As the holiday season draws nearer and festive lights begin to glow in the evenings, there’s a natural inclination to reflect on the year past and look ahead with hope. In healthcare, where the demands are high and time feels scarce, this quiet pause can feel especially meaningful. It’s a perfect moment to consider what truly sustains us—and what better guide than someone who has dedicated herself to integrating purpose, balance, and joy into her work and life? This month, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Brittany Shoffner, MSM, a valued member of The Coalition for Physician Well-Being planning committee and the Spiritual Integration Manager at AdventHealth.
Brittany’s connection to The Coalition began in early 2020, when professional networking first brought their mission into her orbit. She recalls feeling drawn immediately to the vision of helping healthcare professionals thrive: “The Coalition’s mission allows me to broaden my footprint around something I am passionate about—integrating all aspects of life to foster a balanced and thriving environment at home and in the workplace.” At a time when the healthcare landscape was about to be profoundly tested by a global pandemic, Brittany found meaningful work in an organization committed to nurturing physician well-being and promoting wholeness in medicine.
In the years since, Brittany has worked closely with visionary leaders in well-being through program facilitation, conference planning, and hosting events to “promote meaning, purpose, and joy in the practice of medicine.” In doing so, she has seen something remarkable take shape. “I have witnessed the impact of cultivating joy through an alignment of culture in response to burnout,” she says. “People will thrive when they are connected to their sense of purpose and supported in their humanity. When physicians and APPs embrace and experience wholeness, the benefits ripple out to their teams, their patients, and their colleagues.” Her words remind us that well-being is never confined to the individual; it’s a collective glow that radiates through every level of care.
For Brittany, the heart of sustaining this joy lies in a few key practices. “Cultivating gratitude” tops her list. Especially during the holidays, when it’s all too easy to dwell on what hasn’t been done or who can’t be present, gratitude offers a grounding perspective. “If I can focus on my progress rather than what I have not completed or accomplished, I will be more content and whole—both at home and at work,” she explains. Integrating work and home life is another cornerstone of her approach. Instead of drawing sharp lines between the professional and the personal, Brittany believes these worlds inform and enrich one another. “You cannot be whole when life is lived in pieces!” she says, reminding us that embracing the fullness of who we are can lead to deeper understanding and fulfillment. Lastly, there is the bold element of adventure. Whether it’s planning a new well-being program or, yes, skydiving, stepping out of her comfort zone helps Brittany see the world with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of purpose. For her, joy “is more than a feeling; it is a lifestyle.”
This mindset also shapes Brittany’s vision for what healthcare could be. If she could address one key challenge to improve caregivers’ lives, she would focus on empowering individuals to take charge of their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. “When frontline professionals have autonomy over their well-being, it leads to increased job satisfaction, increased engagement, and a better integration of work and home life,” she shares. This approach, a balance of systemic support and personal responsibility, can send ripples of healing and compassion through healthcare communities, uplifting everyone involved.
Brittany’s own journey in healthcare began long before her current role. She started working in the field while still in high school and joined AdventHealth in 2009. Over time, she embraced various roles that led her toward her true calling: inspiring purpose and joy within others. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Management from Warner University, she now combines her faith, leadership skills, and a passion for ministry to cultivate a culture where caregivers can thrive. Outside of work, Brittany is active in her church, contributes her talents as the Secretary of the Avon Park FFA Alumni and Supporters association, and cherishes time with her husband and three children. Whether it’s community volunteering or a daring leap from an airplane, she is never far from the warm glow of new perspectives and possibilities.
As we savor the quieter moments of December, Brittany’s story offers a gentle reminder. The holidays may often highlight our to-do lists and shortcomings, but they also present a shimmering opportunity to embrace gratitude, celebrate progress, and honor the connections that sustain us. If we choose to see it this way, the season can inspire a culture of well-being that lasts far beyond the passing of the year.
We at The Coalition for Physician Well-Being feel deep gratitude for volunteers like Brittany. Their energy, insights, and dedication shine a guiding light not only for physicians and healthcare professionals, but for all of us striving to be a bit more whole, compassionate, and joyful—during the holidays and every day that follows. May her example encourage us to embrace our own purpose, tend to our well-being, and give ourselves (and those we serve) the gift of wholehearted care. Happy holidays from all of us at The Coalition!
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