View source for Kim Downey

[[File:Kim downey.jpg|thumb|Kim Downey]]
'''Kim Downey''' is a physical therapist, cancer survivor, author, speaker, and podcast host who has become a fierce advocate for physician well-being. She is the founder of '''Stand Up (for) Doctors!''', a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of physicians, healthcare professionals, and patients by sharing their unique struggles, challenges, triumphs, and passions.

== Role in Medicine Forward ==
Kim joined '''Medicine Forward''' in 2023 as the organization’s '''Community Ambassador''', bringing her personal perspective as both a healthcare professional and patient to the movement. Her contributions include:

* '''Community Engagement''': Acts as a bridge between physicians, patients, and advocates, ensuring that Medicine Forward reflects diverse voices and lived experiences.
* '''Advocacy for Physician Well-Being''': Highlights stories of physician burnout, moral injury, and resilience, helping to reframe the conversation around healthcare transformation.
* '''Storytelling and Media''': Uses her podcast, YouTube channel, and Substack newsletter to extend Medicine Forward’s mission by spotlighting authentic stories of connection and hope.
* '''Patient-Clinician Partnership''': Promotes the importance of supporting physicians so they, in turn, can provide the highest quality care for patients.
* '''Current Role''': Kim serves as the '''Community Ambassador''' at Medicine Forward, guiding outreach and storytelling efforts that build connection and drive advocacy.

== Background and Advocacy ==
Kim’s advocacy is shaped by her dual identity as a physical therapist and three-time cancer survivor. She draws on these experiences to amplify physician voices and call for cultural and systemic change in healthcare.

* '''Stand Up (for) Doctors!''': Founder of this platform (launched in 2023), which uses podcasts, video, and writing to highlight the human side of medicine and create advocacy for healthy doctors.
* '''Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation''': Serves as an '''Ambassador''', advocating for improved access to mental health care and well-being support for healthcare workers.
* '''Clinician Burnout Foundation''': Appointed '''Ambassador''' in 2025, extending her advocacy to address systemic drivers of physician burnout.
* '''Physical Therapy Career''': Over two decades of practice spanning pediatric and adult care, including pediatric services (Integrated Pediatric Services, New Milford Public Schools, Children’s Therapy Services) and adult rehabilitation through Preferred Therapy Solutions, where she worked in sub-acute rehab and skilled nursing facilities for seven years.
* '''Special Connections LLC''': Served as an '''RDI Program Consultant''', supporting families and children with developmental challenges.

== Speaking and Thought Leadership ==
Through her writing, speaking, and media work, Kim emphasizes:

* The importance of amplifying physician and patient voices to inspire systemic change.
* Addressing clinician burnout and moral injury through advocacy and cultural transformation.
* The role of authentic storytelling in creating connection, purpose, and hope in medicine.
* Patient empowerment as a vital component of healthcare reform.

== External Links ==

* '''Stand Up (for) Doctors!:''' https://standupfordoctors.org/
* '''Stand Up (for) Doctors! YouTube Channel:''' https://www.youtube.com/@StandUpforDoctors
* '''Stand Up (for) Doctors! Substack:''' https://standupfordoctors.substack.com/
* '''Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation:''' https://drlornabreen.org/
* '''Clinician Burnout Foundation:''' https://clinicianburnoutfoundation.org/
* '''Kim’s LinkedIn Profile:''' https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-downey-a9307b72/

Kim Downey continues to amplify the voices of physicians and patients through ''Stand Up (for) Doctors!'' and her ambassador roles with leading advocacy organizations, advancing a culture of well-being and connection so healthcare professionals and patients alike can thrive.