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Today we're talking about energy management and why it's our responsibility to manage our own energy levels.

Key Points:

• Two of my physician clients shared calling out sick as weekly wins in coaching sessions – highlighting how we're trained to always put patient care first, often at our own expense
• Energy management is each of our personal responsibility, and no one else can see our energy levels or tank size
• Our energy tanks change throughout life stages (residency vs. parenting young children vs. empty nesting)
• Medicine falsely pretends we all have the same energy capacity
• When we choose to take a sick day when truly needed, we help change the unhealthy culture of medicine

Notable Quotes from Today's Episode:

"We are trained to put ourselves last, always. We are trained to work through, push through, ignore our bodies, ignore anything that we're feeling or experiencing... in order to put patient care first."

"No one can see the energy that we do or don't have. They can't see how big the tank is, they can't see how big the spigot is that's draining."

"Who we are and what we do matters. It matters and it makes a difference. We're going to figure out a way that we can do this and manage our energy in a sustainable way."

Practical Advice for All of Us:

• Let's assess our current life stage and energy capacity realistically
• We need to recognize when our tanks are depleted and take necessary breaks
• We should set proactive boundaries with our teams about our limitations
• We might need to consider whether our practice environments match our energy styles
• Remember that chronically pushing through low energy is unsustainable for all of us

Final Thoughts:

Finding alignment between patient care and self-care isn't mutually exclusive. By being responsible stewards of our own energy, we can create sustainable pathways to continue practicing medicine effectively while honoring our human needs.

Need more support? Schedule a coaching consultation at https://calendly.com/healthierforgood/coaching-discovery-call

Connect with us:

• Website: healthierforgood.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @meganmelomd

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share with a colleague who might benefit!

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD

Send us a text

Today we talk about the concept of "unsubscribing" – not just from email newsletters, but from the thoughts, beliefs, and habits that no longer serve us as physicians.

Episode Highlights:

• We celebrate 3 years of "Ending Physician Overwhelm" (launched March 2022)
• Unsubscribe from harmful ideas and beliefs:
  • The belief that we should be able to function in a broken healthcare system without support
  • The notion that we must respond to every patient message in extensive detail
  • The idea that asking for help makes us "difficult" or "not a team player"
• Unsubscribe from complexity:
  • Let go of complex solutions when simple ones would work better
  • Stop believing that you must figure out everything on your own
  • Recognize when to delegate or refer instead of overcomplicating your workload
• Unsubscribe from habits that don't serve you:
  • Professional habits like doing tasks below your license level
  • Personal habits that neglect your wellbeing (poor sleep, inadequate exercise)
  • The pattern of putting yourself last while caring for everyone else

Remember: You deserve a sustainable, fulfilling life with meaningful work AND connection to the people you love outside of medicine.

Resources Mentioned:

• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
• "Tiny Habits" by BJ Fogg
• "Smarter Living" (book mentioned from library)

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review to help others find us, and share with a colleague who might benefit!

Need more support? Schedule a coaching consultation at https://calendly.com/healthierforgood/coaching-discovery-call

Connect with us:

• Website: healthierforgood.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @meganmelomd

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share with a colleague who might benefit!

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD

Send us a text

This week, we talk about the significant changes happening in medicine that aren't likely to reverse, and how we as physicians need to adapt to navigate these shifts effectively.

Episode Highlights:

• The Reality of Job Insecurity in Medicine
  1. Stories of experienced physicians being let go with little warning
  2. How healthcare organizations are prioritizing budget over experience and loyalty
  3. Why the long-term stability we once expected in medical careers is no longer guaranteed
• Historical Context vs. Current Reality
  1. How the medical career path has transformed from the days of physicians staying in one practice for decades
  2. Why the expectations we entered medicine with may no longer align with today's realities
  3. The additional challenges facing physician parents and those without stay-at-home partners
• Three Key Strategies for Navigating Change:
  1. Believe in the value of your expertise, skills, and experience
     • Separating your worth from organizational decisions
     • Recognizing that being let go reflects budget priorities, not your value
     • Protecting yourself from undervaluing your contributions
  2. Embrace technology and delegation
     • Learning to use AI and other tools effectively, not just efficiently
     • The importance of delegating tasks that don't require physician expertise
     • Finding the balance between oversight and offloading work
  3. Be your own advocate and believe what the system shows you
     • Setting clear boundaries about what's acceptable
     • Recognizing patterns of broken promises and unsupported policies
     • Making decisions based on how organizations actually behave, not what they say

Key Takeaways:

Where do YOU need to adapt to the changing medical landscape?

