EPISODE 16: Dr. Sabine Fonderson – Self-Leadership, Burnout, and the Art of Human-Centred Medicine

EPISODE 16: Dr. Sabine Fonderson – Self-Leadership, Burnout, and the Craft of Human-Centred Medicine   EPISODE DESCRIPTION:What if true recalibration means daring to say, “Non-negotiable. I’m out” so you can embrace all the facets of your life?In this episode of Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson, Sharee is joined by Dr. Sabine Fonderson—GP, healthcare entrepreneur, global citizen, and innovator—for a candid conversation about navigating burnout, building boundaries, creative entrepreneurship, raising a daughter, and bridging healthcare systems across continents.Sabine shares insights on honouring your energy and desires, experimenting with AI and technology in general practice, and finding leadership not just in systems—but within yourself. A powerful exploration of what it takes to sustain, adapt, and bring your whole self to medicine and life. SHOW NOTES:“Your body is telling you every day what’s wrong and what’s right. As doctors, please remember that you are humans first.” — Dr. Sabine Fonderson Key Takeaways: Self-leadership starts with listening to your body and acting on early signals of burnout or overwhelm. Boundaries are essential: declare what is non-negotiable in your work, parenting, and personal wellness. Recalibration is continuous—sometimes it’s returning to exercise, other times it’s pausing to reset your entire approach to work. Vulnerability and openness about struggles invite realignment, support, and innovation. Different systems have unique pressures. Adaptation is a skill. Embracing technology and AI can create efficiency and bring joy back into clinical care, but must be balanced with responsibility and human connection. Diverse interests and entrepreneurial pursuits in medicine are not only possible, but vital for sustainable fulfilment. Resources & Highlights Mentioned: TED Talk by Dr. Sabine FondersonDr. Fonderson explores the “art of medicine” as a craft grounded in attentive listening and patient empowerment. Book: Atomic Habits by James ClearInspired Sabine’s small, consistent habit changes during a period of major upheaval. Expat Health ClinicSabine’s practice focuses on supporting expatriate patients to navigate the Dutch healthcare system, making it more accessible, personalized care and innovative digital tools. Experimentation with AI-powered documentation and workflow toolsLearn how technology is helping reduce overload and improve patient care, with real examples from Sabine’s practice. Music Credit:Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. Disclaimer:The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for. Connect and Subscribe:Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!