Episodes
Today we’re addressing a common challenge many of us face—comparison. It’s easy to fall into the “compare and despair” cycle, especially in high-achieving professions like medicine, but you don’t have to stay stuck there. I’m joined by Dr. Jessie Mahoney, a pediatrician, coach, and mindfulness expert who co-hosts the Mindful Healers podcast. Together, we dive into practical strategies for recognizing and breaking free from the comparison trap. Dr. Mahoney shares insights on the roots of...
Published 11/13/24
Today we’re diving into the challenges caregivers face and practical advice on how to care for others while also caring for your well-being. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, an ill spouse, or a child with special needs, being a caregiver often leads to exhaustion and burnout. Joining me is Dr. Delia Chiaramonte, an integrative palliative care physician and host of The Integrative Palliative Podcast. Dr. Chiaramonte shares her personal story and offers strategies for setting...
Published 10/30/24
We are diving into an incredibly important conversation around mental health and well-being for physicians, a topic that is too often overshadowed by stigma. Breaking through the silence is essential, and I’m honored to have Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist, mindfulness meditation teacher, and physician coach, join us for this episode. Dr. Fisher is a leader in organizational well-being and resiliency, with a passion for healing both the heart and mind. We explore practical steps that...
Published 10/23/24
Today we continue our series on retirement with Dr. Dike Drummond. Dr. Drummond is a family physician, coach, and CEO of The Happy MD, specializing in helping physicians navigate burnout and retirement with purpose and clarity. In this episode, Dr. Drummond shares his personal experiences and insights on how to approach retirement with a focus on self-identity, purpose, and fulfillment. We’ll discuss the psychological aspects of transitioning away from a medical career, the grief that can...
Published 10/16/24
Today we’re discussing the transformative power of changing how you see yourself. If you've ever felt stuck in your career or weighed down by self-doubt and imposter syndrome, this episode is for you. Joining me is Dr. Maria Dominguez, an emergency medicine physician who, through coaching, overcame self-doubt and imposter syndrome to rediscover joy in her work and start a side business. Dr. Dominguez shares her personal journey of overcoming these challenges and how shifting her mindset...
Published 10/09/24
Today we’re diving into part-time opportunities for physicians who aren’t quite ready to retire but want to slow down. Whether you’re nearing retirement or just looking to diversify your career, these part-time options offer flexibility and fulfillment. Our guest today is Dr. John Jurica, host of the popular Physician NonClinical Careers podcast, who has firsthand experience with many part-time roles, shares insights on how to prepare for a gradual career transition, explore clinical and...
Published 10/02/24
On today’s episode, we’re exploring an exciting and often overlooked side gig that can bring in significant income, from $10,000 to $20,000 or more per month. Dr. Tom Davis, a family physician who transitioned to working as an independent contractor for the Social Security Administration, shares how this side gig has been rewarding both financially and professionally, how it works, the qualifications required, and how he personally has been able to make over $50,000 in a single month through...
Published 09/25/24
Today we’re celebrating a huge milestone—200 episodes! Over the past four years, this podcast has shared countless stories, insights, and lessons from physicians and experts who’ve navigated the challenges of their careers. To commemorate this special episode, I’ll be reflecting on the journey so far by sharing two pearls, two pitfalls, and two surprises that I’ve encountered while podcasting. From unexpected challenges in podcast production to the overwhelming positive feedback from...
Published 09/20/24
Today, we're discussing the crucial decision of investing in yourself—whether it’s time, money, or energy. Many physicians feel uncertain or guilty about this, questioning if it's worth the risk. Dr. Bonnie Koo, dermatologist, master certified life coach, and founder of Wealthy Mom MD, joins us to share her journey from clinical practice to entrepreneurship and provide insights on when and how to invest in personal growth and your career. We’ll explore strategies for overcoming fear and...
Published 09/11/24
Today we're exploring how you can strategically stand out as a candidate in a competitive nonclinical job market. With increasing numbers of physicians seeking to transition out of clinical roles, the job market has become more challenging. However, there are always opportunities available if you know how to position yourself effectively. In this episode, I’ll share key strategies that can help you enhance your visibility, demonstrate your unique value, and improve your chances of landing a...
Published 09/04/24
In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the incredible world of artificial intelligence with a focus on how ChatGPT can assist you in your career journey. I’ll walk you through practical ways to use ChatGPT to explore career options, craft compelling resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and even tackle challenging conversations. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of starting something new or needed help making a career change, this episode is for you. You can find...
Published 08/26/24
Today we’re tackling a topic that keeps many physicians feeling stuck: nonclinical salaries. If you’ve ever felt trapped by your current income, uncertain about what nonclinical roles pay, or worried about taking a pay cut, this episode is for you. I’ll break down the salary ranges for various nonclinical roles in sectors like pharma, medical writing, and public health. We’ll also discuss the factors that influence compensation so that by the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer...
Published 08/21/24
Today we’re tackling a topic that’s top of mind for many seasoned physicians: ageism and the opportunities available in the later stages of your career. Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, this episode offers insights into navigating the job market and overcoming age-related challenges. I share perspectives from five experts, including recruiters and physicians who have successfully transitioned to nonclinical roles. We discuss the realities of ageism, how to stay competitive, and the...
Published 08/14/24
Today we're diving into a topic that generates a lot of interest in the physician community: teaching. I’m thrilled to have Dr. Melissa Wheeler, an anesthesiologist who transitioned to teaching anatomy and physiology at a community college because she wanted to pursue something that made her happy. Dr. Wheeler will share her journey from clinical practice to academia, the qualifications needed, what a typical week looks like, compensation, and more. Her insights will be invaluable if you’re...
Published 08/07/24
For today’s episode, we have a very special returning guest, Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, known fondly as Dr. Una. Dr. Una is a pediatrician, bestselling author, podcaster, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and founder of the EntreMD Business School, where she helps physicians build profitable businesses so they can live life and practice medicine on their own terms. She joins me to discuss the importance of visibility for physicians and shares key insights and teachings from her latest book, The...
Published 07/31/24
Today you're in for a wild ride. My guest, pediatric emergency medicine physician Dr. Alison Curfman, shares her incredible story of how her desire to improve care for kids with complex medical conditions led her on a roller coaster journey in pursuit of her goal. Dr. Curfman's path to fulfilling her vision was not easy and had its share of setbacks. However, her refusal to give up led to the co-founding of Imagine Pediatrics, a market-disrupting healthcare group pioneering value-based care...
Published 07/24/24
Today we’re doing something a little different. Instead of discussing career options and transitions, we’re going to focus on the mindset piece. I’ll be sharing a practice that can help set your mindset for the day: daily inspirational readings. These readings can come from various sources, whether it's a book you enjoy, a religious text, journaling, or meditation. I’ll introduce you to four different daily readers that offer short, impactful lessons to help frame your day positively and...
Published 07/17/24
Today we have a very special guest, Dr. Pooja, who faced tremendous challenges including being let go from two residency programs and facing a very dark period in her life. Despite these obstacles, she found her way forward to a career path where she is using her medical training in a way that she finds very fulfilling and affords her a great work-life balance. Let's delve into Dr. Pooja's story of resilience and perseverance, and uncover the steps she took to move forward when she was filled...
Published 07/10/24
Today we’re tackling a huge challenge faced by many physicians: charting. Imagine finishing your workday without hours of charting hanging over you. Sounds impossible? For over 350 physicians and APPs, this dream has become a reality thanks to our special guest, Dr. Junaid Niazi. Dr. Niazi is an internist and pediatrician who has optimized his charting efficiency and now helps others do the same through his program, Charting Conquered. He will share his personal journey and the strategies he...
Published 07/03/24
In this episode, I dive into the real causes of procrastination, debunking the myth that it’s just laziness. Through personal stories and relatable examples, we will explore how procrastination is often rooted in deeper emotional conflicts. I’ll share a three-step strategy to help you overcome procrastination. By shifting from problem-focused thinking to possibility-based thinking, you can start taking small, yet powerful steps toward your goals. Join me as we uncover the root of...
Published 06/27/24
In today's episode, we'll explore how taking initiative and creating your own opportunities can transform your career. I'm thrilled to welcome our guest, Dr. Georgette Chekiri, a family medicine physician who has navigated a successful and unconventional career path. Dr. Chekiri's journey is a testament to the importance of transferable skills and being proactive. From her early career aspirations to her diverse job experiences, including a stint at Disney World and working in a chicken...
Published 06/19/24
In this week’s episode, we're diving into an exciting and fun topic with a physician mover and shaker, Dr. Nisha Mehta. Dr. Mehta is the founder of the very active Facebook group, Physician Side Gigs, and has created a vibrant community of over 111,000 members in this group. She is also a practicing radiologist, keynote speaker, physician community builder, and advocate whose work has been featured in numerous media outlets. Dr. Mehta will share insights into the wide variety of side gigs...
Published 06/12/24
In this episode, we dive into unconventional career paths for physicians with Dr. Sylvie Stacy, author of "50 Nonclinical Careers for Physicians" and the newly released "50 Unconventional Clinical Careers for Physicians." Dr. Stacy shares her journey from traditional medicine to exploring various roles in both clinical and nonclinical settings. We discuss the diverse opportunities available, such as working on cruise ships, in correctional facilities, and internationally. Dr. Stacy highlights...
Published 06/05/24
Orthopedic trauma surgeon, Dr. Megan Brady, recounts her inspiring journey from burnout to fulfillment. Leaving behind a challenging work environment, Dr. Brady explored nonclinical career options before rediscovering her passion for patient care in a different type of surgical model. Despite facing gender biases and grappling with self-doubt, she learned the importance of setting boundaries and seeking support. Dr. Brady's story underscores the significance of resilience, adaptability, and...
Published 05/29/24