Leaders: Mary Hall, MD and Don Nease, MD
Time: The first meeting will be 90 minutes 7:00pm - 8:30pm Eastern Time/4:00pm - 5:30pm Pacific Time. Subsequent meetings will be 60 minutes 7:00pm - 8:00pm Eastern/4:00 - 5:00 Pacific.
Number of meetings and Dates: Eight (8) monthly meetings on the following Tuesdays: March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 22, and October 27, 2026.
Fee:
$200 for ABS Members
$320 for non-members
This group is open to all registrants regardless of discipline; however, preference will be given to those registering as an ABFM diplomat for their QI project.
ABFM Performance Improvement Standards (MOC Part IV) with the following criteria:
- Participants will participate in monthly Balint Groups over the course of 8 months and are expected to attend all 8 groups (minimum of 6 allowing for extenuating circumstances).
- Participants will collect pre- participation surveys using the Person-Centered Primary Care Measure from a convenience sample of 20-30 patients and use this data to reflect on goals and potential areas for improvement.
- Utilizing the survey data, participants will identify gaps in professionalism and patient satisfaction/engagement and list 2-3 specific changes they would like to implement in their practice/patient care interactions that will be facilitated through participation in Balint Groups.
- Participants will keep notes/a learning log of key insights gleaned from Balint discussions and how they are translating those insights into patient interactions in their practice.
- Diplomates collect post- participation surveys from 20-30 patients and use this data to reflect on progress towards their personal goals.
If canceled by the ABS or hosts due to insufficient registrants, those registered will receive their money back. Otherwise, no return of fee is possible, including in the event of registrant's partial attendance or inability to complete the sequence of sessions.
1. Registrants must be clinically active and willing to present cases.
2. Balint work can stir strong emotions. If the registrant is at an unusually stressful period in their life, we recommend they sign up at another time.
3. Because the success of the group depends in part on cohesion, steady attendance matters. Registrants must intend to attend all sessions of the group.
Target Audience
This series is appropriate for clinicians new to the Balint Group method as well as experienced Balint Group leaders. Suitable for those in active practice including physicians (primary care, psychiatry, other specialists), nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers, and others.
Accreditation
The AAFP has reviewed Balint Group - Decreasing Isolation with Peer Consultation, and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit. The term of approval is 10/08/2025 to 10/07/2026. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
AMA/AAFP Equivalency: AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.
The American Balint Society is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The American Balint Society maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Grievance Policy:
Any concerns should be brought to the attention of Rebekah Schiefer, Committee Chair.