The Challenge: Addressing Burnout and Building a Stronger Future for Clinicians
At Kaiser Permanente’s Washington Permanente Medical Group (WPMG), leadership recognized a growing crisis. Female clinicians in particular were reporting significantly higher burnout rates than their male counterparts (74% vs. 56%), alongside lower feelings of being valued and greater barriers to leadership opportunities.
Internal surveys (conducted by Press Ganey, Mini Z) and national studies painted a clear picture:
- Female physicians faced a higher risk of turnover.
- Many experienced negative workplace dynamics tied to gender.
- Feelings of undervaluation and emotional exhaustion were leading talented clinicians to question their future.
WPMG knew it couldn’t afford to lose these leaders for the health of its teams, its patients, and the organization’s mission. It was time to act.
The Solution: Personalized Coaching That Built Strength, Community, and Confidence
To tackle these challenges head-on, WPMG partnered with Valor Performance, now known as Mursion Coaching.
Together, they launched a tailored coaching initiative designed specifically for female clinician leaders, using a hybrid model that combined:
- Six 1:1 confidential coaching sessions focused on personal leadership challenges
- Three group coaching sessions fostering community, shared experiences, and collective resilience
- Science-backed digital exercises to enhance flexibility and support busy clinical schedules
Coaching sessions prioritized real-world skills including establishing work-life balance, developing communication under pressure, building confidence and mindfulness, setting boundaries, and managing stress. The approach aimed not just at individual skill-building, but at embedding a sustainable culture of wellness across the organization.
“[Performance] coaching fills a crucial need for groups at higher risk of burnout, providing both individual development and community, and improving trust and belonging across the organization.”
— Dr. Mary Wierusz, Chief Wellness Officer, WPMG
The Results: Rapid Gains in Resilience, Retention, and Leadership Confidence
The program’s impact was immediate and remarkable:
Unprecedented Demand
- Initial sign-ups exceeded capacity by threefold within the first hour, demonstrating urgent need and strong buy-in.
- Due to overwhelming interest, WPMG doubled the number of available coaching sessions.
Improved Performance and Job Satisfaction
- 72.8% of participants reported improved work effectiveness and performance.
- 63.6% noted greater job satisfaction as a result of the program.
Stronger Daily Success and Confidence
- Participants experienced a 25% increase in their sense of success at accomplishing daily tasks.
- Confidence in managing both work and personal stress rose by 9.43%.
Reduced Stress and Burnout
- Participants showed a 3.91% reduction in perceived stress after just three coaching sessions.
- Burnout rates dropped by 10%, with 60% of participants moving from full burnout symptoms to occasional stress without emotional exhaustion.
Increased Resilience
- Resilience scores rose by 18%, with participants rating their ability to perform under pressure significantly higher after the program.
“We’ve seen steady improvement in nearly all areas of clinician well-being in our Mini-Z assessment over the last few years. This is due in part to our many programs that provide collegiality, personal development, community, and foster a culture of well-being — including performance coaching.”
— Dr. Mary Wierusz, Chief Wellness Officer, WPMG
Key Takeaways from WPMG’s Journey
- Personalized coaching drives measurable change in burnout, job satisfaction, and leadership effectiveness.
- Hybrid coaching models that combine individual and group sessions meet both personal and cultural needs.
- Investing in women clinicians’ leadership development accelerates organizational resilience, engagement, and long-term success.
Discover how Mursion’s coaching solutions can help your organization foster resilient leaders and build a thriving culture of well-being. Request a demo today.
