Join us for a powerful and personal conversation between Dr. Jessi Gold and Dr. Rana Awdish as they explore the concept of “friendtorship”—a meaningful blend of friendship and mentorship that offers mutual support, personal growth, and professional sustainability in healthcare.

This is a special pre-conference session for the Gold Humanism Summit, open to all. Get an early glimpse of the magic that will be The Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s national conference, held Sept. 17-20, in Baltimore. Both Dr. Gold, a psychiatrist and Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee System, and Dr. Awdish, a pulmonary and critical care physician and Medical Director of Care Experience for Henry Ford’s Health System, will be speaking at the Gold Humanism Summit. Learn more and register at www.goldhumanismsummit.org.

In this free virtual session on July 14, Drs. Gold and Awdish will share how “friendtorship” has helped them navigate the emotional demands of medicine, avoid burnout, and remain grounded in their shared commitment to humanism. Drawing from their experiences as physicians, educators, and advocates for well-being, they will reflect on how deep connection and peer mentorship can serve as powerful tools for support and renewal.

As acclaimed writers and memoirists, they will also tap into the power of storytelling and narrative medicine for patient and clinician healing. Dr. Gold is the author of “How Do You Feel? One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine,” which was released in October. Dr. Awdish is the author of “In Shock: My Journey from Death to Recovery and the Redemptive Power of Hope” and a forthcoming book. Both physicians are also members of the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Participants will gain insights into:

• The role of authentic connection in fostering well-being among healthcare professionals
• How peer mentorship can evolve into “friendtorship” and what that looks like in practice
• Strategies to build and nurture supportive professional relationships
• The impact of human connection on patient care, empathy, and clinical longevity

Whether you're a student, resident, or seasoned member of a healthcare team,  this session offers an inspiring look at how we can sustain ourselves and each other through connection and care.