Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

Your ability to earn income is your most valuable financial asset. Physicians spend years protecting patients, building careers, and accumulating assets, yet many discover too late that the insurance designed to protect their income is full of loopholes, exclusions, and traps. Disability insurance sounds boring until the moment someone needs it, and then it becomes one of the most emotionally and financially consequential topics in medicine.In this episode, we explore the hidden realities of physician disability insurance, why employer policies often fail when doctors need them most, and how to think strategically about protecting future income before health problems appear. We also walk through what physicians should do when filing a disability claim, and how to avoid sabotaging the process from the very beginning.💡 Get Rob's BookSupranormal: A Field Guide for the Impossible Job.Tools, mindsets, and communication techniques so you don't get eaten alive by a job you're good at.Buy it on AmazonGuest bio: Matthew Wiggins is the founder of Doc Insure and a leading educator in physician disability insurance. Since 2003, he has helped more than 15,000 doctors understand and secure income protection, while pioneering a faster, online-first way for residents, fellows, and attendings to compare personalized disability policies. Through Doc Insure, Matt makes a confusing and often overlooked topic practical, transparent, and easier to navigate so physicians can make informed decisions about protecting their future earnings. Matt and his crew will give you a quote on disability insurance through this link. Or you can set up a call to chat with them directly here. We Discuss:Why most employer disability policies leave physicians underprotectedHow true own-occupation coverage protects a physician’s specialty incomeWhy physicians dramatically underestimate their chances of becoming disabledThe different disability risks facing procedural and cognitive specialtiesWhy disability claims often become adversarial and difficult to navigateHow detailed occupational documentation strengthens disability claimsWhy income documentation determines the value of a disability payoutHow understanding a diagnosis improves the strength of a disability claimWhy filing timing can affect whether benefits are approved and when payments beginWhy buying disability insurance during residency protects future insurabilityMentioned in this episode:Get Out On TimeThe Out-On-Time Course gives you the tools to complete your charts on shift, manage overwhelm and interruptions, and create fast, focused, kickass notes, so you can stay out of chart debt and get home on time. Self-paced. 12 hours AMA PRA Category 1 CME.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseUnBurnable Registration is Now OpenWe took the highest yield tools from our 1:1 coaching and created a community-based course with docs who get it and get you.The UnBurnable CourseDoctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our Newsletter

Medicine gives you a map. Pre-med, med school, residency, attending. Step by step, no shortcuts. Then one day, the map disappears and you’re there asking, “Now what?”In this episode, Dr. Mizuho Morrison and I dig into what happens after training, when fulfillment, identity, and control are no longer prescribed. We talk about nonlinear careers in medicine, from part-time clinical work and motherhood to podcasting, entrepreneurship, leadership, and walking away from roles that no longer fit.We also get into what happened when Mizuho wore a continuous glucose monitor during emergency department shifts, and what it revealed about stress, cortisol, and the real physiologic cost of the job.This is a conversation about agency, experimentation, and ownership, and how to build a medical career that actually works for your life, not just your training.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Dr. Mizuho Morrison is a board-certified emergency physician in Southern California and CEO of EM:RAP. A graduate of the Los Angeles County + USC residency program, she has worked in both academic and community emergency medicine and has been a major voice in EM education for more than a decade. Miz was one of the first female EM podcasters, helped launch multiple EM:RAP programs, served as Editor-in-Chief and Senior Medical Director at Hippo Education, and co-hosted Essentials of Emergency Medicine. She is also an entrepreneur and cofounder of 3MD, Three Mommy Doctors, a medical device company that reimagined first-aid kits for kids. She lives in Orange County with her two children.We Discuss:The Train Track Problem in Medical CareersFulfillment Is Not One Standard Career ShapeSeasons, Experiments, and Knowing When to Move OnStress, Cortisol, and the Cost of Shift WorkBegin Before You Feel ReadyReclaiming Agency in a System That Keeps Asking for MoreMentioned in this episode:Supranormal: A Field Guide for the Impossible JobRob's book is for anyone doing high-stakes, human-facing work who's ever thought I wasn't trained for this. Built from 20 years in emergency medicine and thousands of hours coaching physicians, Supranormal delivers the tools, mindset shifts, and communication techniques that don't show up on any board exam, but make all the difference in how you perform, connect, and build a career worth keeping.Get Supranormal on AmazonDoctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our NewsletterUnBurnable Registration is Now OpenWe took the highest yield tools from our 1:1 coaching and created a community-based course with docs who get it and get you.The UnBurnable Course

It’s not uncommon for hospitals to provide clinicians with scorecards. While they may seem like a judgment of your quality of work, scorecards rarely provide data that will lead to flourishing in your career. But what if you made your own scorecard, filled with things that were important to you and fully within your control? If you nailed one of those each day at work, what would your experience be like?In this episode, we explore what happened when Dr. Erin Broderick, a participant in the Unburnable Course, stopped using the hospital’s scorecard as her main definition of success and created a more personal one instead. Erin talks about how she took a new approach to patient satisfaction surveys, one that has eliminated nearly all the stress and distress associated with them.Finally, we look at how intentional practices during and after a shift made Erin’s work feel joyful and sustainable.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡We Discuss:Measuring success with a personal scorecardA post-shift routine that closes the dayClosing open loopsA novel approach to patient satisfaction surveysLetting go of metrics that don’t serve youScheduling recovery during the shiftExtending intentionality beyond the hospitalMentioned in this episode:Doctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our NewsletterSupranormal: A Field Guide for the Impossible JobRob's book is for anyone doing high-stakes, human-facing work who's ever thought I wasn't trained for this. Built from 20 years in emergency medicine and thousands of hours coaching physicians, Supranormal delivers the tools, mindset shifts, and communication techniques that don't show up on any board exam, but make all the difference in how you perform, connect, and build a career worth keeping.Get Supranormal on AmazonUnBurnable | Our Cohort-Based Burnout Prevention and Cure CourseWe took the highest yield tools from our 1:1 coaching and created a community-based course with docs who get it and get you.The UnBurnable Course

If you have ever lost it mid-shift, frozen when you should have acted, or spent the next two weeks asking yourself what's wrong with me, you already know what character assassination feels like.In this episode, we break down a simple and effective reframe that interrupts the self-flagellation shame spiral without making excuses or lowering standards. You will learn how to move from why did I to, of course, how to give yourself a legitimate and hard-earned break, and why self-compassion is not softness but one of the most underutilized performance tools in medicine. Topics include physician burnout, self-compassion, cognitive reappraisal, shame and self-criticism, communication under stress, and physician coaching.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡We discuss:Why self-criticism after a hard moment often hurts more than the moment itselfThe difference between first-order distress and second-order distressWhat the research on rumination and shame actually showsWhy your brain treats harsh self-evaluation like a physical threatThe biology of performance under load and why grit has a limitThe of 'course' reframe and how to use it in real timeFour steps to move from character assassination to context assessmentWhy suppression makes it worse, and reappraisal changes the signalPre-shift dread and how to take the shame out of itWhy self-compassion is a performance tool, not a soft skillWhat this reframe is not: excuses, lowered standards, or avoiding accountabilityHow to start today with one sentenceMentioned in this episode:Doctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our NewsletterSupranormal: A Field Guide for the Impossible JobRob's book is for anyone doing high-stakes, human-facing work who's ever thought I wasn't trained for this. Built from 20 years in emergency medicine and thousands of hours coaching physicians, Supranormal delivers the tools, mindset shifts, and communication techniques that don't show up on any board exam, but make all the difference in how you perform, connect, and build a career worth keeping.Get Supranormal on AmazonThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course

Emergency medicine has an interruption-based workflow. There's no getting around some of that, but recurrent interruptions erode quality of care, accuracy of documentation, concentration, and ultimately the ability to leave work on time. While some interruptions are unavoidable, most are predictable and preventable. Reclaiming control over interruptions is more than a way to improve efficiency; it's about patient safety, reducing medical errors, and safeguarding your mental health. Constant task switching creates cognitive load, contributing to emergency physician burnout and compromising clinical decision-making.In this episode, we explore tactical and mindset shifts that emergency clinicians can use to reduce interruptions, enhance documentation efficiency, and avoid the hidden costs of task switching. We'll cover practical strategies for managing EKG interruptions, skillful ways to manage nursing questions, and setting boundaries all while maintaining team dynamics and patient care quality. Whether you're an emergency physician, PA, NP, or resident, these evidence-based strategies will help you work smarter, reduce stress, and reclaim control of your clinical day.Finishing emergency department shifts with a stack of charts to complete gets old fast. This chart debt also contributes to burnout.We will help you break bad habits and equip you with the skills to walk out the door unencumbered.Out-On-Time is a course for emergency physicians and clinicians that teaches shift efficiency and real-time documentation, enabling you to write fast, focused charts that bill well and are medicolegally sound.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course We Discuss:The Cost of Interruptions in Emergency MedicineNot All Interruptions Are UrgentThe Cognitive Cost of Task SwitchingBecoming a Non-Interruptible ClinicianDeferring Without Alienating Your TeamProtecting Focus at the End of the ShiftFixing the EKG Interruption ProblemAsynchronous Communication That Actually WorksMentioned in this episode:Supranormal: A Field Guide for the Impossible JobRob's book is for anyone doing high-stakes, human-facing work who's ever thought I wasn't trained for this. Built from 20 years in emergency medicine and thousands of hours coaching physicians, Supranormal delivers the tools, mindset shifts, and communication techniques that don't show up on any board exam, but make all the difference in how you perform, connect, and build a career worth keeping.Get Supranormal on Amazon

So many of our choices are shaped less by desire and more by expectation. We chase prestige, status, or recognition, only to arrive and realize we were climbing the wrong ladder. Beneath burnout and the friction, there’s often the truth that we were never pursuing what we truly wanted. In this episode, we explore the concept of mimetic desire, how it misguides our ambitions, and how to reclaim our decisions. Finally, we examine how fear of judgment and shame shape our careers more than we think, and what it takes to break free.Guest bio:  Josh Russell, MD, is double board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Palliative Care. He’s held leadership roles as a Chief Medical Officer in telehealth, artificial intelligence, and urgent care systems. He’s an experienced clinician, writer, educator, and medical editor with a passion for making complex topics accessible. LinkedIn article that spurred this podcastJosh’s WebsiteWe Discuss:Mimetic Desire: Chasing What Others WantThe Trap of “Should”: Internalized ShameThe Concentric Circles of StressorsFinding What You Really WantThe Ladder Against the Wrong WallActionable Reflection PracticesMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseDoctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our Newsletter

What if the true test of strength is focusing less on what we feel and more on what we do? In this episode, we explore a practical philosophy of action, presence, and personal agency with Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior. Finally, we dig into how small mindset shifts can transform both high-stakes moments and the quiet struggles of everyday life.Guest bio: Dan Millman is a world champion athlete turned author, educator, and teacher of practical wisdom. With a background that spans competitive sports, university-level coaching, martial arts, and academic instruction, Dan brings a rare blend of physical discipline and philosophical insight to his work.Following two decades of spiritual exploration, he developed what would become known as the Peaceful Warrior’s Way, an action-based approach to living with purpose. Dan is the author of 18 books, including the international bestseller Way of the Peaceful Warrior, which was adapted into a feature film. His writings have reached millions across 29 languages and continue to influence readers around the world.We Discuss:Peaceful Warrior Philosophy in ActionWhat We Control (And What We Don’t)Action Over EmotionThe Three Rules of Wise LivingThe Power of Present Moment AwarenessMastery Through Deliberate PracticePurpose as a Practical ToolGrowth Without PerfectionWorking Within Broken SystemsPracticing LifeMentioned in this episode:Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierNo fluff. Just good stuff.Free Resources LinkThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseSupranormal: A Field Guide for the Impossible JobRob's book is for anyone doing high-stakes, human-facing work who's ever thought I wasn't trained for this. Built from 20 years in emergency medicine and thousands of hours coaching physicians, Supranormal delivers the tools, mindset shifts, and communication techniques that don't show up on any board exam, but make all the difference in how you perform, connect, and build a career worth keeping.Get Supranormal on AmazonDoctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our Newsletter

Your work world is built on endurance, intensity, and mastery. The culture is 'always on,' and you were trained to perform in conditions no one would call normal. The work is supranormal. It sits at the edge of reasonable and regularly exceeds what is sustainable by most standards. High performers like you often find themselves on an above-the-fray pedestal, expected to be tireless and self-sacrificing. Supranormal work can unlock extraordinary performance, but the cost adds up if it goes unchecked. In this episode, we look at where this culture came from, the cortisol spikes that shape your days, the hidden curriculum of self-sacrifice, and the countermeasures that keep you from burning out. It is a straight look at the supranormal experience and what it takes to do this work without losing yourself to it.Awake + Aware | Our 2026 RetreatJoin us at Awake and Aware, our 3-day retreat in Scottsdale, AZ. March 1-4, 2026. Space is limited.Learn More Here🎓 P.S. This is a CME event.We discuss:• Why medical culture expects you to perform inside conditions no one would call normal• What makes supranormal work different from ordinary high-stress work• How the “always on” ethos formed and why it persists• The hidden curriculum of self-sacrifice and the pedestal of being above the fray• Cortisol spikes, sympathetic load, and what chronic activation does to your body• Why self-preservation feels selfish in medicine and why that belief is wrong• The roots of modern training from monastic care to Halsted’s cocaine-fueled stamina• Why emergency medicine is an outlier in burnout, longevity, and physiological strain• The concept of parasympathetic nurturing as a countermeasure• How mindset changes biology and shifts performance• What it takes to last in supranormal work without losing yourself

What if the best decision is to not decide at all? We waste valuable mental energy overthinking simple choices, especially when the outcomes are nearly identical. That kind of cognitive drain reduces our capacity to think clearly when decisions actually matter. In this episode, we explore how to reduce cognitive load, identify low-risk choices that can be automated or ignored, and recognize when deliberation is just noise. Finally, we break down how framing, values, and the right question can make even complex decisions frictionless.Guest bio:  Dan Dworkis MD, PhD is an emergency physician who is a clinical professor of emergency medicine at USC Keck School of Medicine. He’s also host of the Emergency Mind podcast that focuses on helping individuals and teams perform better under pressure and the author of The Emergency Mind: Wiring Your Brain for Performance Under Pressure. We Discuss:The Three Types of Cognitive LoadHarvesting Free RollsApplying Dominance and Cutting Through Decisional NoiseHow to Stop Fretting Over Equivalent DecisionsNavigating EquipoiseMaking Big Life DecisionsMentioned in this episode:5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkDoctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our NewsletterThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course

As students navigate an increasingly complex, competitive, and costly path to medical school, parents often find themselves uncertain about how to help without hindering growth. Meanwhile, institutions maintain opaque admissions practices, amplifying anxiety for both students and families. In this episode, we explore what parents need to know to truly support, not sabotage, their aspiring doctors. Finally, we pull back the curtain on everything from shadowing to AI in essays, offering a brutally honest look at what really matters in the application process.Guest bio:  Dr. Ryan Gray, a former Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force, is the founder of Medical School Headquarters and Meded Media, where he has become a leading voice in guiding pre-med and medical students toward careers in medicine. He is the author of The Premed Playbook series, including Guide to the Medical School Application Process, Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement, Guide to the Medical School Interview, and Guide to the MCAT. Dr. Gray also hosts several popular podcasts, including The Premed Years, OldPreMeds Podcast, The MCAT Podcast, and Specialist Stories.We Discuss:Support vs. SabotageThe Myth of the Perfect ApplicantWhy Checklists Aren't Really ChecklistsWhat Shadowing Really Tells YouWhat's the Deal With Volunteering Hours?Service for the Right ReasonsWhy Pre-Med Doesn't Mean Pre-DoctorUsing AI When Writing Med School EssaysCompressing Preclinical EducationThe Price of Applying and the Sneaky SecondariesWhy Don't Schools Post MCAT Cutoffs?How to Write a Good Letter of Recommendation and When to Say NoThank You NotesLetters of IntentShould Premeds Attend Non-Interview Info Sessions?Why Clinical Hours Are Non-NegotiableMentioned in this episode:Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierNo fluff. Just good stuff.Free Resources LinkThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseDoctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our Newsletter

A broken system won’t fix itself, and no one is coming to the rescue. Medicine is fraying under the weight of burnout, misaligned incentives, and systemic inertia. Yet, hope isn’t lost. Change is still possible, but it won’t come from the top down. In this episode, we explore how grassroots leadership, inner work, and community involvement can become the antidote to despair in modern medicine. Finally, we dig into the personal cost of service and the tools we need to heal ourselves while fighting for change.Guest bio:  Dr. Andrea Austin is the inaugural Emergency Medicine Program Director at Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Florida. As a Navy veteran, her military service taught her how to perform under pressure and lead teams in high-stakes environments. She brings that same focus to her work in medical education, physician well-being, and healthcare systems change. Dr. Austin is the author of Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline and host of the Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare podcast.Books mentioned in this episodeWhat My Bones Know by Stephanie FooWe Discuss:The Case for a New Residency ProgramWhat It Means to Be a Change MakerWorking Within the Domains of ChangeOvercoming Social Loafing in MedicineRethinking Suicide Risk in Emergency MedicineThe Call for Psychiatric Fellowships in EMReclaiming Wellness Through the “Heart Line”The Inner Work is the System WorkBuilding a Portfolio CareerMentioned in this episode:Coming Soon! The Out On Time CourseIf you are on our mailing list, you will have early access and a few other surprises as well.Sign up for our NewsletterThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter

How can a person who’s clearly lucid still be deemed incapable of making their own medical decisions? The answer lies in the misunderstood yet critical distinction between competence and decision-making capacity. While these terms are often used interchangeably in clinical settings, they carry vastly different meanings in law and medicine—differences that can determine whether a patient is treated, restrained, or left alone. In this episode, we explore how doctors can (and should) assess capacity, the legal boundaries of competence, and how not to get destroyed on the witness stand. Finally, we unpack a story involving a dog, a scrotum, and a tour of Colorado’s emergency departments.Guest Bio:  Rich Orman began his legal career as a public defender before moving into private practice. He soon joined the district attorney’s office, where he spent most of his career and ultimately rose to the position of deputy district attorney. Over three decades in the courtroom, he tried some of the most complex and high-profile cases in the state. After retiring from law, Rich turned to filmmaking. He is the writer and director of the critically acclaimed Boundary Layer.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡We Discuss:What Competence Actually Means in Legal TermsDefining Medical Decision-Making CapacityReal-Life Dilemmas in Emergency MedicineThe Right Terminology in DocumentationWhat Physicians Get Wrong in CourtHow to Testify Like a ProHow to Handle Yes/No Cross-ExaminationsOne Legal Nugget You Should Never ForgetMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseDecision Making Capacity Free TemplateNeed to document decision-making capacity quickly and accurately? I created this free resource so you don’t have to waste time looking up the elements each time. It’s an example of how it can be done—use it as a guide and make it your own.Free Resources LinkNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter

Ever walk out of a shift and feel like the hospital came home with you? In medicine, the mental residue can cling long after the work day is done. One way to address this is boundary rituals, deliberate actions designed to process the day and allow you to leave work at work, be more present when you get home, and possibly even sleep better. As a bonus, the ability to disengage from work is one of the strongest predictors of reduced burnout.In this episode, Mohamed Hagahmed, MD, shares how he creates this boundary—through small rituals of gratitude, stillness, and reflection. From growing up as a refugee to serving as a sideline physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dr. Hagahmed’s path has been shaped by resilience, culture, and care. He explains how he learned to stop carrying unfixable wounds home, why kindness is clinical armor, and how tiny acts of self-compassion can protect meaning in medicine.Guest Bio:  Mohamed Hagahmed, MD a Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, Associate Medical Director at the Center for Emergency Medicine, and EMS Medical Director for several systems in Western Pennsylvania. On top of that, he works in high-acuity emergency departments across the region. He’s a graduate of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, passionate about resuscitation, critical care, and toxicology education. And he’s the creator and host of EMERGE in EM, a podcast focused on emergency medicine education and global health empowerment.We Discuss: Growing up as a refugee and finding purpose in emergency medicineThe toll of moral injury and why staying closed and rigid nearly broke himSmall rituals that help shed the emotional residue of a shiftUsing gratitude and stillness as tools for resilienceHow changing clothes, music, and even snacks can protect emotional healthTurning frustration into advocacy for immigrant health and systemic changeAdvice for new attendings on protecting the threshold between work and homeMentioned in this episode:5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkDistilled Kickassery Every Other SaturdaySign up for our Newsletter

The best communication in high-stakes environments isn’t complicated. Quite the opposite - it’s structured, clear, and consistent. Small, deliberate shifts in how we transfer information can dramatically improve patient safety, team efficiency, and workplace culture. In this episode, we explore three simple but transformative communication habits that reduce errors and build trust among teams. Finally, we share practical tools you can use today to tighten your communication and improve safety without adding extra workload.We Discuss:The Three-Way Repeat-Back: “That’s Correct” Changes EverythingPhonetic Clarifications: Stop the “Norman” ProblemNumbers: Say the DigitsWhiteboards: The Cheapest Safety Tool in the RoomChecklists: Mastering the BasicsCheaper Than Dirt, More Precious Than GoldMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseDoctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our Newsletter

Stressful events can hijack cognition, cloud judgment, and leave emotional residue that can fuel long-term burnout. For acute care clinicians, those moments of emotional overwhelm, when heart rate spikes and the thinking brain goes offline, can have consequences that last far beyond the shift. While long-term resilience is essential, it’s often the just-in-time strategies that determine whether we break down or rise to the moment. In this episode, we explore the physiology and psychology of real-time emotional regulation with Scott Weingart, MD, co-creator of the Beat the Stress Fool protocol. Finally, we uncover how practices like gratitude flooding and negative visualization can inoculate against burnout and offer emotional integrity in the most harrowing moments of care.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Scott Weingart, MD, is an emergency department intensivist and physician coach based in New York. He completed fellowships in Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, and ECMO, and is internationally recognized for his expertise in resuscitation and critical care. As the creator of the EMCrit podcast, with over 40 million downloads, he has shaped how clinicians think and perform under pressure. Together, Scott and I co-founded Guidewire Coaching, where we create and teach tailored courses to address the real-world pain points of acute care medicine.We Discuss:Rapid stress reset with “Beat the Stress Fool”Breathing techniques that calm the nervous systemSelf-talk under pressureMental rehearsal that ends in successTrigger words for fast de-escalationGratitudinal flooding as a shield during emotional overloadReal-time tools for grief resilienceThe quiet strength of negative visualizationTeaching stress tools to trainees without pushbackMentioned in this episode:Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our NewsletterThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

No one enters medicine expecting to land on a performance improvement plan, yet for many physicians, it becomes a disorienting reality. A PIP can feel like both a warning and a test, raising existential fears about career, reputation, and future. Behind the formal language is often a complex mix of organizational risk management and legitimate behavioral concerns. In this episode, we explore what it really means to be placed on a PIP, how to navigate the process effectively, and why resistance is rarely a successful strategy. Finally, we share a structured approach to coaching through a PIP that can turn even the most fraught situation into meaningful professional growth.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡We Discuss:Understanding the Purpose and Structure of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)Variability and Pitfalls in PIPsWhy Coaching Matters During a PIPCommon Reactions and Emotional TollStructural Flaws That Undermine PIPsNegotiating and Responding to a PIPThe Myth of Performance ImmunityA Coaching Framework for Navigating PIPsCollaborating With LeadershipSuccess and Long-Term ImpactMentioned in this episode:Distilled Kickassery Every Other SaturdaySign up for our Newsletter5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

What if addiction isn’t about drugs, but about pain? Beneath compulsive behaviors often lie histories of trauma, anxiety, and unmet emotional needs, hidden behind layers of stigma and misunderstanding. In medicine, addiction is still often mischaracterized as a moral failing rather than a treatable illness with deep psychological roots. In this episode, we explore the personal and professional evolution of Dr. Casey Grover, an addiction medicine physician who reframed both his own struggles and the way he cares for patients. Finally, we uncover how shifting mindset and language can transform both clinical outcomes and clinician well-being.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest bio:  Dr. Casey Grover is a board-certified physician in Addiction Medicine and Emergency Medicine at Montage Health, where he also serves as Chief of Staff. He is the Physician Champion for the Monterey County Prescribe Safe Initiative, a program focused on reducing opioid misuse through education, safe prescribing, and improved treatment access. In addition to his clinical and leadership roles, Dr. Grover hosts the podcast Addiction Medicine Made Easy, where he breaks down complex topics to make addiction care more approachable for both providers and the public.We Discuss:What is Addiction?When Food Becomes a Coping MechanismThe Stigma of AddictionThe Neurology of AddictionDivided Views on SobrietyWhy Some People Recover and Others RelapseThe Reason Some Brains Get HookedAddiction vs. Dependence — and Why Stigma Makes It WorseBuilding Trust with PatientsFrom Frustration to Compassion: Reframing Patient EncountersTrauma, PTSD, and Personal ReckoningThe Practice of Addiction MedicineMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

What is it about your work that still lights you up inside? At the center of every profession is a core - the reason we chose it in the first place, the part that feels meaningful no matter the chaos around it. When we reconnect with that core, even amid challenge, fulfillment often follows. Sometimes, though, that spark fades. Sometimes the core of what we love evolves, shifts direction, or gets buried under layers of stress and routine. In this episode, we explore how to evaluate your relationship with the essence of your work and how small (or big) recalibrations can realign your day-to-day with what matters most. Finally, we share strategies to clear out the noise, fuel the flame, and shape a career that energizes rather than drains.🧭 UnBurnable | Our Cohort-Based Burnout Prevention and Cure CourseAs physician coaches, my partner, Scott Weingart, and I have noticed a clear pattern: some doctors are thoroughly burned out, and many others are on the path toward it. Almost all were shortchanged in their medical training, having been molded into excellent clinicians but given virtually no tools for retaining joy and equanimity throughout their careers.This course will teach you the hidden anti-burnout curriculum.Learn more at unburnablecourse.com 🚀We Discuss:Starting with the central question: How do you feel about the core of your work?Using the stories you tell about your job as diagnostic tools. What tone are you bringing to those tales?What is a micro recalibration, and how can it reshape your workday from within your current job?How do you recognize when overwhelm is a sign of a broken approach, not a broken you?Exploring macro recalibrations. What if you love the work, but the environment is eating you alive?Running the “look-around test” to evaluate other institutions.Identifying “gravity problems.” Which issues can't be solved within your current system?Considering a mega recalibration. What does it mean to step away from the work entirely?How identity and sunk costs keep us rooted in roles we may have outgrown.Visualizing the flame and smoke of your career. What’s burning bright, and what’s clouding the view?Defining what a fulfilling day looks like. Is that kind of day even possible where you are now?Use a five-year future vision to clarify whether your current job fits into your ideal life.Why walking away doesn’t have to mean burning it down. What might rediscovery look like instead?You don’t have to burn it all down to rediscover what lights you up.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡

Burnout isn’t just emotional, it’s financial. Many doctors put off financial planning until they’re deep in debt, stuck in lifestyle inflation, and too burned out to pivot. In this episode, The White Coat Investor Jim Dahle lays out how to build a burnout-resistant career by making smart, intentional money decisions, whether you’re a student or a seasoned physician.We delve into frugality (the useful and the absurd), how burnout can quietly become your biggest financial threat, what makes a solid investment plan, the waterfall method of managing your money, and why many doctors end up wealthy on paper but broke in practice. Plus: when hiring a financial advisor is the smartest move you can make—and when it’s the worst.Guest bio:  Jim Dahle, MD, FACEP is a practicing emergency physician and the founder of The White Coat Investor. After early experiences with predatory financial advisors, he taught himself personal finance and saw firsthand how financial literacy transformed his life. Motivated to help colleagues avoid similar pitfalls, he launched The White Coat Investor—then the only unbiased financial education resource for physicians. More than a decade later, Dr. Dahle continues to lead the organization as CEO, columnist, and podcast host, staying true to its mission: “help those who wear the white coat get a fair shake on Wall Street.”We Discuss:Financial goals as the “game,” not competition with othersEmbracing frugality (and where it can go too far)Burnout as a major financial riskStrategies to reduce burnout, including working less and managing spendingUnderstanding your financial “basement” (minimum monthly needs)Lifestyle creep and how to monitor itThe “live like a resident” strategy post-trainingNet worth versus income, and why physicians sometimes retire brokeThe financial “waterfall” (how to prioritize where your money goes)Why trying to beat the market usually backfiresWhole life insurance: the hype versus realityCreating an Investment Policy Statement (IPS)Real estate investing: REITs versus hands-on ownershipDesigning your life and shifts as a financially independent physicianThe "night shift marketplace" modelWhen to work with, or fire, a financial advisorCase study: mid-career physician financial planningMentioned in this episode:5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkRecalibrate Your CareerI work with physicians to help them flourish in medical practice. If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or in trouble at work because of communication or conflict, check out our FAQ page for more info. Ready for real change? Book a discovery call. It’s free, low-pressure, and will give you clarity on your next steps.Learn more about 1-on-1 coachingThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course

Making a major career shift is never easy, especially when you've dedicated decades to a profession that has become part of your identity. The decision to leave clinical medicine can be fraught with self-doubt, financial considerations, and the lingering question - what comes next? But at some point, the balance shifts, and the cost of staying outweighs the fear of leaving. In this episode, we explore what it takes to walk away from a stable medical career, redefine success, and craft a life that aligns with evolving priorities. Finally, we dig into strategies for managing stress, investing in personal growth, and finding fulfillment beyond the bedside.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest bio:  Dr. Patrick O’Malley is an emergency physician with nearly two decades of experience in community emergency departments and high-acuity urgent care. Based in Columbia, South Carolina, he has recently expanded into entrepreneurial ventures, including The Laceration Course, in partnership with EB Medicine. He helps moderate the EM Docs Side Hustle Facebook group, a community of over 3,000 emergency physicians exploring side gigs and alternative careers. Dr. O’Malley is dedicated to helping physicians explore new opportunities beyond the walls of the emergency department.We discuss:The Decision to ResignFinancial Readiness and the Role of Family SupportLooking Back on a Career in Emergency MedicineRedefining Work-Life BalanceTransitioning to a New IdentityInvesting in YourselfBurnout, Coaching, and the Road to ChangeFinding Joy in Medicine: Small Moments, Big ImpactLiving Another YesterdayCrafting Your Own Path: Empowering CliniciansNewman and John Marks: Managing Stress and CalmMentioned in this episode:🔥 New Free Resource! 🔥Just dropped: a brand-new video + PDF on how to recalibrate your career based on our sold-out webinar, now re-recorded with the best audience questions and tactical takeaways. You’ll get strategies for micro, macro, and mega career shifts, rules for adding anything to your plate, and real stories of how others made it work. Plus: explore our full collection of free resources for getting unstuck, unburnt, and back in the driver’s seat.Free Resources LinkRecalibrate Your CareerI work with physicians to help them flourish in medical practice. If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or in trouble at work because of communication or conflict, check out our FAQ page for more info. Ready for real change? Book a discovery call. It’s free, low-pressure, and will give you clarity on your next steps.Learn more about 1-on-1 coachingThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course

Delivering the news of death is one of the hardest yet most overlooked skills in emergency medicine. Many learn by watching others or through trial and error rather than structured training (or just make it up as they go). This lack of preparation can lead to discomfort, stress, avoidance, and even systemic failures in how death notifications are handled. In this episode, we explore the critical components of death communication, how to navigate these difficult conversations with clarity and compassion, and why avoiding or mishandling these moments can have lasting consequences for both providers and families. Finally, we discuss the emotional toll of secondhand grief and the importance of proactive mental health care for those on the front lines of healthcare.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest bio: Alexandra Jabr, PhD, EMT-P, is the founder of Emergency Resilience and a leading voice in the overlooked aspects of first responder training. With nearly 15 years of experience as an EMT, paramedic, cardiac tech, EMS coordinator, and educator, she saw firsthand the emotional toll of the job—especially when it came to death communication. She went on to earn a Master’s in Death, Grief, and Bereavement, followed by a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, focusing on how first responders can maintain their mental health while supporting grieving families and colleagues. Through her work, she’s redefining continuing education, ensuring first responders get the training they truly need—not just another CPR recert.We discuss:Why On-Scene Death Notifications Are So DifficultChallenges in Death Communication TrainingPractical Steps for Delivering the News of DeathA Structured and Compassionate FrameworkHandling Determination of DeathCommon MistakesSecondhand Grief and Provider Well-beingProactive Mental Health for ProvidersMentioned in this episode:Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our NewsletterThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course

Leadership impacts everyone—whether you're steering an entire organization or simply navigating team dynamics. It’s an essential skill, yet it often feels elusive, even for experienced professionals. While every leadership challenge is unique, the core principles remain universal.In this episode, we break down eight critical leadership principles drawn from years of experience, hard lessons, conversations with seasoned experts, research, and coaching leaders at all levels. Plus, we share actionable strategies to help you refine your leadership, whether you're guiding thousands or leading a small team.Want more? Subscribe to our free newsletter, Doctoring Done Well. Every other Saturday, straight to your inbox—strategies to work smarter, lead better, and build a career that lasts.We Discuss:Don’t Worry About Leading, Worry About ListeningThis is Not Your Dumpster FireSlow Your RollYou Will Have to Be a Judge, Even When You Don’t Want to BeModel the ValuesWith Behavioral Issues, Build the Pathway, Not Just the ExpectationYou Don’t Know What You’re Doing—And That’s OKPeople Do Things for Their Reasons, Not YoursMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course

Violence has a cadence, a rhythm that disrupts the normal flow of life. When an act of violence erupts, the first sign is often a sudden, unexplainable shift in the environment—an eerie silence, a heightened energy, or a gut feeling that something is wrong. But when does that uneasy feeling cross the threshold into immediate danger? In this episode, we explore the critical decision points in an active violence situation in the healthcare/hospital setting, the moral and ethical dilemmas of medical providers staying versus escaping, and tactical strategies for survival. Finally, we break down the "run, hide, fight" approach and how to act decisively when every second counts.Guest bio: Mike Shertz, MD is an emergency physician who spent 13 years as a Green Beret and a Special Forces medic. He is the founder and purveyor of Crisis Medicine, which teaches tactical casualty care to medical professionals. Check out this video that we did together in 2019 on how to place and remove a tourniquet and this one on how to pack a gunshot wound with combat gauze. Want more? Subscribe to our free newsletter, Doctoring Done Well. Every other Saturday, straight to your inbox—strategies to work smarter, lead better, and build a career that lasts.We Discuss:Recognizing an Active Violence SituationMoral Dilemmas: Stay or Escape?Perspectives on Risk and ResponseTactical Survival: Run, Hide, FightPost-Shooting Medical Response

Dealing with an angry, upset patient can feel like walking into an emotional storm. The frustration in the room is palpable, and even the most experienced clinicians can feel thrown off balance. While medical training equips us to handle complex diagnoses and emergencies, it often falls short when it comes to managing interpersonal conflict. That’s where the Universal Upset Patient Protocol comes in—a straightforward, highly effective framework designed to de-escalate tense situations, restore trust, and protect your own emotional bandwidth. In this episode, we explore Dr. Dike Drummond’s original protocol, breaking down each step with specific language to use in the heat of the moment. Finally, we’ll add a few practical tweaks to help make these conversations even more natural and effective in real-world practice.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Dike Drummond, MD, is a physician coach, burnout prevention expert, and creator of the Universal Upset Patient Protocol—a step-by-step framework for managing challenging interactions with upset patients. A former family physician, he transitioned to coaching to address the emotional toll of healthcare on providers. As founder of TheHappyMD.com, he’s helped thousands of physicians improve communication, manage stress, and build healthier professional relationships.We Discuss:The Universal Upset Patient Protocol: A Framework for Diffusing ConflictKey Principle: Acknowledgment Over FixingStep 1: Acknowledge the Vibe and Name the EmotionStep 2: Open the Door for Them to SpeakStep 3: Apologize and Show CompassionStep 4: Identify Their NeedStep 5: Clarifying Reflection (Rob O Addition)Step 6: Set Boundaries and ExpectationsStep 7: Express GratitudeBeyond the Protocol: The Magic of Conflict FrameworkMentioned in this episode:5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseDoctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our Newsletter

What defines the unique mindset of an emergency clinician? It’s not just the fast pace or the chaotic environment—it’s the deliberate, top-down thinking that prioritizes patient safety over diagnostic certainty. This approach, though deceptively simple, often flies in the face of traditional medical training, which emphasizes comprehensive differentials and exhaustive workups. In emergency medicine, knowing what the patient needs often matters more than knowing exactly what they have. In this episode, we explore the emergency medicine mindset, the pitfalls of the bottom-up approach, and why experienced clinicians focus on acute interventions and dangerous conditions. Finally, we discuss how humility and strategic communication with patients can make all the difference in mitigating risk and building trust.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest bio: Reuben Strayer is an emergency physician based in Brooklyn, at Maimonides Medical Center. He tweets @emupdates and blogs at EMupdates.com on a variety of emergency medicine topics. His clinical areas of interest include airway management, analgesia, opioid misuse, procedural sedation, agitation, decision-making, and error. His extra-clinical areas of interest include sweeping generalizations and jalapeño peppers. We Discuss:A Critique of Medical School Training and the Bottom-Up ApproachTop-Down Approach and Ophthalmology InsightsThe 8 Responsibilities of Emergency PhysiciansThe Wheel of Dangerous ConditionsTop-Down Thinking in PracticeHumility and Communication in Emergency MedicineMentioned in this episode:5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseDoctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our Newsletter

