What if the people saving lives felt like they were losing their own?

In this raw and inspiring episode, host Christopher Weedon sits down with Dr. Todd Otten, a Navy veteran, board-certified family physician, and published author, who pulls back the curtain on a crisis hidden in plain sight: physician burnout.

After decades of serving others, Dr. Otten hit a wall. Behind his professional success was silent suffering. Overwork, moral injury, and the weight of impossible expectations took a toll. But instead of giving up, he chose to speak out. From walking out of the clinic mid-shift to creating the groundbreaking documentary Suck It Up, Buttercup, Todd’s story is a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the urgent need for systemic change in healthcare.

👤 About Dr. Todd Otten:

Board-certified family physician, military veteran, published author of Ripple of Change, and creator of Suck It Up Buttercup, Dr. Otten is a national leader advocating for mental health, physician wellness, and healthcare reform.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

🔹 Burnout is not a weakness. It is a symptom of a broken healthcare system.

🔹 The “suck it up” culture is fueling a silent mental health crisis among doctors.

🔹 Healing begins with acknowledging and processing trauma.

🔹 Compassionate leadership can save careers and lives.

🔹 Patients and healthcare workers must unite for meaningful change.

📢 Inspired by this conversation?

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🔗 Dr. Otten's LinkedIn

🔗 Suck It Up, Buttercup Film

🔗 Ripple of Change Book

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