Meg Reynolds talks burnout and meditation with VCOM students

Virginia Vedic Meditation teacher Meg Reynolds spoke at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Blacksburg campus about physician burnout, chronic stress and self-care before medical students enter residency and clinical practice. The discussion framed meditation as one practical tool for future doctors trying to build sustainable habits in a high-pressure field.

Why it matters: - Physician burnout remains a persistent problem in medicine, and the pressure often starts before doctors begin full-time practice. - Medical students face heavy coursework, exams, clinical training and rising responsibility while preparing for careers that demand steady judgment under stress. - Introducing self-care habits in medical school can help future physicians build routines that support long-term well-being.

What happened: - Meg Reynolds, a Virginia-based Vedic Meditation teacher, spoke with students at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Virginia campus in Blacksburg. - The presentation focused on physician burnout, chronic stress and sustainable self-care practices for future physicians. - Reynolds discussed meditation as one tool students can consider as part of a broader approach to stress management and personal well-being.

The details: - Reynolds said medicine asks an extraordinary amount of physicians mentally, emotionally and physically. - Reynolds said doctors need tools to care for themselves if they are expected to care for others at a consistently high level. - The talk highlighted the pressures that make medicine vulnerable to burnout, including long hours, intense cognitive demands, time pressure, emotional strain and high-stakes decisions. - Vedic Meditation was presented as a practice that can fit into daily life without forcing concentration or suppressing thoughts. - Reynolds said the goal is not to eliminate stress entirely, but to create habits that support rest and recovery. - The presentation stressed that meditation is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment. - Reynolds framed meditation as one personal wellness practice within a broader approach to physician well-being. - Reynolds acknowledged McKenzie Milstead, Dr. Magalhaes and Dr. Bhagtani for helping facilitate the discussion.

Between the lines: - The event fits a broader shift in medical education toward teaching resilience alongside clinical skills. - The message was not that meditation fixes burnout. The message was that future physicians benefit from building sustainable routines before workplace pressure peaks. - The discussion also reflects a wider recognition that healthcare quality depends partly on the well-being of clinicians.

What's next: - Reynolds continues to teach individuals and groups through Meg Reynolds Meditation in Virginia and beyond. - Her work includes meditation instruction, coaching, group programs and retreats. - Teaching is available in Crozet, Orange and the greater Charlottesville area. - More information is available at Meg Reynolds Meditation.

The bottom line: - The VCOM talk positioned meditation as a practical, early-career wellness tool for students heading into one of the most demanding professions.