#81 - From Burnout to Digital Nomad: Building a Freedom-First Career in Medicine | Dr. Kristine Goins

This episode is sponsored by NURP NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required.  Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more.  Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice. __________________________________ In this inspiring episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez welcome Dr. Christine Goins, board-certified integrative adult and pediatric psychiatrist, physician coach, and digital nomad. After years of extreme burnout (chest pain, insomnia, muscle spasms) while working in 10 clinics a week, serving as associate program director, and chairing a DEI committee, Dr. Goins realized the problem wasn’t serotonin, it was the lifestyle. She resigned from her academic position, booked a one-way ticket to Colombia, and began designing a career around the life she actually wanted. Today she runs Nomad MD, coaching burned-out physicians on how to create remote, location-independent practices (often cash-pay) so they can work less and live anywhere. The conversation covers the identity shift required to step away from traditional clinical roles, the financial fears that keep doctors stuck, practical realities of practicing medicine while living abroad (taxes, licensing, controlled substances), why owning your own practice gives the greatest autonomy, and how living in 17+ countries has reshaped her view of what a doctor’s life can look like. Top 3 Takeaways: Start with the life you want (where you wake up, how many hours you work, what Tuesdays look like), then design the career to support it, not the other way around. The financial fear is real, but living abroad can dramatically lower expenses while preserving (or increasing) income, accelerating financial freedom rather than jeopardizing it. Full autonomy comes from owning your practice (cash-based or contracted through your own LLC) rather than remaining an employee, especially when practicing across borders. About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Guest Dr. Kristine Goins is a board-certified integrative adult and pediatric psychiatrist, physician coach, and digital nomad. After experiencing severe burnout in academic medicine, she founded Nomad MD to help physicians replace their income remotely and build freedom-first careers. She has lived and worked in 17+ countries and currently divides her time between locations such as Guadalajara, Italy, South Africa, and Bocas del Toro, Panama. Connect with Dr.Kristine Goins: Website: thenomadmd.com Instagram: @TheNomadMDs Facebook: The Nomad MDs About the Hosts:     • Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned  telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.     • Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:       https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/        [email protected]      (mailto:[email protected]) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.