Self-prescribed resolutions: Their personal plans for a healthy 2026

Stanford Medicine faculty members work tirelessly to improve people’s health and create knowledge that could lead to new therapies.

But like many who strive for high achievement, they often prioritize work over wellness. To get them thinking about how to balance the scales of life — and, we hope, inspire others — we asked an assortment of researchers and physicians to share their goals for physical and mental health in 2026.

Here is what they had to say:

Euan Ashley, MB ChB, DPhil, chair of medicine and professor of genetics and of biomedical data science

For 2026, I am planning to read (and write!) more long-form content, sleep more and eat more fermented food. 

Justin Baker, MD, professor of pediatrics

In 2026, I’m committing to protecting small, meaningful moments of rest and connection with my family, and to giving myself the same compassion I encourage in others. My resolution is to slow down just enough to sustain the joy, purpose and presence that fuel this work. I am hoping to model the courageous compassion we aspire to extend to every child and family.

Stephanie Chao, MD, associate professor of pediatric surgery

When I am on a forced break from work (sabbatical, winter closure), I find that I am able to step back and find joy in my everyday surroundings. Joy in things that I may rush past without notice when I am in the bustle of daily work life. This year, I would like to take a brief pause every day (even 30 seconds) to recognize something that has brought me joy that day. For me, joy leads to gratitude, and gratitude brings fulfillment.

Michael Fredericson, MD, professor of orthopaedic surgery

My health goal for 2026 is to allow myself more free time. While I do a good job with most of the seven health pillars we propose in the Stanford Lifestyle Medicine program, I tend to be overly structured. People with more free time each day (within reason) are happier, healthier, more creative and more productive than people who work all the time.

Michael Greicius, MD, professor of neurology

1. Apply sunblock more regularly and exuberantly. 2. Give up on pretending I will learn guitar. It feels good to let go.

Keith Humphreys, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences

Every winter I forswear travel, cookies, candy, cakes and wine. Instead, I make sure to sleep nine hours a night and work out 10 times a week. By spring I am ready for the challenges and joys of the seasons ahead.

Desiree LaBeaud, MD, professor of pediatric infectious diseases

In 2026, I am seeking more space in my calendar and more intentionality and presence in all that I do. Life is short and precious — I am going to practice saying “No, thank you” to all that is not a total-body yes for me so that I can devote my limited time and energy to exactly what I need to be doing to make the most impact.

Ruth Lathi, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology

More yoga and golf, please. I love doing both because they really force you to unplug and slow down and enjoy the simple things, like breathe and putting a little tiny ball in a cup. With regular practice, I hope that by end the end of the year I’m more flexible and have a lower handicap!

Leon Lenchik, MD, professor of radiology

After years of conducting aging research, I finally realized that social health is as important as physical and mental health. Since I’m new to Stanford, my goal for this year is to make some new friends. Maybe find people who share my love for classic 19th- and 20th-century fiction and start a book club. That seemed to work in North Carolina. Why not here?

Bryant Lin, MD, professor of primary care and population health

I resolve to learn something new every day, do something new every week and eat something new every month.

Carla Pugh, MD, PhD, professor of general surgery

Level up on my YouTube mindfulness sessions by creating my own, personalized content.

Sharon Sha, MD, professor of neurology

Make more time to spend with friends and family. Continue to incorporate weight workouts into my routine with cardio. Try to meditate more. Be present!

Reena Thomas, MD, PhD, professor of neurology

For 2026, my health resolution is to spend more time in the water: swimming more regularly on my own and showing up to Stanford Masters Swimming practice often enough that they stop being surprised to see me.

Tony Wyss-Coray, PhD, professor of neurology and neurological sciences

I’d like to continue running twice a week and grow my own fruits and vegetables.

 

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Ashley is also the Arthur L. Bloomfield Professor in Medicine as well as the Roger and Joelle Burnell Professor in Genomics and Precision Health, Baker is also the Deborah E. Addicott-John A. Kriewall and Elizabeth A. Haehl Family Professor in Pediatrics, Greicius is also the Iqbal Farrukh and Asad Jamal Professor, Humphreys is also the Esther Ting Memorial Professor, Pugh is also the Thomas Krummel Professor, and Wyss-Coray is also the D. H. Chen Professor II.