Better Physician Life: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career

By Doctor Podcast Network, Physician Coach, Michael Hersh MDBusiness Medicine Health & Fitness Education Self-Improvement Careers

Better Physician Life: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career episodes

January 12Surgical Complications and Self-Doubt: How Surgeons Recalibrate After Hard Cases with Dr. Amy Vertrees | Ep24
What if the hardest part of being a surgeon isn’t the case in front of you… But the one still living in your head at 2 a.m.?
In this powerful episode of Better Physician Life, board-certified general surgeon, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.), and physician coach Dr. Amy Vertrees gets brutally honest about the part of surgery no one teaches: how to handle complications without destroying yourself.
From deploying to Afghanistan to building her own private practice, Amy has spent years studying failure, shame, and emotional capacity. She shares her 3-step post-complication debrief (What went well, What I wish went differently, Next best step), why surgeons must give themselves informed consent for risk, how to stop arguing with reality, and why remembering your original “why” is the ultimate antidote to burnout.
If you’ve ever lain awake replaying a case, this conversation will give you permission to be human and tools to come back stronger.
Top 3 Takeaways
Reframe Complications as Failure You Can Actually Use: Stop arguing with reality (this shouldn’t have happened). Accept it, then run Amy’s 3-step debrief: 3 things that went well, 3 things I wish went differently, and 1 next best step. This expands emotional capacity instead of contracting it with shame.
Give Yourself Informed Consent: Before every case, ask: “Do I consent to the risk of bleeding, perforation, or even death?” We make patients consent, why don’t we consent ourselves? Owning the real risks up front reduces denial and post-op self-blame.
Look at the Gain, Not Just the Gap: Perfection is impossible. Focus on the 97% you nailed instead of beating yourself up over the 3% gap. Pair this with fierce self-compassion (mindfulness, self-talk, and common humanity), and you’ll carry the hard days without letting them crush you.
About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
About the Guest:
Dr. Amy Vertrees is a board-certified general surgeon, Army Lieutenant Colonel (ret.), and veteran of three combat deployments. She founded Columbia Surgical Partners and hosts the top-rated Boss Business of Surgery Series podcast. Through her coaching programs and book Become the Boss MD, she teaches surgeons the missing skills: handling complications, building shame resilience, expanding emotional capacity, negotiating contracts, and leading with confidence, everything residency never covered.
Her mission is to help surgeons turn failure into growth and build careers that last without burning out.
Connect with Dr. Amy
Website: https://www.bosssurgery.com/
Facebook: “Become the BOSS MD Coaching” https://www.facebook.com/groups/249619353796932
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebosssurgeon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-vertrees-md-20192a8b/
About the Host:
Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.
His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.
Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching
📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife
If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.
Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.
You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
35 min
January 05The Distracted Physician: How to Be More Present When It Counts | Ep23
Ever walk in the door after a long day and realize your mind is still charting, triaging, and planning tomorrow?
In this practical episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh opens up about the moment his daughter asked, “Dad, why aren’t you playing?” and how that question changed everything.
He explains why medicine trains us to live in constant motion, why multitasking at home is actually stealing your life. He walks you through his exact 4-step system: brain dump, Eisenhower Box, calendar blocking, and delegate, which finally lets high-achieving doctors turn their “doctor brain” off and be fully present. Presence isn’t willpower; it’s structure. Perfect for any physician who wants to stop feeling guilty and start building memories that actually stick.
Get the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians: www.betterphysicianlife.com/commutereset
Eisenhower Box: https://jamesclear.com/eisenhower-box
Top 3 Takeaways
Your Brain Isn’t Broken—It’s Trained: Medicine rewards constant multitasking and anticipation. At home, that wiring becomes the enemy of presence. The fix isn’t “try harder”, it’s building a system so your brain knows everything is handled and can finally rest.
Use the Eisenhower Box to Reclaim Your Attention: Dump everything out of your head, then sort into four quadrants (urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, neither). Schedule Box 1 & 2, delegate Box 3, delete Box 4. This one tool quiets mental noise faster than any mindfulness app.
Presence Is Productive: Scheduling family playtime, rest, and even paying bills isn’t “robotic”; it’s respect. When everything important has a protected block on your calendar, you stop half-doing everything and start fully showing up where it matters most.
About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
About the Host:
Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.
His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.
Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching
📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife
If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.
Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.
You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
24 min
December 29, 2025Stop Coasting: Goal Setting Strategies For Every Physician | Ep22
What if New Year’s resolutions aren't the answer, but goals rooted in your "why" could transform your year?
In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh shares his shift from post-fellowship coasting to purposeful goal-setting. He explores why resolutions fail (no plan, no why), the fear holding us back, and how to set rooted goals with curiosity, systems, and celebration. Perfect for mid-career physicians feeling stuck, this episode offers tools to enjoy the process, navigate obstacles, and build a life beyond brute force—starting now.
🔗 Design Your Life: A Goal Setting Guide for Physicians: betterphysicianlife.com/design-your-life
Top 3 Takeaways
Tie Goals to Your "Why": Resolutions fade without a clear purpose. Dr. Hersh explains how a single-sentence "why" (e.g., gym for more energy) makes goals stick. Try journaling one goal with its why this week.
Embrace Discomfort and Obstacles: Half the journey feels tough, but that's growth. Dr. Hersh urges viewing hurdles as guides, not blocks. Practice by naming one uncomfortable step (e.g., boundary-setting) and taking it. "The hard thing is frequently the right thing."
Celebrate Small Wins: Track your progress. Dr. Hersh keeps a running tab of the progress he is making toward his goals. Start your own list. Note three small moves toward a goal weekly to build momentum and remind yourself of how far you’ve come.
About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
About the Host:
Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.
His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.
Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching
📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife
If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.
Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.
You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
22 min
December 22, 2025What If I Chose Wrong? Breaking the Regret Cycle in Medicine | Ep21
What if regret isn't truth, but a story stealing your present?
In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh unpacks regret's grip on physicians—from specialty choices to life paths. He reveals how regret is indulgent and impedes progress. Dr. Hersh explores the impact of shifting from “what if?” to "what now?" through reflection, naming gifts, and intentional action. With examples of pivots and physician coaching breakthroughs, this episode empowers doctors to drop the weight, embrace growth, and build futures without romanticizing unchosen paths.
🔗 Design Your Life: A Goal Setting Guide for Physicians: betterphysicianlife.com/design-your-life
Top 3 Takeaways
Reframe Regret as a Story: Regret feels urgent but spins wheels. It's rumination, not reflection. Dr. Hersh explains: you made the best decision you could with the information you had at the time. Practice asking "What now?" instead of "What if?" to break the loop and focus on present decisions.
Name the Gifts in Your Path: Every choice brings unseen benefits, like relationships or resilience. Dr. Hersh shares how a client's medical career regret transformed into a pivot. List three "gifts" from your past decisions this week to shift from loss to gratitude.
Use Physician Coaching for Momentum: Grinding on our own ignores patterns. Physician coaching helps to provide perspective. Try one small forward step, like journaling, to build accountability and turn regret into growth.
About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
About the Host:
Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.
His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.
Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching
📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife
If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.
Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.
You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
19 min
December 15, 2025The Case for Physician Coaching: From Anecdotes to Evidence with Dr. Tyra Fainstad and Dr. Adrienne Mann| Ep20
What if coaching isn't just hype, but evidence-backed medicine for your well-being?
In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh sits with Dr. Adrienne Mann and Dr. Tyra Fainstad, as they share their skeptical starts with physician coaching and how it evolved into a groundbreaking program. Drawing from personal rock-bottom moments and a large-scale study showing reduced burnout, imposter syndrome, and emotional exhaustion, they discuss practical tools like thought awareness, emotion naming, and the power of group coaching. From transforming residents' lives to fostering self-compassion, this episode reveals how coaching helps physicians thrive without fixing external chaos. Perfect for physician coaching skeptics ready for change.
🔗 Better Together Physician Coaching: bettertogetherphysiciancoaching.com
Top 3 Takeaways
Question Your Thoughts: Coaching teaches you that you don't have to believe every story your brain tells, such as "my life can't get better." Dr. Fainstad shares how naming emotions without judgment creates space for change—try journaling one unhelpful thought daily and questioning its truth to quiet imposter syndrome.
Embrace Group Dynamics: Better Together's study proves group coaching builds community and reduces burnout faster than solo efforts. Drs. Mann and Fainstad explain how sharing vulnerabilities in safe spaces fosters growth, normalizes struggles, and amplifies insights.
Allow Discomfort for Growth: Physicians frequently resist coaching due to skepticism, but allowing leaning into the discomfort can be transformative. Commit to one small coaching experiment this week to shift from survival mode to thriving. Try, resist, refine, then try again.
About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
About the Guests:
Dr. Adrienne Mann is a hospitalist at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, focusing on medical education and institutional leadership. A certified coach, she co-directs Better Together Physician Coaching, drawing from her journey through burnout, motherhood, and self-reinvention to help physicians thrive.
Dr. Tyra Fainstad is a primary care physician and resident clinic director at the University of Colorado. As co-director of Better Together, she leverages her experiences with career burnout and skepticism toward coaching to research and deliver evidence-based programs that reduce imposter syndrome and emotional exhaustion.
Website: https://bettertogetherphysiciancoaching.com/
Research page: https://bettertogetherphysiciancoaching.com/research/

Contact information:
Dr. Tyra Fainstad: [email protected]
Dr. Adrienne Mann: [email protected]
About the Host:
Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.
His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.
Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching
📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife
If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.
Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.
You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
41 min
December 08, 2025Doctor-Patient Communication: What We Didn’t Learn in Medical Training with Dr. Bradley Block | Ep19
What if the key to better patient interactions isn't more time or expertise, but how you show up?
In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh sits with Dr. Bradley Block as he shares his journey from communication struggles to mastery. Starting his podcast after a frustrating clinic day that cost him family time, Dr. Block reveals why efficiency serves everyone—from waiting patients to your own well-being. He discusses being methodical in visits, earning trust by appreciating patients as humans, checking in on understanding, and removing distractions for true presence. Plus, insights on his rebranded podcast (over 400 episodes, nearly half a million downloads) and the Doctor Podcast Network, empowering physicians to podcast with ease.
This episode is a must for doctors seeking to communicate effectively, enjoy medicine more, and reclaim their lives beyond the white coat.
Top 3 Takeaways
Be Methodical for Efficiency and Trust: Communication challenges in medicine are repetitive. Identify them and create plans, just like surgical procedures. Dr. Block emphasizes showing patients you take them seriously, value them as humans, and care about outcomes to build rapport quickly.
Prioritize Presence Over Distractions: Look up from screens to catch subtle cues and connect authentically. Dr. Block advises removing phones and other interruptions to give undivided attention, making visits more effective and helping you stay present in family life too.
Leverage Podcasting for Growth: Dr. Block's Succeed in Medicine Podcast covers everything from litigation to productivity for physicians. Through the Doctor Podcast Network, busy doctors can easily start podcasts by focusing on interviews and outsourcing the rest, to network, establish expertise, and combat misinformation.
About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
About the Guest:
Dr. Bradley Block is a general otolaryngologist and partner at ENT and Allergy Associates in Long Island, New York. He's the creator and host of the Succeed in Medicine Podcast (formerly Physician's Guide to Doctoring), with over 400 episodes and nearly half a million downloads, focusing on communication, productivity, and life beyond medicine.
As CEO of the Doctor Podcast Network, he supports physician podcasters in starting, growing, producing, and monetizing their shows.
🔗 Succeed in Medicine Podcast: succeedinmedicine.com
🔗 Doctor Podcast Network: doctorpodcastnetwork.co
🔗Email: [email protected]
About the Host:
Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.
His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.
Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching
📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife
If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.
Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.
You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
37 min
December 01, 2025Physician Complacency: The Silent Career Killer (and How to Break Free) | Ep18
What if your "good enough" life is quietly eroding your potential?
In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh explores complacency—the subtle numbness that sneaks in after success, making routines feel stale without crisis. Sharing personal stories, like his own "rinse and repeat" year and a client's guitar breakthrough, he challenges physicians to rate their lives (1-10), question fear of change, and embrace experiments for growth. Dr. Hersh offers tools to swap comfort for courage, pushing past "not that bad" toward a vibrant, intentional life.
Perfect for mid-career doctors feeling stuck in neutral, this episode inspires curiosity about what's possible—without blowing up your career.
🔗 Design Your Life: A Goal Setting Guide for Physicians: betterphysicianlife.com/design-your-life
Top 3 Takeaways
Rate Your Life Honestly: Pause to score your life (1-10) across work, family, health, and hobbies. Dr. Hersh warns that a "safe" 7 might be a 2 in disguise. Try journaling three questions: What’s working? What’s not? What have I been avoiding? to uncover hidden stagnation.
Embrace Experiments Over Revolution: Complacency thrives on fear of failure, but growth can start small. Dr. Hersh shares how adding a lunch break felt risky but sparked positive change. Commit to one "yes" this week, like a hobby or boundary, to break routines without overwhelm.
Choose Courage Over Comfort: Success breeds settling, but true contentment has momentum. Dr. Hersh urges pushing comfort zones. "The hard thing is usually the right thing." Identify one ‘easy’ habit that is costing long-term joy and satisfaction. Try swapping it for something challenging.
About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
About the Host:
Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.
His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.
Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching
📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife
If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.
Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.
You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
21 min
November 24, 2025The Scarcity Trap in Medicine: Why More Is Never Enough | Ep17
What if the constant feeling of "not enough" is the real virus draining your life in medicine?

In this reflective episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh unpacks the scarcity mindset that permeates physicians' lives—from chasing RVUs and promotions to feeling there's never enough time for family or self-care. Drawing from personal stories, like the anxiety of new hires or a canceled Thanksgiving trip, Dr. Hersh reveals how scarcity masquerades as ambition but steals joy and connection. He offers practical shifts, like questioning "Do I have enough for today?" and setting boundaries, to embrace abundance and build a sustainable life.
Timed around Thanksgiving, this episode invites physicians to reflect on gratitude, detours, and what truly matters beyond the grind. If you're hustling endlessly yet feeling empty, this is your guide to finding "enough" and thriving.
🔗 Design Your Life: A Goal Setting Guide for Physicians: betterphysicianlife.com/design-your-life
Top 3 Takeaways
Question Scarcity's Grip: Recognize how the belief in "not enough" (time, money, recognition) drives burnout and resentment. Dr. Hersh shares how quarterly RVU anxiety fueled his hustle, but pausing to ask, "Do I have enough for today?" shifts focus to intention and presence—try it during your next busy shift.
Embrace Growth Through Discomfort: Scarcity rewards endless grinding, but true abundance comes from boundaries and delegation, even if it stings. Dr. Hersh explains how hiring new colleagues initially sparked fear but led to collective thriving—practice by saying no to one extra task this week to protect your health and family time.
Find Gifts in Detours: Life's interruptions, like a canceled trip or schedule change, aren't losses but opportunities for gratitude. Dr. Hersh recounts turning a family illness into a meaningful staycation—reframe your next setback by listing three "gifts" it brings, fostering resilience and joy.

About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
About the Host:
Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.
His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.
Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching
📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife
If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.
Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.
You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
24 min
November 17, 2025What If You Took the Risk? Physician Entrepreneurship & Change with Dr. Jimmy Turner | Ep16
What if embracing change could unlock a more fulfilling life in medicine?

In this inspiring episode of Better Physician Life, host Dr. Michael Hersh welcomes Dr. Jimmy Turner, an academic anesthesiologist, certified coach, author of Determined: How Burned Out Doctors Can Thrive in a Broken Medical System, and co-host of the Money Meets Medicine podcast. Jimmy shares his journey from skepticism to entrepreneurship, revealing how starting a blog and podcast led to coaching physicians on burnout, mindset, and finance. They discuss the power of a simple question—"If you don't do this, what will change?"—and how it sparked Michael's own transformation.
From overcoming dyslexia to building multiple ventures, Jimmy offers practical advice on identifying your strengths, solving real problems, and committing to growth despite discomfort. Whether you're battling burnout or exploring side hustles, this episode equips physicians with tools to pivot, thrive, and redefine success in a broken system.
Top 3 Takeaways:
Embrace Change Through Entrepreneurship: Change isn't innate. It's learned through trial and error. Jimmy shares how starting a blog evolved into podcasting and coaching, emphasizing the need to identify your strengths (e.g., what people seek your advice on) and solve real problems others will pay for. For physicians, this means exploring passions like personal finance or burnout solutions to create fulfilling side ventures.
Commit to the Journey, Not Just the Outcome: Avoid "arrival fallacy" by enjoying the process of growth. Jimmy highlights committing to a venture for 2-3 years, pivoting as needed, and finding passion in discomfort—key for physicians shifting from linear medical training to nonlinear entrepreneurship.
Define Your Goals and Strengths First: Before starting a business, clarify if it's a hobby or profit-driven, then assess what you're good at and what the market needs. Jimmy's path from anesthesiology to coaching shows how leveraging natural talents (e.g., teaching finance) can lead to ventures like disability insurance advising or courses.
About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
About the Guest:
Dr. Jimmy Turner is an academic anesthesiologist at Wake Forest, a certified physician coach, author of Determined: How Burned Out Doctors Can Thrive in a Broken Medical System, and co-host of the Money Meets Medicine podcast. He helps physicians navigate burnout, mindset, and personal finance through coaching, writing, and speaking. As a licensed insurance agent, he specializes in disability insurance for doctors.

🔗 Learn more: money meetsmedicine.com
🎙️ Podcast: Money Meets Medicine
Disability Insurance: https://moneymeetsmedicine.com/disability
About the Host:
Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.
His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.
Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:

🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching
📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife
If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.
Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.
You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
44 min
November 10, 2025Medicine, Identity, and Your Future Self: The Physician's Dilemma | Ep15
What if your future self could tell you what matters most right now?

In this Insightful episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh invites you to imagine the older, wiser version of yourself—10, 20, or 30 years from now—and consider what they’d thank you for today. Reflecting on his own journey of neglecting health, missing family moments, and feeling stuck, Dr. Hersh shares how medicine’s relentless demands can disconnect you from what truly matters. He offers actionable tools, like the Design Your Life worksheet, to help physicians prioritize health, relationships, and purpose over endless shifts and EMR clicks.
From skipping physicals to zoning out on Netflix, Dr. Hersh unpacks the traps of “grit” and offers a roadmap to make small, deliberate choices that align with your values. If you’re a physician wondering if this is “it,” this episode will inspire you to start building a life your future self will celebrate.
Design Your Life: A Goal Setting Guide for Physicians: betterphysicianlife.com/design-your-life
Top 3 Takeaways:
Picture Your Future Self: Imagine the older you looking back—what would they thank you for? Prioritizing health, showing up for family, or saying no to extra shifts can shape a life you’re proud of. Dr. Hersh shares missing his daughter’s band concert as a wake-up call to rethink priorities.
Small Choices, Big Impact: No change is too small—leaving work on time, scheduling a doctor’s appointment, or calling a friend can shift your trajectory. Dr. Hersh’s Design Your Life worksheet helps you map out what matters in health, relationships, and career.
Being Stuck is Feedback, Not Failure: Feeling trapped in medicine signals a need for change, not a personal flaw. Dr. Hersh’s journey from exhaustion to coaching shows how small yeses—like signing up for a coaching program—can lead to a more intentional life.
About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
About the Host:
Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.
His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.
Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching
📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife
If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.
Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.
You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
16 min