• Recognize that career stability looks different now than it did for previous generations
• Consider creative practice models (micro-practices, cash pay, part-time arrangements)
• Break away from the expectation of staying in one place "forever"
• Set aside time to think strategically about your career path and priorities

Connect with us:

• Website: healthierforgood.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @meganmelomd

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share with a colleague who might benefit!

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD

Send us a text

In this episode, we explore the neurotransmitters that make up the acronym DOSE - Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Epinephrine - and how they affect our daily lives and well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• Dopamine: The Pleasure & Reward Neurotransmitter
  • Evolved to reinforce behaviors that help us survive as individuals and as a species
  • Modern hijacking through engineered experiences (processed foods, social media, alcohol)
  • The importance of finding healthier sources of dopamine throughout your day
• Oxytocin: The Connection Hormone
  • Creates bonds between humans that enable our species to thrive
  • Many physicians are likely running low on this "love hormone"
  • Simple ways to increase oxytocin through meaningful connection
• Serotonin: The Mood & Wellbeing Neurotransmitter
  • The mind-gut connection and how our diet affects serotonin production
  • Why physicians often end up on SSRIs and whether better self-care could reduce this need
  • Importance of prioritizing sleep, sunlight, exercise, and proper nutrition
• Epinephrine/Endorphins: The Energy & Excitement Chemical
  • Not just about fight-or-flight responses but also positive excitement
  • How many of us over-rely on caffeine for our energy needs
  • Better sources: exercise, healthy intimacy, adventure, and novel experiences

Key Takeaways:

Where do YOU need to adjust your DOSE?

• Where are you currently getting these neurotransmitters in your life?
• Are these sources aligned with your health and life goals?
• What small, intentional changes can you make to create a more balanced neurochemical experience?

Resources Mentioned:

• Email me at [email protected]

Note: This episode discusses food and alcohol consumption, which may be triggering for some listeners with histories of disordered eating or addiction.

Connect with us:

• Website: healthierforgood.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @meganmelomd

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share with a colleague who might benefit!

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD

Send us a text

I explore how to find and create meaning in both our professional and personal lives, especially when facing burnout and challenges in medicine.

Episode Highlights

• Medicine was never meant to be easy, but the additional challenges we face today make self-care more important than ever
• When experiencing burnout, we often lose our sense of meaning and purpose in work
• Creating meaning is a challenge of adulthood that requires intentional effort
• The gap between what we imagined about being a physician and the reality of practice today

Key Takeaways

1. Identify where you find meaning in your work
   • What specific aspects of your job bring you satisfaction?
   • What emotions do you experience during meaningful moments?
   • How can you amplify these experiences in your practice?
2. Expand your search for meaning beyond work
   • We are more than our professional identities
   • Find sources of meaning in your role as a parent, homeowner, or other aspects of life
   • Take time to appreciate what you've already accomplished
3. Use meaning as fuel for resilience
   • Clarity about what matters helps establish better boundaries
   • When you know where meaning lies, you can more efficiently handle the less enjoyable tasks
   • Meaning gives you strength to cope with stresses and challenges

Final Thoughts

Getting clear on where you find meaning and joy helps you notice these experiences more often and actively seek them out. When you use your gifts and talents in work that feels meaningful, you become a better human and bring amazing things into the world.

Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Journal about where you find meaning, what these experiences feel like in your body, and how you might create more of these moments in your life. This work is essential for navigating the challenges ahead.

Want More?

If you're feeling stuck in default thinking patterns and ready for something different, let's talk! Reach out to schedule a time to chat about how we can work together to change those old thought patterns that keep you feeling burned out and exhausted. Schedule a time for us to chat here: https://calendly.com/healthierforgood/coaching-discovery-call

This is powerful work that can transform how you experience life - both in and out of medicine.

