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Summary

This BOSS episode featuring Dr. Kara Pepper, a primary care physician who discusses the topic of high-risk drinking and other forms of escapism that healthcare professionals engage in due to the demanding nature of their jobs. Dr. Pepper shares her personal journey of leaving her successful hospital-owned practice to start her own solo private practice, where she now focuses on treating eating disorders and coaching other physicians. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when work and coping mechanisms like alcohol become unsustainable and prioritizing self-care. Dr. Pepper provides insights on identifying high-risk drinking behaviors, taking breaks from alcohol, and seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals. The discussion also touches on the role of coaching, therapy, and social media communities in addressing issues like perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and career transitions in medicine.

Chapters

Introduction and Background

The host, Dr. Amy Vertrees, introduces the podcast episode and the guest, Dr. Kara Pepper. She explains that the episode will focus on the topic of high-risk drinking and other forms of escapism that healthcare professionals engage in due to the demanding nature of their jobs. Dr. Vertrees mentions that Dr. Pepper has started her own solo private practice and is helping others with this issue.

Dr. Kara Pepper's Journey

Dr. Kara Pepper shares her background as a former ballet dancer who brought perfectionism and workaholism into medicine. She discusses her experiences with burnout and her decision to leave her successful hospital-owned multi-specialty practice to start her own solo practice. Dr. Pepper now focuses on treating eating disorders and coaching other physicians. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when work and coping mechanisms like alcohol become unsustainable and prioritizing self-care.

Identifying High-Risk Drinking Behaviors

Dr. Pepper explains the concept of high-risk drinking, which is a spectrum of behaviors before reaching the diagnosis of alcohol use disorder. She discusses the signs and behaviors to look out for, such as feeling the need to control or manage one's drinking, experiencing blackouts, and spending brain space worrying about drinking. Dr. Pepper shares her personal experience with high-risk drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of recognizing when drinking becomes a problem.

Taking a Break from Alcohol

Dr. Pepper suggests taking a break from alcohol for a period, such as four weeks, to observe the impact on one's body, mood, sleep, and relationships. She emphasizes that this can provide valuable information about the role alcohol plays in one's life and whether it is causing problems. Dr. Pepper also recommends educating oneself about the effects of alcohol on the body and seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals if needed.

The Role of Coaching and Therapy

The discussion explores the benefits of coaching and therapy in addressing issues like perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and career transitions in medicine. Dr. Pepper highlights the synergy between coaching and therapy, with coaching focusing on mindset shifts, goal-setting, and career changes, while therapy addresses trauma and deeper psychological issues. She emphasizes the importance of seeking support and utilizing these resources to find a sustainable and fulfilling career in medicine.

Social Media and Support Communities

Dr. Pepper mentions the growing sober curious and sobriety communities on social media, particularly for women physicians who have given up drinking. She highlights the power of these communities in normalizing a life without alcohol and providing support and encouragement for those seeking change.

Action Items