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ForwardModule 7: Social Connection
In this module, Dr. Stephanie Eisenstat explores the powerful connection between social relationships and overall health. Drawing on research from experts like Dr. Robert Waldinger and Dr. Jane Dutton, the video highlights how meaningful relationships—whether with family, friends, coworkers, or even pets—can improve physical and emotional well-being. Viewers learn about the health risks of social isolation, the importance of belonging, and practical ways to build and maintain strong social connections. The module emphasizes that relationships require intention and effort, and that even small interactions can have a big impact on health.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the relationship between social connection and physical and emotional health.
- Identify strategies to build and maintain meaningful relationships.
- Evaluate the role of quality over quantity in social relationships.
Stephanie Eisenstat, MD
Dr Stephanie Eisenstat is an internist, academic physician leader, medical educator and certified coach at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Over the years, her work has centered on improving the care for women, chronic disease management and cross-disciplinary care redesign. Her current clinical practice is based in the Mass General Brigham Cancer Center helping cancer survivors adopt evidence- based preventive care and lifestyle medicine practices shown to enhance recovery, decrease cancer recurrence and improve prognosis. In addition, she serves as a group leader for PAVING the path to Wellness Program for breast cancer survivors.
She also serves as faculty Co-director and coach for the course, Crafting Your Next Chapter (CYNC), at the University of Chicago Graham School. This innovative program helps mid- to- late career professionals to manage complex transitions and integrate evidence-based practices from the fields of positive psychology, lifespan development and lifestyle medicine, to craft a meaningful next stage of work and life. There is also a robust CYNC Alumni program for continuing education and community building.
She is the author of a number of books and articles in Women's Health (The Primary Care of Women, The Harvard Guide to Women’s Health and Every Woman’s Guide to Diabetes), clinical handbooks on chronic disease management and she is author of one of the first manuals to help clinicians design and conduct group medical visits entitled, “Putting Group Visits into Practice”.