Dr. Swensen is dedicated to helping thoughtful leaders eradicate burnout and nurture professional fulfillment of their staff.
Imagine our world if we truly cared for each other’s wellbeing.
Swensen is a recognized speaker and expert in leadership and burnout. His work and research show that it is possible to cultivate camaraderie, agency and coherence for high value results.
For three decades he served patients at the Mayo Clinic. As Director for Leadership and Organization Development he co-led the Professional Burnout Initiative and oversaw the development of 4,100 physicians and 232 key leaders. As Chief Quality Officer, he established the Quality Academy wherein 37,000 colleagues were certified as Fellows during his tenure. As Department Chair, he and his team used their Value Creation System to improve the welfare of both patients and professionals.
Swensen serves as Senior Fellow of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement where his focus is Joy in Work. He works as the Leadership Theme Leader for NEJM Catalyst.
A full professor, he was Principal Investigator of two NIH Grants and has authored two books and 207 articles. He was honored with the Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award, served as President of two international societies and founded the Big Sky Group. He holds a Masters of Medical Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz School.
Swensen has been married for 42 years, has two children and has run or cross-country skied 39 marathons.