THRIVE Council

The THRIVE Council champions a department-wide commitment to Teamwork, Health, Resilience, Inclusion, Values, and Excellence as the foundation for equitable, high-quality care. By weaving these principles into our clinical practice, education, research, and community engagement, the Council aims to reduce healthcare disparities and improve outcomes in women’s health.

We believe that fostering a culture rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and shared accountability is essential, not only to delivering exceptional care but to ensuring every member of our community feels seen, supported, and empowered. Through this unified approach, the THRIVE Council is helping to shape a healthier, more equitable future for all.

The Emory Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics recognizes that caring for patients begins with caring for ourselves. Our Wellness Committee is dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of faculty, residents, fellows, and staff. We recognize that a thriving workforce is crucial to delivering compassionate, high-quality care and that wellness is both a personal and institutional priority.

Grounded in evidence-based best practices and aligned with national guidance from organizations like ACOG and the American Medical Association, our wellness initiatives aim to reduce burnout, foster collegiality, and promote a sustainable work environment. From structured peer support programs to department-wide activities that promote connection, rest, and renewal, we are committed to cultivating a culture where well-being is protected and prioritized.

The Wellness Committee operates in close partnership with the THRIVE Council to ensure that wellness and belonging are not separate conversations, but shared goals that shape our daily experience and long-term impact.

At Emory Gynecology and Obstetrics, we recognize that the well-being of our faculty, staff, trainees, and learners is inextricably linked to the quality of care we provide to our patients. When our people thrive, our patients benefit, and that truth shapes every aspect of our culture, training, and clinical care.

The THRIVE Council was established in response to a growing awareness within our department that supporting the whole person, physically, emotionally, and professionally, is not only a moral imperative but also a clinical one. THRIVE reflects our belief that excellence in medicine is built on a foundation of collaboration, health, adaptability, belonging, strong values, and the pursuit of the highest standards.

This work is about more than morale or culture; it’s about impact. It’s about ensuring that every individual in our department has what they need to show up fully, contribute meaningfully, and feel valued in the process. As we cultivate a culture of care and accountability, it is essential that every individual, especially those from communities that have been historically underrepresented or marginalized in healthcare, feels a genuine sense of belonging and respect.

Our efforts are directly focused on better experiences and outcomes for the patients and communities we serve. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with disabilities, racial and ethnic minority groups, immigrant populations, LGBTQIA+ persons, and veterans, and other communities that have been historically underrepresented or marginalized in healthcare systems. We are committed to ensuring that our department is a place where all individuals are seen, valued, and empowered.

Through the work of the THRIVE Council and the commitment of our faculty and staff, we are pursuing the following long-term goals:

• Provide data-driven, continuous quality improvement to identify and actively decrease health disparities for patients treated in our obstetrical and gynecologic service areas

• Support research aimed at reducing health disparities in women’s health

• Promote educational programs that are culturally sensitive and responsive

• Ensure a holistic approach to faculty and trainee recruitment and retention that attracts talent from across the world, aligns with our values, and enhances our culture of excellence

I am proud of the many voices across our department who continue to shape this vision and bring it to life every day. Together, through THRIVE, we are building something lasting: a culture of care that begins within and radiates outward.

In service, 

Gina M. Northington, MD, PhD, FACOG
Vice Chair for Equity and Engagement
Professor and Director, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Emory University School of Medicine

In addition to department-led initiatives, faculty and staff are encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of wellness, professional development, and community-building opportunities available across the broader Emory campus. From mindfulness workshops and fitness classes to cultural celebrations and leadership trainings, these university-wide events are designed to support your personal and professional growth. Explore what’s available and find the experiences that help you thrive.