Have you ever felt like you're doing everything "right" in your career, but something still feels off? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm diving into one of my favorite topics — your Zone of Genius. This is where your natural strengths, passions, and most meaningful contributions come together, and discovering it can bring a whole new sense of clarity, energy, and joy to your work.

I'll walk you through the four zones we typically operate in and explain why the Zone of Excellence, while often rewarding, can also leave you feeling stuck or unfulfilled. I'm also sharing real examples from physicians who found compelling new directions by leaning into their Zone of Genius.

If you're at the crossroads, this episode is here to help you start moving toward more purpose and alignment in your next chapter.

• What your Zone of Genius is and how to start identifying it
• The common trap of staying in your Zone of Excellence
• Why external success doesn't always equal personal fulfillment
• What intrinsic rewards are and why they matter
• Inspiring stories from physicians who leaned into their genius
• A simple framework to help uncover your personality, top skills, and ideal impact
• Reflective questions to help you reconnect with what energizes you

Book recommendations:

• The Genius Zone: The Breakthrough Process to End Negative Thinking and Live in True Creativity by Gay Hendricks

• The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level―A Transformative Guide to Overcoming Fears and False Beliefs for Personal Growth and Success by Gay Hendricks

Curious about your Enneagram type?

The Enneagram is one of my favorite tools for helping clients better understand their strengths, motivations, and unique patterns — especially when you're exploring your Zone of Genius.

I recommend the RHETI test from The Enneagram Institute. It's the most accurate version I've found and the one I use in my own coaching work. The test costs $20 and takes about 40 minutes to complete.

If you're ready to gain deeper insight into what truly drives you, you can get started here: www.enneagraminstitute.com/get-started-with-enneagram-tests

We're continuing our podcast-sharing contest through January!Just share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before, then email us:

• the episode(s) you shared, and
• the initials (or another identifier) of the two people

That's it. Email [email protected], and we'll send your prize. People are loving it because it's customizable and genuinely useful—this really is a contest you can't lose

Thank you for listening!

We're often told that gratitude is the answer, that if we could just appreciate what we have, everything would feel better. And while gratitude can be grounding and healing, there is a side of it that doesn't get talked about enough.

In this solo episode, I explore what happens when gratitude turns into pressure, when "I should be grateful" becomes a way of silencing your truth, minimizing your exhaustion, or staying stuck in a situation that no longer fits. This is what I call the gratitude trap, and it's one many physicians encounter, especially at moments of transition.

This episode is an invitation to reclaim gratitude as a source of support rather than self-abandonment. If you've ever questioned your career and then talked yourself out of listening to that inner voice, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we're talking about:

• The difference between gratitude that expands you and gratitude that shuts you down

• How "I should be grateful" can quietly keep you stuck

• Why comparison is not a reason to ignore your own truth

• What authentic gratitude actually sounds like

• Signs your energy is contracting vs. expanding in your work

• How listening to discomfort can point you toward a better fit

• Using gratitude as support rather than pressure

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode237

Links for this episode:

We're continuing our podcast-sharing contest through January 🎁 Just share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before, then email us:

• the episode(s) you shared, and

• the initials (or another identifier) of the two people

That's it. Email [email protected], and we'll send your prize. People are loving it because it's customizable and genuinely useful—this really is a contest you can't lose 🌟

Have you ever found yourself helping a loved one through a confusing medical situation and thought, "I wish I could do this full-time"? You're not alone. Many physicians are naturally drawn to patient advocacy and navigation, even if they don't yet realize it has a name or a career path.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Angie Ingraham, a former trauma surgeon and critical care physician who made a powerful career transition after her father's diagnosis with glioblastoma. Experiencing the healthcare system from the other side opened her eyes to the gaps patients and families face. That journey led her to launch True North Patient Advocates, where she now supports others through complex medical situations with clarity and compassion.

Whether you've thought about becoming a patient advocate and navigator — or are simply curious about what this work actually involves — Angie shares the real-life steps she took to create a fulfilling and sustainable new path.

