From Burnout to Purpose: Nervous System Regulation, Trauma, and Protecting the Asset in Medicine | Dr. Mel Thacker

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Mel Thacker — board-certified otolaryngologist and rhinologist, master coach, host of the podcast Surgeons of Purpose, and co-founder of Hippocratic Collective — for a powerful conversation about surgeon burnout, nervous system regulation, trauma response, and building a purposeful life in medicine.Dr. Thacker shares how unresolved trauma and chronic overachievement led to panic attacks in the operating room during the pandemic, forcing her to stop pushing through and finally listen to her body. She explains David Brooks’ “two mountains” framework (achievement → meaning), how coaching helped her heal, and why she ultimately left a lucrative private practice to focus on resourcing surgeons.You’ll hear practical insights on:• Recognizing “whispers” from the body before burnout hits• Trauma response vs. drama response vs. empowered response• Why you can’t solve problems from a scared brain• Embodiment tools for anxiety (including pendulation)• Redefining failure, shame, and self-criticism in high-stakes work• Infertility stress in women surgeons and the language of “failed” cycles• Protecting the asset: sleep, nutrition, movement, and recovery in a demanding cultureThis episode is especially relevant for women physicians and surgeons navigating burnout, anxiety, infertility-related stress, and the pressure to “push through” at all costs.About Dr. Mel ThackerDr. Mel Thacker is a board certified otolaryngologist, rhinologist, master coach, host of the podcast surgeons with purpose, co-founder of the multi-media company Hippocratic Collective, and two-time TEDx speaker.website: https://www.melthackercoaching.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_surgeon_coach/ Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove