In this episode of Love Lab MD, Dr. Kate interviews Dr. Lara Hochman, a family medicine physician and founder of Happy Day Health, a boutique physician matchmaking agency. Known as the "Medical Matchmaker," Dr. Lara Hochman is passionate about physician well-being and matching doctors with private practices that allow them to avoid burnout and rediscover joy in medicine.

Key Highlights:

1. Dr. Lara Hochman Love Story:

   • Lara shared her serendipitous and adorable love story with her husband, a psychiatrist, whom she met in college. Despite being shy at the time, she approached him after a series of coincidental encounters. Their connection grew from organic chemistry homework sessions into a 21-year partnership, including 16 years of marriage, two daughters, and a bustling household filled with pets.
   • She reflected on how their relationship continues to evolve, with moments of "butterflies" still sparking after all these years, despite the ups and downs of life.

2. Relationship Dynamics:

   • The couple practices intentional communication and prioritizes spending quality time together, including weekly date nights, which they view as essential for maintaining their connection.
   • Dr. Lara Hochman emphasized the importance of listening, validating each other's feelings, and focusing on the positives in a partner. While arguments happen, they aim to resolve them in ways that strengthen rather than weaken their bond.

3. Managing Chaos and Stress:

   • As a dual-physician household with active children and a growing number of pets, Dr. Lara Hochman admitted that chaos can sometimes strain their relationship. However, staying on the same page, involving their kids in family management, and openly communicating have been key to navigating life’s challenges.
   • She also spoke about adjusting expectations and accepting that things won’t always stay the same as they evolve over time.

4. The Creation of Happy Day Health:

   • Burned out by the lack of autonomy in traditional medicine, Dr. Lara Hochman left her practice in 2017. After taking time to recharge and explore new paths, she discovered a passion for helping physicians find better job opportunities that align with their values.
   • With encouragement from her husband, she turned her organic matchmaking efforts into a business, Happy Day Health, which helps physicians and private practices connect. She now advises doctors on finding fulfilling roles and works with practices to find the right candidates.

5. The Power of Taking a Pause:

   • During her career transition, Dr. Lara Hochman dedicated one day a week to herself, trying new activities and reflecting on her priorities. She emphasized the importance of creating pauses in life—even for just five minutes a day—to break the cycle of busyness and reconnect with yourself.

6. Wisdom for Listeners:

   • Dr. Lara Hochman encouraged listeners to practice flexibility, communicate openly, and take intentional time for self-care. Small changes, like a few minutes of quiet reflection or a focus on positive interactions, can lead to transformative growth in both personal and professional life.

Where to Find Dr. Lara Hochman:

Website: www.happydayhealth.co (not .com)

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@medicalmatchmaker

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happydaymd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happydaymd/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappyDayMD1

EEC: https://medicalmatchmaker.carrd.co/

Dr. Lara Hochman's journey is an inspiring reminder to prioritize love, wellness, and self-discovery while navigating the complexities of work and family life. This episode radiates encouragement for anyone looking to thrive in both their relationships and careers.