• How a personal family crisis led Dr. Ingraham to explore patient navigation

• The surprising barriers patients face, even with medical connections

• What professional patient advocates and navigators actually do and how physicians are uniquely qualified

• How she built her business without formal business training

• The variety of clients and services in her day-to-day work

• Financial considerations and typical rates for advocates

• Steps you can take to explore this path for yourself

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode236

Links for this episode:

Dr. Angie Ingram — True North Patient Advocates

Greater National Advocates Directory

Alliance of Professional Health Advocates - Offers a Boot Camp and 100-day program for business startup

Health Advocate X

Patient Advocate Certification Board

National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Work

Episode #68: Being a Patient Advocate is a Real Option

Episode #156: How To Start A Side Gig Or Business As A Patient Navigator

🎉Exciting News: Earn CME Credit with Our Career Tools!

We're thrilled to share that both the LinkedIn Course for Physicians and the Carpe Diem Resume Kit are now approved for CME credit. If you have funds to use before the end of the year or need additional hours, this is a perfect opportunity to invest in your career growth while fulfilling CME requirements.

• LinkedIn Course – 3 CME hours

• Resume Kit – 2 CME hours

You can find both resources under the Products tab or click here for direct access. If you have any questions or would like a sneak peek, just email us at [email protected] and we'd be happy to help!

🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it!

We've got a special prize waiting for you, and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at [email protected] and we'll send you your prize!

Do you ever feel like your workday follows you home — in the form of unfinished charts, inbox messages, and nagging guilt about what's still left to do? You're not alone. For many physicians, charting is the part of the job that never seems to end — and it can leave you feeling exhausted, behind, and questioning whether you'll ever catch up.

Today's guest, Dr. Sarah Smith, knows that struggle firsthand. As a rural family physician, she spent years buried under a mountain of paperwork until she discovered a way to completely transform her workday. Now, as the founder of Charting Coach, she's helped hundreds of physicians learn to finish their notes on time — and reclaim their evenings, weekends, and peace of mind.

In this empowering conversation, Dr. Smith and I dive into the mindset and systems that help physicians finally get ahead of their charts. You'll learn why this isn't just about efficiency, but about freedom — the freedom to leave work at work and enjoy the rest of your life again.

• The moment Dr. Smith realized she couldn't keep living in "charting chaos"

• How noticing — rather than judging — your patterns is the first step toward change

• How perfectionism and impostor syndrome impact charting

• Practical strategies for charting in real time and managing your day more intentionally

• How to set boundaries, reduce interruptions, and get notes done before the next patient

• What "good enough" documentation can look like — and why it's more than enough

• Some tips for using AI to help with charting

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode235

Links for this episode:

Connect with Dr. Smith: Website: https://www.chartingcoach.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChartingCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechartingcoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-smith-999101200

🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it!

We've got a special prize waiting for you, and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at [email protected] and we'll send you your prize!

Have you ever dreamed of practicing medicine in a way that actually fits your life? Where you're not racing through 15-minute visits, drowning in charts, or missing your kid's birthday because of another call weekend? Then this episode is for you.

I'm joined by Dr. Diana Kumar and Dr. Teresa Walsh, two board-certified OB-GYNs who opted out of the grind of a big healthcare system to co-found GLISS Wellness, a nationwide telemedicine practice for women's health and menopause care.

In just eight months, they turned an idea from their "burn book" into a real, thriving business. No perfect plan. No waiting for permission. They just got to work and made it happen.

We're diving into what it really takes to launch your own practice, how they got licensed in all 50 states, and why telemedicine has given them the freedom and flexibility they craved. This is a story about guts, innovation, and rewriting the rules to build a career that finally fits.

• How a trip abroad sparked a new business idea
• Why they chose telemedicine over a brick-and-mortar practice
• The unexpected perks of telehealth for women's care
• How AIR (All In Remote) Academy helped them launch fast and legally
• Why having a partner made all the difference, and what to look for if you're considering teaming up
• How they stacked multiple income streams to stay financially secure during the transition
• The emotional and mindset hurdles of leaving traditional medicine, and how they pushed through the fear

GLISS WELLNESS: The Company Founded by Dr. Diana Kumar and Dr. Teresa Walsh

Gliss Wellness Newsletter: https://substack.com/@glisswellness

@glisswellness and @GlissSpot

To learn more about AIR (All-In-Remote) Physician Academy, sign up for one of their information sessions at airphysicianacademy.com. Don't forget to mention that you heard about the program through Doctor's Crossing!

*Please note: I'm an affiliate for AIR Physician Academy, which means if you sign up through my link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend programs I truly believe in, and this one is a great fit for physicians exploring non-clinical opportunities.

Episode #210: 5 Ways To Increase Your Income and Find Great Opportunities in Telemedicine - with Dr. Takashi Nakamura- cofounder of AIR Academy

Telemedicine Companies - If you're interested in using your clinical skills, making money, and being able to work from home, the beach, or a mountain cabin, telemedicine is worth considering. This FREE resource guide includes a list of over 40 telemedicine companies to choose from.

Have you ever been deep in a seemingly small, repetitive problem at work and thought, "There's got to be a better way"? Today's guest didn't just have that thought—she ran with it, all the way from the ER to the shelves of Amazon.

In this episode, Dr. Liz Clayborne, emergency physician and founder and CEO of Nasaclip, shares how a common clinical nuisance sparked a full blown medical innovation. What started as a passing thought during residency turned into a patented, market-ready device that's now helping people everywhere from Disney cruises to school nurse's offices.

Liz opens up about how she went from taping tongue depressors together to launching a product online. She breaks down the roadmap she followed which included bumps, doubts, funding stress and all—and shows you what's possible when you stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem. Whether your big idea is a device, an app, or just a smarter way to do the thing everyone hates, this conversation will give you the tools (and courage) to start.

• How a single ER shift inspired Dr. Liz to design a new medical device
• What you should do first when you have an idea (spoiler: it's not building a prototype)
• How to deal with imposter syndrome when you're stepping into unfamiliar territory
• The realities of fundraising—and why being a physician can actually be your superpower
• A step-by-step roadmap to go from idea to market
• The surprising ways her invention has made an impact beyond the ER
• Why betting on yourself isn't just brave—it's necessary

Dr. Liz Clayborne:

Contact: [email protected]

Instagram: @drelizpc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethpclayborne/

Nasalip:

Website: nasaclip.com

Nasaclip Instagram: @nasaclip

🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it!

We've got a special prize waiting for you — and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at [email protected] and we'll send you your prize!

Have you ever felt the soul of your workplace—the sense of connection, purpose, and community—start to fade? That's exactly what happened to Dr. Sonia Millan, a board-certified family medicine physician with additional certifications in sports and lifestyle medicine. When her autonomy dwindled and joy disappeared, she knew it was time to make a change.

Instead of leaping into the unknown with one perfect plan, Sonia earned what she calls her "honorary master's in pivotry." She experimented, explored, and stayed curious—trying everything from chart review and patient advocacy to IRB work and prison-system audits. Some paths fit, others didn't, but each step brought her closer to a career she truly loves. And here's the twist: the job she once thought she'd never enjoy is now her 10-out-of-10 dream role.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that clarity doesn't come from waiting for the perfect plan—it comes from moving, experimenting, and letting go of what's not for you.

• How losing autonomy in clinical practice led Sonia to explore new possibilities
• The mindset shift that helped her turn uncertainty into opportunity
• Unexpected lessons she learned from eight years as a white-water rafting guide
• How she tested different nonclinical paths (and what she learned from each one)
• What changed her mind about her current role and why she now loves it
• How curiosity, intuition, and her "lunch litmus test" helped her find her ideal fit
• The spiritual practice that keeps her grounded.

🌟 Private 1:1 Consultations - If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, I offer an hour-long paid consultation via Zoom. This session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some steps for moving forward. If after this consultation you prefer additional support, there is the option of doing one of my coaching programs (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at [email protected].

