She Lost Her OB-GYN Career to Chronic Pain—Then Got into Disability Insurance

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Dr. Stephanie Pearson on Workplace Injury, Invisible Disability Claims, and Disability Insurance Pitfalls Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB-GYN, describes how a workplace shoulder injury during a delivery led to chronic pain, failed surgery outcomes, job termination after FMLA, and denial of her hospital disability coverage due to a fine-print work-injury exclusion, followed by a disputed workers’ comp claim and a settlement after litigation. She explains how invisible or subjective conditions (e.g., chronic pain, fibromyalgia, headaches) are often doubted by clinicians and challenged by insurers, why “gray” cases face scrutiny, and how documentation of worst-day functional limits and timely medical-record collection are critical, including possible IMEs. Pearson contrasts employer group vs private disability insurance, highlighting taxable group benefits, benefit caps, portability issues, and common two-year limitations for subjective illnesses, while private policies depend on underwriting, exclusions, and participation limits. She also discusses underwriting impacts of medical coding, runs a physician peer support group, and shares personal recovery supports and her company’s client advocacy approach. 00:00 Meet Dr Pearson 01:23 Injury In Delivery Room 02:25 Surgery And Termination 03:03 Denied And Sued 04:11 Mental Health Crisis 05:54 New Purpose And Company 06:40 Invisible Illness Bias 09:05 Building A Paper Trail 12:59 Independent Medical Exams 16:33 Group Versus Private Coverage 19:25 Subjective Illness Limits 23:12 Underwriting Exclusions 24:28 Fibromyalgia Stigma 25:15 Contracts And Legal Review 25:44 Coverage Limits Explained 28:44 Underwriting and Intake Process 29:54 Medical History Surprises 32:10 No Underwriting Options 33:32 Psych Diagnosis Pitfalls 36:26 Staying Properly Insured 38:44 Claims Support and Follow Up 39:49 Group Plans and Portability 42:15 Physicians Support Community 45:17 Family Silver Linings 46:59 Closing Reflections and Contact Click here for the YouTube Channel Click here for the YouTube channel International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...