Connection and community are not fluff. They are foundational.

More than ever, I have been focusing on building community and connection.

For myself.

And for others.

As an empty nester who recently moved to a new community, a solo small business owner, and an entrepreneur, community and connection have risen higher on my priority list.

The benefits of community and connection are unparalleled.

Connection is profoundly human—and profoundly impactful. Studies show it improves health outcomes, strengthens relationships, reduces burnout, and makes work and home life more joyful.

Trees and forests use connection and community as a source of strength and longevity. They connect underground in a vast web of roots and fungi, sharing nutrients and signals. This is how the forest survives and thrives.

Humans need this too. We are meant to survive and thrive in community.

We need connection for healing, growth, and the development of individual and collective strength.

Feeling a sense of community is a form of medicine that helps calm our personal and collective nervous systems. It allows each of us to function optimally.

Making friends and forging deep connections can be challenging, especially for women in medicine.

I aspire to make it easier -- by sharing the tools (podcast coming soon) and by providing opportunities.

Whether online or in Nicasio, I will continue to work to gather physicians in community to connect deeply.

Just like the surrounding forests, the more we can support each other and deeply connect with like-minded individuals, the more we will thrive both individually and collectively.

Community and connection are not soft extras. They are essential for transforming yourself and transforming medicine.