Reflections on the signs and science of belonging in integrated care.

Abstract

For this inaugural reflection, the author began by thinking about what the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) has been for them, and they suspect for many others. As a naïve early career professional, the author joined CFHA with wide-eyed optimism about the future of the integrated care movement and the giddy excitement only a true nerd can appreciate when you get to befriend the individuals who have made one's career possible. This community is the space where peers and leaders sharpened the author's knowledge and where they became a passionate advocate for integrated care. Activities within CFHA have inspired several initiatives in their institution and community. Yet, when they think of CFHA, it is not the technical access or the ocean of knowledge that comes to mind. Instead, what lights up for them is the feeling that this is a community to which they belong. This is illuminated by the warmth of handshakes and hugs, contagious laughter, shared meals, and moments of joys and sorrows. This sense of belonging they received from CFHA has instilled confidence and agency in other areas of their professional development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).