In this episode of Coaching Health Care Leaders, Dr. Lisa interviews Dr. Sandy Balwan, Chief Medical Officer at Northwell Direct. Dr. Balwan shares her inspiring journey from immigrant to healthcare leader, emphasizing the balance between clinical practice and leadership. They discuss strategies for supporting providers, empowering patients—especially women — as family health leaders, and simplifying communication. Dr. Balwan offers practical leadership advice on authenticity, passion, and setting boundaries, emphasizing the importance of leading by example and prioritizing patient and provider needs in healthcare transformation.

Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (00:00:02) Dr. Lisa introduces the podcast, its mission, and Dr. Sandy Balwan’s background and roles.

Dr. Balwan’s Leadership Journey (00:03:01) Dr. Balwan shares her immigrant background, education, and career progression in medicine and leadership.

Day in the Life of a Healthcare Leader (00:05:41) Dr. Balwain describes balancing clinical practice, supporting providers, and serving employers and patients.

Balancing Clinical Practice and Leadership (00:08:50) Discussion on the importance and feasibility of maintaining both clinical and leadership roles.

Leading by Example in Healthcare (00:09:20) Dr. Balwan explains why clinical experience is essential for credibility and effective leadership.

Supporting and Influencing Teams (00:12:49) Strategies for supporting providers, influencing teams, and fostering collaboration in healthcare settings.

Communicating Value-Based Care to Providers (00:13:12) How to explain value-based care concepts and motivate providers to adopt new practices.

Challenges in Healthcare: Access and Communication (00:16:51) Discussion of major challenges in healthcare, including patient access and effective communication.

Patient-Centered Communication Strategies (00:19:26) Importance of tailoring communication to patients’ needs and using relatable explanations.

Women’s Role in Family Health (00:22:56) Highlighting the critical role women play in family health and strategies to support them.

Tips for Thriving as a Healthcare Leader (00:25:33) Dr. Balwan shares three tips for leaders to thrive and maintain self-care amid adversity.

Personal Reflections and Looking Forward (00:27:38) Dr. Balwan discusses personal growth, setting boundaries, and aspirations for the future.

Closing Remarks (00:29:02) Dr. Lisa and Dr. Balwan conclude the episode with gratitude and well wishes.

If you are looking to accelerate your leadership career and learn how to influence and impact teams, join us for our Coaching Intensive Weekend, taking place December 12-14, where you will learn the foundational skills to communicate more effectively with your team and coach them to success.

Learn more here

In this episode of "Coaching for Healthcare Leaders," Dr. Lisa interviews Dr. Mary Fleming, an OB/GYN, health equity advocate, and president of Reede Scholars. Dr. Fleming shares her leadership journey, shaped by family influences and a commitment to serving marginalized communities. She discusses her clinical, nonprofit, and educational roles, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, self-care, and actionable steps to advance health equity.

Dr. Fleming highlights her work with the Leadership Development to Advance Equity in Healthcare program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and offers practical advice for making a local impact in healthcare and beyond.

Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:02) Dr. Lisa introduces the podcast and welcomes Dr. Mary Fleming, providing a brief overview of her background.

Dr. Fleming’s Leadership Journey (00:01:43) Dr. Fleming shares her leadership journey, family influences, and early experiences shaping her path.

Transition to Health Equity and Clinical Practice (00:04:43) Dr. Fleming discusses her clinical work, health policy fellowship, and transition to locum and global work.

A Day in the Life: Current Roles and Flexibility (00:06:52) Dr. Fleming describes her varied workdays, roles in clinical practice, leadership, and the importance of flexibility.

Impacting Communities and Health Equity (00:11:16) Discussion on how Dr. Fleming’s work addresses health disparities, especially in maternal health and diverse communities.

Broadening Health Equity Conversations (00:12:58) Dr. Fleming explains efforts to make health equity an everyday conversation and the importance of community engagement.

Innovative Solutions and Leadership Development (00:14:00) Overview of the annual health equity symposium and leadership program to foster broader, systemic change.

Actionable Steps for Change (00:15:46) Dr. Fleming offers practical suggestions for individuals to make an impact in their communities.

Self-Care and Sustaining Leadership (00:19:01) Tips on managing overwhelm, self-care, and maintaining balance as a leader.

Upcoming Events and Staying Connected (00:21:46) Dr. Fleming shares ways to connect, upcoming events, and opportunities for involvement.

Closing Remarks (00:22:55) Final thoughts, gratitude, and mutual encouragement between host and guest.

In this episode of the Coaching Healthcare Leaders podcast, Dr. Lisa interviews Dr. Toshkezi, Clinical Director of Neurosurgery at Meredith Medical Center. Dr. Toshkezi shares his inspiring journey from Albania and France to becoming a neurosurgeon and leader in the U.S. They discuss his leadership approach, the challenges of balancing patient care with administrative demands, and strategies for thriving amid adversity. Dr. Toshkezi offers insights on leading by example, fostering teamwork, and maintaining work-life balance, while encouraging listeners to believe in themselves and pursue their goals despite obstacles.

Follow Dr. Toshkezi here on LinkedIn

In this episode of "Coaching Healthcare Leaders," Dr. Lisa interviews Dr. Katrina Gipson, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Emory University and president of the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Gibson shares her leadership journey, commitment to health equity, and efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in medicine. The conversation explores challenges like provider burnout, healthcare access, and systemic inequities. Dr. Gibson offers practical advice on advocacy, self-care, and boundary-setting, emphasizing the importance of rest and community support. Listeners are encouraged to pursue sustainable leadership and explore Dr. Gibson’s work on health equity.

You can follow more of Dr. Gipson's work by listening to her podcast Culture Shock Therapy Your Health Equity Prescription.

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:02) Dr. Lisa introduces the podcast, its mission, and previews the episode’s guest and topics.

Dr. Gipson’s Background and Leadership Journey (00:01:30) Dr. Lisa reads Dr. Gipson’s bio; Dr. Gipson shares her path into medicine and influences on her leadership.

Commitment to Health Equity and Social Justice (00:03:28) Dr. Gipson discusses her motivation for pursuing health equity, her experiences as a Black woman in STEM, and resilience.

Current Leadership Roles and Day-to-Day Work (00:07:37) Dr. Gipson describes her roles, especially in the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine, and balancing clinical and academic duties.

Mentorship and Building the Healthcare Pipeline (00:08:57) Focus on mentorship programs, supporting underrepresented groups, and the importance of diverse healthcare providers.

Retention and Promotion in Academic Medicine (00:10:53) Challenges and strategies for retaining and promoting diverse faculty in medicine, and the importance of DEI work.

Research, Education, and Advocacy in DEI (00:11:52) The role of research, education, and advocacy in reducing health inequities and empowering communities.

Direct Impact on Patients and Communities (00:14:53) How Dr. Gipson’s work addresses mistrust, cultural humility, and implicit bias to improve patient care and build trust.

Barriers to Care: Mistrust and Social Determinants (00:15:53) Historical and ongoing reasons for mistrust in healthcare among marginalized communities and the impact on care.

Suggestions for Improving Healthcare Delivery (00:19:11) Dr. Gipson’s ideas for addressing burnout, staffing, and making healthcare more accessible and attractive to providers.

Access Challenges and Healthcare Deserts (00:22:54) Discussion of insurance not equaling access, provider shortages, and the impact on patient outcomes.

Affordability and Student Loan Forgiveness (00:24:32) The threat to public service loan forgiveness and its impact on diversity in the physician workforce.

Advice for Thriving in Advocacy and Leadership (00:26:57) Dr. Gipson’s tips for self-care, setting boundaries, and building supportive communities for those in advocacy roles.

Closing Thoughts and Resources (00:30:06) Dr. Gipson shares information about her podcast and website; Dr. Lisa thanks her and closes the episode.

In this episode of "Coaching Healthcare Leaders," Dr. Lisa interviews Dr. Joel Kahn, an experienced physician and health coach.

Dr. Kahn is a medical doctor, a nationally board-certified (NBC-HWC) lifestyle medicine coach, a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and a Harvard CHEF-certified culinary coach. He obtained his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, completed his residency in internal medicine at ChristianaCare, and received his medical informatics training at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Kahn shares his career journey from medicine to healthcare technology and executive leadership, ultimately focusing on health and wellness coaching for both patients and clinicians. The discussion covers physician burnout, challenges in healthcare technology, and the evolving role of coaching. Dr. Kahn offers practical self-care tips and insights into behavioral change, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and self-care for thriving in the healthcare field.

Listeners can connect with Dr. Kahn through his website for further information and coaching support.

