The Catalyst Way™: Creative Strategies for Women in Medicine to Flourish

I think a lot of us silently wonder, “Am I doing something wrong… or am I just not cut out for this anymore?” Especially when we’re juggling being moms and practitioners.

We’re really good at taking care of everyone else and telling ourselves to just keep going even when we’re running on fumes. 

That’s why my conversation with Dr. Rashmi Schramm felt so grounding. 

If you’ve been feeling depleted or unsure of your next step, I hope this episode offers reassurance. You’re not alone. Change doesn’t have to be loud or overwhelming. Sometimes, the smallest shifts are the most transformative.

Dr. Rashmi Schramm is a board certified family physician, an embodied performance coach, retreat host and meditation teacher. She is the host of the Inner Peace and Power podcast.

Rashmi helps busy women to tap into their own inner peace and power so they can live more energetic and fulfilling lives. She offers group and private coaching programs in addition to hosting transformational in person retreats twice a year.

Links:

Connect with Dr. Rashmi Schramm:

Website: https://www.rashmischramm.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drrashmischrammoptimalwellness

Instagram: @dr.rashmischramm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.RashmiSchramm/

Podcast production and show notes provided by The Catalyst Way™

Did you know that women physicians, despite their expertise, have a shorter lifespan than the general population?

What?

Yeah, I know. I was shocked too.

This statistic really stuck with me because it's not about intelligence or access or effort. It's truly showing that the system of health care is not built to help women clinicians succeed at all. It's not built for us emotionally, neurologically or biologically.

If you are a woman clinician right now, silently wondering how much longer you can handle this, this episode is for you. I'm going to break down my latest framework called the Catalyst Energetics – a simple nervous system tool that you can use every day. I've been using this framework inside my coaching sessions, mentoring program and retreats that I teach at.

It's my gift to you so that you can have better intuition, better flow and not become another statistic!

Links:

Catalyst Energetics FREE Course: https://rightbrainrescue.com/l/digital_download/971232/catalyst-energetics 

For other free gifts: https://DrLaraSalyer.com/create 

Connect with Lara:

The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-catalyst-way-creative-strategies-for-women-in/id1611612131 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d96T0XY32NxEefslXhLNo?si=90609a4ca6254dec 

https://www.instagram.com/drlarasalyer/ 

https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/

https://www.tiktok.com/@Creativity.Doctor 

Podcast production and show notes provided by The Catalyst Way™

Blah…

That’s how I feel about AI-generated writing.

I have become personally outraged by all the sloppy AI that I read every day in social media. (However, it's actually working in my favor because I'm not scrolling as much as I used to.) Are you also tired of seeing the same phrases and the same cliches?

Let’s both be better.

In this episode, I’ll teach you the FLAT mnemonic test so you can spot when AI language is leaving you, well, generic. Trust me when I say it will enhance your writing quality!

F - formulaic language

Special bonus! I’ll give you a glimpse at what our Catalysts are saying inside my Catalyst Studio Mentorship. I’ll share all the top apps they're using with AI and how they're using them so that you can level up your experience in the social media realm.

The future of charting with AI: https://drlarasalyer.com/2024/03/22/episode-106-the-future-of-charting-with-ai/

Take the FREE Micropractice Assessment: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/P56ItjWi

Catalyst Studio: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#studio

Brainstorming session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery

Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com

The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-catalyst-way-creative-strategies-for-women-in/id1611612131 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d96T0XY32NxEefslXhLNo?si=90609a4ca6254dec 

https://www.instagram.com/drlarasalyer/ 

https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/

https://www.tiktok.com/@Creativity.Doctor 

Your Apple Watch is reducing your IQ points.

Studies show that each time you turn your focus to something else, even if it's a minor eye glance to look at the pop-up on your window or your Apple Watch message that came in, you lose the equivalent of one IQ point. Eek!

As a woman in medicine, the term invisible work usually evokes highly charged emotions. But, what if I told you multitasking prevents you from getting things done? After a whole day of being distracted, your productivity actually slows down.

In this episode, I'm going to show you what it means to pause, prepare, and make your business run smoother than ever. I’m sharing 4 steps to make your invisible workday productive, powerful, and efficient.

When can you schedule your next invisible workday? And what is going to be the first thing on that list?

Inspire: https://drlarasalyer.com/inspire

Catalyst Studio Mentorship: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#studio

Brainstorming session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery (Use code PODCAST to waive the fee!)

Website: https://drlarasalyer.com

Shop: https://drlarasalyer.com/shop

Catalyst Kit: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/catalyst_kit

Instagram: @drlarasalyer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer

Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer

TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor

Podcast production and show notes provided by The Catalyst Way

Do you provide a heart-centered service?

As clinicians, we are wired for compassion. However, we can fall into the habit of over-giving, under-charging and stretching ourselves so thin, all in the name of helping!

In this episode, I’m sharing 6 creative, ethical and energizing ways to help your community that doesn't cost you your peace. This episode isn't just about giving back. It's also about re-imagining generosity as a creative exchange, as an ethical service and an important exercise in boundaries. 

Most importantly, I’m explaining the energy of abundance.

Money is only one form of energy and most of us in medicine are far more comfortable giving than receiving. If this sounds like you, get ready to unpack 6 alternative ways (with concrete examples of each) that you can imagine ethical generosity.

Inspire: https://drlarasalyer.com/inspire

Catalyst Studio Mentorship: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#studio

Brainstorming session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery (Use code PODCAST to waive the fee!)

Website: https://drlarasalyer.com

Shop: https://drlarasalyer.com/shop

Catalyst Kit: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/catalyst_kit

Instagram: @drlarasalyer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer

Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer

TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor

Podcast production and show notes provided by The Catalyst Way

What lights you up?

In this episode, I’m sharing how my approach to annual visits in functional medicine has changed over the years. Instead of piling on labs and long checklists, I’m leaning into something much more meaningful—creativity and personal values as part of the visit itself.

I walk through the framework I use now, touching on brain health, hormones, metabolism, detox support, structural health, and something we don’t talk about enough: personal fulfillment. My goal is to help practitioners rethink the “annual exam” and turn it into a moment that actually matters for both you and your patient, not just another box to check.

It’s a gentler, more intentional way to practice. Honestly, it feels a lot more human. 

How can you rethink traditional approaches and incorporate meaningful, patient-centered strategies into your practice?

Catalyst Studio Mentorship: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#studio

Brainstorming session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery (Use code PODCAST to waive the fee!)

Website: https://drlarasalyer.com

Shop: https://drlarasalyer.com/shop

Catalyst Kit: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/catalyst_kit

Instagram: @drlarasalyer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer

Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer

TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor

Podcast production and show notes provided by The Catalyst Way

The first 100 feet of your patient’s journey can determine whether they feel safe enough to heal or guarded enough to hold back.

In this episode, I’m wrapping up my four-part miniseries on how to create a trauma-informed and neurodivergent-inclusive onboarding experience. I’ve learned that the way we welcome patients says as much about our care as the medicine we practice. Every detail - the tone of our emails, the questions we ask, the space we create - either builds trust or adds stress. What if every first interaction helped someone exhale and feel seen? What would change in your work if your process reflected safety, autonomy, and genuine connection? I’ll share insights from my Catalyst Studio community and ways to make those first 100 feet of your patient’s journey feel like the start of true healing.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 True Healing Begins When Patients Say Yes

04:25 Why Trauma and Neurodivergence Matter in Onboarding

07:10 Building Trust in the First 100 Feet of the Patient Journey

09:12 Creating a Trauma-Informed Intake and Welcome Experience

16:13 Using Personal Connection to Ease Anxiety and Build Safety

23:23 Giving Patients Choice and Control in Their Care

28:15 How to Prevent Ghosting and Maintain Long-Term Engagement

Links

Learn more about the Catalyst Studio Mentorship  

PODCAST coupon code for a free Brainstorming session

Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer: 

Visit Dr. Lara’s Website

Explore The Catalyst Way

Subscribe to Dr. Lara’s YouTube Channel

Connect with Dr. Lara on LinkedIn

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Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What happens right after someone says “yes” to working with me? That moment always feels small, but it’s where trust starts to deepen and patients begin to understand what it means to be cared for in my practice.

In this episode, I’m talking about the post-discovery-call window - the time after that initial “yes” when alignment, clarity, and values really matter. I’ve learned that how we follow up says as much about our care as the medicine we deliver. So I want you to ask yourself: How do you show patients what it feels like to be part of your world? What does your tone, timing, and communication say about who you are as a clinician?

I’ll share how a few intentional touches - like a short video message, a useful resource, or a thoughtfully written email - can transform the onboarding experience. I’ll also talk about how gathering feedback, even anonymously, helps refine your process and keep it true to your values.

To me, onboarding isn’t a transaction. It’s a continuation of care - a chance to connect, reassure, and show up fully as the kind of practitioner you want to be.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Turning “Yes” Into Connection

03:33 Drive-Thru Analogy: What Your Follow-Up Says About You

05:08 Why the Post-Call Window Matters

06:22 Behavioral Science and Commitment Bias

07:05 Reflecting Your Practice Values

12:22 Creating Ethical Urgency

14:54 Automate or Personalize? Finding the Right Balance

18:20 The Power of Feedback

25:49 Catalyst Reflection Questions

Links

Learn more about the Catalyst Studio Mentorship

Book a Brainstorm Session

Take the Micropractice Assessment

Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer: 

Visit Dr. Lara’s Website

Explore The Catalyst Way

Subscribe to Dr. Lara’s YouTube Channel

Connect with Dr. Lara on LinkedIn

Follow Dr. Lara on Instagram 

Follow Dr. Lara on Facebook

Follow Dr. Lara on TikTok

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Discovery calls don’t have to feel awkward or forced. They can actually be some of the most energizing conversations you have in your practice. In this second part of my Transformational Onboarding Mini-Series, I share my five-step framework for turning those calls into genuine moments of connection and clarity. I call it connect, clarify, align, invite, and detach - a simple flow that helps you stay grounded while confidently guiding patients toward the next step that feels right for them.

If you’ve ever found yourself overexplaining when it’s time to talk about pricing or hesitating to extend an invitation to work together, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I know how uncomfortable it can feel. I’ll walk you through ways to bring more ease and authenticity into these calls so they reflect your values instead of feeling scripted.

I also share why I’ve abandoned high-pressure sales tactics in favor of what I call a “slow cook medicine approach” - a model that builds trust, respects boundaries, and supports patient readiness. By the end of this episode, you’ll see discovery calls as conversations that deepen relationships and remind you why this work still lights you up.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Art of Authentic Discovery Calls

02:52 Why Practitioners Overexplain and How to Stop

04:49 The Five-Step Discovery Call Framework

05:32 Step 1: How to Build Safety and Trust

07:08 Step 2: Clarify the Patient’s Story

10:20 Step 3: Align Your Services with Their Needs

13:30 Step 4: Invite Without Feeling “Salesy”

17:49 Step 5: Detach with Confidence

20:19 What to Avoid in Discovery Calls

23:31 Why Pressure Kills Trust

24:45 Recap: The Flow of a Confident Discovery Call

25:49 Catalyst Question: Strengthening Your Boundaries

Links

Book a Brainstorm Session

Shop at Dr. Lara’s Website

Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer: 

Visit Dr. Lara’s Website

Explore The Catalyst Way

Subscribe to Dr. Lara’s YouTube Channel

Connect with Dr. Lara on LinkedIn

Follow Dr. Lara on Instagram 

Follow Dr. Lara on Facebook

Follow Dr. Lara on TikTok

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Discovery calls can feel uncomfortable, like you’re supposed to sell yourself or convince someone you’re worth the investment. I used to dread them too. Over time, I realized they’re not about persuasion at all. They’re about alignment. These first conversations give both of us a chance to decide if working together feels right.

This is Part 1 of my four-part series on Transformational Onboarding, where I’ll walk you through the red, yellow, and green flags I use when screening new patients. Green flags tell me someone is open, hopeful, and ready to do the work. Red flags show up as rigid expectations, resistance to change, or energy that feels misaligned. Yellow flags live in the middle—hesitancy or nervousness that might clear with more clarity.

I’ll share how I set the stage long before the call with application forms that help patients reflect on their readiness. Often, that simple step sparks their transformation before we’ve even spoken.

My hope is that you walk away seeing onboarding not as something to endure, but as the first step toward building a practice that sustains you and serves the right patients, without guilt.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Transformational Onboarding Series Introduction

03:03 Why Discovery Calls Feel Uncomfortable

08:01 Prescreening Patients with Application Forms

12:22 Green Flags: Signs of an Ideal Patient

18:28 Red Flags: Signs of Misalignment

36:14 Yellow Flags: When to Pause and Reflect

39:38 Catalyst Question and Next Steps

Links

Shop

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Brainstorming Session

Connect with Lara: 

Website

The Catalyst Way

Instagram: @drlarasalyer

Facebook

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YouTube

TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm