Self-Compassion, Happiness, and Well-Being for Doctors: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience
April 24 - 28, 2026
25 Doctors. 5 Days.
1 Life-Changing Transformation.
When was the last time you took more than a day or two of quality time for yourself?
How long has it been since you’ve truly unplugged, relaxed, and focused on your self-compassion?
Do you want to grow your well-being to support your long-term success?
Most doctors are so busy serving the needs of patients, that they become deeply disconnected from themselves.
“Self-Compassion, Happiness, and Well-Being for Doctors: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience Retreat” is the launching pad for rediscovering joy and long-term change.
Welcome to an empowering, immersive journey to help doctors reduce stress and grow their happiness and well-being.
Welcome to “Self-Compassion, Happiness, and Well-Being for Doctors: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience in Italy.”
This event, for high-achieving medical professionals from all over the world, will reach all your senses, your intellect, your emotions, and your heart, while providing life-changing training sessions for long-term results and lasting success.
This is the only event where you get to learn about happiness and experience it, tailored to physicians.
You’ll be immersed in self-compassion and awareness practices with ample time for cultural experiences, enjoyment, and networking to develop personal and professional relationships with other doctors. You’ll get the opportunity to get to know a wonderful group of people and leave with a stronger network and skills you will use for years to come.
The goal of “Self-Compassion, Happiness, and Well-Being for Doctors: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience” is to create an oasis for you: an oasis of beauty, an oasis of joy, of the carefree, of the profound, of lightness, and of your own freedom.
Italy is a celebration of life. Let’s celebrate together, integrating mindfulness with Italian Renaissance philosophy and psychology with Greek mythology while training yourself to hear what your body, heart, and mind say every step of the way.
Get ready to enjoy other doctors’ company, reap the benefits of an authentic Italian experience, and learn to drive positive change in the medical profession.
You’ll leave with a greater sense of inner calm, easier access to joy, and lasting memories of a part of Italy mostly untouched by tourists!
A Healing Experience Through
Connection
Compassion
Self-Compassion
Beauty
Gratitude
Fresh Food Grown in Ischia
Poetry
Greek Mythology
Meditation
Thermal Hot Springs
Quality Time in Nature
Host:
Happiness Sangha
Created and Facilitated by Elizabeth Pyjov
Well-Researched Science of the Mind Practices
Research conducted at the University of Pennsylvania and UC Davis has shown that people who engage in the practices we’ll do at this retreat:
Experience 10% growth in long-term happiness
Increase in progress towards long-term goals by 20% more than a control group
Sleep longer and more deeply
Demonstrate better economic decision-making
Improve managerial skills
Have greater life satisfaction and self-esteem than a control group
We created place and time where high-achieving medical professionals can relax, enjoy, connect, and learn. You'll gain the mindset to enhance your happiness for decades to come.
This isn’t just another training. It’s a chance to exhale. To reconnect. To make a long-term plan. And to be surrounded by others who truly understand you.
You’ll be spending time with 25 doctors who will become a source of support both personally and professionally.
After the event, you’ll feel rejuvenated, connected, and like you have gone on a magical adventure. You’ll come back refreshed and mentally ready for a new level of success.
Please join for this life-changing event in Italy, where you don’t just learn about joy and happiness — you live it.
Testimonials
WHAT
This unique 5-day “Self-Compassion, Happiness, and Well-Being for Doctors: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience” gives medical professionals the opportunity to build genuine friendships and partnerships with other physicians, as well as learn how to overcome challenges – both personal and professional.
It’s an all-inclusive experience in an Italian paradise for 5 days which includes:
Connections to other doctors
Transformative trainings
Opportunity to start or deepen a meditation practice
Small town authentic Italian life for 5 days
3 healthy, farm-to-table, delicious meals a day
5-course dinners every night
Relaxation for the body and mind
Ancient Greek myths
Daily heart-opening and self-compassion
Boat ride on the Mediterranean sea
Soaking in thermal baths
WHERE
Southern Italy is paradise off-season.
Ischia, directly adjacent to the island of Capri, is an idyllic vantage point on southern Italy where we have the quiet we need to concentrate and build community.
Ischia is amazing, as it combines a deep history – Homer included it as part of Odysseus’ journey in The Odyssey, W. H. Auden composed poetry about it, and it's the first place where the Ancient Greeks landed when they moved to Italy – lovely small towns, beautiful vegetation and nature, the sparkling Mediterranean sea, friendly people, and natural thermal hot springs that relax the body and mind.