Let’s Stay Connected:
This work is challenging, but it’s worth it. If you’re ready to explore how you can reclaim your energy and redefine your path in medicine, I’d love to help.

📧 Reach me at [email protected]
🌐 Visit www.healthierforgood.com to learn about my coaching programs, including Unbound: Women Physicians Reclaiming Their Lives.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a colleague who might need to hear it. Your support means the world.

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD

Send us a text

Ever have a moment where you suddenly realize you've slipped back into old thought patterns? In this episode, we dive into what happens when those default ways of thinking return - and how to move past them without getting stuck.

When Old Thought Patterns Come Knocking

After my emergency surgery for a perforated IUD (yes, really!), I found myself sliding back into victim mode thinking - feeling angry about missing work, frustrated about not having sick leave, and generally falling into old patterns of negativity and blame.

Sound familiar? These default thought patterns don't just magically disappear, even when we've made significant progress. They can return during times of stress, fatigue, or when we're facing situations that trigger old memories.

The good news? We don't have to stay stuck there! Here's how to notice and move beyond those default thoughts:

Three Steps to Break Free from Default Thinking

1. Notice without judgment When those old thought patterns appear, simply acknowledge them: "There are those thoughts again. I notice my brain is telling me I should feel angry/powerless/overwhelmed here." Sometimes we notice the thoughts directly, but often we catch the emotions first - that familiar feeling of being drained, resentful, or stuck can be your first clue.
2. Recognize the discrepancy This is where the magic happens! Take a moment to notice the gap between your default thinking and who you are now. "This doesn't feel like me anymore. This isn't how I typically think these days." This recognition helps us see how far we've come and prevents us from believing we've lost all our progress.
3. Be kind as you let go Instead of, "I can't believe I'm thinking this way again! What's wrong with me?" try "Yes, these are thoughts I've had before. This is an old pattern. We don't do that anymore, and it's completely normal these thoughts showed up during a stressful time." Kindness works better than judgment every time!

Changing Thoughts vs. Changing Circumstances

Here's a truth bomb: If you keep the same thoughts but change your circumstances (like leaving medicine to become a barista or work on a beach), you'll have the same emotional experience - just in a different place.

That doesn't mean we should never change circumstances! But if we want to feel different, we need to think differently. The good news is we can practice new thought patterns regardless of our situation.

Remember This

We're all on a journey. The place you are now is further along than where you were last year, five years ago, or ten years ago. When we intentionally work on our thought patterns, we're building the foundation for the next version of ourselves.

Those people you admire who seem to have it all figured out? They've faced challenges too - they've just made different decisions about how to navigate them. And you can do the same.

Want More?

Reach out to schedule a time to chat about how we can work together to change those old thought patterns that keep you feeling burned out and exhausted. Schedule a chat here:

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD

Send us a text

In today’s episode, I share a personal medical experience that taught me lessons about self-advocacy, trusting intuition, and seeking help - lessons that apply both personally and professionally in medical practice.

Episode Highlights

• My recent experience with an IUD placement that resulted in a perforation of my uterus, requiring laparoscopic surgery
• The importance of honoring your initial decisions about your medical care and advocating for your preferences
• Why listening to your body's signals (especially gut sensations) is critical - they often indicate something is wrong
• How we as physicians (especially women) are conditioned to delay seeking help and downplay our own medical needs

Key Takeaways

1. Honor your decisions and advocate for yourself
   • When you've made a decision about your care, follow through
   • Don't hesitate to clearly ask for what you need
   • It's okay to be "that person" when it comes to your health
2. Listen when your gut speaks (literally and figuratively)
   • Our gut is highly innervated and sensitive to abnormal situations
   • Persistent unusual sensations are your body's warning signs
   • The gut-brain connection is powerful - stress, anxiety, and depression all affect gut function
   • Chronic symptoms like reflux, constipation, or IBS can be flags that something needs attention
3. Be willing to get help sooner
   • Don't wait until problems become severe to seek care
   • We often delay our own care to avoid inconveniencing others
   • Challenge the "comparative suffering" mindset that says your problems aren't bad enough to deserve attention
   • Set boundaries about what you are and aren't willing to do without proper support