Mastering nonverbal communication can be an elusive task, but the fact remains: what’s unsaid leaves a significant footprint in any interaction. Nowhere is this more palpable than in the medical exam room, where trust and connection between physicians and patients often hinge on subtle, nonverbal cues.So, how can one build trust through facial expressions and tone of voice alone?In this episode, we break down how to silently establish rapport, effective use of pauses, the curious role of your eyebrows, impact of end-of-sentence inflection, how to convey uncertainty with confidence, and why learning a patient’s eye color can pay dividends.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest bio: Bradley Block, MD, is a private practice otolaryngologist on Long Island, New York, where he lives with his wife and three young sons. He is a partner at ENT and Allergy Associates and creator of the Physician’s Guide to Doctoring Podcast. He realized that rapport was the key to gaining trust, seeing patients efficiently, enjoying his practice, and building his reputation. He tried to find a podcast that would help him improve at doctor-patient communication, but there was none, so he created Physician’s Guide to Doctoring! The topics quickly expanded to “everything we should have been learning while we were memorizing Kreb’s Cycle.”We Discuss:The "Interest and Authority" Framework for Nonverbal CommunicationFacial Expressions: Conveying InterestHumor and Likability in Patient InteractionMaking Eye Contact and Noticing Eye ColorAttitude and Authority in Patient CareEffective Communication TechniquesAddressing Patient Concerns and FearsMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkDoctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our Newsletter

What’s the biggest mistake people make about meditation? Thinking they’re bad at it. Why do they think this? Because they’ve tried meditating, and their mind just won’t shut up!It’s a common misconception that meditation means clearing your mind of all thoughts. But in reality, meditation has little—or nothing—to do with that. If your mind wanders or feels like a crowded room full of shouting voices when you close your eyes, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what’s supposed to happen!A wandering mind isn’t failure—it’s expected, even for seasoned meditators.In this episode, we break down the exact steps of how to meditate, what to do with a wandering mind, and why a flurry of thoughts—popping up like popcorn—doesn’t mean you’re bad at meditation. In fact, it means your mind is working exactly as it should. Ultimately, meditation isn’t about thinking less; it’s about changing how you engage with your thoughts, making it a skill you simply can’t fail.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Mentioned in this episode:Doctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized WinsEvery other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.Sign up for our Newsletter

It started in medical school, when I witnessed the stark reality of the hidden curriculum: a transgender patient referred to as "it" by an attending physician. Over the years, I saw more subtle but no less harmful behaviors—snickers, misused pronouns, quiet biases. I often felt lost in how to respond.Today, transgender identity feels more politically charged than ever. But beyond the politics, what’s it like simply to be transgender? What challenges do transgender patients face—physically, medically, socially, and emotionally? And how do you navigate a world that sees you differently after transitioning?In this episode, Dr. Jailyn Avila shares her story. We cover the deeply personal aspects of transition, from conversations with her wife and kids to navigating professional dynamics as an internationally recognized expert. Dr. Avila offers candid insights into her experience as a physician presenting as both male and female, practical advice for providing better care for transgender patients, and strategies for addressing pronouns and mistakes with grace.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest bio: Jailyn Avila is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, transgender woman, wife, and mother of three. She has been heavily involved in medical education with an emphasis on bedside ultrasound and runs Core Ultrasound, delivering online educational content. In 2021, Jailyn began her gender transition and “completed” said transition in 2023. Jailyn is currently Core Faculty for the UHS SoCal MEC Emergency Medicine Residency in Temecula, California where she also functions as the Associate Ultrasound Director and the Director of Faculty Development. Coming Out to Her WifeNavigating External Frictions and Gender IdentityBalancing Personal and Professional IdentityThe Gradual Process of TransitionWork and Social DynamicsExperiences as Both a Male and Female PhysicianManaging Emotions: The RAIN MethodCaring for Transgender Patients in the Emergency DepartmentImpact of Jailyn's Transition on Her Family and ChildrenUnderstanding Gender and Biological VariationsMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

Why do our minds seek explanations for everyday patterns, even attributing a cause where none may exist? "Regression to the mean" offers a statistical lens on why extreme experiences naturally revert to the norm. In medicine, this concept reveals why critical observations and repeated assessments are essential to avoid overreactions to abnormal results.In this episode, we explore the nuances of regression to the mean, breaking down its impact on medical decision-making, patient assessments, and even how we view high-stakes scenarios in healthcare. Finally, we delve into how understanding this principle can enhance clinical judgment and reduce unnecessary interventions.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest bio: Josh Russel, MD, is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine and is double board-certified in Palliative Care and Emergency Medicine. Apart from his clinical practice, he is a writer, educator, entrepreneur, and trivia enthusiast.We Discuss:Superstitions in the Emergency DepartmentUnderstanding Regression to the MeanIs It a Good Idea to Chastise Fighter Pilots?Blood Pressure Lives on a Bell CurveThe Importance of Control GroupsPediatric Visits For FeverNatural History of Disease Processes: Some Are OutliersThe Test of TimeBalancing Urgency with Thoughtful Testing ThresholdsMentioned in this episode:5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our NewsletterThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course

Being a patient can feel like a lonely experience, especially when you sense your doctor is disconnected. A rushed or disengaged interaction can leave patients feeling unheard and uncared for, no matter how clinically skilled the physician is. At the same time, doctors struggle with overwhelming workloads, which can lead to unintentional detachment from those they treat. In this episode, we explore five ways to build connection in the exam room quickly, why small gestures matter, and how intentional preparation can change the entire dynamic. Finally, we dive into the emotional complexities of patient care and the essential role of listening and presence in preventing burnout. Our conversation centers around the ‘Presence 5 Practices’ from this article. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Clay Smith, MD, is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Vanderbilt University. He is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Pediatrics and the founder of JournalFeed, which provides concise, daily summaries of top medical journal articles.We Discuss:The Disconnect Between Patients and PhysiciansWhy Genuine Doctor-Patient Connections Matter More Than You ThinkEasing Patient Anxiety and ShameThe Impact of Preparation and Focus on Patient CareListening Intently and CompletelyAligning Care with Patient PrioritiesBuilding Trust by Connecting with the Patient's StoryUnderstanding Emotional CuesThe Delicate Balance of Antibiotic StewardshipUnderstanding Fear Behind Patient AngerMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter

Holding onto a grudge can feel strangely delicious, but that sense of righteousness often comes at a steep cost. In this episode, EMRAP founder Mel Herbert joins Rob to unpack a rift that’s lingered for over half a decade—and explore the way forward to healing. We also break down why achievement does not demand extraordinary genius or talent but a shift in how we view our perceived mediocrity. Why the idea that we need to be exceptional to succeed fuels imposter syndrome and keeps us from valuing the potential in our "average" qualities. We examine the pressing challenges of modern medicine, where corporate pressures often clash with the need for human connection, and how clinicians can reclaim compassion and autonomy. Finally, we address the role of forgiveness and communication in personal and professional growth, revealing how setting boundaries and letting go of resentments can transform relationships and renew purpose.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio:  Dr. Mel Herbert is an acclaimed emergency medicine educator, entrepreneur, and speaker renowned for his innovative approach to accessible medical education. An Australian-born, U.S.-trained physician, Mel founded EM:RAP, a leading platform providing engaging, high-quality education for emergency care providers globally. His dedication to equitable access led to EM:RAP GO, a nonprofit extending emergency medical training to underserved communities worldwide. Mel’s philosophy, captured in his debut book The Extraordinary Power of Being Average, champions the idea that anyone can achieve remarkable things through dedication and resilience. Currently a Professor of Emergency Medicine at UCLA, Mel also serves as a consultant on the upcoming TV series The Pitt on MAX.We Discuss:The Power of Embracing MediocrityThe Myth of Extraordinary and Why Determination Outshines TalentTurning Weaknesses into StrengthsThe Evolution of Medical EducationThe Squeeze of Modern MedicineEmotional Intelligence in Medical PracticeForgiveness and Personal GrowthA Dust-Up and Its AftermathThe Weight of Sadness and ForgivenessThe Power of CommunicationBoundaries and Forgiveness – Healing Without Compromising SafetyEntrepreneurial Challenges and Lessons: Balancing Vision and CollaborationMentioned in this episode:Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our NewsletterAwake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event!Awake + Aware Bend 20255 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

It's often not the big power moves that change our lives; it's the small, intentional actions. By focusing on micro-skills, even the most ambitious goals become achievable.In this episode, we talk with Drs. Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss about their new book, MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact. We explore how financial literacy, self-presentation, concise communication, and allyship can be developed as essential micro-skills for a successful career. We also navigate workplace dynamics, including recognizing and addressing issues like mansplaining and bropropriating. Finally, we discuss the nuances of learning when to say “yes” or “no,” and the art of timely, respectful communication.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bios: ADAIRA LANDRY, MD, MEd, is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School who studied and trained at University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles; New York University; and Harvard with almost a decade of experience mentoring students and early-career professionals. She is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and award winning mentor. She co-founded Writing in Color, a nonprofit that teaches the craft of writing.RESA E LEWISS MD is a professor of emergency medicine, TEDMED speaker, TimesUp Healthcare founder, designer, entrepreneur, and award winning educator, mentor, and point-of-care ultrasound specialist. She studied at Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the NIH Howard Hughes Research Scholars Program, Harvard Emergency Medicine, and Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Roosevelt. She hosts the Visible Voices Podcast, amplifying content in the healthcare, equity, and current trends spaces.They have written for CNBC, Fast Company, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Nature, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Science, Slate, STAT News, Teen Vogue, VOGUE, and USA Today.We Discuss:The Concept of Micro-SkillsFinancial Literacy and Debt ManagementPerforming a Debt Inventory to Understand the Landscape of Your DebtAppearance Matters and Personal Hygiene is a Skill That Doesn't Always Come NaturallyTiming and Context are Critical When Checking In or Providing FeedbackWe’re Trained to be Cumbersome in Communication When What We Need is to be SuccinctDon't Bury The LeadRole-Playing to Improve CommunicationLearning from Experience and Modeling. Do we Leave Too Much Up to Chance?Micro-Skills for Self-Care and Burnout Prevention: The Art of Saying NoResponding to Emails Promptly and Respecting Deadlines are Force MultipliersAddressing Mansplaining and BropropriatingThe Power of AllyshipRecommended BooksMentioned in this episode:5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter

Ready to reset, recharge, and level up?Join us at our live event - Awake + Aware, a game-changing 3-day workshop from May 5-7 in Bend, Oregon. Learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited.🖱️ Website: Awakeandawarebend.com🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event!

