Community is Medicine: Group medicine programs

By Dr Angela Hunt ND, MSCP

After a decade of 1:1 patient care, I have recently started a group medicine program for women going through menopause.  After four months working with these women I have made some discoveries about the power of community and the need for it in our healthcare systems. 

Isolation Is Harmful 

One of the most powerful things I witnessed in these groups was the sense of relief women would express when another participant shared a similar experience to theirs. It was in these moments they realized that it wasn’t just them, that others were also experiencing those symptoms, feelings and thoughts. Particularly in the realm of menopause where so much has been “swept under the rug” it feels vital to share these experiences with each other. Hearing others sharing similar stories makes people feel ‘not alone’ and normalizes their experience. It reduces feelings of shame or guilt and provides space for compassionate conversations.   

We All Have Knowledge To Share

Another major bonus to bringing together people who are sharing similar health concerns is that they share insight with each other. I may be the clinician of the group, but these ladies were the ones living through menopause in real time and their insights were invaluable. They shared websites, resources, personal trainers, books and so much more. I learned so much from them! They gave each other great advice and insight which enriched the class as a whole, something that simply wouldn’t have happened in classic 1:1 care. 

Feeling Seen Matters

I think one of the most impactful parts of this group dynamic was about creating a safe space for people to share their stories. Simply being witnessed and heard is healing all by itself. There is something special about coming together, sharing a cup of tea, and just listening to each other that is therapeutic. Many women reported that they felt better after each session. 

It should be noted that the most helpful parts of the group classes weren’t  necessarily the knowledge I was sharing (although I hope participants found that helpful as well) but instead the community and space that was built. Bringing together people sharing a similar experience, allowing them to share knowledge and stories sounds simple but it is innately part of our human nature. We need community. We need a village. So I feel hopeful that we can bring together more offerings of group medicine in the years to come. 

*Photo by Dayne Topkin on UnSplash