Behind every surgeon’s mask is a story you’d never expect—like navigating residency during a divorce, surviving cancer, and still finding time to write books that inspire the next generation.

In this episode, Dr. Tali Lando, a pediatric ENT surgeon, shares her deeply personal and professional journey—from being the only doctor in a large Jewish family to surviving a grueling residency during a divorce, experiencing a miscarriage during fellowship, and ultimately thriving as a surgeon, mother of three, and published author. She candidly discusses the challenges of balancing her demanding career with motherhood, the chaos behind the polished image, and how she carved out time to write two impactful books, including her latest, Breathless: Surgical Tales from the Brink and Back. Through stories both heart-wrenching and humorous, Dr. Lando reflects on resilience, the unpredictability of medicine, and the power of narrative to heal, teach, and inspire.

Tune in to hear a powerful, unfiltered conversation that will leave you inspired, moved, and reminded of the strength it takes to heal others while healing yourself.

Episode Highlights:

●      About Dr. Tali Lando

●      How her childhood fascination with neonatology evolved into a career in Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon

●      Overcoming her personal hardships

●      Juggling a demanding surgical career with the chaos of family life

●      Her path to becoming an author and the process of writing her books

●      Stories from her first book, “Hell and Back”

●      Insights from her new book, Breathless: Surgical Tales from the Brink and Back

●      Her dreams of reaching medical students, creating an audiobook, and adapting her work into a TV series

●      The importance of storytelling, resilience, and finding purpose in the most difficult moments

About Dr. Tali Lando:

Dr. Tali Lando is a pediatric otolaryngologist, author, speaker, and breast cancer survivor whose compelling voice bridges the worlds of medicine and memoir. Fellowship-trained at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a graduate of the Cornell-Columbia ENT residency program, Dr. Lando holds honors from Weill Cornell Medical College and graduated summa cum laude in neuroscience from Columbia University.

Her debut memoir, Hell and Back: Doctor and Patient, Wife and Mom, Dragon Slayer, has been widely acclaimed for its raw honesty and fierce humor. Her second book, “Breathless: Surgical Tales from the Brink and Back” is now available for pre-order on amazon. Her voice is real, raw, full, and heartfelt. Her writing is enthralling, superb, and unflinchingly honest—an edge-of-your-seat experience that resonates deeply with readers. Her stories are vivid and complex, with evolving storylines that unfold like episodes from a gripping, high-stakes medical drama.

A frequent guest on podcasts and in online media, Dr. Lando also connects with a wide audience through her Instagram videos, which are a hit with followers for their wit, insight, and authenticity. A former New York City girl and now a mother of three daughters in Westchester, she brings authenticity, medical insight, and humanity to every stage she steps on and every story she tells.

 Her upcoming book, Breathless (releasing this fall), offers an edge-of-your seat, gripping, deeply human look into the world of pediatric  surgery. “A testament to the precision, resilience, and compassion that define the very best of medicine… A must-read for anyone entering the world of medicine or seeking purpose in their surgical journey.” Dr. Lando continues to inspire with her candor, compassion, and unwavering commitment to both her patients and the next generation of physicians.

 To Pre-Order Breathless: Surgical Tales from the Brink (and Back): https://www.amazon.com/Breathless-Surgical-Tales-Brink-Back/dp/1948238535/

Connect with Dr. Tali Lando:

●      Website | drtalilando.com

●      Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/tali-lando

●      Instagram | @drtalilando

In the finance and business world, women are sometimes perceived as weak entrepreneurs and not considered suitable for work in that field.

In this episode, Shani Bocian, the founder and CEO of Allermi, shares how having chronic allergy rhinitis influenced the development of her company. She talks about the difficulties allergy sufferers have in locating suitable medications and emphasizes the uncertainty and trial-and-error process involved in symptom management. Shani adds that each patient receives a unique set of nasal sprays from Allermi that contain a certain combination of drugs. She also discusses the difficulties she encountered as a young female founder trying to secure financing but also emphasizes the support she received from financiers who shared her mission. Shani discusses several advantages of being a woman founder, such as having access to resources and a strong sense of support among other women business owners.

Listen to Shani Bocian's inspiring journey and learn how she's changing the game in allergy management with Allermi. Discover the challenges she's overcome and the advantages of being a woman founder in the business world. Tune in now for valuable insights and empowerment!

Episode Highlights:

• About Shani Bocian and her experience with allergic rhinitis

• How she partnered with her dad to create Allermi

• Her background in education and her desire to make a difference

• The challenges she faced in starting the business and the determination to push through

• Challenges of being a young female founder pitching to experienced investors

• Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and the importance of perseverance and seeking feedback

• The growth and educational efforts required for the future of Allermi

About Our Shani Bocian:

Shani Bocian is the Co-Founder & CEO of Allermi, a position she has held since 2021. Prior to this role, she was a Graduate Researcher at Brown University in 2016.

Shani Bocian holds a Master of Arts from Brown University in Education, which she obtained in 2017. Shani also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yeshiva University in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation, which she obtained in 2015.

Connect with Shani Bocian:

• Website | www.allermi.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/getallermi

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/shani-bocian-steinberg

• Instagram | @getallermi

• Twitter | @shanibocian

In this episode, Natasha Wilch, a licensed physical therapist from Nanaimo, British Columbia, discusses her experience working with concussion and brain injury patients. She has a clinic called Symphony Brain Performance and also has a company that trains medical professionals across the world on how to treat concussions. Natasha's motivation stems from her own struggles with mental illness and her father's work accident that resulted in brain injury. She underlines the significance of prioritizing one's needs, especially for working women. She also talks about business coaching within the Concussion Nerds network and their coaching services for people with ongoing concussion symptoms.

 About Our Natasha Wilch:

Natasha Wilch has been a Registered Physical Therapist since 2011. She attended the University of British Columbia where she earned a Bachelors in Health Science & Kinesiology and then her Masters in Physical Therapy.

Growing up in the small town of Cranbrook, BC, she always wanted to work in health care. You'd find her volunteering in the hospital’s extended care unit playing piano for the residents, decorating for the season, and reading. As a teenager, she volunteered throughout the hospital as a candy striper. 

The scope of physical therapy is massive and a therapist can choose to specialize in many different areas. From day one, Natasha has worked in neurology. She was inspired by her cousin, who became a quadriplegic after a motorcycle accident, and his stories about the amazing therapists who influenced him and helped him start a new chapter in his life. Natasha focused her clinical practice on working with individuals with spinal cord, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other neurological diagnoses. She continued to develop her toolbox in post-graduate education in neurological rehab, functional neurology, chronic pain, IMS, acupuncture, neuro-optometry, and more.  

When Natasha relocated to Nanaimo, BC in 2014 she wasn’t sure what to do next. She was on maternity leave with her 4-month-old son, Hudson... and this turned out to be a blessing. As she began to look for work in her new city it became clear that there was a massive care gap for the neurological population she loved to treat. She decided to open her own clinic. Symphony Rehabilitation became official in May 2015.  Today, Natasha's passion is evolving the conversation and culture of concussions around the world. She does that through her clinic, Symphony Brain Performance, her online mentorship program for clinicians, Concussion Nerds, and speaking engagements. 

 She believes powerfully that change will come from the front lines - the clinicians and clients. But for clinicians to do their best work they also need to take care of themselves. Natasha supports the WHOLE PERSON.

About Symphony Rehabilitation

They are located in Nanaimo, BC and they absolutely love getting to work with the island community as well as their clients who travel from all over North America. They will work with you 1:1 throughout your journey of concussion, neurological diagnosis, vestibular challenges, or simply wanting to optimize your health and wellness. They have also been offering virtual services since 2017 as location shouldn't be a barrier to you receiving the treatment you need, and it isn't! Connect with them online and they can help you take the next step forward in your journey of health, wellness, and rehab. Let's get you back to your life!

Connect with Natasha Wilch:

• Website | www.natasha-wilch.com and www.symphony-rehab.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/symphonyrehab

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-wilch

• Instagram | @natasha.wilch

Being a Physician leader is not only about your own growth but the growth of your team. By recognizing what you can do to make those around you succeed, you create a postitive workplace culture that leads to better patient care. Tune in to hear more from today's guest, Dr. Natasha Beauvais, as she kicks off Season 4 of the Strong Women in Medicine podcast.

About our guest: 

Natasha W. Lewry Beauvais, MD, MPHis a physician at Northern Virginia Family Practice Associates (NVFP), a family medicine practice that offers full-service concierge health care in the Northern Virginia area. With more than 16 years of professional experience, Dr. Beauvais understands the importance of providing care for the whole family through every stage of life and values the continuation of long-term patient care. 

Dr. Beauvais specializes in serving teenagers, new mothers, and those requiring end-of-life care services. A home-birth advocate who has personally experienced home birth herself, she cares for women throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond, helping them connect with their newborns and providing them with breastfeeding support. 

In her experience, the early stage of the parent-child connection is a pivotal moment for children’s continued growth and well-being, especially during the young adult period. In addition to providing resources for families, she encourages parents to keep up with their children’s yearly check-ins to help develop a stronger doctor-patient relationship so kids can stay educated about their health and feel supported by their doctors as they grow.

Prior to joining NVFP, Dr. Beauvais served as a physician at Unity Health Care in Washington D.C. and co-founded the Women’s Mentoring Program for the American Medical Women’s Association. She has received the Joseph Collins Award for Excellence in Arts and Letters and the University of Connecticut Family Medicine Award.

Dr. Beauvais holds a Bachelor of Arts in American studies and science from Yale University, as well as a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She completed her residency in family medicine at SUNY Stony Brook and Mount Sinai School of Medicine’s Jamaica Hospital Family Practice Residency in New York City. After work, Dr. Beauvais enjoys taking family hikes and gardening. She currently lives in Alexandria with her husband and four children. For more information, please visit www.nvafamilypractice.com.

Quick links:

• Website Link: nvafamilypractice.com

Social Links: LinkedIn, Twitter, Podcast

After practicing in the Lehigh Valley for 15 years, Dr. Kimberly Legg Corba opened the first Direct Primary Care office in the Lehigh Valley on January 2, 2016.  The transition from her established practice to the Direct Primary Care model allows Dr. Corba to continue to provide the highest quality care, for which she has been rated by insurers in the past, while continuing to focus on her patients’ needs with unmatched affordability and convenience.  The DPC model will allow more time and attention to her patients and provide all services at a major discount so her patients can get the best for their healthcare dollars. 

About our guest: Dr. Corba graduated with her medical degree from The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1993.  She completed her Rotating Internship at Allentown Osteopathic Medical Center in 1994.  Dr. Corba completed a year of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency in 1995 at Temple University Hospital and then decided to pursue Family Practice and went on to complete her Residency in 1997 at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Website: https://www.greenhillsdirectfamilycare.com/about-us/

Tune in to the replay of today's episode of the Strong Women in Medicine podcast featuring Dr. Shola Exzrokoli. Dr. Shola is the multi-talented founder and CEO of Balance with Dr. Shola LLC and the Physician Heal Yourself brand. Known for her vibrant personality and innovative approach in her talks, Dr. Shola is passionate about helping to empower early to mid-career women to create lives of more wealth, autonomy, freedom, and fun through her work as a professional coach, speaker, and author.

About our guest:

As a triple licensed Internal Medicine Doctor with nearly twenty years of clinical experience, Dr. Shola understands the unique challenges of being a career woman. After witnessing her high-achieving colleagues suffer under the intense pressure that comes with a career in medicine, Dr. Shola decided she wanted to do more to support professional women, ease the burdens of high stress and beat burnout. This desire led her to coaching, teaching and speaking. Dr. Shola is an in-demand speaker who helps educate, motivate, and empower her audiences. 

She has appeared on Fox 32 News and WVON radio in Chicago and as a guest on Outcome Health TV, an educational TV network shown in waiting rooms across the United States, including the University of Chicago, Stanford University, and Kaiser Permanente. She is also a dynamic keynote and conference speaker, who never fails to show up as her authentic self and inspire others to do the same.

Since 2011, Dr Shola has spoken nationally and internationally at different conferences, organizations, and other events.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, Dr. Shola was speaking at virtual events as well as hosting her own virtual events. 

Dr. Shola is a successful self-published author of several books, including Physician Heal Yourself: 10 Remedies for a Complete LifeMakeover for Doctors. Her work has been featured online at HuffPost and blackdoctor.org.

Born in the UK and raised in Nigeria, Dr. Shola now resides in the USA. Being a global citizen, and very well traveled has helped give her unique perspectives that she shares with her audiences. Witty and practical, with effective use of stories, anecdotes and metaphors, Dr Shola delivers her talks with powerful motivation for her audience.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PhysicianHealYourself/

This week's guest is Dr. Pui-Ying Iroh Tam, a Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist and leadership and life coach who has spent the last 5 years based full-time in Malawi.  Dr. Pui works in the government hospital, leads child health research studies, and mentors amazing young African clinician-researchers to become the next generation of researchers for the country. She will be sharing how she found her dream job in Malawi and how as a leadership and life coach she loves helping others create the life they want.

https://www.drpuicoaching.com

On today's episode of the Strong Women in Medicine podcast, Charlotte Mah, a recovering people pleaser and perfectionist shares her career journey and how she worked to overcome perfectionism and is now helping others do the same. 

About our Guest:

Charlotte Mah is a physiotherapist and health coach who is passionate about using neuro drills to help ambitious, overwhelmed [mostly female!] healthcare professionals to bust stress for good by breaking the cycle of people pleasing and perfectionism so that they can start saying yes to themselves so that they can confidently create the lifestyle and relationships they desire! 

Charlotte, a recovering people pleaser and perfectionist herself, lives on beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia. One of the things that she values most about her work is meeting new people and helping them to feel supported and empowered in achieving their goals. A career in healthcare has also allowed Charlotte to foster her life-long love of learning. She is especially interested in topics such as personal development, functional neurology, relationships, spirituality, and coaching. 

When she isn’t working with clients or spending time with her kitty Nico, Charlotte loves to get outside with her partner or her friends to hike, run, climb, kayak, and surf. She strongly believes that even when we love our careers, we are meant to be living a life of balance! 

If you would like more information about nervous system regulation using neuro drills, feel free to check out this short training video of three of the most effective neuro drills for burnout: https://www.charlottemah.com/burnout-video-link/

Otherwise, you may find Charlotte on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/charlottemah/ 

Or on Instagram at:  cszmah

Charlotte also has a private, inclusive Facebook community of other like minded women in healthcare. Within the group, she does a live training every Friday to share tips and techniques (including incredible neuro drills) to help bust stress and kickstart your recovery from burnout by building resilience in your nervous system! 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectedclinicians

About Our Guest:

Dr. Tammie Chang is a board-certified pediatric hematologist/oncologist physician practicing in the Pacific Northwest. She is the Co-Founder of Pink Coat, MD, a safe community and digital platform to empower women physicians to thrive, and the Founder of Tammie Chang, MD, her thriving women physician's empowerment and leadership coaching practice. She is also the program director of ELEVATE, the American Medical Women's Association's (AMWA) national leadership development program for women physician attendings, Co-Founder of the Women of Influence Network (WIN), and Co-Founder of the Cool Chicks in Medicine community for her health system. She is the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller in 16 Categories, "Boundaries for Women Physicians: Love Your Life and Career in Medicine."

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Chang's journey to becoming a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist
• Her experience with burnout
• Her passion for coaching Women Physicians
• Advice for those experiencing burnout

Connect with Tammie Chang, MD:

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/tammie-chang-md-254821195/
• Twitter |  @tammiechangmd
• Instagram |  @tammiechangmd
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/pink-coat-md
• Website | https://pinkcoatmd.com/
• Website | https://www.tammiechangmd.com/

Resources:

• Boundaries For Women Physicians: Love Your Life And Career In Medicine

Award-winning musician and licensed clinical social worker Michael Romero shares his personal journey of being a caregiver for his Mom who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and how he and his family were able to use music to connect with her as the disease progressed.

Michael is now using his lived experience with Caregiving for persons with Dementia along with creative and technological tools to support other Caregivers and their loved ones.

About our guest: 

Michael D. Romero, LCSW-S is an award-winning Musician and Social Worker from Austin, TX. Romero, founder of Tonality Counseling, PLLC, has served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras and as a U.S. State Department Musical Ambassador. Currently, he teaches at the University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, provides counseling, and writes songs and puppet skits for youth and families on various topics along the childhood journey. Romero’s latest focus utilizes his studies and lived experience with Caregiving for persons with Dementia, blending creative and technological tools to support Caregivers and their loved ones.

Connect with Michael: