If you’ve ever questioned whether you really belong in medicine — even with the credentials, experience, and evidence to prove it — this episode is for you. Imposter syndrome shows up quietly but powerfully in medicine, often pushing high-achieving providers to overwork, downplay their success, and silently burn out. Today, we're unpacking what imposter syndrome really is, how it shows up throughout your career, and the five types that Dr. Valerie Young identified (yes, you'll probably see yourself in more than one).

We’ll also explore how imposter syndrome affects your financial wellness — from undercharging and overworking to avoiding financial decisions altogether. Because feeling like a fraud doesn’t just drain your energy — it can impact your income, your burnout level, and your future freedom.

Grab your free Guide to Fight Imposter Syndrome in Medicine to reflect on your own experiences and take practical steps to start believing in your worth again. You are not an imposter — you're a human being in a high-stakes job doing amazing, life-changing work. Let's talk about it.

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—your finances need a refresh too! If you’re tired of cluttered accounts, surprise tax bills, or money slipping through the cracks, this episode is the reset button you need. We’re walking you through 10 simple (and actually doable) steps to get your financial life in order. From canceling useless subscriptions and automating your savings to organizing your accounts, we’re covering all the ways to tidy up your money and make it work smarter for you.

Think of it like giving your finances a deep clean—except instead of scrubbing floors, you’re finding hidden cash, cutting down stress, and setting yourself up for long-term success. Plus, we’ll talk about why health is wealth and how prioritizing your well-being is just as important as managing your budget. So grab a coffee (or a calculator), and let’s get your financial house in order!

Download your free Financial Spring Cleaning Checklist now! 

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

Keywords: physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student 

Frugality is a powerful tool for paying off debt, allowing you to cut unnecessary expenses, focus on essentials, develop discipline, and accelerate financial freedom. However, staying frugal for too long can lead to a scarcity mindset, making it hard to enjoy your money even after paying off your debt and achieving stability. While being frugal for a season helps you break free from debt, true financial freedom comes from learning to spend intentionally on what truly matters in your life!

The downside of extreme frugality is that it can create fear of spending and prevent you from investing in your well-being, relationships, and experiences. Money is not just for saving and hoarding—it’s a tool for creating a meaningful life. Transitioning from frugality to abundance means reframing spending as an investment in your happiness and values, rather than a loss.

Take a listen to learn how to develop the skill of spending in your life. Learn to spend intentionally by identifying what brings you joy, and creating an intentional spending plan that balances needs, wealth-building, experiences, and giving. Learn how to practice conscious spending and how to overcome guilt around spending. The goal is to move beyond restriction and build a life of financial security, freedom, and fulfillment on your way to financial independence! 

Download your free Step-By-Step Guide to Develop the Skill of Spending today! You'll also receive access to journal prompts that will help you reflect on your mindset and beliefs during your journey to financial independence. 

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

Keywords: physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student , money mindset , psychology of money 

Want to make your savings work harder for you without lifting a finger? In this episode, we’re taking it back to basics and discussing High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs)—what they are, why they matter, and how they can help you grow your emergency fund and sinking funds faster than a traditional savings account. If your money is sitting in a regular savings account earning pennies, it’s time to upgrade!

I’ll cover why HYSAs are a game-changer for savings, how to use them strategically for financial goals, and the difference between an emergency fund (for life’s unexpected hits) and sinking funds (for planned expenses like car repairs and vacations). Plus, you'll get motivated to open your HYSA today so you can start earning higher interest ASAP. Don’t let your hard-earned cash sit idle—tune in and take action!

Open your HYSA through Wealthfront with this link for an additional 0.50% boost to your APY for 3 months: https://www.wealthfront.com/c/affiliates/invited/AFFD-4T9D-S98P-EC65 

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your FREE copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

Keywords: physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student

In this episode, we sit down with McKenna Morgan, PA-C, who has navigated multiple specialties and career transitions while pursuing financial independence (FI). McKenna shares insights from their journey, starting with early financial lessons learned from her family that included playing the board game Cashflow. We explore how she strategically tackled $168K in student loan debt after graduating from PA school.Through intentional lifestyle choices and a commitment to financial literacy, McKenna made remarkable progress toward financial freedom while still working in healthcare.

We also discuss the power of downsizing and minimalism, uncovering how these shifts not only reduced her financial stress but also opened doors to new opportunities. McKenna shares her experience stepping taking a sabbatical and ultimately deciding to step away from medicine while finding the courage to walk away from a career and jobs that lead to burnout. Through her story, we see how FI isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating options, reclaiming time, and prioritizing well-being. Whether you're a physician assistant / physician associate like McKenna, or another healthcare professional seeking more control over your financial and personal life, this conversation is full of inspiration and practical takeaways.