It's a tranquil, relaxed setting to be meeting other doctors while connecting to nature and eating homemade pastas, gelatos, vegetable dishes, and the cornetti ischitani that are baked only on the island.
You’ll be in one of the few places where you can still get the authentic Italian experience.
According to CNN, Ischia is “the paradise island that offers a taste of the real Italy.”
Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro – Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure (Italian Proverb)
THEMES DAY-BY-DAY
Day 1: Arrival, Welcome Session, Dinner
Welcome lunch and introductions
Meditation session to arrive fully
Insight into Italian poetry
Introduction to Self-Leadership
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 2: Mindfulness and Joy
Visit the Archeological Museum and Lacco Ameno downtown
Lunch out in a local restaurant
Hike Mount Epomeo
Discover the mythology of Ischia
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 3: Self-Compassion, Freedom from the Inner Critic, Leadership of Self
Self-Compassion Meditation
Freedom from the Inner Critic
Stroll through La Mortella gardens
Boat ride on the Mediterranean
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 4: Connecting with Compassion
Visit Aragonese Castle
Optional dip in the Mediterranean
How To Reduce Burnout training
How Compassion Reduces Stress Workshop
Five-course gourmet dinner
Special surprise on the rooftop terrace
Day 5: Longterm Benefits and Well-being into the Future
Last dip in the mineral hot spring pool
Winery visits
How to integrate these benefits into your life long-term
Closing session: achievements and future endeavours
EXPERIENCE CREATED BY:
ELIZABETH PYJOV, JD MTS
B.A. Harvard College, Romance Languages and Literatures
Certification Stanford Medical School, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Pedagogy of Compassion
J.D. Harvard Law School
MTS Harvard Divinity School, Theology Degree
New York City Bar Well-Being Committee Member
Business School Faculty at Loyola University Chicago Quinlan Business School on Leadership of Self
Law School Faculty at Loyola University Chicago School of Law
WHY ELIZABETH PYJOV
Elizabeth is an attorney, thought leader, and program creator whose path has taken her from Harvard Divinity School to studying neuroscience at Stanford Medical School, and from working at the United Nations to learning directly with the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Jon Kabat-Zinn. She weaves together science, spirituality, and global experience to help professionals bring more meaning, resilience, and compassion into their lives and workplaces.
Before founding her organizations—Lead with Compassion, Happiness Sangha, and Self-Compassion for Lawyers—Elizabeth worked as an attorney at Sidley Austin, investigated cases for the New York Attorney General’s Office, and served in human rights at the UN. She knows firsthand the pressures that motivated, high-achieving professionals face.
Over the past decade, more than 20,000 people have attended her sessions, including leaders at the Library of Congress, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Novartis, and Deutsche Bank. Her greatest joy is creating spaces where professionals—especially those in demanding fields like medicine—can pause, reconnect with themselves, and rediscover compassion for both their work and their own well-being.
“What makes my method unique is a deep knowledge of the specific pressures doctors face, combined with the perspective of a mindfulness and well-being facilitator and experience in neuroscience, law, the humanities, Western philosophy, Eastern theology, and the corporate world.”
Movement Specialist: Mia Kathryn Wenger
Mia Kathryn Wenger will be leading daily movement sessions for the group.
She is a New York City-based professional dancer, group fitness instructor, and Pilates instructor who enables others to reach their highest potential through movement.
Mia graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 2020 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, Magna Cum Laude. She started her Pilates career as a Group Fitness Instructor for Equinox in New York City. She taught mat Pilates and strength classes while still a full-time college student and was one of the youngest instructors at Equinox.
Mia holds a NCSF Personal Training Certification and a 450-hour Classical Comprehensive Pilates Certification from Equinox Pilates Teacher Institute. She has continued her Pilates education through hands-on and virtual workshops, specializing in Scoliosis, Body Inclusivity, and Pre/Post Natal work. Outside of dance and Pilates, she enjoys movement hobbies like boxing, running, bouldering, pole dancing, and more. Mia is an avid amateur astrologer, and loves to travel, try new modalities of movement, and learning about the world.
HEALING AND CHANGING PATTERNS
The medical profession is highly stressful.
Doctors are held to a high standard of perfectionism, which leads to chronic stress.
What physicians often lack is self-compassion and positive leadership of self habits for themselves.
During the retreat, we will rewire those patterns together.
In a new environment, it is easier to release our patterns.
When trying new foods, experiencing beauty with the senses, and connecting to the warmth and friendliness of others – we gather energy and heal.
Wine has been produced in Ischia for almost 3000 years. It was introduced by the Ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC, and Ischia is still famous all over the world for its wines.
“I spent years living in Italy, and the food in Ischia is the most delicious Italian food I’ve ever had.”
L’amore si misura in piatti cucinati – Love is measured in cooked dishes (Italian Proverb)
Local Experience
The owner of the villa where we will be staying owns an organic fruit and vegetable farm, and the food we'll be eating is sourced from there.
All the food for the duration of your stay is included. We will eat fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta, and salads as well as meat, seafood, and fish, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
Special dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, allergies, and sensitivities are happily accommodated.
Most of the food we will be eating is grown in the garden at the villa.
LOCATION
The retreat will take place at the beautiful Italian villa where we will be staying. Pools of healing mineral hot springs are at your disposal on the property, as well as saunas, Turkish baths, and spas. You’ll enjoy the gorgeous views of the island from the rooftop terrace.
You can lounge in the jacuzzi on the terrace, swim in the pool, enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the courtyard, and have traditional Italian multi-course meals in the dining room while building the future of what the medical profession will become.
There will be excursions around the island on days 2, 3, and 4.
“My goal is to create a truly magical experience for the attendees that impacts their life positively long-term and changes their habits for the better.”
WHAT’S UNIQUE
Unique training in self-compassion, contemplative practices, and science of the mind..
To encourage active dialogue and true connection among participants, registration will be limited to 30 doctors.
Authentic, Italian experience: like living in a warm Italian family, with amazing people around the table.
Daily meditation will help you feel alive, connected, and relaxed– and build a new healthy habit.
This retreat will help you achieve new levels of self-compassion, which will help you face professional challenges with new strength.
You’ll come away with new friendships
You'll learn something new about yourself, your happiness, your well-being, Greek mythology, and Italian culture.
ITINERARY
Arrive on the island of Ischia on a one-hour boat ride from Naples
Aperol spritz or mineral water to refresh you
Welcome lunch
Soak in the jacuzzi on the rooftop, enjoying the view of Mount Epomeo
Mindfulness and Arriving Fully meditation practice
Introduction to daily gratitude practice
Italian poetry series (poetry is important to happiness!)
Introduction to Leadership of Self
Learn some key Italian words
5-course dinner with wine
Night soak in the thermal hot springs for relaxation – the spa is open for you to use 24/7
DAY 1: Arrival, Welcome Session, Dinner
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast on the terrace in front of the villa with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Morning mindfulness practice
Science of the Mind training
Stroll through the lovely town of Lacco Ameno
Visit to Villa Arbusto Archeological Museum
Lunch at the best pizzeria on the island
Option to hike Mount Epomeo
Return to the villa, free time
Ancient Greek myths introduction
5-course dinner with wine
Evening self-compassion meditation practice
DAY 2: Mindfulness and Joy
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast on the terrace with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Morning meditation practice
Visit the beautiful Giardini La Mortella gardens
Lunch in a restaurant on the beach
Free time back at the villa to siesta or sunbathe on the rooftop, soak in the thermal waters, or sip a limoncello on the terrace
Freedom from the Inner Critic
Discussion of how doctors can be self-compassionate and achieve excellence
Evening self-compassion practice
5-course dinner with wine
Option to explore a local town at night
DAY 3: Self-Compassion, Freedom from the Inner Critic, Leadership of Self
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Morning meditation practice
Centering practice with joy meditation
Practical tools to increase happiness and well-being year-round, even upon returning home.
Visit to the local winery and lunch at the winery, followes by winery hopping
Visit Aragonese Castle
How Compassion Reduces Stress Workshop
Free time back at the villa
Optional time to go shopping in the town Lacco Ameno
5-course dinner with wine and special desserts
Night of live music at the villa to celebrate our last evening together
DAY 4: Connecting with Compassion
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
How to Integrate These Benefits into Your Life Long-Term
Closing session: Achievements and Future Endeavors
Soaking in thermal hot springs at the villa one more time
Arrivederci!
