Hey everyone, welcome to the podcast. Today, I want to talk to you about the Japanese principle of Ikigai, which essentially means "a reason for being." It involves finding joy, fulfillment, and balance in the daily routine. I shared how I incorporate this principle into my interactions with patients, and how it connects to their health and well-being. Applying this concept to my profession keeps me inspired and allows me to serve the patient and avoid burnout while being paid to do what I love.

But my way of focusing on what I do well to get to my Ikigai isn’t a one-size-fits-all. We’ll explore how you can tailor that mindset for your success.

I hope you find this concept as inspiring as I do, and perhaps even consider applying it in your own life and work. Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks again, and let me know what your Ikigai is on our Substack!

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I start this episode with a confession. My morning routine hit a rough patch for a bit. After a forensic look into how this good habit went awry, I pinpointed its decline. It all started on a Sunday. In this episode, I discuss how my Sunday mornings and weekday evening routines are crucial to starting my days right. I'll give you some advice and a glimpse into what I’m doing now to ensure my weekdays are as positive and productive as possible.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com

Here’s what you need to know. I knew about Alex and his podcast, “Physicians and Properties,” before our show started. We get his personal story here, but you’re really going to get an excellent overview of real estate investment, creating Residential Assistant Living homes, and weighing risk while pursuing your own path. It’s a great talk, and we take a deep dive into the types of properties you can invest in and how the right partnerships can make all the difference. We even get a special guest toward the end of the episode (almost)!

Who is our guest?

Alex Schloe is a husband, father, multifaceted real estate investor, entrepreneur, and podcast host passionate about empowering physicians to achieve financial freedom through real estate. As the co-founder of The RAL Room, Alex specializes in residential assisted living investments, creating opportunities for sustainable and impactful growth in the real estate sector. He hosts the "Physicians and Properties" podcast, where he shares insights and interviews industry experts, helping physicians leverage their unique skills to build profitable real estate portfolios. With a dedication to family, adventure, and lifelong learning, Alex combines his professional expertise with a personal mission to create a future where he never misses a moment with his loved ones.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com

As I sat down with Dr. Una, I couldn't help but be in awe of her journey from a challenging start in her practice to becoming the driving force behind EntreMD. She shared her experiences and approach to owning a successful business, giving docs the tools they need to start or grow their own businesses, and instilling a strong work ethic in your kids. I was blown away by Dr. Una’s commitment to equipping our fellow docs with the tools they need to thrive. It was indeed an inspiring and humbling conversation.

I strongly encourage you to check out EntreMD.Com. The resources and support you’ll find there will undoubtedly motivate and guide you on your journey.

Be well, and I’ll see you next time.

-Jeff

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I met Chris as he came to work at our practice. As a new doctor, his work ethic and commitment to maintaining a healthy balance in life are inspiring. Learn about Dr. Young’s approach to life and work and how preparing for your day can help you work smarter and more effectively. Hopefully, you’ll get something out of this as you work to be a better doctor, partner, and parent.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Keith Jones, the Director of the Wellbeing Program at the Mayo Clinic. Keith tells us about how his personal journey caused him to face his shortfalls and assess what was essential to establishing his own peace. Now, he coaches physicians at the Mayo Clinic on how to become their better selves and, ultimately, better docs.

This was a great talk, and we hope you enjoy it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com

Jeff first heard Dr. Sendhil Krishnan discuss his innovative work in Residential Assisted Living and the MD Senior Living program on a podcast. The Doctorpreneur’s story was inspiring. But this talk covers even more than that. Learn about Sendhil’s battle with burnout, juggling family and medicine, and making the investments to purchase the most precious thing you can have: time.

Share a laugh with these two docs and learn a thing or two.

Don’t forget to check out MD Senior Living Academy.

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If you don’t already have a morning routine, start one. In this early morning release, I discuss Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning and how I adapted the steps to work for me. In this “medicinal morning,” I hope you find some use in this. By starting your day in the right mindset, you set the stage for your day.

Be well, and we’ll talk to you next time.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com

When we began to record our podcast, there was only one guest who made the most sense. Dr. Jerry Hevern. With a medical career that spanned five decades, Dr. Hevern’s success is attributed to his motto "Do common things uncommonly well." In this episode, Jerry shares his perspectives on recognizing stressors, setting time for oneself and loved ones, and pursuing knowledge with a fervent passion. Sadly, Dr. Hevern passed before this episode was released, but we believe that his advice and insights will inspire other doctors.

Stay Well.

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In the first episode of the show, Jeff LaFond, MS, MD, FACG introduces the concept of Physicians First and details his battle against physician burnout and how it led him to share what he learned with you. Learn a bit more about our host, and then subscribe to hear interviews with experts, and gain insight into financial, fitness, and wellness strategies that will help you prevent or defeat burnout in your life and give you the tools you need to be a better doctor.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com