Resources Mentioned:

Cashflow board game 

Cashflow for kids 

The Mr. Money Mustache blog post The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement 

Connect with McKenna: 

Instagram @mckenna830 

Email: [email protected] 

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your FREE copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

Keywords: burnout in healthcare , burnout in medicine , healthcare sabbatical , sabbatical in medicine , physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student

In this episode, we meet Johanna Moses, PA-C, an inspiring guest who shares her journey of starting a nonprofit organization. On your way to financial independence, maybe you've considered which type of nonprofit organization you would like to start or donate your time or wealth to. Doing so would allow your wealth to have purpose and impact for the causes you care deeply about. 

Johanna is the Founder of a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, The Ephraim Foundation International, an organization whose mission is to empower, educate, and encourage children and families in impoverished areas of Sri Lanka through educational programs and micro-business support. In this episode, she shares how her nonprofit supports entrepreneurship and sustainability with those it helps. 

Johanna is also the author of the children’s book series "Little Evie’s Big Dreams". This story is not just about a girl who dreams; it's about a girl who brings her dreams to life, adding color not only to her canvas but to the lives of those around her. A tale that celebrates the beauty of dreams, the power of imagination, and the endless possibilities that come when we dare to create and innovate.

Johanna has been a practicing PA for over 12 years now and has been primarily in hospital medicine, internal medicine, urgent care and now post-acute care.

Johanna also started a podcast to encourage and empower women through inspiring and impactful conversations that dive deep into stories and journeys of Medicine, Motherhood, and Missions. She loves encouraging others to dream big and find inspiration and hope.

Check out the Medicine Motherhood Missions Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/medicine-motherhood-missions/id1759759710
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35VYJvIJuLWUgjTZIoGWGR?si=9cb437e092c44b0b

Learn more about her 501(c)3 nonprofit; The Ephraim Foundation International: www.ephraimfoundation.org

Connect with Johanna:  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medicine_motherhood_missions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theephraimfoundation

Order her children's books: 

Little Evie’s Big Dreams: The Painter; Sharing Joy & Kindness: https://amzn.to/40nuLTM 
Little Evie's Big Dreams: The Kuku Bike Repair Shop; Sharing Ideas & Working Together: https://amzn.to/4hrgsEK 

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your FREE copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com 

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway   https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ 

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

What is my purpose in life? That is a BIG and heavy question that most of us will ask- often many times throughout our lives! 

Today’s returning guest, Jordan Grumet, MD, shares about his new book, The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy. He reviews the difference between "big P" Purpose and "little p" purpose, and how pursuing (P)urpose often leads to anxiety and disillusionment while pursuing (p)urpose will lead to connection and lasting legacy. 

This episode is packed with gems like reviewing the difference between meaning and purpose in our lives, how to get off the achievement treadmill in life, and finding the purpose anchors in your life. Take a listen to help you identify your purpose in the new year! 

If you enjoyed this episode, take a listen to Episode 81 where Jordan shares about his last book, Taking Stock! 

Resources Mentioned: 

jordangrumet.com

earnandinvest.com  

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your FREE copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com 

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway   https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ 

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

With the end of 2024 in sight, let's take a moment to reflect on and celebrate your money, medicine, and mindset wins of the year!

Resources Mentioned:

Interested in learning more about how to become a PA millionaire within 5 to10 years after your graduation? Learn more about WealthRx here

Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your FREE copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Keywords: physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student

In this inspiring episode our guest Kayla Bassett, a PA ( physician associate / physician assistant ), real estate investor, and Wealth Coach explores her journey toward financial independence and holistic growth. 

We also dive into Kayla’s passion for real estate investing, including her mid-term rental. Kayla opens up about the challenges and rewards of this venture, offering valuable insights for aspiring investors. She shares how she handled a way worse situation than the ever asked question of "what if the toilet gets clogged at 3am"? 

Additionally, we discuss the perfectionist mindset and its potential to lead to analysis paralysis. Kayla shares the strategies she has used to overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs to be able to take action and build momentum.

Beyond money, Kayla highlights the importance of investing in other key areas of life, such as physical health, mental health, and spiritual health. 

Finally, Kayla reflects on her role as a Wealth Coach for the WealthRx program and the personal growth she has experienced while helping others on their way to being PA Millionaires.

Tune in for actionable tips, relatable stories, and encouragement to pursue your version of wealth—both financial and beyond!

Connect with Kayla on IG: @the.health.investor

Resources Mentioned: 

Interested in learning more about how to become a PA millionaire within 5 to10 years after your graduation? Watch the PA Millionaire Roadmap  video to learn more. 

Still a PA student or searching for your first PA job? Check out the Happy PA Academy 

www.biggerpockets.com

Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your FREE copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com 

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway   https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ 

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Keywords: physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student 

In today’s episode, we explore why spending on experiences can bring deeper, longer-lasting happiness than buying things. Research shows that the thrill of new possessions quickly fades as we adapt to them, while experiences stay with us as cherished memories. Experiences also contribute to our personal identity and growth, making us feel more connected and fulfilled. Tune in to learn why investing in memories is one of the best choices you can make!

Interested in learning more about how to become a PA millionaire within 10 years after graduating? Watch the PA Millionaire Roadmap  video to learn more. 

Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]

Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your FREE copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com 

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway   https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ 

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Keywords: physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student