Boat to Naples (or, if you like, it’s an easy boat ride to Capri, Positano, or Amalfi)
Transfer to airport or train station in Naples
DAY 5: Longterm Benefits and Well-being into the Future
Value
Building a close community of doctors who are not immediate colleagues - $2,000
Italian poetry immersion series - $450
Ancient Greek myths psychologically explained for happiness - $450
Restorative yoga on the roof, walking meditation, and mindful movement daily - $450
Therapeutic compassion exercises - $450
Gaining a deep understanding of self-compassion - $450
Excursions around the island organized by Elizabeth Pyjov - $2,000
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport - $200
Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways - $100
Transportation all over the island during your stay - $150
Room - $1,250
Breakfast, lunch, and five-course dinner with wine each day - $1,500
Book of Italian poetry from 50 different poets, handpicked by Elizabeth Pyjov - $70
Not thinking about anything and not planning - $1,000
Pleasant surprises and extras - $275
Lifelong friendships with other doctors - Priceless
Returning home with greater well-being - Priceless
Joy, energy, and inspiration for months to come - Priceless
Total: $10,795
The event fee is $4,100
Significant other or friend registration: If you want to bring a significant other to share a room with, the fee for them is $2,950. They are invited to participate in all meals and excursions. There will be special sessions for them at the retreat.
This payment can be split up into monthly payments over 6 - 12 months, interest-free.
Included
All activities of 5-day retreat
Life-changing workshops, trainings, and meditations
Farm-to-table meals and traditional multi-course dinners
4 nights with a private room and a private bathroom in a beautiful hotel villa
Delicious local wines
Excursions around the island
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport
Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways
Transportation all over the island during your stay
Everything is planned for you and everything is included
All activities are optional and you get to make your schedule each day
Please contact me for a letter that you can share with your organization to highlight the benefits of the training and receive reimbursement for the retreat.
This Team Will Welcome You
CURRICULUM
The curriculum has four parts:
1) Self-compassion, awareness and joy practice tailored to the medical profession.
2) Compassionate connection to others.
3) Science of the mind to reduce stress and burnout.
4) Italian poetry and Ancient Greek mythology as it supports happiness.
Attendees (placeholder, need adjustment)
Attendees include department chairs, senior physicians, fellows, and residents from leading U.S. hospitals and academic medical centers, as well as top institutions abroad.
Among those represented are Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mass General Brigham, NYU Langone Health, and Stanford Medicine. Also joining us are public health leaders and the Director of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).
You’ll get to know an amazing group of people in a relaxed setting.
You’ve Never Seen Such Happy Professionals
Booking Instructions
YOUR CONTRIBUTION
$4,100 for the entire experience.
$2,950 for a significant other you share a room with.
Everything in the Value section above is included from the time we pick you up at the airport to the time you leave Ischia. There will be a 5-course dinner each day, lunch out in local restaurants, a sumptuous breakfast buffet, wine at dinner, Aperol Spritz upon arrival, life-changing workshops, and the opportunity to get to know other doctors.
See below for registration links.
Please contact me for a letter that you can share with your organization to highlight the benefits of the training and receive reimbursement for the retreat.
“This is not just five pleasant days. It’s a launching pad to a new quality of life.”
DETAILS
Date: April 24 - 28, 2026
Place: Ischia, Italy
Significant others or friends: Wecome to attend at a reduced fee.
Flights: Fly into the airport in Naples, Italy. There is a direct flight New York - Naples, for example. You can also fly into Rome and take a 1-hour train ride to Naples. You will be picked up at the airport or a train station.
Main Facilitator: Elizabeth Pyjov, JD MTS
HOW TO REGISTER
You can register here.
This payment can be split up into monthly payments over 6 - 12 months, interest-free, if you select Affirm or Klarna at checkout at the link below. If you have questions about that, call Elizabeth Pyjov at 650-922-4262.
Please contact me for a letter that you can share with your organization to highlight the benefits of the training and receive reimbursement for the retreat.
Plus one participants are welcome to participate in every part of the event (see itinerary).
“Doctors spend a lot of time and energy serving others. This event will give them the opportunity to connect and take care of themselves. ”
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. However, if you're unable to attend, we’re happy to offer a credit equal to the amount paid. This credit can be applied toward a future event.
We’ll See You Soon
Get in Touch
Have any further questions? Please reach out to the event creator and curator.
Elizabeth Pyjov
+1 (650) 922-4262
elizabeth@leadwithcompassion.com
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethpyjov/