Create Meaning in Medicine

Why does a life that looks successful on paper still feel unfulfilling? In this episode, Dr. Erin Hurley sits down with Dr. Joanne Sotelo to explore what high-achieving women in medicine need now, especially when guilt, shame, and burnout make it hard to hear themselves clearly. Joanne introduces her Harmony Method, a framework built on reconnecting, realigning, and rising, to help women in medicine move out of autopilot and back into a life that reflects their truth. Press play for a powerful conversation on self-connection, alignment, and the small, consistent actions that can help you reclaim a life that finally feels like yours again. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why many women in medicine can look successful externally while feeling disconnected internally How guilt, shame, and "should" programming keep physicians stuck in lives that no longer fit What it means to reconnect with yourself and ask better questions in this season of life Why awareness without action keeps you stuck, and how alignment creates forward movement The three parts of Joanne's Harmony Method: Reconnect, Realign, and Rise   "We can be very grateful to where we are and honor it, and still ask the right questions that will help us identify where we are in this season of our lives and where we want to go." - Dr. Joanne Sotelo Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

If your New Year's resolutions have quietly unraveled, it's not because you failed; it's because not all goals are created equal. In this episode, Dr. Erin Hurley breaks down the critical difference between habit goals and project goals, and why using the wrong strategy leads to frustration and self-blame. Together, Erin and Joanne explore discernment, momentum, accountability, and the neuroscience behind self-compassion. You'll learn how to stop treating every goal the same, how to match the right energy to the right outcome, and how to get back on track without burning yourself out. Press play to reset your approach and move forward with clarity instead of criticism. Key Takeaways To Listen For The "burst" vs. "drip" method and how momentum creates inertia in your favor How emotional weight and hidden resistance can derail project goals The importance of discernment: matching the right strategy to the right goal Internal vs. external accountability — which one works better for you? Why paying for help or hiring support can accelerate success   "If you don't give yourself grace, you're going to be sabotaging your next efforts." - Dr. Erin Hurley Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820  LN

What keeps physicians going when medicine feels overwhelming? In this National Doctors Day episode, Dr. Erin Hurley and Dr. Joanne Sotelo explore the deeper meaning behind the profession and why being seen, supported, and appreciated matters more than most people realize. Inspired by the story of Eudora Brown Almond, who started the tradition of honoring physicians with handwritten notes in 1933, they reflect on the ripple effects of gratitude, connection, and remembering why we entered medicine in the first place. Press play for an honest conversation about burnout, rediscovering purpose, and simple ways to refill your cup while continuing to serve patients and the community.   Key Takeaways To Listen For The surprising origin story behind National Doctors Day and how handwritten gratitude started a national tradition Why remembering your "why" in medicine can reconnect you with purpose during difficult seasons The role of community, connection, and shared stories in combating physician burnout How redefining success and asking better questions can help physicians rediscover fulfillment The ripple effect of celebrating what's good in medicine, even when the system feels challenging    "Here on Create Meaning in Medicine, we don't just want to celebrate what doctors do. We want to talk about what keeps them going, what fills their cup, and why being seen matters." - Dr. Erin Hurley   "We do not need to suffer in silence, and there's so much that we can do for each other and for ourselves." - Dr. Joanne Sotelo Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

What if a sticky note, a short text, or a two-minute phone call could help a colleague stay in medicine? In this episode, Dr. Erin Hurley and Dr. Joanne Sotelo explore how small, intentional acts of kindness can create powerful ripple effects in healthcare. Inspired by the "Notes from the Heart" event honoring healthcare providers, they discuss how simple gestures, like handwritten notes, voice memos, or words of appreciation, can combat burnout, strengthen human connection, and remind healthcare professionals why their work matters. Press play to discover how small actions can spark meaningful change for yourself, your colleagues, and your community. Key Takeaways To Listen For How simple gestures, like a handwritten note or quick message, can uplift colleagues and restore meaning in medicine Why small acts of kindness can have ripple effects that influence entire teams and communities The role of gratitude practices in strengthening the connection between healthcare providers and patients How accepting help can be just as powerful as offering it Easy ways to practice intentional kindness today, from sticky notes to voice messages   "Sometimes, the most beautiful things that happen are not planned." - Dr. Erin Hurley Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820 

What if the biggest threat to healthcare isn't disease, but the system itself? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Todd Otten shares the story behind the documentary Suck It Up, Buttercup, which exposes the systemic forces fueling physician burnout in America. Drawing from his own experience with burnout and the heartbreaking loss of colleagues to suicide, Dr. Otten reveals why medicine's culture of silence and resilience is no longer sustainable. Together, we explore how breaking down silos, building connections, and empowering physicians and patients to speak up can create ripple effects for change. If you're searching for hope, purpose, and a path forward in medicine, this episode offers both honesty and inspiration.   Key Takeaways To Listen For The deeply personal experiences that inspired Dr. Otten to help create the documentary Suck It Up, Buttercup Why physician burnout is not simply an individual problem but a systemic failure The concept of learned helplessness in medicine and how it keeps clinicians stuck Why healthcare silos slow down meaningful change and isolate physicians The power of connection and collaboration to create large-scale impact in medicine    "I want to impart that your voice does matter. Your words matter." - Dr. Todd Otten   About Dr. Todd Otten: Dr. Todd R. Otten, MD, FAAFP, is a husband, father, family physician, and decorated Naval flight surgeon. He has over 20 years of experience in providing quality patient care, leading teams, and managing projects in various settings, including the United States Navy, where he was honored as the naval flight surgeon of the year in 2006 for the Atlantic Fleet. Has held numerous physician leadership positions, including as an ACO medical director. Co-authored a book with a former patient: Ripple of Change. Executive Producer for the documentary - Suck it Up, Buttercup: Trust and Betrayal - Healthcare in America. Currently, he serves as the Lead Catalyst/Board Chair for Medicine Forward, the Director of Strategic Relationships for Emergency Care Specialists, and recently joined Plum Health DPC.   Connect with Dr. Todd Otten:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-r-otten-md-faafp-173028277/  Ripple of Change: https://rippleofchange.us/  Medicine Forward: www.medicineforward.org  Emergency Care Specialists: https://www.ecs-wmi.com/  Plum Health DPC: https://www.plumhealthdpc.com/    Suck it Up, Buttercup: Trust & Betrayal - Healthcare in America Website: https://siubfilm.com/  Trailer: https://siubfilm.com/about-the-film/#watch-video-tease  GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-suck-it-up-buttercup-documentary  Donate Here: https://clinicianburnoutfoundation.org/donate/    Irreverent Health as the event host for March 19th Exclusive Screening: https://irreverenthealth.com/suck-it-up-buttercup/  Background: Suck It Up, Buttercup is a timely and emotionally resonant documentary exploring the crisis of trust in American medicine. Following the overarching issues of greed and profits over people, the film highlights patient suffering, clinician burnout, betrayal, and the struggles of those on the frontlines of care. With a sharp focus on systemic dysfunction and a multitude of deeply personal stories, the film raises awareness, provokes dialogue, and inspires change at every level of healthcare.   Two-Part Call to Action: Inspire the "unlearning" of Learned Helplessness Accelerate an impact network that values people over profits  Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820 

We've talked about physician burnout. But who else is paying the price? In this powerful episode, Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein and Elizabeth Landry pull back the curtain on the invisible emotional load carried by physician spouses and families. From loneliness and repeated relocations to resentment, pride, and the pressure to emotionally support a burned-out partner, they reveal how medical careers impact entire households, not just physicians. Together, we explore the data behind burnout spillover, the unique strain of dual-physician households, and why belonging isn't a "soft" concept but a strategic driver of retention and well-being. If you're ready to widen the lens of physician wellness to include the whole family, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why resilience isn't enough and how community is the missing link for physician families The emotional themes of loneliness, sacrifice, and loss that emerge from repeated medical moves The "invisible load" carried by physician spouses from solo parenting to emotional caregiving Why physicians struggle to "flip the switch" emotionally when they come home Why belonging is a strategic driver of physician retention and sustainability in healthcare   "You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable." - Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein   "Belonging really isn't a soft concept. It's a strategic driver of retention and sustainability in the healthcare organization." - Elizabeth Landry   About Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein: Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein is a physician spouse and a nationally recognized expert on physician burnout, helping both medical families and healthcare organizations foster resilience, connection, and a culture of well-being through her MedLife Matrix™ methodology.   About Elizabeth Landry: Elizabeth Landry is the founder of The MedCommons, advancing belonging and sustainability for physician families. A physician spouse and former Fortune 50 tech leader, she advocates for family inclusion as vital to physician well-being and retention.   Connect with Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein: Website: https://www.themedlifematrix.com  Mastering the MedLife Matrix Course: https://www.themedlifematrix.com/mastermedlife  Podcast: The MedLife Support Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-medlife-support-podcast/id1867028871?i=1000744036887  Dissertation Research: Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective https://www.themedlifematrix.com/resources  Instagram: @themedlifematrix and @themedlifesupportpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-muehlenbein-phd-3088b73a/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themedlifematrix     Connect with Elizabeth Landry: Website: https://themedcommons.com/  The MedCommons Circle for Healthcare Organizations: https://themedcommons.com/tmc-circle-physician-wellness-program/  Resources for Healthcare Organizations: https://themedcommons.com/resources-healthcare/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethblandry/   Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

Women physicians are often praised for being resilient, flexible, and capable of handling it all, but at what cost? In this Women's History Month episode, Dr. Erin Hurley and Dr. Joanne Sotelo explore how societal conditioning, medical culture, and outdated definitions of success have shaped the way women show up in medicine, often leading to higher burnout rates, strained relationships, and an unsustainable "second shift" at home. Together, they unpack the hidden price of over-functioning and offer a path forward rooted in awareness, boundaries, self-care, celebration, and supportive community. Press play to redefine success in this season of your life and protect your well-being without sacrificing your impact.   Key Takeaways To Listen For Why women physicians are often praised for resilience, and how that praise can reinforce over-functioning The societal "good girl" conditioning that makes boundary-setting feel uncomfortable Why awareness is the first step toward meaningful change The power of celebration, honoring both big and small wins as fuel for resilience How self-care and a supportive community directly protect your mental health   "We're often celebrated for being resilient, for being flexible, for handling a lot and making it work. And our question is, at what cost?" - Dr. Erin Hurley   "The boundaries are not to push away, but to protect what's important." - Dr. Joanne Sotelo     Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

Is perfectionism really the gold standard in medicine, or is it actually harming us? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir challenges the deeply ingrained belief that perfectionism is necessary for high performance. Instead, she introduces the concept of excellenceism, a more expansive, growth-oriented alternative that protects well-being without lowering standards. Through personal stories of motherhood, burnout, trauma, and professional identity, Dr. Shabbir unpacks the hidden cost of perfectionism in women physicians and offers a courageous framework for change. Press play to examine your intentions, soften self-criticism, and cross the courage bridge toward a more human way of practicing medicine.   Key Takeaways To Listen For Why perfectionism isn't the same as excellence and how "excellenceism" protects both performance and well-being The three domains of perfectionism: self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed How perfectionism activates fear responses, sympathetic overdrive, and chronic stress physiology The link between trauma and perfectionism as a survival strategy The cognitive distortion of all-or-nothing thinking and how it limits growth   "The high standards are not the problem. The problem is what happens when you don't meet those standards." - Dr. Amna Shabbir   About Dr. Amna Shabbir: Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, is a dual board-certified physician with advanced training in integrative well-being, performance, behavior change, and leadership development. As a high achiever herself, she understands the pressures of perfectionism in medicine and helps individuals and organizations cultivate sustainable excellence without sacrificing their health or humanity. Through speaking, coaching, and her TEDx talk, "Perfectionism Has a Solution. It's Not What You Think," Dr. Shabbir challenges the cultural glorification of perfectionism and introduces a more expansive framework for growth. She is also the host of the podcast Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, where she explores how ambitious professionals can elevate their impact while protecting what matters most, their well-being.   Connect with Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD: Website: https://success-curated.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/  Podcast: Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD TEDxTalk: Perfectionism has a solution - It's not what you think - https://youtu.be/oNIzzM4Vg3s?si=AK6CXqMtQjBAosyh  Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

When reconnection creates awareness, realignment provides direction. In this episode, Dr. Joanne Sotelo and Dr. Erin Hurley explore why so many women in medicine feel exhausted, resentful, and misaligned despite career success. They unpack how "doctor programming," outdated values, and endless shoulds quietly run daily decisions and how clarifying what truly matters now allows priorities, boundaries, time, and energy to finally align. This conversation offers practical reflection questions and simple action steps to help you move from autopilot to intentional living.   Key Takeaways To Listen For Why your priorities, not your intentions, reveal what you are truly committed to How outdated "doctor programming" keeps women in medicine misaligned and exhausted The power of asking better questions to clarify what matters most now Why you can't work on everything at once, and how focus creates ripple effects How boundaries naturally strengthen when values and priorities become clear   "Reconnection gives you awareness, and realignment gives you direction." - Dr. Joanne Sotelo   Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820 

Many women in medicine appear successful on the outside while quietly feeling disconnected, numb, or unfulfilled on the inside. In this episode, Dr. Joanne Sotelo and Dr. Erin Hurley explore the often-overlooked foundation of personal fulfillment: reconnecting with yourself. They unpack how emotional suppression, over-functioning, and identity built solely around productivity lead to exhaustion and burnout, and how asking better questions, listening to your inner voice, and redefining success can restore clarity, motivation, joy, and balance both at work and at home.   Key Takeaways To Listen For Why is reconnection with yourself the foundation before goals, productivity, or change? How emotional suppression and over-functioning are normalized and why they come at a cost. The role identity plays in exhaustion, fulfillment, and sustainable success. Simple but powerful questions that rebuild awareness, clarity, and motivation. How connecting with your future self makes boundaries, alignment, and joy easier to sustain.   "Awareness is that first act of reconnection, and then you can meet that future self." - Dr. Joanne Sotelo   Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

Why does everything feel urgent, important, and exhausting at the same time? In this episode, Dr. Joanne Sotelo and Dr. Erin Hurley unpack the missing skill many women in medicine were never taught: discernment. From over-documenting charts to spending type-one energy on type-two decisions, they explore how learning to pause, clarify priorities, and manage both time and energy can transform patient care, leadership, and life outside of work. This conversation offers practical frameworks and mindset shifts to help you move off autopilot and into alignment. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why overwhelm isn't a time-management problem, it's a discernment problem. The difference between type one (one-way door) and type two (swinging door) decisions. How over-documentation and perfectionism quietly drain time and energy. Why energy, not just time, must be treated as a limited resource. How to transition roles intentionally (doctor, leader, partner, parent) instead of living on autopilot.   "It's really important to use a pause and use discernment to your advantage, because if we don't, we're going to end up most of our days completely exhausted." - Dr. Erin Hurley Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Reset by Dan Heath - https://www.amazon.com/Reset-How-Change-Whats-Working/dp/1668062097      Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

If you've been telling yourself you'll change when life "calms down," this episode is your sign that the time is now. Dr. Joanne Sotelo and Dr. Erin Hurley offer a compassionate but honest wake-up call for women in medicine, reminding us that high-functioning does not equal healthy. They explore the real cost of burnout, the importance of reclaiming personal agency, and how identity shifts, especially with the rise of AI, are forcing physicians to rethink fulfillment, purpose, and self-leadership. Key Takeaways To Listen For High-functioning is not the same as healthy. Doing all the things doesn't mean you're well. Radical honesty matters: where are you living on autopilot, and what is it costing you? Why reclaiming your agency ("I choose. I decide.") is essential for preventing burnout and disengagement. The rise of AI is reshaping how physicians view relevance, purpose, and identity in medicine. A powerful reflection question: If nothing changes in the next five years, how would you feel about your life?   "The first step is that we need to wake up to the truth. We need to have that radical honesty with ourselves and ask good questions." - Dr. Joanne Sotelo Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

Feeling stuck or waiting for certainty before changing course? In this episode, we unpack agency for physicians, how guilt and obligation keep us small, and why shifting your brain's filter toward options opens new paths. Hear scripts, supports, and next steps to move before burnout. Press play to choose your next move. Key Takeaways To Listen For When the system feels fixed, what does agency look like Can you re-aim your RAS to notice options instead of limits Where do guilt and obligation skew choices, and what reframes help How do you move at 60–70% certainty instead of waiting for perfect Which moments call for borrowing belief before confidence arrives Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine 🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

Feeling like your life is being chosen for you? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore why identity, not willpower, drives behavior, how to break out of autopilot, and ways to choose who we're becoming as medicine advances. Press play to build awareness, set values aligned with goals, and make your next step intentional. Key Takeaways To Listen For What changes when you stop living by default and insert a reset How identity outperforms motivation and how to write it into habits Which better questions break autopilot and open real options How to choose who you are before what you do, step by step What simple rules and routines cut chaos without extra effort Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Is AI sharpening care or eroding our humanity? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Susan Shelmerdine to unpack responsible AI in medicine, the mental health risks of overreliance, and the skill of discernment. She shares how improv rebuilt confidence and why connection must stay central. Press play to use AI wisely without losing yourself. Key Takeaways To Listen For What to do when AI is banned in a clinic without losing efficiency or safety Why discernment beats raw knowledge in medicine's AI era How to use AI without frying your focus When loneliness creeps in, what replaces the chatbot habit and restores real connection Why risking rejection may be smarter for your career than playing it safe   About Susan Shelmerdine, MBBS, PHD Dr. Susan is a consultant pediatric radiologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and an honorary associate professor at University College London. A 2025 Roentgen Professor of the Royal College of Radiologists, she leads NIHR-funded AI research in children's imaging and pioneered the INTACT biopsy technique. Connect with Dr. Susan Website: Susan Shelmerdine LinkedIn: Susan Shelmerdine Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Why are women physicians praised for teamwork yet penalized when we say no? In this episode, we unpack the hidden curriculum and redefine boundaries as clear rules that protect time, energy, and patient care. Press play to protect your yeses and set limits without apology. Key Takeaways To Listen For What boundaries look like in medicine, set clear rules for time, energy, and workload Why self-compassion matters, view boundaries as protection, not rejection How to spot overcommitment, pause, reassess roles, and reset before burnout The pause script "My schedule is full. I'll review and get back to you." When to end after-hours work, set no-charting zones, and finish notes before leaving Resources Mentioned In This Episode 154. Grief, Money, and Time Pressures: Holidays for Women in Medicine Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Still trying to handle everything alone? This episode explains why "be strong" becomes a cage for women in medicine and how real support and coaching change energy, clarity, and confidence. Erin and Joanne define what coaching is and is not, and share steps to build boundaries and resilience. Press play to learn how support speeds growth. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why "be strong" can trap high achievers in overwork and isolation How real support replaces lone-ranger thinking and restores energy What coaching is (and isn't) for physicians, plus the therapy boundary How a coach exposes blind spots, resets your nervous system, and drives action Boundaries that protect time and values without guilt   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Feeling stuck on autopilot, you didn't choose? In this episode, we reveal how tiny, repeatable habits and the right community can shift energy, protect time, and make medicine feel sustainable again. Learn why your "top five" people shape your routines more than willpower, and how simple boundary scripts and 1% course corrections help you finish notes sooner and breathe easier. Press play to see how awareness plus support turns goals into lived habits. Key Takeaways To Listen For What "good autopilot" looks like and how to build it into your day How 1% change (no-snooze rule, earlier lights-out) cascades into better energy How moods and behaviors "mirror" in groups and why your five people matter Where to find or build communities that celebrate letting go, not just doing more First step: awareness, then a boundary script that replaces the default yes   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Feeling stretched thin? In this episode, we show how three minutes of play can reset your nervous system and protect against burnout. We unpack the brain science behind joy, then share quick rituals, between patient resets, and simple team games that boost creativity and connection. Press play to learn small moves that restore energy fast.   Key Takeaways To Listen For How joy resets your nervous system and sharpens focus Why playful breaks boost energy, teamwork, and creativity What drains play from women physicians, and how to reclaim it Where to anchor micro joy: before charting, between patients, at home The ripple of modeled joy on teams, patient care, and family   Resources Mentioned In This Episode 136. Why Physicians Need Retreats Too With Dr. Chrissie Ott   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

What if your ADHD isn't a liability at work but your sharpest edge? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brittney Bell to unpack how women in medicine can turn neurodivergent traits into creative leadership through simple systems, self-kindness rituals, and personalized environments. We also explore psychological safety, reframing productivity, and the courage to pivot when the old rules no longer fit. Press play to learn practical moves you can use this week. Key Takeaways To Listen For Could a 60-second self-kindness ritual reset your nervous system and shape every choice after? Which ADHD friendly system lets your strengths carry progress when willpower runs low? When creativity is the leadership metric, how do outcomes, culture, and courage change? What focus returns when you redesign your physical, digital, and meeting norms for neurodivergent brains? Which single boundary turns constant pings into a deep work window you can keep? About Britney Bell, M.D. Dr. Brittney is a physician, researcher, and creative leadership strategist who helps women with ADHD in leadership unlock suppressed creativity as their most powerful competitive advantage. Diagnosed in her 30s while in academic medicine, she champions systems that fit neurodivergent brains, from self-kindness rituals to personalized physical, digital, and cultural environments that protect focus and wellbeing. Her work centers on psychological safety, practical structures over "work harder," and using creativity as a leadership edge. Her mantra says it best: "Creativity is the power to imagine a better future and the courage to make it a reality." Connect with Dr. Britney LinkedIn: Britney Bell, MD  Instagram: @her.creative.advantage Book a Call: https://calendly.com/britb526/creative-leadership-consulting Connect With Us Do you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine  

Craving a holiday that feels meaningful, not manic? In this episode, we look at how old patterns, perfection pressure, and comparison steal the season, and how reflection, boundaries, and simple systems bring back connection. Learn to delegate, trim gifts, protect sleep, and choose what matters most. Press play to design a calmer, more connected holiday.   Key Takeaways To Listen For Why old holiday patterns persist and how a 50% simplification cuts stress and boosts connection What two-question debrief to run after gatherings to repeat wins and fix friction next time How to set time-boxed visits and exit rules to stay calm with tricky family dynamics When to swap gifts for experiences or donations to match values and ease pressure Start designing for connection first by subtracting tasks that block presence and joy Resources Mentioned In This Episode 149. Holiday Stress And SAD: Sleep Better With Simple Habits 150. How Marketers Hack Your Brain: Simple Rules to Buy Less Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Still waiting for a green light? In this episode, we show how life shifts when we stop seeking approval and start trusting our gut. We name the traps of perfectionism and people pleasing, then share a no permission playbook: claim a new identity, take one small step, set and keep boundaries. Press play to learn how to choose yourself and move before you feel ready. Key Takeaways To Listen For The shift from outsourcing decisions to trusting your gut in motion Why acting before you feel ready unlocks real progress over perfection How to move from a victim mindset to empowered self-advocacy What breaks the "good doctor" programming and reignites courage Why your green light matters more than external validation Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Feeling the holiday load before the season even starts? In this episode, we unpack why many women in medicine shoulder invisible labor at home and extra time burdens at work that spike this season. We name the financial strain, grief, and perfection pressure, then share clear steps to reflect, delegate, protect sleep, and build lighter traditions. Press play to choose a saner pace, protect your energy, and enjoy connection without sacrificing well-being. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why naming invisible labor changes the holiday script at home How money, stress, and quiet grief amplify December burnout What the data says about women's added EHR time and clinic load Delegate smart: what to outsource, automate, or simply skip Protect sleep first so you can show up calm, present, and resilient   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Burnout gets all the airtime, but what comes after it rarely does. In this episode, we unpack what a truly sustainable life looks like for women in medicine. We dig into energy alignment, boundaries you actually keep, and simple systems that protect your peace over the long term. Press play to learn practical moves you can start this week to choose a healthier pace and feel like yourself again.   Key Takeaways To Listen For What changes when you stop sprinting and choose a sustainable pace How a simple mindset flip can make your physician's life feel burnout-resistant Where your energy is leaking and how to plug the stealth drains fast How to reclaim identity beyond work so you actually feel like yourself What systems buy back hours each week and cut decision fatigue Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Curious who Dr. Erin Hurley is beyond the white coat? In this rapid-fire episode, Erin shares the small loves and big pivots that shaped her path—from ocean energy and boysenberry pies to black-belt grit, coaching breakthroughs, and finding her voice on major stages. You'll hear the mindset shifts behind leadership, generosity, and helping people feel seen and understood. Press play to meet the person behind the mic and take a few prompts to spark your own story. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why shifting to early mornings can boost focus, energy, and follow-through across your day How brief ocean time calms the nervous system and restores clarity when you feel overloaded What black-belt discipline reveals about building courage: train small, repeat often, grow stronger How saying yes to a coach can pivot your trajectory by adding clarity, accountability, and momentum How to help people feel seen: listen fully, reflect back the message, and validate the feeling   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Who is Joanne beyond the white coat? In this candid get-to-know-you episode, Erin fires rapid-fire questions that reveal Joanne's Puerto Rican roots, black belt grit, marathon mindset, and the belief shift that moved her from pure science to honoring intuition. You'll hear the sliding-door choice that led her to adult psychiatry and the family traditions that shaped her drive to serve. Press play to meet the person behind the mic and leave inspired to trust your own inner compass. Key Takeaways To Listen For Discover the energy mix she lives by: coffee, early mornings, ocean mindset, and dulce de leche Learn how she shifted from only science to trusting intuition and growth work See the sliding-door decision that led her to adult psychiatry over child psychiatry Hear the "did it scare" moment that unlocked a new season of her life Feel her core intention for every room she enters: leave people inspired Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Holiday shopping can feel like relief, but your brain may be getting played. We unpack how scarcity timers, FOMO, and quick dopamine hits push impulsive buys, then offer simple rules that protect your money, time, and peace. You will learn how to pause, ask better questions, and swap stuff for experiences that actually satisfy. Press play to build an intentional plan before the next "limited-time" offer.   Key Takeaways To Listen For How marketers trigger your amygdala with scarcity, timers, and "only 3 left" Why dopamine spikes from "Buy now" and BOGO fade fast, and how to pause Make a rule, then follow it: add a 24–48 hour buffer to curb impulse buys Ask better questions: "Is this good for me now and for future me?" Count the real cost of stuff: money, space, time, clutter, and mental load Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!   ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Holiday cheer can hide a heavy lift. Nearly half of adults feel more stressed from November to January, and many face the holiday blues or seasonal affective disorder. In this episode, we break down what to watch for, how expectations and routines shape mood, the simple resets that help (morning light, protected sleep, clearer boundaries, saying yes to help), quick planning moves to prevent overload, and when to seek support at 988. Press play to learn the red flags and small changes that can steady your season.   Key Takeaways To Listen For What separates Holiday Blues from SAD and how that changes your plan Why low mood, sleep swings, or hopelessness are red flags to act on How morning light boosts mood and resets your body clock Start here: set clear yes/no boundaries and exit plans to protect energy Try small assists: accept help and delegate to cut mental load Resources Mentioned In This Episode 44. Beat the Holiday Blues with These Practical Mental Wellness Tips 49. Thanksgiving Special: How Practicing Gratitude Impacts Your Well-being National Institute of Mental Health If you or someone you know is struggling with overwhelming feelings, you're not alone. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7. There's always someone ready to listen and help you through. Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Asking for help is not a weakness; it is a sign of leadership. In this episode, we'll explore why it can be challenging in medicine, examining factors such as bias, pride, the lone-ranger habit, and the fear of burdening others. Hear practical shifts like saying yes to offered support, delegating to empower your team, and matching help to your season. Press play to pick one ask you will make today.   Key Takeaways To Listen For Why asking for help feels hard and what to notice first What does it mean and how to reframe the story How to delegate to empower and offload for good Why asking boosts connection, trust, and performance How to practice a default yes and when to expand support Resources Mentioned In This Episode 115. Energy Healing For Burnout And Transitions with Candice Van Dertholen Part 1 116. Energy Healing For Burnout And Transitions with Candice Van Dertholen Part 2 Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Confidence is a skill, not a personality type. In this episode, we unpack why self-doubt lingers for women in medicine even when performance is strong. We show how the confidence and competence loop with staged learning can shift that story. Press play to pick one move you will try this week.   Key Takeaways To Listen For What confidence really is and why it's buildable Why strong outcomes don't erase self-doubt and how to interrupt it How the confidence and competence loop works and where to start What stage you are in and how to move to the next one How to turn failure into feedback and celebrate facts that boost belief   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Our most productive day might be the one with no agenda. In this episode, we unpack how unstructured time lowers the mental load, restores presence, and sharpens decisions. We share simple ways to build short breaks and parasympathetic days into real life without losing momentum. Press play to pick one small shift you will try this week. Key Takeaways To Listen For What a no-agenda day is and why it calms your nervous system Why schedule rigidity blocks presence with the people who matter How decision capacity drops without breaks and the quick fixes that restore it Why awareness comes first and how to block open space on your calendar What to put in unstructured time and how to avoid numbing defaults like TV and scrolling   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