For Healthcare Providers

• Healthcare systems increasingly pressure us to do more with less support
• When we don't insist on adequate help, there's no incentive for systems to fix the problem
• Women physicians often receive less consistent support staff than male colleagues
• Recognize that our medical training has conditioned us to ignore our own needs
• We deserve support, both professionally and personally

Final Thoughts

We are all works in progress. Taking care of ourselves isn't selfish - it's necessary. We must let go of the belief that we must suffer a certain amount before deserving help, and instead acknowledge that we are worthy of support.

Let’s Stay Connected:
This work is challenging, but it’s worth it. If you’re ready to explore how you can reclaim your energy and redefine your path in medicine, I’d love to help.

📧 Reach me at [email protected]
🌐 Visit www.healthierforgood.com to learn about my coaching programs, including Unbound: Women Physicians Reclaiming Their Lives.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a colleague who might need to hear it. Your support means the world.

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD

Send us a text

Fresh off our exciting kickoff for the second round of Unbound, we're diving into something that affects nearly every physician - why we struggle to work less, even when we desperately want to. Let's explore the mindsets keeping us stuck in overwork mode!

The Hidden Beliefs Blocking Our Path

Have you ever had a free day suddenly open up in your schedule? Instead of treating it as actual free time, chances are you immediately filled it with tasks from your never-ending to-do list. This isn't random - it's a pattern revealing deeper beliefs about how we're "supposed" to work.

In this episode, we explore three key mindsets that keep us trapped in overwork:

1. "If I work less, someone else has to work more" We've been conditioned to believe there's no one else who can help us. After hearing "we don't have staff to cover that" over and over, we internalize this idea so deeply it follows us everywhere - even into settings where we're the boss! This mindset keeps us doing tasks others could handle because we're stuck thinking no one else can (or will) do them correctly.
2. "Tools and technology can't replace what I do" Many of us resist using tools (like AI, EMR features, or other technologies) that could lighten our load. We get comfortable with our current methods and hesitate to learn new approaches - even when they might ultimately save us time and energy! While it's reasonable to question if new tools are safe and effective, our resistance often comes from that deeper belief that our work should be difficult.
3. "I can't ask recipients of my help to do more" This shows up with patients who want us to do everything for them, friends texting us photos of rashes, and family members who could handle their own tasks. When we constantly swoop in as the capable problem-solver, we not only drain ourselves but also prevent others from developing their own skills and independence.

Making the Shift

When we find opportunities to work less, the key is not filling that time with more work! Instead, we need intentional rest, exercise, quality time with loved ones, or activities that nourish us. Otherwise, we'll stay stuck in the same exhausting cycle.

The hardest part? Setting boundaries with people we care about. Saying no to a friend's text about a rash or asking family members to handle their own chores can feel incredibly uncomfortable. But these skills are learnable, and they're essential for creating the life we want outside of medicine.

Join Us!

If you're a woman physician looking for community, structure, and accountability to make these changes, there may still be spots available in our current Unbound cohort! Reach out to [email protected] to learn more. If you miss this round, our next cohort begins in early June.

Let’s Stay Connected:
This work is challenging, but it’s worth it. If you’re ready to explore how you can reclaim your energy and redefine your path in medicine, I’d love to help.

📧 Reach me at [email protected]
🌐 Visit www.healthierforgood.com

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD

Send us a text

Life in medicine is intense right now, especially in early 2025. In this episode, we're diving into six essential elements that can help us not just survive, but thrive during challenging times. Whether you're looking to join our Unbound physician community or just trying to figure out how to make medicine work better in your life, these are game-changers.

The Big Six (Yes, They Really Matter!)

1. Community When things go sideways (like that wild HR story we share in this episode), having people who get it makes all the difference. Sometimes only another doctor understands why that "simple work issue" feels like a punch to the gut. Having folks who truly get it isn't just nice - it's necessary.
2. Compassion Time to stop beating ourselves up! Taking a sick day, not answering all 40 questions in a 15-minute visit, or setting a boundary doesn't make us bad doctors. What if we treated ourselves with the same compassion we show our patients?
3. Safety We need spaces where we can say "I'm struggling" or "I don't know" without fear. Where we can share those thoughts that would make non-medical friends gasp but make our colleagues nod in understanding. That psychological safety? It's pure gold.
4. Structure Okay, not the sexiest word, but hear me out! Even as smart, capable physicians, we need a game plan for making changes stick. It's like having a GPS for getting from "I should really start setting boundaries" to "Look at me leaving on time!"
5. Accountability Isn't it wild how we're incredibly accountable to everyone else but struggle to keep promises to ourselves? Whether it's finally getting home for dinner or not charting until midnight, having someone in our corner makes a huge difference.
6. Reflection Not the "om" kind (unless that's your thing!) - but taking honest looks at our progress. Instead of focusing on how far we still have to go, what if we celebrated how far we've come? Game-changing perspective shift right there.

Why This Matters Now

These aren't just nice ideas - they're your toolkit for:

• Finding joy in medicine again
• Creating a life that doesn't revolve around your inbox
• Building the career you actually want
• Taking care of yourself (for real this time!)

Want to Dive Deeper?

• Grab "The Gap Versus the Gain" by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan
• Ready for more? Check out www.healthierforgood.com
• Questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]

Join Us!

New Unbound cohort starts Sunday, March 2nd, 2025. If you're ready to ditch the perfectionism and people-pleasing that's burning you out, come hang with us. We get it, and more importantly, we know how to change it.

PPS Are you a Pediatrician or do you work in a FQHC? If so, I'm offering a special price just for you (this is an honor system folks). Type "PEDS25" or "FQHC25" at checkout to claim your discount.

📧 Reach m

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD

Send us a text

Episode Summary:
If cynicism has been creeping in lately, you’re not alone. As physicians, we’re constantly navigating uncertainty—whether it’s within healthcare, in our personal lives, or in the world around us. Over time, this can lead to emotional exhaustion, frustration, and a sense of futility.

In this episode, we’re diving into 10 intentional ways to combat cynicism before it takes over. These are practical strategies to help you step out of the negativity spiral, reconnect with yourself, and move forward with more clarity and purpose.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to recognize when cynicism is taking hold
✅ Why taking intentional breaks can make a difference
✅ How small moments of joy and connection can help shift your mindset
✅ The importance of focusing on the basics—sleep, food, hydration
✅ How embracing kindness (for yourself and others) can be a powerful reset

10 Ways to Combat Cynicism:
1️⃣ Take breaks (from work, from stress, from the news)
2️⃣ Focus on the fundamentals—sleep, nutrition, hydration
3️⃣ Stay connected with the people who truly support you
4️⃣ Seek out fun, joy, and awe in your daily life
5️⃣ Sit in your value—acknowledge the incredible work you do
6️⃣ Get clear on your core values and use them as a guide
7️⃣ Find safe spaces where you can be yourself and feel supported
8️⃣ Practice self-kindness—let go of guilt and judgment
9️⃣ Pay attention to your energy levels and honor them
🔟 Intentionally be kind to someone else—it benefits you too

Resources & Links:
Unbound: Women Physicians Reclaiming Their Lives – A 12-week program designed for women physicians to break free from burnout, perfectionism, and people-pleasing so you can reclaim your time, energy, and confidence. Next round starts Sunday, March 2nd! Learn more here.

Have questions? Reach out to Dr. Megan Melo: [email protected]

Take Action:
✔ Take a moment to reflect: Which of these strategies do you need most right now?
✔ Share this episode with a friend or colleague who could use some encouragement.
✔ If you’re ready to make real changes, come join us in Unbound—because you don’t have to do this alone.

Let’s Stay Connected:
This work is challenging, but it’s worth it. If you’re ready to explore how you can reclaim your energy and redefine your path in medicine, I’d love to help.

📧 Reach me at [email protected]
🌐 Visit www.healthierforgood.com to learn about my coaching programs, including Unbound: Women Physicians Reclaiming Their Lives.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a colleague who might need to hear it. Your support means the world.

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD