Create Meaning in Medicine

If your New Year’s resolutions have quietly unraveled, it’s not because you failed; it’s because not all goals are created equal. In this episode, Dr. Erin Hurley breaks down the critical difference between habit goals and project goals, and why using the wrong strategy leads to frustration and self-blame. Together, Erin and Joanne explore discernment, momentum, accountability, and the neuroscience behind self-compassion. You’ll learn how to stop treating every goal the same, how to match the right energy to the right outcome, and how to get back on track without burning yourself out. Press play to reset your approach and move forward with clarity instead of criticism.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• The “burst” vs. “drip” method and how momentum creates inertia in your favor
• How emotional weight and hidden resistance can derail project goals
• The importance of discernment: matching the right strategy to the right goal
• Internal vs. external accountability — which one works better for you?
• Why paying for help or hiring support can accelerate success

“If you don't give yourself grace, you're going to be sabotaging your next efforts.” - Dr. Erin Hurley

Connect With Us

Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820 

What keeps physicians going when medicine feels overwhelming? In this National Doctors Day episode, Dr. Erin Hurley and Dr. Joanne Sotelo explore the deeper meaning behind the profession and why being seen, supported, and appreciated matters more than most people realize. Inspired by the story of Eudora Brown Almond, who started the tradition of honoring physicians with handwritten notes in 1933, they reflect on the ripple effects of gratitude, connection, and remembering why we entered medicine in the first place. Press play for an honest conversation about burnout, rediscovering purpose, and simple ways to refill your cup while continuing to serve patients and the community.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• The surprising origin story behind National Doctors Day and how handwritten gratitude started a national tradition
• Why remembering your “why” in medicine can reconnect you with purpose during difficult seasons
• The role of community, connection, and shared stories in combating physician burnout
• How redefining success and asking better questions can help physicians rediscover fulfillment
• The ripple effect of celebrating what’s good in medicine, even when the system feels challenging 

“Here on Create Meaning in Medicine, we don't just want to celebrate what doctors do. We want to talk about what keeps them going, what fills their cup, and why being seen matters.” - Dr. Erin Hurley

“We do not need to suffer in silence, and there's so much that we can do for each other and for ourselves.” - Dr. Joanne Sotelo

Connect With Us

Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

What if a sticky note, a short text, or a two-minute phone call could help a colleague stay in medicine? In this episode, Dr. Erin Hurley and Dr. Joanne Sotelo explore how small, intentional acts of kindness can create powerful ripple effects in healthcare. Inspired by the “Notes from the Heart” event honoring healthcare providers, they discuss how simple gestures, like handwritten notes, voice memos, or words of appreciation, can combat burnout, strengthen human connection, and remind healthcare professionals why their work matters. Press play to discover how small actions can spark meaningful change for yourself, your colleagues, and your community.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• How simple gestures, like a handwritten note or quick message, can uplift colleagues and restore meaning in medicine
• Why small acts of kindness can have ripple effects that influence entire teams and communities
• The role of gratitude practices in strengthening the connection between healthcare providers and patients
• How accepting help can be just as powerful as offering it
• Easy ways to practice intentional kindness today, from sticky notes to voice messages

“Sometimes, the most beautiful things that happen are not planned.” - Dr. Erin Hurley

Connect With Us

Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820 

What if the biggest threat to healthcare isn’t disease, but the system itself? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Todd Otten shares the story behind the documentary Suck It Up, Buttercup, which exposes the systemic forces fueling physician burnout in America. Drawing from his own experience with burnout and the heartbreaking loss of colleagues to suicide, Dr. Otten reveals why medicine’s culture of silence and resilience is no longer sustainable. Together, we explore how breaking down silos, building connections, and empowering physicians and patients to speak up can create ripple effects for change. If you’re searching for hope, purpose, and a path forward in medicine, this episode offers both honesty and inspiration.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• The deeply personal experiences that inspired Dr. Otten to help create the documentary Suck It Up, Buttercup
• Why physician burnout is not simply an individual problem but a systemic failure
• The concept of learned helplessness in medicine and how it keeps clinicians stuck
• Why healthcare silos slow down meaningful change and isolate physicians
• The power of connection and collaboration to create large-scale impact in medicine 

“I want to impart that your voice does matter. Your words matter.” - Dr. Todd Otten

About Dr. Todd Otten: Dr. Todd R. Otten, MD, FAAFP, is a husband, father, family physician, and decorated Naval flight surgeon. He has over 20 years of experience in providing quality patient care, leading teams, and managing projects in various settings, including the United States Navy, where he was honored as the naval flight surgeon of the year in 2006 for the Atlantic Fleet. Has held numerous physician leadership positions, including as an ACO medical director. Co-authored a book with a former patient: Ripple of Change. Executive Producer for the documentary - Suck it Up, Buttercup: Trust and Betrayal - Healthcare in America. Currently, he serves as the Lead Catalyst/Board Chair for Medicine Forward, the Director of Strategic Relationships for Emergency Care Specialists, and recently joined Plum Health DPC.

