THE DOCTOR’S (& HEALER’S) ART SCHOOL
Join this unique 12-week coaching program for physicians and healers who feel like they are burning out, stressed out and only dream of living a more creative and fulfilled life. Let your creativity bloom and find your joy!
Where Narrative medicine meets Graphic medicine (visual storytelling)

You love being a physician but the workload is taking a toll…
So many healthcare professionals don’t ask for help when we need it most.
Instead, we think we can do it all by ourselves. We end up exhausted, sick, or burnt out.
I don’t want that for you!
How It All Began, My Story:
I was one of those physicians who felt miserable, exhausted, and anxious most days. At work, I was going through the motions. I didn’t hate my job; I loved being a physician. But, the workload and multiple responsibilities as a parent were taking a toll on me. I didn’t want to appear weak, so I kept going.
I had a major health crisis where I came face to face with my own mortality. This was the catalyst that prompted me to change the way I live and work. That was my wake-up call. It sent me on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
I want to share with you what I have learned over the years so you don’t have to wait until you have a health crisis or a wake-up call.
I have developed this program after years of personal development and self-exploration. I’ve completed mindfulness training, yoga retreats, coaching sessions, and programs in leadership, business, real estate, and entrepreneurship. I’ve studied with Drs. Jack Kornfield, Tal Ben Shahar, and Lissa Rankin, and writers Dani Shapiro and Nancy Aronie among several others.
So many healthcare professionals don’t ask for help when we need it most. Instead, we think we can do it all by ourselves. We end up exhausted, sick or burnt out. I don’t want that for you, and I’m here to show you a different path is possible.
We are in a system that’s broken, but we don’t have to end up broken.
I have created a process to help you shift your mindset and get into a state of gratitude and abundance so you can find more meaning and purpose in your life.
Many of us believe happiness and fulfillment are in our future when we get to be the CEO or the CMO, when we are debt-free, or when we have a $10M real estate portfolio. We keep chasing our happiness when it is right in front of us. How do we find happiness and live more fulfilling lives at this moment?
When you decide to prioritize your well-being, the life you save may be your own. Suicide among physicians is so much greater than that of the general population. Self-care and self-compassion are needed more than ever.
It takes more than an occasional yoga class or meditation to change. It takes practice, rituals, and real transformation.
This program is for you if:
You went into medicine to help people, but now you feel something in your life is missing or unfulfilled.
You are going through the motions every day and don’t see a way out.
You feel frustrated with a system that doesn’t support you and won’t listen to you.
You’re more irritable, anxious, or on edge with your kids and family
You have forgotten how to play or have fun or what that even means anymore.
If you didn’t have so many expenses, you would probably quit your job or work part-time. You know you need a change, but you aren’t sure how it could be possible.
Does any of this sound familiar? If any of this resonates with you, it’s time to make a change.
Doctors like us often don’t feel we can ask for help. You may feel alone, trapped, or just plain stuck. You may be in debt and looking for a way out — maybe a side gig or some relief — but you just don't know where to begin!
This program can provide you with tools to help you go from anxious, cranky, and joyless to more joyful and calm.
Find greater meaning and purpose and transform your life!
Start healing yourself:
Learn how to relax in new ways
Access your hidden creativity, intuition, and more joy.
Feel more motivated to start that book you always wanted to write or knit that sweater you were only thinking about making.
Gain new tools in your back pocket to create mental ease.
Get comfortable saying no to the things you don’t want to do anymore.
Shift your mindset to a growth mindset that will open you up to possibility and hope for the future.
Remember how to play and see the joys of transformation.

Testimonials:
“Thank you for creating such a beautiful space. The loveliest people were in attendance! This is so necessary to heal what needs to be healed in medicine. Because the system is out of balance and this is a corrective measure!” Dr. White - Psychiatrist
“Thanks so much for a wonderful experience. Time just flew by and I felt so connected with myself and everyone. You are a wonderful guide.” Dr. SW - Radiation Oncologist
“I would like to thank you for your coaching me over the past five months, which have been pivotal in getting closer to my goals...I realize that I have grown tremendously with your support. Started a new business and a private practice.” -Dr. M - Internist
“My heart is full thinking about what you do. You’re an excellent role model for getting what you want.” -Dr. MF -Psychiatrist
“I wanted to share some exciting news - Since consulting with you, I finally opened a solo practice! Still working [in academia] while I build it up but hoping to let go of the job soon….I wanted to thank you for being so supportive always and inspiring me to seek autonomy and freedom.“ Dr. Laura - Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
“Wow! Just talking with you for fifteen minutes and my brain has been so opened up, my brain has expanded…I’m so grateful to be coached by you!” Ashley- Pre-Med Student
What to expect:
We will meet in small, intimate groups for 12 weeks.
Enjoy 90 minutes of live, art studio and didactic weekly sessions with Dr. Bates.
There will be interactive exercises and a didactic component to learning the tools for greater happiness along with personal writing and artmaking activities (no writing or art-making experience is required).
Additional weekly 45-minute introvert office hours for getting all your questions answered and hot seat 1:1 in group coaching.
You will create your self-care plan and various routines to keep you on target with your self-care, lifestyle, and mindfulness goals. There will be two 30 day challenges to move you forward.
Access to Dr. Bates via email when not in session.
There will be an introduction to meditation techniques, breath work, writing prompts, journaling, art-making sessions, and homework to deepen your understanding of the work and tools.
A 30-page workbook created by Dr. Bates will be provided.
TWO Private 1 : 1 coaching sessions are available.
Register below! Space is limited for small groups.

Meet Dr. Bates
Dr. Hisla Bates, MD is a Harvard/Yale-trained Pediatric and Adult psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Bates is certified in Positive Psychology and studied with Dr. Tal Ben Shahar. She completed a fellowship in Integrative Psychiatry from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, IPI. Dr. Bates uses tools in mindfulness and the creative arts. She is a Parsons School of Design graduate, fashion designer, illustrator, and an award-winning artist and designer. She has created this art-based wellness program called The Doctor’s Art School for physicians and healthcare professionals.
The Art-Assisted Coaching Experience
Healing Starts Here
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The Art Life Experience
This is a 12-week group coaching program where you will have didactics on creating a happy life and improved relationships in your personal and professional lives. 2 Private 1:1 coaching sessions. Learn art-based and art-assisted techniques, writing, journaling, and more. A workbook and basic art supplies will be provided. This 12-week group coaching package is valued at offered for $2499.

More Testimonials:

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Coaching programs often focus on solving surface problems, how to earn more money, and develop a side gig without the focus on what makes you happy. This program is for deep self-exploration and a deeper transformation of who you are and what you need to live a more joyful life. It is a way to wake up your soul’s calling. You will find a way to be more compassionate with yourself. This is a program of self-care and self-discovery to help you make profound shifts in your life. Art wakes up the subconscious too.
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No, this program is not therapy, nor is it a substitute for therapy. You can benefit from using the tools in the program to lower your stress levels and gain insights to better control your life, but we will not be in a doctor-patient relationship. This is not a program to address psychological disorders. If you are struggling with severe depression, anxiety, or PTSD you must consult a therapist or psychiatrist for ongoing treatment.
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This is not a writing program but we will be doing some writing and journaling. The amount of self-exploration and self-discovery you will be doing will provide you with inspiration to write that memoir you have been thinking about.
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I will provide you with several other options for a mindfulness practice that fits you!
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Absolutely not! You do not have to be an artist or a writer, this is a part of the program because writing and art making have been shown to benefit well-being regardless of the product produced. Just the act of participating in either is beneficial to your well-being. We will create a safe environment for you to experiment.