Introduction and Guest Bio (00:00:03) Dr. Lisa introduces Dr. Joel Kahn, summarizing his background in medicine, business, and health technology.

Career Journey and Inflection Points (00:01:27) Dr. Kahn discusses his career path, including pivotal decisions between music, medicine, and software development.

Transition to Business and Health Tech (00:03:23) Dr. Kahn describes moving into medical informatics, health tech startups, and the business side of healthcare.

Shift to Mindfulness and Coaching (00:04:29) He explains his transition into mindfulness programs, coaching, and becoming a board-certified health and wellness coach.

Current Roles and Daily Work (00:07:44) Dr. Kahn outlines his daily activities, including coaching, mentoring, advising, and some clinical work.

Challenges in Clinical Practice and Compliance (00:09:17) He discusses ongoing challenges with compliance, technology, and the realities of clinical charting.

Coaching Approach and Client Types (00:09:41) Dr. Kahn explains his coaching methods, differentiating between patient clients and clinician/executive clients.

Addressing Burnout and Career Transitions (00:11:04) He details his work with healthcare professionals facing burnout and those seeking career changes.

Healthcare System Challenges and AI (00:13:58) Dr. Kahn addresses broader healthcare challenges, including the impact of AI, technology, and the evolving role of coaching.

Coaching in Healthcare Organizations (00:17:02) He comments on how healthcare systems are beginning to integrate coaching, though often as case management.

Growth of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition (00:18:02) Dr. Kahn notes the increasing emphasis on nutrition and preventive health in medical education.

Self-Care and Thriving Amid Adversity (00:18:48) He offers practical self-care tips for thriving in challenging environments, emphasizing exercise, stress management, and openness to opportunities.

How to Connect with Dr. Kahn (00:19:50) Dr. Kahn shares his website and encourages listeners to reach out for networking or questions.

In this episode of "Coaching Healthcare Leaders," Dr. Alexander Itskovitch, medical director of the State Ser Cancer Center, shares his journey from aspiring surgeon to healthcare executive, highlighting the importance of mentorship, team empowerment, and work-life balance.

He discusses leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance patient care and emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive organizational culture. The conversation addresses physician burnout and the need for supportive leadership. Dr. Alexander’s insights offer valuable lessons on fostering resilient healthcare teams and enhancing patient outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and prioritizing staff well-being.

Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (00:00:02) Dr. Lisa introduces the podcast, its mission, and welcomes Dr. Alexander, highlighting his background and achievements.

Dr. Alexander’s Career Journey (00:02:16) Dr. Alexander shares his early interest in surgery, training path, mentorship, and progression into leadership roles.

Transition to Medical Director Role (00:04:51) Dr. Alexander discusses the pivotal decision to move into an administrative leadership position at a community cancer center.

Training Required for Hepatobiliary Surgery (00:05:31) Explanation of the educational and training pathway to become a hepatobiliary surgeon, emphasizing mentorship and apprenticeship.

Importance of Mentorship in Medicine (00:06:41) Discussion on the critical role of mentorship in medical training and ongoing professional development.

A Day in the Life of a Medical Director (00:08:09) Dr. Alexander describes balancing clinical and administrative duties, weekly schedule, and responsibilities as a cancer center director.

Impacting the Community Through Cancer Care (00:10:22) Exploration of how cancer screening, prevention, and high-risk programs benefit the local community.

Challenges in Cancer Screening and Follow-Up (00:12:45) Addressing logistical and socioeconomic barriers to effective cancer screening and follow-up, and their impact on outcomes and costs.

Information Overload and Integration in Healthcare (00:15:02) Challenges of managing vast medical information, the need for better integration, and the potential of AI to assist.

Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Care (00:16:41) Examples of AI implementation to track incidental findings and improve patient safety and follow-up.

Barriers to AI Adoption in Health Systems (00:18:28) Discussion on IT limitations, need for expertise, and bridging the gap between IT and clinical teams for AI adoption.

Leadership and Team Management Philosophy (00:20:26) Dr. Alexander shares his leadership style, focus on culture, empowering team members, and hiring for fit and excellence.

Empowering Teams and Achieving Success (00:23:10) Anecdotes about hiring strong team members, their impact on clinical trial enrollment, and the motivation derived from a great team.

Work-Life Balance and Physician Well-being (00:24:19)- Strategies for Maintaining Personal Well-being, Setting Boundaries, and Encouraging Staff to Prioritize Self-Care.

Leadership Responsibility and Staff Consideration (00:26:20) Emphasizes the leader’s role in considering staff well-being, preventing burnout, and making thoughtful administrative decisions.

Conclusion and Appreciation (00:27:15) Dr. Lisa thanks Dr. Alexander for sharing his journey and insights, closing the episode.

Follow Dr. Itskovitch on LinkedIn

In this episode of "Coaching Healthcare Leaders," Dr. Lisa interviews Dr. Tanya Harris, a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Dr. Harris shares her inspiring career journey, leadership philosophy, and experiences developing innovative rehabilitation protocols. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, active listening, and creating supportive work environments. Dr. Harris addresses challenges in rehabilitation services, including insurance barriers and public misconceptions, and advocates for better systems and education.

The episode concludes with practical advice for healthcare leaders on fostering team engagement, finding purpose, and promoting joy in the workplace to enhance patient care.

Introduction and Guest Bio (00:00:02) Dr. Lisa introduces the podcast and Dr. Tanya Harris, summarizing her background and achievements in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Early Influences and Career Path (00:03:14) Dr. Harris discusses her early interest in medicine, family influences, and how mentorship led her to physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Understanding Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (00:07:18) Discussion about the field’s origins, its under-recognition, and the importance of educating others about rehabilitation services.

A Day in the Life of a Medical Director (00:08:20) Dr. Harris describes her daily routine, balancing patient care and staff engagement, and her focus on team collaboration.

Leadership Style and Team Empowerment (00:11:19) Dr. Harris explains her “roundtable” leadership style, encouraging all team members to have a voice and fostering inclusivity.

Improving Team Collaboration: Practical Example (00:15:55) A real-life example of nurses and therapists collaborating to solve patient care issues, resulting in improved outcomes.

Challenges in Rehabilitation Medicine (00:18:41) Dr. Harris outlines major challenges: lack of awareness about rehab services and insurance barriers, and shares strategies to address them.

Healthcare Systems: US vs. New Zealand (00:22:36) Comparison of healthcare systems, highlighting New Zealand’s dual public-private model and its benefits for patient care and provider costs.

Leadership Pearls and Personal Priorities (00:24:20) Dr. Harris shares advice for leaders: set priorities, act with intention, and cultivate personal joy to enhance leadership and care.

Closing and Contact Information (00:27:43) Dr. Harris provides her contact details and resources, and Dr. Lisa wraps up the episode.

In this episode of the "Leading Ladies in Healthcare" podcast, Dr. Lisa explores the transformative power of coaching skills for women leaders in healthcare. She shares her journey from a traditional top-down leadership style to a more collaborative coaching approach. Dr. Lisa emphasizes the importance of powerful questioning, active listening, and curiosity without judgment as essential skills for effective leadership. She introduces a new 12-week program, "Coaching Skills for Healthcare Leaders," designed to help women leaders develop these skills, enhance team performance, and create a positive work environment. Dr. Lisa's insights offer valuable guidance for fostering collaboration and empowerment in healthcare settings.

In this episode of the "Leading Ladies in Healthcare" podcast, Dr. Lisa, a seasoned family physician, and executive leadership coach, addresses the challenges women face in the workplace, particularly the pressure to be likable. She identifies six habits that can undermine women's leadership presence: over-apologizing, second-guessing decisions, using soft language, avoiding conflict, deflecting praise, and exhibiting nervous body language. Dr. Lisa offers practical tips to overcome these habits, encouraging women to embrace their authentic selves while maintaining authority and assertiveness. The episode aims to empower women leaders in healthcare to recognize and combat gender bias.

Dr. Lisa and Sandra Madhere engage in this edition of the Leading Ladies in Healthcare podcast regarding the vital place that personal branding has for women in leadership positions. Dr. Lisa first addresses the topic and recollects her experience working with Sandra to establish her brand image. Sandra then recalls her personal story and shift from working in corporate America to becoming an entrepreneur. Sandra emphasizes the essential role that genuine branding plays, which is about building a unique identity to connect with audiences. This episode reveals strategies for building your brand, including maximizing your social media use and networking skills. It stresses the importance of women coming together to help one another reach their career goals.

If you are looking to work with Sandra Madhere to develop your personal brand then click here!

If you are at a crossroads and need guidance on the next steps in your career, schedule your discovery call today! Click here to schedule a call with me!