2. FOUNDATION EPISODE: Physician Burnout Through the Spouse's Eyes: The 10 Themes That Emerged

Physician burnout doesn't just affect physicians—it crosses over into marriages, families, and relationships at home. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD—health psychologist, nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, and physician spouse—introduces the findings from her doctoral research, Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective. Lisa shares the 10 themes that emerged from physician spouse narratives, including sacrifice and loss, loneliness, solo parenting, anger, helplessness, health challenges, self-care, pride in the physician's service, and the overall impact on relationships. This episode sets the stage for a 10-part series that brings compassion, clarity, and evidence-based insight to the often-unseen experiences of physician families. Subscribe for honest conversations about physician burnout, marriage in medicine, and how families can move beyond survival toward sustainable connection.