FOMO is fear pretending to be ambition. In this episode, we'll show you how comparison drives overcommitment and anxiety, and how JOMO helps you choose what matters. Learn simple shifts to pause before yes, listen to your body, and back your decision without second-guessing. Press play to pick one choice you will make differently today. Key Takeaways To Listen For What FOMO really is and why it spikes in the era of constant feeds Why comparison to highlight reels fuels anxiety, burnout, and poor sleep How to pause before yes and ask better questions that honor priorities How to listen to your body for decision signals and reduce indecision fatigue Make the decision, back yourself up, and stop the energy drain of second-guessing Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Grace is the quiet power that changes everything in medicine. We'll show how letting go of perfectionism and choosing realistic optimism restores energy, connection, and real precision. Press play to pick one shift now and share it with a colleague who needs a lighter load.   Key Takeaways To Listen For What grace really means in medicine and why it changes everything Precision vs perfectionism: How to aim high without self-punishment The recovery tool you are allowed to use A simple planning check that lightens your load Why women in medicine need grace now more than ever   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

What if resilience wasn't about pushing through, but bouncing forward with intention? We will explore what true resilience looks like for women in medicine, beyond burnout and perfectionism. Through real stories and simple strategies, we'll unpack how to recover, reframe, and reconnect with your well-being. Listen in to redefine strength and take your next step toward healing.   Key Takeaways To Listen For Why "bouncing forward" is a more helpful definition of resilience What do you actually need to recover in your well-being? Story reframing: what can this struggle teach you? The power of self-compassion and treating yourself like your best friend Redefining resilience as healing and growth, not just toughness   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

What if success isn't about doing more, but about small moves that matter? This episode explores how tiny, intentional actions can create meaningful momentum. With neuroscience and real-life coaching insights, we show how lowering the bar with compassion leads to lasting change. Tune in and take one small step toward a more balanced life. Key Takeaways To Listen For How self-compassion reduces overwhelm and helps sustain momentum A 5-minute break that transformed an entire workday and created a ripple effect The "floor and ceiling" method for flexible and sustainable goal setting Habit stacking, redefining success, and celebrating progress over perfection Why starting small, like flossing one tooth, can be the most powerful move Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Burnout doesn't have to be the price of practicing medicine. In this episode, Dr. Mary Leung shares how she reclaimed her time, energy, and purpose without walking away from clinical care. Through mindset shifts, gratitude, and coaching tools, she found a more joyful and sustainable way to practice. Tune in to discover how you can do the same. Key Takeaways To Listen For Dr. Mary's burnout story and how she found coaching From survival mode to sustainability in just 3 months Why practicing presence improves patient care How gratitude rewired her perspective (and joy followed) What to do before you quit your job About Mary Leung, MDDr. Mary is a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist, as well as a certified life coach for physicians. After experiencing burnout in her own career, she discovered the power of coaching and significantly reduced her charting time, allowing her to reclaim her energy, focus, and connection with her family. She now helps other physicians manage stress, take back their time, and build meaningful, sustainable lives in medicine. Dr. Leung is passionate about showing physicians that it's possible to feel better, work smarter, and enjoy the life they've worked so hard to create. Connect with Dr. Mary Website: Shining With Gratitude MD LinkedIn: Mary Leung, MD Facebook: Mary Leung Email: [email protected] Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

It's possible to feel both joy and distress at once, but it takes practice. This episode explores how physicians can hold space for mixed emotions without shutting down. With support and the right tools, we can stay grounded through the messy middle. Tune in to learn how emotional balance builds real strength. Key Takeaways To Listen For How to make space for both anxiety and joy without minimizing either The high pain tolerance of women physicians and why it can be dangerous How the community creates collective healing and problem-solving Mindset shifts and somatic tools for managing distress in real time How to build the skill of emotional balance through practice   Resources Mentioned In This Episode 132. Breaking The Silence: The Truth About Suicide In The Medical Field 133. Physician Suicide, Stigma & Hope in Healthcare: Corey Feist Speaks Out Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

What if community were the key to healing in medicine? In this follow-up episode, Dr. Pamela Buchanan shares how peer support, coaching, and her Melanated Medicine network help women physicians of color navigate racism, reclaim wellness, and find renewed purpose. Tune in to explore how safe spaces and collective care are changing the culture of medicine. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why Black women in medicine need safe spaces to process trauma, racism, and exhaustion How the Melanated Medicine network provides healing, joy, and sisterhood The importance of decolonizing success and redefining achievement on your own terms Coaching and community as antidotes to isolation and burnout The power of collective healing and rewriting the narrative for women physicians of color   Resources Mentioned In This Episode 59. Small Steps, Big Results: The Ritual Health Approach to Fitness with Rod Stanley 111. Purpose Is the Prescription: A New Approach to Burnout Recovery with Dr. Pamela Buchanan 125. How Rod Stanley Helps You Transform Mind, Body, And Spirit About Dr. Pamela BuchananDr. Pamela is a physician, TEDx speaker, and stress management expert helping high-achieving professionals beat burnout and lead with purpose. She offers coaching, consulting, and workshops on leadership, well-being, and resilience. As founder of Strong Medicine STL, she also provides telemedicine weight loss care, including GLP-1 medication management. Dr. Buchanan empowers individuals and organizations to thrive through mindset shifts, practical tools, and a deep reconnection to what matters most. Connect with Dr. Pamela Website: Strong Medicine for Stressed-Out Professionals LinkedIn: Pamela Buchanan, MD Book: White Coat, Black Face | Paperback Text STRONG to 55444 to join Dr. Pamela Buchanan's supportive community for women physicians of color. Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine  

