Hydrocodone, Humility, And Hope With Dr. Brett Cordes

ENT surgeon Dr. Brett Cordes shares his extraordinary arc from surviving Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma at 19 to building a thriving surgical career—then spiraling into a hidden opioid addiction that cost him everything. He opens up about rehab during COVID, the true causes of physician burnout, and how he rebuilt his life as “The Burnout Doc,” a coach helping doctors find fulfillment without losing their identity. A powerful listen on turning pain into purpose and asking for help before it’s too late. Sponsored by Harford County Health Department Guest Bio:  Dr. Brett Cordes is an otolaryngologist (ENT) and cancer survivor who practiced nearly two decades in the Texas Medical Center. After recovering from an opioid addiction and returning to practice, he transitioned to coaching as “The Burnout Doc,” helping physicians overcome burnout, address unhealthy coping, and reclaim meaning in medicine. He is the co‑author of the memoir Cancer Is for Older People. Main Topics: ·         Surviving Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma at 19 and how patienthood inspired medicine·         Building an ENT surgical career and the unseen pressures of achievement·         The “random Friday” that triggered a hydrocodone addiction—and years of secrecy·         Being a high‑functioning physician while using, rationalization (“mental gymnastics”)·         Intervention, loss of job, medical board action, and rehab during COVID isolation·         Burnout in medicine: bureaucracy, insurance hurdles, and identity conflicts·         Early signs of burnout (boredom, irritability, work‑bound anxiety that follows you home)·         Boundaries, rest, and hobbies as prevention; why doctors avoid asking for help·         Coaching vs. therapy/licensure; why clinicians seek peer coaches·         Reclaiming purpose and serving physicians worldwide via Zoom Resources mentioned: ·         Dr. Brett’s Website: https://theburnoutdoc.com/·         Episode Sponsor: Harford County Health Department·         Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics·         Supporter: Full Circle Boards·         Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography ·         Book: Cancer Is for Older People by Brett Cordes, MD, with co‑authors·         MD Anderson Cancer Center — stem cell transplant & training site·         LSU — family academic roots; undergrad·         Texas Medical Center — practice settingSend us Fan MailCelebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!https://bookfairatbelair.org/Harford County Health DepartmentTo protect, promote, and improve the health, safety, and environment of Harford County residents.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email