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What is an educational retreat?
Whole Hearted Medicine pioneered the educational retreat model for doctors in Australia & New Zealand – fighting for industry wide CPD recognition of wellbeing education in a way that hadn’t been done before. Since 2021, we’ve been refining a specific way of learning that is not just a conference with a side of yoga, but an immersive, psychologically safe container where doctors can step out of their everyday roles to reflect, reset and grow.
Our educational retreats go beyond traditional wellness retreats by providing structured, evidence-based training in mindfulness, emotional resilience and leadership- of self AND others; specifically designed for doctors and medical leaders. Each retreat meets industry-specific CPD requirements, so the time you spend with us directly enhances your clinical practice, leadership effectiveness and overall professional performance.
We intentionally bring together cross-specialty, cross-system cohorts – clinicians and medical administrators, hospital and community-based doctors, and a mix of disciplines and career stages – to break down silos, deepen understanding across the system and strengthen common humanity in medicine. Every retreat is held at a venue where we have exclusive use of the entire property, allowing for deep, uninterrupted, trauma-informed learning in a truly contained environment. This is central to the level of psychological safety we create, and to the honesty, vulnerability and integration that follow.
For individual doctors, joining us is a rare opportunity to step back, recharge and gain skills that support both your personal and professional life. For the broader healthcare system, this innovative form of medical education is a strategic investment in workforce sustainability – reducing burnout, improving patient care and fostering healthier cultures of leadership and wellbeing.
This is not time away from learning; it’s a smarter way to learn, one that strengthens both individual resilience and organisational effectiveness.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of retreat is right for me?
At Whole Hearted Medicine, we offer two transformative retreats designed specifically for doctors. Whether you’re seeking personal renewal or looking to lead positive change in healthcare, our programs provide the tools and support you need.
Mindfulness & Wellbeing Retreat for Doctors
Nurture Yourself. Reconnect. Restore.
This retreat is designed for doctors who want to deepen their self-awareness, cultivate mindfulness, and develop sustainable self-care practices. Through guided mindfulness, self-compassion training, and restorative practices, you’ll learn how to navigate stress, prevent burnout, and reconnect with your sense of purpose.
🔹 Develop practical mindfulness and self-compassion skills
🔹 Learn evidence-based self-care strategies
🔹 Build emotional resilience and reduce stress
🔹 Experience deep rest and renewal in a supportive environmentThis retreat is for you if you’re ready to prioritise your own wellbeing—without guilt—and rediscover the joy in medicine and life.
Whole Hearted Leadership Retreat
Lead with Presence. Inspire Change.
This retreat is for healthcare leaders who want to foster a culture of wellbeing within their teams and organisations. It goes beyond personal mindfulness practice, focusing on how to embody and lead with awareness, emotional agility, and connection. You’ll explore the interplay between self-leadership, team dynamics, and systemic change to become a catalyst for a more compassionate, sustainable healthcare system.
🔹 Enhance your capacity for mindful leadership
🔹 Learn how to create psychologically safe, supportive workplaces
🔹 Develop skills to lead with emotional intelligence and presence
🔹 Inspire a culture of wellness within your team and organisationIf you’re passionate about shaping a healthcare system that truly supports both patients and practitioners, this retreat will empower you with the skills and mindset to make a lasting impact.
How do the retreats differ between venues?
While the structure and educational content of our retreats remain consistent, each experience is unique- shaped by the venue, group dynamics, and timing. To help you choose the retreat that best suits your needs, we’ve provided details on each location and what to expect on the specific retreat pages.
In addition, here are some key considerations from past participants to help guide your decision:
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Weather & Location – Are you looking to escape the winter chill of the southern states and NZ? If so, our June or August retreat in the Daintree or offers a warm and rejuvenating escape.
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Group Size & Atmosphere – Do you prefer the rich diversity of conversations in a larger group (18-22 participants) like our Daintree retreats? Or would you find greater comfort in the intimacy of a smaller gathering at SOMA?
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Natural Surroundings – All our venues are immersed in nature. So would you feel most at home in the subtropical microclimate of Byron’s hinterland, the lush tropics of the Daintree, or the serene beauty of Tasmania?
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Dietary Preferences – While all our venues offer exceptional chef-prepared meals, SOMA is a dedicated retreat space where alcohol is not permitted. If this factor is important to you, you may wish to explore one of our other retreats.
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Your Leadership Journey – Are you stepping into or already working in a leadership role within healthcare? Our Whole Hearted Leadership Retreats provide specialised support, equipping you with practical tools and ongoing guidance to help you lead with confidence and clarity.
Whichever retreat you choose, you’ll be joining a transformative experience designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth.
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Is there a wait list for sold out retreats?
We keep a wait list for all sold out retreats and will contact you in the event of any cancellations. To be added to our wait list please send us an email with your desired retreat date, rooming option and room share type.
What are your booking and cancellation terms?
You will find more detail about each retreat on each of the information pages and the general booking and cancellation terms can be found here.
Is this retreat tax deductible?
This is something you would need to discuss with your financial advisor or accountant. When talking to them, you can let them know that Whole Hearted Medicine retreats attract Continuing Professional Development points with many major speciality colleges and have been accessed via CME allowance due to their relevance to continuing work as a doctor.
Can I use my CME allowance for this retreat?
Many doctors have attended our retreats using their hospital CME allowance. If you need any documentation to support your CME claim please get in touch.
Can I bring my children or family with me?
Whilst we truly value the importance of connection, due to the immersive nature of the retreats, it is not suitable to bring your children or family along with you. Our goal is to envelop you with not only the educational component but also to nurture your whole sense of self. We eat meals together as a group, have mindful activities and engage in deep, authentic conversations outside of the educational time. You deserve a break from your busy home life and job, this retreat is it.
These retreats are also only for registered doctors.
Can I attend with my medical spouse?
Yes, you most certainly can attend with your medical spouse. Simply choose the ‘twin share’ option for each of you and please get in touch with us to let us know how you would like your room bedding configured.
How much do the retreats cost?
The price varies depending on retreat destination and room type selected. You will find more information within each retreat option. Some retreats have the option for a payment plan, please get in touch with us if you would like to use this option.
Please bear in mind that all retreats are delivered at beautiful locations, where your connection to nature is prioritised and we have exclusive use of the venue, to allow you to fully exhale within in a group of fellow doctors. Time and time again, our attendees have given us the feedback on how important this element is to their overall experience. Your comfort and psychological safety is our top priority, so we do not use large conference venues or hotels for this reason.
Thoughts from past retreat attendees
“I’m more comfortable at meditation after the retreat, and more than I would have given myself credit for before. It is finally starting to feel familiar.”
“I am lost for words. All I can really say is that the retreat has been life changing.”
“I found the retreat absolutely fantastic. Finally, a conference that focuses on self care, realised burn out, specifically in the medical field. I felt heard, I felt sharing my experiences helped, and I felt I was given real tools and techniques to help in the future. Thank you for the safe space to reflect, and grow.”