Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:4–5
Moving from Performative Striving to Abiding Presence
In the high-pressure world of medicine, we often default to a "performative" mode of care—projecting competence and resilience while feeling internally depleted by systems we cannot control. This retreat invites you to trade the exhaustion of striving for the quiet power of "abiding," reclaiming your identity as a faithful healer rooted in grace rather than just a provider measured by outcomes.
Step away from the demands of practice and reconnect with the deeper purpose that called you to medicine.
What to Expect
Rather than a conference or lecture series, The Rooted Healer is intentionally interactive and contemplative. Throughout the day, participants will experience:
Guided teaching and reflection exploring the journey from performative striving toward abiding presence
Small-group conversations with colleagues who understand the unique demands of caregiving professions
Scripture-based meditation and personal prayer time
Quiet time on the peaceful grounds of Mercy Center for rest and renewal
A shared lunch with fellow physicians
By day's end, you will leave with greater clarity about what depletes and renews you — along with practices that support resilience, reflection, and well-being in both your professional and personal life.
Who Should Attend
This retreat is designed for physicians at all career stages who are seeking an opportunity to step away from the demands of practice and reconnect with the deeper meaning of their calling. Whether you are early in your career or nearing the end of a long one, whether you feel depleted or simply sense that something essential is being crowded out — you are welcome here. No prior retreat experience is required.
What Past Participants Say
"I loved the opportunity to be in fellowship with others who understand both my work life and my spiritual life. That combination is rare and precious."
"The retreat provided the permission and space to recognize the lack of commitment to my spiritual health and the sense of isolation it was creating."
"It was one of the best days I've had as a physician in a long time."
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 9:00am to 3:30pm
Cost: $125 (includes program and lunch)
About the Facilitators
John Chuck, MD is Professor of Family Medicine and Chief Wellness Officer at California Northstate University. For more than three decades, he has helped physicians cultivate well-being, resilience, and professional fulfillment across academic medicine, large health systems, and community-based practices. A nationally recognized speaker and the author of Pearls from the Practice of Life and OPTIMISMS, Dr. Chuck is passionate about creating spaces where physicians can reconnect with purpose, presence, faith, and meaning — in medicine and in life.
Susan Cosio, MDiv, BCC is a board-certified healthcare chaplain who spent nearly two decades serving at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. In addition to direct patient care, Susan provided chaplaincy support to physicians and medical staff, facilitated debriefings after critical incidents, and developed hospital-wide programs on staff resilience. She served on the hospital's Ethics Committee and Palliative Care Team, and as adjunct faculty for the California State University Institute for Palliative Care. Susan is a frequent retreat facilitator at Mercy Center and is working with Mercy to develop an ongoing series of retreats for medical professionals.
Traveling to Mercy Center Auburn
We are nestled in the Sierra foothills of Northern California, just minutes from historic downtown Auburn and easily accessible from Sacramento, the Bay Area, and the surrounding region.
By plane: Mercy Center Auburn is a 40-minute drive from Sacramento International Airport.
By train: Auburn Amtrak Station is the closest passenger rail station (about a 10 minute drive).
By car: Click here for driving directions.
Interested in learning about future healthcare retreats and events at Mercy Center Auburn?
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