How do you handle your authority being challenged under stress? Even minor communication missteps in high-pressure environments like medicine can create lasting rifts and missed details. While the instinct to push back is strong, it's rarely the best response.We share a story of miscommunication between a resident and a nurse, highlighting the importance of humility and inquiry in clinical settings. We examine why leading with curiosity instead of ego can save time, build trust, and improve patient care.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡We Discuss:Because I Said SoCherubic Buddha vs Grumpy GravelYou May Feel Frustrated, That's OKPushing vs PullingTell Me What You're ThinkingThe Three Reasons Why a Nurse Might Question a Doctor's OrderWhy Inquiry Saves Time and Improves CareThe Other Person's Special Knowledge

It’s hard to be a good boss and even harder to work under a bad one. This episode breaks down how to begin as a new leader with little to no experience, the critical errors leaders often make, and what to do when your boss is suboptimal. We explore how quick fixes, lack of empathy, and poor communication can alienate teams and stifle growth. Leaders who ignore the importance of relationships, skip proper onboarding, or impose their own agendas without collaboration set themselves up for failure. We also discuss how future writing can help leaders clarify their vision and avoid these pitfalls. Finally, we offer strategies to recognize and correct these missteps, creating a more effective and cohesive leadership style.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Karl Pister is president and founder of The Coaching Group, with over 34 years of experience in executive coaching, conflict management, and leadership development. He’s also the host of the Healthcare Leadership Podcast, which focuses on leadership, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.We Discuss:The Practice of Future WritingThe Logic Behind Future WritingDaily Writing Routine and Its ImpactPremeditation Malorum | Best vs. Worst Case Scenario VisualizationMaladaptive vs. Adaptive PerfectionismWhat Daily Future Writing Looks Like—Doesn’t It Get Repetitive?Write for the Future in the Present TenseHow to Be a Successful New Leader With an Underperforming TeamTom Peters' Top 5 of Excellent LeadershipYour Team Knows What Action Needs To HappenHow Do You Know When You Have Enough Information To Start Taking Action?Identify Your InfluencersHandling Someone Else’s Emergencies as a New LeaderDay One as a New Physician Leader, You’re Prodded From Multiple Sides About a Pressing Issue. What Do You Do?Dealing with Difficult BossesBuilding Positive Relationships With a Bad LeaderA Bad Leader Is Often Insecure. Becoming an Asset to Them Rather Than an Opponent Can Make Your Job a Lot BetterBooks mentioned in this episode:The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim GallowayAtomic Habits by James ClearThe Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry PosnerWhat Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall GoldsmithGetting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William UryPossible by William UryNegotiating the Non-Negotiable by Daniel ShapiroThe First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded by Michael D. WatkinsMentioned in this episode:5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course

Navigating the complexities of taxes can be daunting, especially for medical professionals with unique financial situations. From maximizing retirement contributions to understanding the benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), strategic tax planning is essential. In this episode, we explore various tax strategies that physicians can leverage to optimize their financial outcomes. Finally, we delve into practical tips for managing multiple income streams and setting up your business on the right side of the IRS.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Alexis E. Gallati is the founder and Lead Tax Strategist at Cerebral Tax Advisors, Cerebral Wealth Academy, and the author of the book Advanced Tax Planning for Medical Professionals. She has over 20 years of experience in high-level strategic tax planning and multi-state tax preparation and has trained at the highest level, holding two master’s degrees. Alexis grew up in a family of physicians and is married to a private practice physician. That’s why she understands how hard medical professionals work to get where they are and why she provides simple and accessible tax solutions tailored to busy physicians.We Discuss: Maximizing Retirement ContributionsUnderstanding 403b and 457b PlansWhy Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are Tax Advantageous Compared with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Immediate vs. Deferred Medical Expense PaymentsHow to Make Smart HSA ChoicesTurboTax: When to DIY and When to Go ProA Primer on LLCs and S-Corps for PhysiciansBalancing Multiple Income StreamsThe Benefits of 1099 IncomeRetirement Plans for 1099 IncomeSEP IRA vs. Backdoor RothRenting Your House to Your BusinessCan I Write Off My Vacation?Starting a Business on the Right Side of the IRSMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

A cautionary tale about how I mismanaged my own physician burnout for many years, doing the easy thing instead of the right thing. More coaching goodness with a side of practical nuggetsYouTubeInstagramOur bi-weekly newsletter with short form, evidence based articles you won't find anywhere else.

Psychological safety is a crucial factor in creating a healthy and effective workplace. It involves a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. This episode delves into the intricacies of psychological safety, particularly in high-stakes environments like medicine. We explore how rigid hierarchies, cultural biases, incivility, and unrealistic expectations can hinder psychological safety and how fostering a culture of openness and vulnerability can lead to better team performance and resilience. We explore various strategies to enhance psychological safety, including setting clear expectations, modeling vulnerability, and showing gratitude. Finally, we provide actionable tools for leaders to create a psychologically safe team environment.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Kim Bambach, MD is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at The Ohio State University and Assistant Director of the Kiehl Resident Wellness Endowment We Discuss:What is “psychological safety”?Google's Project AristotleWhy psychological safety is important, even on a SWAT teamThreats to psychological safetyThe Korean Air Crash of 1997Contributors to trainees feeling psychologically unsafeCollegiality between specialties and its impact on psychological safetyThe Psychological Safety ScaleSix key leadership behaviors to create a culture of psychological safetyMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

What would you do if your job ended tomorrow? Even though you might want to say, “Take this job and shove it,” that won’t help build stepping stones to your next job.In this episode, we discuss: what it’s like for physician coaches who regularly work with docs in this situation, getting fired, dealing with unexpected events that shake up professional stability, planning for career disruption, the importance of networking, and finding your clinical practice N plus one.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Health Joliff, DO, is dual-boarded in Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology. He is a certified executive coach and can be found at Physician Coaching Solutions. We Discuss:We plan for what happens at the bedside. Why don't we plan for what might happen to our careers?What happens to the majority of docs who come to coaching wanting to get out of medicineThe importance of clinical medicine + 1Networking doesn't have to be a massive labor. Small steps can make a big difference.Great doctors getting firedFirst steps after losing employment: be humble and don't burn bridgesStrategies for bringing up having been fired in an interviewThe therapeutic power of venting (versus dumping)Should you accept your group's director position?The distinction between imposter syndrome and inexperienceYour contract has not been renewedYou are a new resident, and your health system suddenly closesAn older physician plans to retire in a year and is uncertain what to do nextYour first job out of training will likely not be your lastMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter

Many of us have ideas that could make a great business. Most of the ideas, however, never see the light of day. It can feel like a big leap from physician to entrepreneur. So how do you do it? We speak with Dr. Jason Hine, the founder of SimKit, and see how he went from community emergency medicine doctor to successful business owner. In this episode, we cover how Jason started his business, accounting for the knowledge gap between clinician and entrepreneur, setting boundaries, why saying hell yes has a critical proviso, the inevitable oscillation between passion and money, and a marketing exercise that’s critical to walk through before you even consider jumping in on a new product or business.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Jason Hine, MD, is an emergency physician in southern Maine, where he is the Director of Education for his community hospital. He is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Temple University Hospital, where he served as chief resident. His interests include procedural skillset decay and the role of academics in improving the recruitment, retention, and satisfaction of community physicians. He is the founder of SimKit, a medical education company focusing on delivering convenient and effective hands on procedural skills practice.We Discuss:Sharks and bouldersBuild a business plan earlyEffective resources and dead-end rabbit holesThe first thing to consider before starting a business: the pain point and value propositionGetting out of the Lone Wolf mindset and forming an advisory committeeWhat challenge surprised Jason as he got the business rollingHow do you pay your advisory committee before your business makes money?What it means money-wise to give someone equity in your companyNegotiating equity stake and why contracts are by nature adversarialThe tipping point from dreamer to doerA self-reflective prompt that puts endeavors in proper perspectiveIt might be a hell yes for you but a no for your familyProtecting immutable bouldersLogistics of setting and keeping boundariesNothing super cool happened because someone just wanted to make a bunch of moneyFinding your ideal customer before the product even existsA marketing exercise to do when a product is still an ideaMentioned in this episode:Distilled Kickassery Every Other SaturdaySign up for our NewsletterThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseAwake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event!Awake + Aware Bend 2025Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter

Success and happiness are often determined by where we place our focus: within ourselves or on external factors. Mastery lies in asking the right questions, and understanding the locus of control is a key part of this. Those who focus on what they can influence are generally happier and more successful. In this episode, we explore the philosophy behind the locus of control, its impact on burnout, the importance of small bets in making significant changes, and state vs. trait gratitude. Finally, we delve into practical strategies to cultivate a more resilient mindset💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Dan Mccollum, MD is an emergency physician and Director of Teaching and Learning at the Medical College of Georgia. Hear more of Dan on Stimulus episodes #1 Verbal Judo #14 Stoic With A Capital S, #25 Digital Minimalism, and #59 Aim to Be A Zero.We Discuss:Waiting room medicine has become the norm. It's not ideal. So what do you do about it?The power of placing small betsStoicism and the philosophy behind locus of controlSome things in the world are up to us; others are notSextus, "The crowd is irrelevant."What is the locus of control?Shades of gray in the locus of controlThe Stoic approach to patient complaintsTaming the blame ogreDomains of control and the paradox of varied strengthThe Stoic approach to patient complaintsHow a mishandled aspirin overdose led to a major recalibration of control locusA tactical approach to developing an internal locus of controlThe 'Good' reframeThe five slices of gift exerciseThe jar of awesomePower of an end-of-day debriefTrait vs. state of gratitudeNot every approach is for everybodyBook recommendations for operationalizing an internal locus of controlMentioned in this episode:5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter

Medical debt has a strange and storied history in America. Stretching back to colonial times, physicians and patients alike have grappled with its harsh realities. In recent years, hospitals have resorted to selling medical debt to third parties, who then aggressively pursue patients. In today’s episode, medical historian Luke Messac, MD, PhD, guides us through the past and present landscape of medical debt, examining perspectives from patients, providers, hospitals, and governments. We delve into a form of indentured servitude in the name of debt clearance, the birth of nonprofit hospitals, a pivotal shift in the 1980s, feasibility of operating healthcare under free market principles, medical economics in the 1600s, hospitals suing patients, and the emergence of medical debt as its own thriving industry.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Luke Messac MD, PHD emergency physician and medical historian whose research focuses on health care's history and political economy. Luke is an attending physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, an Instructor in Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and the author of two books, No More to Spend: Neglect and the Construction of Scarcity in Malawi's History of Health Care and most recently, Your Money or Your Life: Debt Collection in American Medicine. We Discuss:Hospitals suing patients over debtThe Service Credit Program | Indentured servitude in the name of debt clearanceNonprofit hospitals were born out of the almshouse tradition, where charity care was part of the missionThe 1980s were a turning point for medical debt in the United StatesWith cuts in government medical spending, hospitals cut costs by limiting charity care and aggressively pursuing unpaid debtsWhy healthcare cannot operate in a pure free marketHospitals used to refuse care to patients and the courts supported itPatient dumping and the rise of EMTALACollecting money from patients has been an issue for hundreds of yearsIn the 1600s, doctors could be arrested for charging too muchDebtor's prisonDoes suing patients to recover medical debt improve a hospital's bottom line?In the early 2000s, Yale New Haven Hospital put liens and foreclosing on patients' homes as part of a debt collection strategyMedical debt collection has now become a thriving industryHow third-party medical debt collectors operateRIP Medical Debt buys and forgives medical debtIs buying and forgiving medical debt better or just forgiving it upfront?Dollar For is a nonprofit focused on helping patients navigate financial assistance programsSome hospitals are making financial assistance easier to accessState legislation is starting to address medical debt collectionNational approaches to medical debtMedical debt is prevalent around the world, but the US stands apart among wealthy countriesThe consequence of copaysPaul Farmer and caring for the destitute sick. The jungle hospital that's carrying out Paul Farmer's vision in GuatemalaRudolf Virchow - Physicians are the natural attorneys for the poorMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

It's natural to feel guilt or shame when living in abundance while much of the world faces hardship. In this episode, Dr. Barry Kerzin, the Dalai Lama's personal physician and a Buddhist monk, shares his approach to managing these emotions with a simple yet powerful tool. He also discusses his journey to becoming a monk, life within the Dalai Lama's compound, as well as anger management, self-compassion, and impatience strategies.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Barry Kerzin, MD is a US born and trained family physician who for the past several decades has resided as a monk in Dharamshala, India — home of the Tibetan community in exile. In addition to serving as H.H. the Dalai Lama’s personal physician, Dr. Kerzin is the founder of the Altruism in Medicine Institute, whose mission is to increase compassion and resilience among healthcare professionals and extended professional groups, such as police officers, first responders, teachers and leaders.Self described as “…a doctor, a monk, a teacher, a lazy man. All of these things, yet none of these things,” you can follow Dr. Kerzin on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram or learn more about his story here.He's also got a new app that you might be interested in -- AIMIcare. This app is crafted to counteract the distressing prevalence of burnout, depression, and frustration among those facing the brunt of human suffering by instilling the virtues of compassion, mindfulness, and self-careDownload AIMIcare: hereAIMIcare Mobile App Website: https://aimicare.altruismmedicine.org/We Discuss: How Dr. Kerzin made the trade from US-based family doctor to Buddhist monk and the Dalai Lama's personal physicianStudying Tibetan medicine for the treatment of high blood pressureA day in the life of the Dalai Lama’s doctorWhat the food is like in the Dalai Lama's compoundHow Barry feels about being referred to as 'The Dalai Lama's Doctor'Two experiences in younger life that sparked Barry's spiritual questThe guilt of living in abundanceThe importance of generositySelf-compassionAn approach to imposter syndromeAnger managementHealthy self-confidenceUsing purpose as an antidote for impatienceHaving patience in the time-compressed reality of medical practiceMentioned in this episode:Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our NewsletterThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

Non-compete clauses have plagued contracts for decades. It’s been analogous to asymmetric warfare, with employers holding the upper hand. All of that may soon be a thing of the past.In this episode, we explore the Federal Trade Commission's recent ruling to ban these clauses and its implications for doctors and the healthcare industry. We'll also discuss the unexpected ways non-competes can protect smaller groups, the rise of independent contractor models, and the critical staffing issues in emergency medicine. A highlight of our discussion includes the lure and the trap of signing bonuses—what seems like a generous offer can sometimes come with subtle strings attached. Finally, we'll touch on the U.S. Senate's investigation into major staffing companies and the innovative emergence of empath units for mental health patients. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Leon Adelman, MD, MBA, FACEP, FAAEM is an emergency physician and co-founder of Ivy Clinicians, a software company that simplifies the emergency medicine job search through transparency. Dr. Adelman is the author and publisher of the Emergency Medicine Workforce Newsletter, which explores the business of emergency medicine.We Discuss: What is a non-compete clause?The Federal Trade Commission's ruling making non-complete clauses null and voidWhy employers and private equity are unhappy with the non-compete rulingThe emergency medicine-specific burn point of the non-compete ruling: contract retentionThe unexpected way that individual non-compete contract clauses can protect a group from being replacedWhy small groups like to use non-compete clausesHow larger groups have moved away from non-competes and favored a 1099 independent contractor modelWhy the non-compete ruling is a massive win for independent physician practicesThe lure and the trap of physician signing bonusesA signing bonus is a loan, not a check. It's a loan you are paying back with time.What is the chance of someone not paying back the time attached to a signing bonus?There's a reason that some jobs offer a signing bonus and others don't.The US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is investigating the staffing models of USACS, Team Health, Envision, and Life PointWhen private equity owns a hospital, it tries to lower expenses by decreasing staffing48 states and the federal government don't require a physician in the emergency departmentIndiana and Virginia are the only two states that require a physician to be on duty in emergency departmentsAre Empath Units the solution to helping emergency department mental health patients?Mentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter

Understanding cultural context in healthcare can seem overwhelming, especially when time and resources are limited. Why should clinicians invest energy in learning about different cultures? In this pod, we break down the differences between cultural competence and cultural safety, explaining why the latter is essential for patient care. We share practical examples of how understanding cultural context can improve interactions, strategies for making patients feel seen and heard, and the pitfalls of the term ‘non-compliant’. We also touch on how these practices can make your job more rewarding and prevent burnout. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio: Raj Sundar, MD, is a family physician and community organizer in Washington state. His podcast, Healthcare for Humans, “is dedicated to educating you on how to care for culturally diverse communities so we can be better healers.”For full show notes of this episode and all sorts of other goodies, visit our podcast websiteThe Flameproof CourseThe hidden anti-burnout curriculum we all should have learned in training. Cohort 3 begins Sept 10, 2024. Get the deets We DiscussWhat does it mean to care for diverse communities effectively?An argument for why it’s not the patient’s job to teach clinicians about their cultureUnderstanding the cultural context of frustrating behaviorsShifting from 'why me' to 'of course'How to create a framework for cultural knowledgeWhat happened to Raj's practice when he started interviewing local Pacific Islander community leadersHow to have patients feel seen, heard, and known in the point of careCultural competence vs cultural safetyWhat does cultural safety look like?Why should I spend my energy on learning another's culture? If they've moved here, shouldn't they be the ones to assimilate into this culture?The language of noncompliance vs nonadherence vs nonjudgmentalWhy social determinants of health in documentation might be a good thingRumi's The Great WagonMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time CourseNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our NewsletterDistilled Kickassery Every Other SaturdaySign up for our Newsletter

"Kicking the can down the road" is a common behavior that manifests in various ways, from delaying difficult patient decisions to avoiding complex tasks. We explore the reasons behind on-shift procrastination and strategies for overcoming it. Our discussion includes practical steps to recognize and address decision deferral, techniques for managing aversion to some decisions, and pre-loading accountability. We also highlight the importance of building decision-making resilience and creating systematic pathways to streamline the decisional process. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡We Discuss:What does it mean to kick the can down the road?How procrastination shows up on a clinical shiftWhy does procrastination happen?It doesn't take much dread for can-kicking to occurAvoidance AwarenessDecisional InterrogationKicking the can because deciding will set off a cascade of more workAvoiding the infinite test of timeIdentify how, when, and where you’ll make high-level decisionsLong term guests | How is it that decisions can finally be made when the shift is over?ChunkingZero in on your critical decision pointsKicking the can at work: pick one thing and identify YOUR decision pointsPreloading accountabilityPerfectionists get caught in a tree when they're actually in a tunnelMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkNever Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter

How do you build a team in the critical first moments of a crisis? The balance between rapid response and thoughtful planning is delicate, especially when understanding what defines a crisis and acknowledging when you're in the midst of one. This conversation delves into the complexity of emergency team dynamics, emphasizing that the composition and organization of these teams are deeply influenced by their members' specific skills and contexts, with lasting implications long after the crisis has passed.We introduce 'Name, Claim, Aim'—a straightforward, three-step framework designed to streamline team organization under pressure. It's about rapid situational assessment, clear role delegation, and setting concise objectives. The discussion extends to effective leadership in high-stakes situations, including establishing command, ensuring effective communication from the start, and striking the right balance to encourage team input without compromising decisiveness.Exploring the subtleties of crisis leadership, we'll discuss the strategic balance needed for effective oversight and the practicality of 'Name, Claim, Aim' as a distilled version of more complex crisis management theories tailored for the immediacy of emergency care. The conversation will also cover the practical implementation of this framework, from team huddles to understanding the profound impact of the first few seconds on the trajectory of team success.This episode builds on episode 115 - Zero Warning | Frameworks for no notice critical patients💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest Bio:Lon Setnik, MD, is an emergency physician practicing in New Hampshire and the associate director of clinical programs at the Center for Medical Simulation. Lon is a Stimulus fan favorite. Here are some of his most popular episodes:Listening to Understand versus Listening to WinFeedback can be hard to give and harder to receive. Here are techniques to do both betterTake the Suck out of Documentation | Making the most of scribes, documenting in the room (and in front of the patient), efficient workflowsWe discuss:The tension between planning and actionWhat defines a crisis?How do you know when you're in a crisis?Teams are contextual in their skill setsHow you organize a team in a crisis has ripples after the event has endedThe three steps to organizing teams in a crisis: Name, Claim, AimHow to declare yourself as a team leaderModeling closed-loop communication from the first moments of team formationThe balance between being a tyrant vs an effective leader and how to avoid suppressing speaking-up behaviorsThe two pillars of Aiming what we want to achieve and who is going to do what to get us thereName, Claim, Aim needs to be fast and efficient; otherwise, people will just start getting to work without organizingBalancing the balcony and the dance floor | The impulse in crisis is to do. The leader does not have to be the primary operator, but it's hard to hold back!As a team leader, it's ideal to keep your hands off the patient during the beginning of a resuscitationDistributing decision-making across time and space, explicitly transferring authority when you need to put your cognitive load elsewhereResetting Name, Claim, Aim at the first lull in actionCrisis resource management transformed how teams function, but it has a lot of steps and can be hard to deploy in a flash. Name, Claim, Aim is a simple distillation of CRM that can be used in the point of careA graded introduction of Naming, Claiming, and AimingPracticing Name, Claim, Aim in team huddlesTaking 10 seconds for the next 10 minutes | Time is not linear and every second is not worth the same amountThe consequences of not getting the first 10 seconds rightTeam success is an emergent propertyMentioned in this episode:The Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

Will you have enough money to retire? What does that even mean? In this pod, our guest physician financial coach, Elisa Chiang, M.D. Ph.D. breaks down Trading time for money and money for timeWorking harder vs creating valueThe FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement and why it doesn't always mean living by austerity rulesThe risk of relying solely on retirement accounts to fund your post-career lifeHer biggest financial mistakeHow identity influences spending habitsIncorporating real estate into an investment portfolioGuest Bio: Elizabeth ‘Elisa’ Chiang, M.D. Ph.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon who found her way into personal finance and real estate investing during her MSTP program, aspiring for FIRE long before it became mainstream. Battling burnout from her work in a hospital system, she turned to real estate as her avenue to financial independence, complemented by her newfound passion for life coaching. With active involvement in rental properties and passive investments in syndications and real estate funds, Elisa now helps others achieve financial independence while embracing life's journey. Learn more at https://www.growyourwealthymindset.com/For full show notes of this episode and all sorts of other goodies, visit our podcast websiteWe discuss:Why a high income does not equate to wealthWorking harder vs creating valueOnce debt is gone, attention to money can dwindle Finding a place to start investing can be overwhelming and lead to inertiaHow to navigate a scarcity mindsetHow identity influences spending habitsMoney can buy time, but there's a catchElisa's biggest financial mistakesHow to decide if a real estate investment is a good (or bad) dealElisa’s big-picture financial strategyReal estate investing for positive cash flowIf you only think about maxing out your retirement account, you probably won't retain the same lifestyle when you stop workingBeyond real estate investing, what are other areas for investment to produce cash flow?F.I.R.E Financial Independence Retire Early | Survival, Regular, and Fat FIREHow to figure out how much FIRE money you'll need to stop workingWill my retirement funds actually last? Rate of withdrawal and sequence of returns risk Fat FIRE | Spending more in retirement than you did while workingMentioned in this episode:Distilled Kickassery Every Other SaturdaySign up for our NewsletterThe Out-On-Time CourseBuilt for emergency clinicians who are tired of chart debt and getting derailed by interruptions and overwhelm. Learn practical, real-time documentation and shift-efficiency strategies to finish your shift and actually leave on time.Learn More About The Out-On-Time Course

Phantasia Kataleptike, a lesser-known gem from Stoic philosophy, offers a transformative approach to life's challenges. This practice of 'objective representation' strips away the layers of subjective judgment that often cloud our perceptions. Imagine the power of viewing a setback not as a disaster but simply as a fact of life, a moment ripe with potential for growth. How does this shift affect our inner turmoil? The Stoics had insights that might surprise you, blending ancient wisdom with actionable strategies for modern living. In this pod, we break down the essence of Phantasia Kataleptike and multiple methods for employing it as a tool for equanimity and de-catastrophization. For full show notes of this episode and all sorts of other goodies, visit our podcast websiteThe Flameproof CourseThe hidden anti-burnout curriculum we all should have learned in training. Cohort 3 begins Sept 10, 2024. Get the deets We Discuss:Defining Phantasia KataptikeAcceptance of what isA dog and a cart | Epictetus’ classic simileWhy the words we use impact us as much as (or more than) they impact othersThe lost shipThe A-hole in a JaguarOperationalziing Phantasia KataleptikeValence | Awareness of emotion and narrative The Dichotomy of ControlHow to Think Like a Roman EmperorActively de-catastrophizing Shifting from ‘what if’ to ‘why did’ to ‘so what?’ to ‘what’s next’The threat-challenge seesawWhat to do when the emperor banishes youThe counterarguments to Phantasia KataleptikeMentioned in this episode:5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources LinkDistilled Kickassery Every Other SaturdaySign up for our Newsletter

Have you ever found yourself deep in “The Pit” where the mere thought of going back to work triggers an existential crisis? You wonder if your current job is the right choice. Sometimes, all it takes are a few adjustments to the current job and you'll feel fully refreshed and stoked to tackle that next shift. It may also, however, be time for The Trade.In this episode, we delve into the critical juncture many professionals, particularly physicians, find themselves in when their once-aspired career paths no longer bring fulfillment. We tackle:Whether to deepen commitments to your current role or brave the uncertainty of switching careersWhat it means to tolerate another yesterdayThe silent tax paid by grinding it outThe emotional and practical implications of making significant life changesHow a well-cultivated professional identity can become an albatrossA step-by-step guide on how to transition towards a more satisfying careerSo, whether you're a physician on the brink, a professional in a pickle, or just someone who enjoys a good existential quandary with their morning coffee, tune in. Let's laugh in the face of the status quo and ponder if the grass is greener, or if it's just astroturf.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest bio: Lon Stroschein is the purveyor of the Normal 40 podcast and author of The Trade. In past career interactions, he was an aide to a US senator and brokered billion-dollar deals in the aerospace industry. He now guides professionals in finding their second-half stories. The Flameproof CourseThe hidden anti-burnout curriculum we all should have learned in training. Cohort 3 begins Sept 10, 2024. Get the deets We Discuss: Do I double down on what I'm doing right now or consider making a career change?Tolerating another yesterdayThe Pit: A Signal for ChangeRecognizing and Overcoming the Tax of DiscontentWorking yourself into The Box | We strive for years to get into it, but then it can feel like a trap. The two things that keep high-level professionals stuck in a career or positionWork identity takes a long time to build. It gives amazing opportunities but also takes some awayThe Trade: Step by StepThe mindset to thwart inertia #JFDSHas this job given me all it has to give and have I gotten all I have to get?A lifetime is a long time, but it doesn't take long to live itMentioned in this episode:Distilled Kickassery Every Other SaturdaySign up for our Newsletter5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link