What if joy and purpose could thrive in medicine? In this episode, Dr. Pamela Buchanan shares how reconnecting with gratitude and presence helped her move from burnout to balance. She reflects on systemic challenges, mindset shifts, and the power of community. Tune in to discover how small moments of joy can lead to big change. Key Takeaways To Listen For How gratitude rewired her perspective (and joy followed) Daily huddles, micro-celebrations, and the intentional pursuit of joy Being present and intentional in both work and family life What to do before you walk away from your job Reconnecting with your "why" to create meaning in medicine   Resources Mentioned In This Episode 59. Small Steps, Big Results: The Ritual Health Approach to Fitness with Rod Stanley 111. Purpose Is the Prescription: A New Approach to Burnout Recovery with Dr. Pamela Buchanan 125. How Rod Stanley Helps You Transform Mind, Body, And Spirit About Dr. Pamela BuchananDr. Pamela is a physician, TEDx speaker, and stress management expert helping high-achieving professionals beat burnout and lead with purpose. She offers coaching, consulting, and workshops on leadership, well-being, and resilience. As founder of Strong Medicine STL, she also provides telemedicine weight loss care, including GLP-1 medication management. Dr. Buchanan empowers individuals and organizations to thrive through mindset shifts, practical tools, and a deep reconnection to what matters most. Connect with Dr. Pamela Website: Strong Medicine for Stressed-Out Professionals LinkedIn: Pamela Buchanan, MD Book: White Coat, Black Face | Paperback Text STRONG to 55444 to join Dr. Pamela Buchanan's supportive community for women physicians of color. Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Shame thrives in silence, especially in medicine. In this episode, we'll explore how perfectionism and secrecy quietly fuel burnout and emotional exhaustion. You'll hear practical tools for self-compassion, courage, and connection. If you've ever felt pressure to hold it all together alone, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways To Listen For How shame shows up in medicine and what makes it so harmful When professionalism becomes perfectionism and leads to hiding The double burden and cultural pressures facing women physicians Five practical ways to recognize and work through shame The antidote to shame: courage and compassion Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Physicians are trained to care for others, but often struggle to care for themselves. In this episode, Dr. Chrissie Ott shares how pursuing joy can help shift the culture of medicine and reduce burnout. Listen in to discover why joy and a little job polyamory might be exactly what you need right now. Key Takeaways To Listen For What "solving for joy" really means for physicians Common blocks to joy in medicine, including cognitive distortions The importance of in-person connection and retreat-style learning The "Four Vs" framework to realign with personal values and mission Coaching as a complement to therapy and psychiatry for total well-being   Resources Mentioned In This Episode 132. Breaking The Silence: The Truth About Suicide In The Medical Field About Chrissie Ott MD, FAAP, PCCDr. Chrissie is a dual board-certified internist and pediatrician with additional training in integrative medicine. She serves as medical director of a long-term care facility for medically complex children and young adults in Portland, OR. With a background in medicine, wellness, and the arts, she helps physicians and creatives reconnect with joy and purpose.   Connect with Dr. Chrissie Website: Chrissiett MD LinkedIn: Chrissie Ott, MD, FAAP, PCC  Facebook: Chrissie Ott Instagram: @chrissieottmd Podcast: Solving For Joy Join us November 6- 8 at Civana Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona, for the 2025 Physician Coaching Summit, a powerful gathering focused on connection, growth, and bringing more joy to medicine. Learn more and register at Physician Coaching Summit   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Anxiety isn't always obvious. It can show up as perfectionism, over-functioning, or feeling like you can't slow down. In this episode, we will break down what anxiety really looks like for women in medicine and share practical ways to reset your nervous system. Listen in for small, supportive steps that can make a big difference. Key Takeaways To Listen For What anxiety really is and why it's so common today Why women in medicine are especially vulnerable to chronic anxiety Practical tools to calm the nervous system when you're overwhelmed How to build support systems and rituals that help you feel safe A personal story from Joanne on self-compassion during transition   Resources Mentioned In This Episode 62. End Sleepless Nights with These Expert Strategies for Better Rest with Diane Luzny 133. Physician Suicide, Stigma & Hope in Healthcare: Corey Feist Speaks Out 134. Holding Pressure on the Wound: Dr. Stefanie Simmons on a New Way to Treat Physician Burnout Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Physicians are trained to care for others, but often discouraged from caring for themselves. In this episode, Dr. Stefanie Simmons shares how stigma and outdated systems contribute to burnout and why systemic change is essential. She also reminds us that self-compassion isn't optional; it's necessary. Tune in to learn how you can help change the culture of medicine. Key Takeaways To Listen For How Dr. Simmons' personal journey led her to clinical well-being advocacy What has changed since the passage of the Lorna Breen Act Six "first bites" from the CDC's Impact Wellbeing Guide Bright spots in healthcare where systemic solutions are working Why compassion without self-compassion is incomplete Resources Mentioned In This Episode 133. Physician Suicide, Stigma & Hope in Healthcare: Corey Feist Speaks Out About Stefanie Simmons, MD, FACEPDr. Stefanie Simmons is the Chief Medical Officer of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation and a board-certified emergency physician. A national advocate for clinician well-being, she works to eliminate barriers to mental health care and create healthier work environments in healthcare. Prior to this role, she led patient and clinician experience efforts for one of the nation's largest medical groups, supporting more than 26,000 providers. Dr. Simmons trained at the University of Michigan and brings expertise in coaching, medical education, and organizational psychology. Connect with Dr. Stefanie Website: Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation LinkedIn: Stefanie Simmons, MD FACEP Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Physician burnout and suicide are silent crises threatening the healthcare workforce. In this episode, Corey Feist shares how the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation is working to break down barriers to mental health support. You'll hear what is contributing to the problem and what is being done to address it. Tune in to discover how real change is possible through practical action. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation was created The root causes of burnout and the myth of resilience Credentialing stigma and the Champions Challenge The "All In for Mental Health" campaign and six core actions How small organizations can start culture change now Resources Mentioned In This Episode All In for Mental Health Call or text 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States) Call 1-888-409-0141 for Physician Support Line About Corey Feist, JD, MBACorey Feist is the co-founder and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation, a nonprofit focused on improving mental health and well-being for healthcare workers. With 20+ years in healthcare law and administration, he played a key role in passing the first federal law dedicated to clinician mental health. Corey now leads national efforts to reduce stigma, increase access to confidential care, and drive systemic change across the healthcare industry. Connect with Corey Website: Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation LinkedIn: J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Physician suicide isn't just a statistic; it's a crisis impacting the heart of healthcare. In this episode, we explore why so many doctors suffer in silence and what's finally being done to change that. Learn the risk factors and how small actions can make a big difference. Tune in to break the silence and be part of the solution. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why physician suicide is a growing crisis in the U.S. The unique risk factors physicians face and the culture of silence Stories of hope, legislative changes, and rising advocacy Why vulnerability and connection are essential to healing Where to find confidential, immediate mental health support   Resources Mentioned In This Episode 27. Helpful Tips to Recognize and Respond to Physician Burnout and Depression 28. Stop the Silence: Urgent Steps for Preventing Physician Suicide Now 74. The Impact of 'Magic in the Mail' on Medical Professionals 119. Physician Burnout And Hope For Change With Kim Downey 131. The Better Physician Life: Dr. Michael Hersh On Creating A Career You Love National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation Call or text 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States) Call 1-888-409-0141 for Physician Support Line   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

What if the rules you've followed in medicine are actually keeping you stuck? Dr. Michael Hersh shares how coaching helped him set boundaries, reduce burnout, and find fulfillment without changing his job. Small mindset shifts created big results. Tune in to hear what happens when you finally ask, "What do I need?"   Key Takeaways To Listen For What changed when Dr. Hersh stopped trying to escape medicine The surprising ROI of coaching for his career and his home life Why a simple lunch break became his boldest boundary The lie we tell ourselves about being a "good doctor" How Dr. Hersh found meaning by protecting the profession he almost left   About Dr. Michael Hersh Dr. Michael is a practicing gastroenterologist and physician coach who helps doctors find balance, reduce stress, and reconnect with the meaning behind their work. After years of leadership in clinical medicine, the arrival of his children shifted his perspective. He began questioning the pace and pressure of his career and turned to coaching as a way to reclaim control. Through his coaching practice and his podcast Better Physician Life, he now supports physicians who want to create a more intentional and fulfilling career on their own terms. Connect with Dr. Michael Website: Better Physician Life Physician Coaching Podcast: Better Physician Life: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career - Podcast   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

What if burnout isn't about doing too much but about losing who you are in the process? In this episode, Dr. Sasha Shillcutt joins us to explore how reclaiming self-agency, setting boundaries, and creating space for solitude can help women in medicine reconnect with their purpose. You'll hear honest reflections on guilt, identity, and the pressure to always serve others. Tune in and discover what it means to lead from a place of clarity, wholeness, and choice. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why women resist investing in themselves and the cost of self-sacrifice How constant giving leads to identity loss and burnout The hidden pattern of waiting for permission and how to break it A bold boundary at work and the surprising reaction it got The one daily habit that protects against burnout and overload About Sasha Shillcutt, MDDr. Sasha is a cardiac anesthesiologist, tenured professor, author, and national speaker who helps women in medicine take control of their time and lead with confidence. She is the Founder and CEO of Brave Enough, a community and platform that equips women to set boundaries, protect their energy, and thrive both personally and professionally. Dr. Shillcutt currently serves as Vice Chair of Strategy in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Through her books, coaching programs, and annual conferences, she has helped thousands of women reconnect with their purpose, prioritize wellness, and show up fully in their lives. Connect with Sasha Website: Brave Enough BE 2025 Women's CME Conference Reignite: Light the Fire WithinLocation: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa, Arizona Register at: becomebraveenough.com/be25-cme-conference Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

What if indecision is quietly draining your energy and stealing your peace? In this episode, we explore how decision fatigue contributes to stress and burnout for women in medicine, and what you can do about it. Discover practical ways to protect your energy and make confident, values-based choices. Tune in to break the cycle of overthinking and reclaim your clarity and control.   Key Takeaways To Listen For Why decision fatigue silently drains your energy and time How indecision fuels stress and keeps you stuck The impact of decision-making overload on executive functioning and wellness Simple strategies to reduce your daily decision load How making quick decisions from clarity can be powerful, not impulsive   Resources Mentioned In This Episode 123. From Survival Mode To Prepared: Coaching Tools That Work 128. Reclaim Your Time: The Slow Down Prescription For Doctors   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

What if slowing down is your greatest power move? In this episode, we explore how rest resets your nervous system and brings clarity in the chaos. You'll learn how to break free from hustle culture and reconnect with what truly matters. Hit play to shift your pace and lead with intention. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why the "arrival fallacy" keeps women in medicine stuck in burnout What the parasympathetic nervous system actually does and how to activate it Simple breathwork techniques to calm your mind and body The power of touch, nature, and rituals in rewiring your nervous system Why slowing down is an act of self-compassion, not weakness Resources Mentioned In This Episode 97. Reclaim Your Energy with the Science of Nature Therapy with Dr. Tamberly Conway   Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

You are someone's role model, even when you don't realize it. In this episode, we explore how small choices in wellness can influence those around us in powerful ways. We will show how intentionality and presence create lasting impact. Tune in to learn how to lead with purpose—starting from within. Key Takeaways To Listen For Why physicians are role models even without leadership titles How modeling wellness impacts patients, staff, and family The ripple effect of small habits like hydration, stretching, and rest What it means to role model from your "best self" How to avoid regret by investing in your wellness today Resources Mentioned In This Episode 124. How To Reverse Stress-Induced Weight Gain With Dr. Tamara Beckford 125. How Rod Stanley Helps You Transform Mind, Body, And Spirit 126. Stretch, Breathe, Realign: A New Approach To Physician Wellbeing Connect With UsDo you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com! ▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine