements on several platforms both regionally and nationally, most notably alongside our US Surgeon General at the invitation of the National Academy of Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Foti has several leadership positions both regionally and nationally. He is a member of the National Faculty of the NBOME, a member of the Board of Directors of the NYS Osteopathic Medical Society, and Vice President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Orange County, NY.

Kim Downey, PT is the Community Ambassador for Medicine Forward, and an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. As a physical therapist and recent three-time cancer survivor, Kim has a unique and intimate understanding of healthcare’s clinical and human aspects. Drawing from her experiences and conversations with hundreds of physicians, she has gained a holistic understanding of the challenges clinicians face, from loss of autonomy to frustrations with EMRs, burnout, and moral injury. Through her YouTube channel, "Stand Up (for) Doctors!" Kim amplifies the voices of doctors, patients, and others involved in healthcare, as they share their struggles, triumphs, and passions. She loves connecting physicians, and creating community, speaking to the power of the physician-patient relationship in overcoming and enlightening the status quo in health care. She aims to raise awareness and foster support to enhance physician wellness and catalyze positive change in healthcare, benefitting doctors and patients alike.

Christopher Stowers is a dedicated professional deeply immersed in the mental health sector. With extensive experience on the business side of mental health over the past several years, Christopher is committed to making a positive impact in this vital field. Currently preparing to take his state-designated tests for both Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Christopher is poised to expand his expertise and contribute even more profoundly to the well-being of individuals. With a passion for advocacy and a drive to effect meaningful change, Christopher stands at the forefront of advancing mental health awareness and accessibility. As one of the creators of Mind Split Cafe, a mental health podcast and magazine, Christopher has been instrumental in fostering conversations around mental health and recovery. His work with Mind Split Cafe highlights his dedication to providing valuable insights and resources to those navigating their mental health journeys.

Tushar D. Bhagat, PhD, MS, MS, MSc is a Research Assistant Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York. An accomplished cancer scientist over a decade and half, and a commended medical school faculty member, Dr. Bhagat has facilitated Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) and other stress reduction programs at the Columbia University graduate program, The Brooklyn Hospital and at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Cancer Center for the cancer patients, Ph.D. and Medical Students, Residents and Fellows, Medical Doctors, Therapists, Scientists and Staff. He firmly believes in the potential of science-based mindfulness practices in reducing stress and increasing well-being. Growing up in India with a strong yoga and mindfulness background, Dr. Tushar D. Bhagat received his early yoga and meditation training from his parents. Since the past 30 years, his meditation practice is rooted in the Vipassana (S.N. Goenka) & Zen-Thich Nhat Hanh tradition. He is professionally trained as a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teacher from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and Brown University. Dr. Bhagat embodies a deep commitment towards teaching integrative mindfulness to create conditions for a happier, content and more meaningful life for his participants.

Becky Wolfe is a Leadership Consultant with GiANT Worldwide with a history and passion for coaching that extends over a decade. Becky started her career as a Physician Assistant over 17 years ago and has worked in various settings including ER, Cardiology and Urgent Care (at Mount Union University). Becky began health coaching 12 years ago while practicing Cardiology and has extensive experience in motivational interviewing and behavior modification. She now exclusively coaches individuals and teams with the goal of creating healthy workplace environments with higher engagement and less turnover. Becky specializes in helping leaders and teams recover from burnout and move toward high functioning teams with greater capacity to help patients. She has coached 100’s of clients toward health. Becky is also a mom of 2 boys and in her spare time she enjoys hiking, weight lifting and watching her kids play various sports.

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