Physician burnout must be combated on numerous fronts. Pursuing interests outside of medicine — hobbies that exercise a different part of the brain and provide stress relief — can be an effective burnout antidote.
The Massachusetts Medical Society’s Member Interest Network (MIN) was established in 1998 and Edward L. Amaral, MD, served as its first chair. MIN offers physicians the opportunity to connect with other members who share a hobby or interest.
MIN offers many activities throughout the year for members and their families in the areas of astronomy, birding, creative writing, gardening, medical history, and music. Are you an artist or art aficionado? Participate in the annual member art exhibit.
Do you like to bird-watch? MIN has collaborated with the Audubon Society to provide Birding 101 and a tour of its Joppa Flats Wildlife Sanctuary in Newburyport.
Would you like to try your hand at nurturing a bonsai tree? Keep an eye out for the bonsai workshops that MIN hosts.
Do you sing or play an instrument? MIN hosts events where members showcase their talents.
Let us know if there are particular interests or activities you would like MIN to explore and find other members to share these with.
Birding on Plum Island.
Mai Phan, MD, Sara-Jane Kornblith, MD, Manijeh Zarghamee, MD, and others learn how to create bonsai.
Members and families enjoy a natural history tour of Plum Island.
Edward Amaral, MD, and Marta Kushnir, MD, discuss their work with their instructor during a poetry workshop.
We want to hear from you. Contact Cathy Salas, staff liaison, at (413) 596-9231 or
csalas@mms.org.
