A Supportive Gathering
Through Our Own Eyes Retreat
A medical learning retreat created by women physicians for women physicians which offers time for engagement and support in finding balance in our busy lives. Each retreat ends with those participants interested in the creation of the next retreat gathering and beginning the process again. It is a wonderful mix of Category 1 CME content, self care, and networking. Every retreat has been a great opportunity to make connections and to reflect upon many of the important things in our lives; our careers, our work-life balance, our personal health, our place within our communities and what we can bring to them and to each other. All this while digesting a bit of on-topic CME.
September 2019 was the 13th time we held this popular retreat at Esalen Institute. During Covid pandemic we also had a small virtual gathering in 2021.
Covid and the changing dynamics in medicine as well as the expenses of retreat centers has made the continuation of this program challenging. These past years (2022- present) a few of us gathered remotely researching possible venues that would facilitate the continuation of TOOER. We are happy to have found a venue that may do very well for us!
We are now offering an opportunity for a few motivated and enthusiastic people to experience/evaluate Playa Viva Retreat in Mexico, February 28- March 2026 to rejuvenate the TOOER tradition.
Lecture
& Group Learning
Time is divided between CME accredited lectures, small groups, and time to reflect, recharge and build connections. Lectures are often designed to be a conversation between presenter and participants.
Dynamic Sessions
Contemplation
A Different Learning Space
Small Group Processing
Making Connections
Collaboration
PARTICIPANTS
Women who are physicians
Founded by an inspirational physician whose vision was for physicians who deal with the challenges of being female and physician (the unique balancing that we face in maintaining our health and the wellbeing of our patients, families and workplace) to come together to share our experiences and to mentor each other. This is a unique CME experience designed for and by the participants. Networking and finding ones' center are central to the experience.
Location & Accommodations
Playa Viva Eco-Resort
Playa Viva is an award-winning eco-luxury sanctuary located near the small village of Juluchuca on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the State of Guerrero. It is a 35-minute ride south of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH). Built on 200 acres of wild coastline, jungle, and secluded beach; it invites you to sleep in open-air treehouses - all with sweeping ocean views. It was constructed and is maintained as an eco-friendly facility. The design blends in with the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains, coastal mangroves and Pacific Ocean. Playa Viva is one of the highest-rated B-Corp certified eco-hotels in the world - featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, and more. Most of the accommodation is shared - shared with others and, occasionally, with the local wildlife. These spaces are more than just a place to rest; they invite connection, laughter, and the sharing of stories, creating a richer collective experience at Playa Viva.
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Get your flights into and out of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH), which is served by over 50 direct flights per week —half from Mexico City and the remaining flights from major North American airports including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, and Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Ground transport to and from ZIH is provided by Playa Viva as part of your stay.
Ground Transportation
On the day the retreat starts and ends, ground transportation to and from ZIH airport to Playa Viva will be arranged by TOOER and is included with your reservation. A few months prior to the start of the retreat, a TOOER Committee member will reach out to you to collect your travel details and let you know what to expect in terms of ground transportation.
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US and Canadian citizens need a valid passport when traveling between the United States and Mexico. For travelers from other countries, please check for rules related to visa and passport requirements.
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In addition to clothes, toiletries, medication and other things you would normally pack, we recommend you bring: flip flops, bathing suit, light sweaters or wraps for cool nights, closed toe shoes (if hiking or running), light long sleeve shirt and pants to protect yourself from mosquitoes, portable flash light for seeing at night, ear plugs (as you are close to the ocean and it can get loud), hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent (Playa Viva recommends Repel brand lemon eucalyptus mosquito repellent).
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Transportation to and from ZIH airport
3 gourmet meals a day + snacks prepared by Playa Viva chefs
All non-alcoholic and non-blended drinks
Ocean-side morning yoga 7 days a week
Wi-Fi in common areas
TOOER CME Program
Closing Beach Dinner
Cacao Heart Opening Ceremony
Playa Viva Farm Demonstration
Also included in your Reservations
20% Tax: 16% VAT, 4% Local Occupancy Tax
10% Tip
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Airfare
Bar beverages, smoothies, soft drinks and coconuts
Massages and Spa Treatments
Resort Excursions or Resort activities not purchased by TOOER
Purchases at the boutique
Additional Nights*
*make arrangements with Playa Viva directly
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Tips for all group meals, classes and activities are included in your registration price so no need to tip separately after group meals, classes or activities. Feel free to tip any support staff that you believe have gone above and beyond your expectations and at your discretion.
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
