What happens when you combine gourmet food, curated excursions, and deep professional reflection—all on a river in France? For Dr. Shikha Jain, it was transformative.

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, Dr. Jain shares how her Emerald river cruise became a full-ship healthcare leadership retreat—uniting physicians, allies, and changemakers for a week of rest, reconnection, and real growth. From singing karaoke with strangers-turned-friends to midnight rooftop chats and a surprise Top Chef dinner, the trip was equal parts luxury and liberation.

Dr. Jain peels back the curtain on what it means to feel pampered as a working mom, physician, and nonprofit founder—and how sometimes, the biggest luxury is feeling seen and cared for. She also reveals the intentional planning that went into every detail: curated excursions, CME-accredited programming, and space for spontaneous joy.

If you’ve ever thought luxury travel couldn’t also be professionally meaningful—this episode proves otherwise.

About the Guest

Dr. Shikha Jain is a board-certified oncologist, national speaker, and founder of Women in Medicine® and the Women in Medicine Summit. Her advocacy and leadership work has been featured in the New York Times, CNN, and Forbes. She believes in building spaces where women in healthcare can thrive—on land, and now, at sea.

🌐 www.shikhajainmd.com
🌐 www.womeninmedicinesummit.org
📸 Instagram: @shikhajainmd

the link for the May cruise : https://www.cmeriverconference.com/cme-rhine-river-cruise

Link for the summit in Chicago in September: https://www.wimedicine.org/wim-summit

About the Host

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a pediatrician, executive, and life coach for neurodiverse physicians—and the passionate host behind Luxury Cruising. She brings expert insight and honest excitement to every interview, helping curious travelers elevate their adventures at sea.

📍 Website: luxurycruising.net
📧 Email: [email protected]
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

Key Takeaways

1. Chartering the Whole Ship = Whole New Vibe – When everyone onboard shares the mission, magic happens.
2. Luxury Isn’t Always Loud – Sometimes it’s quiet moments, warm service, and wine with friends.
3. CME Meets Community – You can earn credits, gain clarity, and still dance ‘til midnight.
4. Modern Comforts – Think infinity pools, walk-in closets, and wine pairings that make you forget you’re learning.
5. Travel Season Matters – Go early, skip the crowds, and see medieval towns in silence.
6. Luxury = Being Cared For – Especially for women used to doing the caring.
7. This Was a First… But Not the Last – Dr. Jain shares what’s next for the Women in Medicine cruise retreats.

 

Mentioned Episode

● Kosher Cruise on Emerald – Episode 6

🎧 Listen to compare ocean vs. river luxury with Emerald.

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