If you've been in the interview process for a nonclinical job and suddenly find yourself in a holding pattern—no updates, no emails, and no clarity—you're not alone. Delays, ghosting, and rejection can be confusing and discouraging, especially when everything seemed to be going well.

In this episode, Heather shares why these frustrating pauses happen, what might be going on behind the scenes, and most importantly, how to respond so you stay confident, empowered, and ready for the next opportunity. You'll learn practical strategies to follow up respectfully, gain insight from your interview experience, and reframe rejection as redirection toward the right role for you.

Whether you're waiting for a recruiter to reply, feeling ghosted after multiple rounds, or processing a painful "no," this episode offers both empathy and actionable guidance to help you keep moving forward with faith and self-assurance.

• Why delays, ghosting, and rejection happen in nonclinical job searches
• What might be happening behind the silence from recruiters and hiring teams
• When and how to follow up without overdoing it
• The "three P's" of handling rejection
• Why rejection is often redirection—and how to stay open to what's next
• How to learn and grow from every interview experience, no matter the outcome

Episode #154: Top Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Nonclinical Job Interviews – Part 1

Episode #155: Top Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Nonclinical Job Interviews – Part 2

Episode #230: Nail That Recruiter Interview: Build Your Bridge to the Next Round

When you're exploring nonclinical jobs, one of the very first hurdles is often the recruiter screening call. Many physicians assume this will just be a quick, casual chat but in reality, it can make or break whether you move forward in the process.

In this episode, I'll walk you through how to prepare for this important conversation as if I were coaching you one-on-one. You'll learn what recruiters are really looking for, how to connect your story to their needs, and the simple but powerful ways you can build a bridge that sets you apart as a strong candidate.

This isn't about rattling off your CV or giving "perfect" answers. It's about understanding the recruiter's perspective, showing authentic interest, and coming across as both capable and collaborative. By the end, you'll feel much more confident heading into that first call and know how to approach it with professionalism and ease.

• The "three-legged stool" recruiters use to assess candidates
• How to build a bridge between your story and the company's mission
• Tips for answering the classic "Tell me about yourself" opener
• The most common questions you'll hear—and how to be ready for them
• How to handle the dreaded salary question with calm confidence
• Thoughtful questions you can ask to stand out
• Why a warm, timely follow-up email makes such a difference

🌟 Want more support?

Download my free guide, 10 Steps to Rock Your Interviews here. Following these 10 tips will help you strategically prepare for your nonclinical job interviews. You will be more confident, relaxed, and ready to do your best!

And if you'd like personalized prep, you can book a one-off coaching session—just reach out at [email protected] for more

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pivot into a completely new career—especially when you don't fit the traditional mold? In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Michelle Mudge-Riley, a physician who took a bold leap from career coaching into the pharmaceutical world. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to follow your curiosity and explore what else is possible.

We pull back the curtain on her transition, what it felt like to leave a successful business behind, and how she broke into pharma despite not being the typical candidate.

Whether you're just beginning to question your current path or actively exploring nonclinical options, Michelle's story offers honesty, encouragement, and practical tools for the journey ahead. She shares what really happens behind the scenes—from failed interviews and self-doubt to finally landing the right role.

In this episode we're talking about:

• What it's like to make a bold pivot when you don't fit the "traditional" candidate mold.

• How Michelle handled rejection (including one painful interview setback) and kept going.

• Why informational interviews were a game-changer (even when some flopped).

• The mindset shift that helped her overcome fear and finally hit "send" on those messages.

• How she reframed her background to land roles — even without the "right" experience.

• Why she loves her new career in pharma, and why she's glad she made the leap.

• The unexpected part of her new job that brought back joy and connection.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode229

Links for this episode:

Episode #17: 9 Top Nonclinical Side Gigs with Michelle Mudge-Riley

🎁 Share & Win! Want to win a prize? It's simple—share The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast with five people, then email us at [email protected] with their initials (or another easy way to validate). We'd love to thank you with a prize for helping us grow our listener family!