Connect with Dr. Todd Otten: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-r-otten-md-faafp-173028277/ 

Ripple of Change: https://rippleofchange.us/ 

Medicine Forward: www.medicineforward.org 

Emergency Care Specialists: https://www.ecs-wmi.com/ 

Plum Health DPC: https://www.plumhealthdpc.com/ 

Suck it Up, Buttercup: Trust & Betrayal - Healthcare in America

Website: https://siubfilm.com/ 

Trailer: https://siubfilm.com/about-the-film/#watch-video-tease 

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-suck-it-up-buttercup-documentary 

Donate Here: https://clinicianburnoutfoundation.org/donate/ 

Irreverent Health as the event host for March 19th Exclusive Screening: https://irreverenthealth.com/suck-it-up-buttercup/ 

Background:

Suck it Up, Buttercup is a timely and emotionally resonant documentary exploring the crisis of trust in American medicine. Following the overarching issues of greed and profits over people, the film highlights patient suffering, clinician burnout, betrayal, and the struggles of those on the frontlines of care. With a sharp focus on systemic dysfunction and a multitude of deeply personal stories, the film raises awareness, provokes dialogue, and inspires change at every level of healthcare.

Two-Part Call to Action:

1. Inspire the “unlearning” of Learned Helplessness
2. Accelerate an impact network that values people over profits 

Connect With Us

Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

We’ve talked about physician burnout. But who else is paying the price? In this powerful episode, Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein and Elizabeth Landry pull back the curtain on the invisible emotional load carried by physician spouses and families. From loneliness and repeated relocations to resentment, pride, and the pressure to emotionally support a burned-out partner, they reveal how medical careers impact entire households, not just physicians. Together, we explore the data behind burnout spillover, the unique strain of dual-physician households, and why belonging isn’t a “soft” concept but a strategic driver of retention and well-being. If you’re ready to widen the lens of physician wellness to include the whole family, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• Why resilience isn’t enough and how community is the missing link for physician families
• The emotional themes of loneliness, sacrifice, and loss that emerge from repeated medical moves
• The “invisible load” carried by physician spouses from solo parenting to emotional caregiving
• Why physicians struggle to “flip the switch” emotionally when they come home
• Why belonging is a strategic driver of physician retention and sustainability in healthcare

“You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.” - Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein

“Belonging really isn't a soft concept. It's a strategic driver of retention and sustainability in the healthcare organization.” - Elizabeth Landry

About Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein: Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein is a physician spouse and a nationally recognized expert on physician burnout, helping both medical families and healthcare organizations foster resilience, connection, and a culture of well-being through her MedLife Matrix™ methodology.

About Elizabeth Landry: Elizabeth Landry is the founder of The MedCommons, advancing belonging and sustainability for physician families. A physician spouse and former Fortune 50 tech leader, she advocates for family inclusion as vital to physician well-being and retention.

Connect with Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein:

Website: https://www.themedlifematrix.com 

Mastering the MedLife Matrix Course: https://www.themedlifematrix.com/mastermedlife 

Podcast: The MedLife Support Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-medlife-support-podcast/id1867028871?i=1000744036887 

Dissertation Research: Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective https://www.themedlifematrix.com/resources 

Instagram: @themedlifematrix and @themedlifesupportpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-muehlenbein-phd-3088b73a/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themedlifematrix  

Connect with Elizabeth Landry:

Website: https://themedcommons.com/ 

The MedCommons Circle for Healthcare Organizations: https://themedcommons.com/tmc-circle-physician-wellness-program/ 

Resources for Healthcare Organizations: https://themedcommons.com/resources-healthcare/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethblandry/  

Connect With Us

Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820 

Women physicians are often praised for being resilient, flexible, and capable of handling it all, but at what cost? In this Women’s History Month episode, Dr. Erin Hurley and Dr. Joanne Sotelo explore how societal conditioning, medical culture, and outdated definitions of success have shaped the way women show up in medicine, often leading to higher burnout rates, strained relationships, and an unsustainable “second shift” at home. Together, they unpack the hidden price of over-functioning and offer a path forward rooted in awareness, boundaries, self-care, celebration, and supportive community. Press play to redefine success in this season of your life and protect your well-being without sacrificing your impact.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• Why women physicians are often praised for resilience, and how that praise can reinforce over-functioning
• The societal “good girl” conditioning that makes boundary-setting feel uncomfortable
• Why awareness is the first step toward meaningful change
• The power of celebration, honoring both big and small wins as fuel for resilience
• How self-care and supportive community directly protect your mental health

“We're often celebrated for being resilient, for being flexible, for handling a lot and making it work. And our question is, at what cost?” - Dr. Erin Hurley

“The boundaries are not to push away, but to protect what's important.” - Dr. Joanne Sotelo

Connect With Us

Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820 

Women physicians are often praised for being resilient, flexible, and capable of handling it all, but at what cost? In this Women's History Month episode, Dr. Erin Hurley and Dr. Joanne Sotelo explore how societal conditioning, medical culture, and outdated definitions of success have shaped the way women show up in medicine, often leading to higher burnout rates, strained relationships, and an unsustainable "second shift" at home. Together, they unpack the hidden price of over-functioning and offer a path forward rooted in awareness, boundaries, self-care, celebration, and supportive community. Press play to redefine success in this season of your life and protect your well-being without sacrificing your impact.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• Why women physicians are often praised for resilience, and how that praise can reinforce over-functioning

• The societal "good girl" conditioning that makes boundary-setting feel uncomfortable

• Why awareness is the first step toward meaningful change

• The power of celebration, honoring both big and small wins as fuel for resilience

• How self-care and a supportive community directly protect your mental health

"We're often celebrated for being resilient, for being flexible, for handling a lot and making it work. And our question is, at what cost?" - Dr. Erin Hurley

"The boundaries are not to push away, but to protect what's important." - Dr. Joanne Sotelo

Connect With Us

Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820

Is perfectionism really the gold standard in medicine, or is it actually harming us? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir challenges the deeply ingrained belief that perfectionism is necessary for high performance. Instead, she introduces the concept of excellenceism, a more expansive, growth-oriented alternative that protects well-being without lowering standards. Through personal stories of motherhood, burnout, trauma, and professional identity, Dr. Shabbir unpacks the hidden cost of perfectionism in women physicians and offers a courageous framework for change. Press play to examine your intentions, soften self-criticism, and cross the courage bridge toward a more human way of practicing medicine.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• Why perfectionism isn’t the same as excellence and how “excellenceism” protects both performance and well-being
• The three domains of perfectionism: self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed
• How perfectionism activates fear responses, sympathetic overdrive, and chronic stress physiology
• The link between trauma and perfectionism as a survival strategy
• The cognitive distortion of all-or-nothing thinking and how it limits growth

“The high standards are not the problem. The problem is what happens when you don't meet those standards.” - Dr. Amna Shabbir

About Dr. Amna Shabbir: Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, is a dual board-certified physician with advanced training in integrative well-being, performance, behavior change, and leadership development. As a high achiever herself, she understands the pressures of perfectionism in medicine and helps individuals and organizations cultivate sustainable excellence without sacrificing their health or humanity. Through speaking, coaching, and her TEDx talk, “Perfectionism Has a Solution. It’s Not What You Think,” Dr. Shabbir challenges the cultural glorification of perfectionism and introduces a more expansive framework for growth. She is also the host of the podcast Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, where she explores how ambitious professionals can elevate their impact while protecting what matters most, their well-being.

Connect with Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD:

Website: https://success-curated.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 

Podcast: Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD

TEDxTalk: Perfectionism has a solution - It's not what you think - https://youtu.be/oNIzzM4Vg3s?si=AK6CXqMtQjBAosyh 

Connect With Us

Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820 

When reconnection creates awareness, realignment provides direction. In this episode, Dr. Joanne Sotelo and Dr. Erin Hurley explore why so many women in medicine feel exhausted, resentful, and misaligned despite career success. They unpack how “doctor programming,” outdated values, and endless shoulds quietly run daily decisions and how clarifying what truly matters now allows priorities, boundaries, time, and energy to finally align. This conversation offers practical reflection questions and simple action steps to help you move from autopilot to intentional living.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• Why your priorities, not your intentions, reveal what you are truly committed to
• How outdated “doctor programming” keeps women in medicine misaligned and exhausted
• The power of asking better questions to clarify what matters most now
• Why you can’t work on everything at once, and how focus creates ripple effects
• How boundaries naturally strengthen when values and priorities become clear

“Reconnection gives you awareness, and realignment gives you direction.” - Dr. Joanne Sotelo

Connect With Us

Do you want to hear more from the doctors of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820 

Many women in medicine appear successful on the outside while quietly feeling disconnected, numb, or unfulfilled on the inside. In this episode, Dr. Joanne Sotelo and Dr. Erin Hurley explore the often-overlooked foundation of personal fulfillment: reconnecting with yourself. They unpack how emotional suppression, over-functioning, and identity built solely around productivity lead to exhaustion and burnout, and how asking better questions, listening to your inner voice, and redefining success can restore clarity, motivation, joy, and balance both at work and at home.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• Why is reconnection with yourself the foundation before goals, productivity, or change?
• How emotional suppression and over-functioning are normalized and why they come at a cost.
• The role identity plays in exhaustion, fulfillment, and sustainable success.
• Simple but powerful questions that rebuild awareness, clarity, and motivation.
• How connecting with your future self makes boundaries, alignment, and joy easier to sustain.

“Awareness is that first act of reconnection, and then you can meet that future self.” - Dr. Joanne Sotelo

Connect With Us

Do you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

🎧 Want to hear more? Find us on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820