If your medical career is putting a strain on your relationship, you’re not alone. Long hours, endless charting, and the emotional toll of medicine can create disconnection and tension at home. Whether your partner feels neglected, you're struggling with financial disparities, or you're facing difficult conversations, these challenges can feel overwhelming. Today we are joined by Sydney Ashland, a highly respected relationship and transformation coach with over 25 years of experience working with physicians. In this episode, we explore real-life scenarios—Dear Abby style—to address the struggles many physician couples face and how to strengthen communication, navigate career shifts, and build a more connected, fulfilling relationship.

In this episode we’re talking about:

• The impact of long work hours and career stress on relationships.
• How financial dynamics can shift power and create tension.
• Strategies for improving communication and reconnecting with your partner.
• Navigating career transitions while maintaining a strong relationship.
• Practical steps to break unhealthy cycles and foster emotional connection.
• Advice for single physicians seeking meaningful relationships (preview of Episode 220).

Links for this episode:

ihttps://sydneyashland.com/

https://sydneyashland.com/physician-business-coaching-and-consulting/

https://www.amyporterfield.com/2025/01/748/

https://kevinmd.com/2018/01/top-10-lies-doctors-tell.html

https://doctorscrossing.com/19/

Books:

Why Mars and Venus Collide: Improving relationships by Understanding How Men and Women Cope Differently With Stress.  By John Gray   (also available in audio CD).

The Seven Principles for Making A Marriage Work:  A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert.  By John Gottman. 

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

Attached – The New Science of Attachment – How it Can Help You Find And Keep Love. By Amir Levine and Rachel Heller. 

Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types by David Keirse

Today, we explore what happens when you follow your own path—even if it means leaving medicine. My guest, Dr. Maanas Samant, is now the CMIO of a healthcare and fintech company, but his journey into medicine began as a way to please his family. Growing up in a family of physicians, it was the expected path—yet his real passion was always tech.

In this episode, we talk about the question that changed everything, his pivot from internship to consulting at Accenture, the types of projects physicians work on, and what led him into the tech world. If you're considering a career change or craving something new, Dr. Samant’s story is full of insight and inspiration.

In this episode we’re talking about:

• Why Dr. Samant pursued medicine despite knowing his passion was in technology.
• The turning point that made him question whether he wanted to be a doctor.
• How he transitioned from medical training into consulting at Accenture.
• The types of projects physicians can work on in consulting.
• How to reframe your skills and present yourself for nonclinical roles.
• The benefits and challenges of working in healthcare consulting.
• Why networking and positioning yourself as a valuable asset are key to career transitions.

Links for this episode:

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

www.ionixxtech.com

LinkedIn for Physicians Course - Would you rather clean out your garage or attic than “put yourself out there” and network? No worries! My LinkedIn course is geared to make networking doable and fun. I will show you how to connect with people who can be helpful for your career, what to put in your messages, and how to apply strategically for the job you really want. You can learn more about this course and get a sneak peek inside right HERE.

Welcome to Episode 216 of the Doctor’s Crossing Carpe Diem podcast! Today, we’re tackling a major concern for physicians considering career changes—finances. Whether you’re stepping away from clinical work, reducing shifts, or exploring entrepreneurship, financial uncertainty can be daunting.

Joining us is Dr. Jim Dahle, emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor, a top financial education platform for doctors. He shares key strategies for financial independence, career transitions, and smart money decisions. Dr. Dahle also reflects on a life-altering climbing accident that shaped his perspective on financial planning and risk-taking.

In this episode we’re talking about:

• Why financial freedom is key to making career transitions with confidence.
• The importance of early financial planning and getting your “financial ducks in a row.”
• How to determine how much money you need to retire.
• Ways to balance career changes with financial stability.
• The emotional side of financial decision-making and overcoming limiting beliefs.
• Tips for discussing financial changes with a spouse or partner.

Links for this episode:

www.whitecoatinvestor.com 

Episode #196 What Do Nonclinical Jobs Actually Pay?

Hero’s Of My Life Part 1 - Dr. Jim Dahle’s story of his fall on the Grand Tetons

Heros Of My Life Part 2 Physician Transition Starter Kit - A “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. This 25-page guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started.

At 60, Dr. Lynette Charity was fired from her job—an event that could have been devastating but instead became the catalyst for reinvention. In this episode, Dr. Charity shares her journey from growing up in the segregated South to becoming an anesthesiologist, speaker, and comedian. She discusses overcoming adversity, shifting from self-doubt to empowerment, and finding new purpose beyond clinical medicine. Drawing from her book, Escape Plan, she offers insights on resilience, career transitions, and embracing new opportunities at any stage of life. If you’re facing change or seeking inspiration, this episode is for you!

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

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode215

In this episode we’re talking about:

• How Dr. Charity overcame adversity growing up in the segregated South.

• The pivotal moment that led to her decision to become a doctor at age nine.

• How being fired at 60 became a turning point instead of a setback.

• Strategies for shifting your mindset from self-doubt to empowerment.

• How she transitioned into speaking, comedy, and writing after medicine.

• The importance of mentorship, community, and asking for help.

Links for this episode:

Website: DrCharitySpeaks.com

Website: lynettecharitycomedy.com

Instagram: @keynotecharity

Book: Escape Plan

From FIRED to Public Speaker – An Anesthesiologist’s Story: https://doctorscrossing.com/from-fired-to-public-speaker-an-anesthesiologists-story/

Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, time management, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself!

Physician Transition Starter Kit - A “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. This 25-page guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started.

Thank you for listening!

On today’s episode, we’re exploring the transformative world of direct care models with the inspiring Dr. Maryal Concepcion. Dr. Concepcion is a family medicine physician, founder of Big Trees MD in rural Northern California, and host of the My DPC Story podcast. We discuss the direct primary care (DPC) and direct specialty care (DSC) models that allow physicians to practice on their terms while fostering deeper patient relationships. Dr. Concepcion shares her journey from fee-for-service medicine to creating a thriving DPC practice, the freedom and flexibility these models offer, and how they empower both physicians and patients. Whether you’re a primary care provider or a specialist, this conversation will open your eyes to new possibilities in medical practice.

 

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

 

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode214

 

In this episode we’re talking about:

 

• What direct primary care and direct specialty care models are and how they differ from traditional practice.
• The autonomy and flexibility direct care models offer physicians.
• How DPC allows for smaller patient panels and stronger doctor-patient relationships.
• Strategies for starting a direct care practice, including financial considerations.
• The importance of building transparent, patient-focused healthcare systems.
• Leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance patient engagement in direct care practices.
• Insights on pricing strategies and communicating value to patients in a cash-based system.

Links for this episode:

 

Dr. Concepcion’s Links:

https://mydpcstory.com

https://maryal.me

https://bigtreesmd.co

https://thedpcdirectory.com 

 

Dr. Concepcion’s Book Recommendations:

"Spark Start Fires" by Dr. Julie Gunther

 

"The Official Guide to Starting Your Own Direct Primary Care Clinic" by Dr. Douglas Farrago

 

"Byja Blueprint" by Dr. Byron Jasper

 

Episode 98 Take Back Control With A Direct Primary Care Practice

- Featuring a married couple who share a DPC practice and love their freedom and lifestyle. 

 

Episode 150 - Are You Paralyzed By The Siz of Your Goal? Start with a Lemonade Stand. Featuring how a physician started a DPC practice on a shoe-string budget with no prior business experience. 

Private 1:1 Consultations - If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, Dr. Heather Fork offers one-hour paid  Zoom consultations. This one-hour coaching session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some concrete steps for moving forward. Dr. Fork also has a 5-month coaching program for those physicians wanting additional assistance (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at [email protected].

Today we’re tackling the topic of high-stakes exams and board certification—a challenge that many physicians face. Struggling with these exams can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, test-taking anxiety, and even impact career opportunities. To lend their guidance and expertise, I’m joined by two wonderful guests, Dr. Rob Steele and Dr. Charles Bell, founders of Physician Test Prep Professionals. With decades of experience in physician assessment and remediation, they bring a wealth of knowledge to this important topic. In this episode, we discuss actionable strategies for exam preparation, managing anxiety, addressing knowledge gaps, and achieving success on high-stakes exams.

In this episode we’re talking about:

• Common missteps physicians make when preparing for board exams.
• Why creating a structured study plan is essential for success.
• Techniques for identifying and addressing knowledge gaps.
• The benefits of focusing on question-and-answer study formats.
• Strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence on test day.
• Tips for balancing study time with clinical responsibilities and personal life.
• Recognizing and avoiding burnout during intense study phases.

Links for this episode:

Physician Test Prep Professionals

Email address: [email protected]

Text messages can be sent to: 512.442.6195

⏰Time Management Resource - Download a list of books and apps that can help you with time management, procrastination, building successful habits and finding ways to focus.

 

Today we’re diving into five transformative steps to help you uncover clarity and alignment in your career and life. As physicians, we often feel stuck, unsure of the next best move. Whether you’re questioning your future in clinical medicine, considering nonclinical options, or exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, these steps will help you polish your "crystal ball" and uncover what’s right for you. We’ll explore how to assess your career satisfaction, follow your energy, identify internal drivers, develop inner guidance, and give yourself the permission to pursue your true path. By the end of our discussion, you’ll have actionable insights to help guide you toward the career and life that fulfill you most.

 

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

 

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode212

 

In this episode we’re talking about:

• How to quantify your career satisfaction and use it as a guide for decision-making.
• The importance of following your energy to uncover what excites and motivates you.
• Identifying internal drivers and recognizing when they come from a healthy or unhealthy place.
• Developing an inner guidance practice to connect with your deeper self.
• Giving yourself permission to explore new directions and honor your true desires.
• Recognizing external pressures and how to prioritize your own needs and values.

Links for this episode:

Episode #191: How a Daily Inspirational Reading Practice Can Be Transformative

Episode #209: Break the Stress Cycle: Mindfulness Techniques to Master Your Thoughts and Emotions

Leave Your Work at Work (LYWAW) is a free Zoom training designed to help physicians and APPs shave off at least 1 hour from their evening charting.

When: Thursday, Jan 30th at 7pm CT

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• How training and the culture of medicine keep physicians stuck charting
• Practical tips and efficiencies to complete work at the office
• Junaid’s 4-Step framework (the You First Charting Method) to build their own system to finish charting before going home

*Folks can sign up for free to get access to the training live as well as replay access for 48 hours.

Sign up here: https://www.chartingconquered.com/a/2148027704/eRbeEBhn

Today’s episode is about the profound and sometimes challenging topic of purpose. Have you ever felt unsure about your life’s direction or struggled to define your “why”? In this episode, Dr. Jordan Grumet, a hospice physician, author, and host of the Earn & Invest Podcast, shares insights from his latest book, The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy. We discuss how to shift from focusing on lofty "whys" to finding joy in purposeful actions, explore common myths about purpose, and examine how regret can be a surprising catalyst for growth. If you’ve been questioning your career, your goals, or even your daily activities, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on how to reconnect with what truly lights you up.

  In this episode we’re talking about:

• The difference between purpose as action and purpose as “why.”
• How purpose anchors can help you build a more fulfilling life.
• How aligning daily actions with core values can create a sense of purpose.
• Practical steps to move from feeling lost to creating meaningful activities.
• Leveraging regret as a catalyst for personal growth and uncovering your purpose.
• Tips for navigating crossroads in your personal and professional life.

  Links for this episode:

jordangrumet.com

earnandinvest.com

The Purpose Code: How to unlock meaning, maximize happiness, and leave a lasting legacy

7 Key Tips for Writing a Standout Physician Resume

Ready to stand out in the competitive nonclinical job market? Download this guide to learn how to create a concise, focused resume that highlights your unique skills and achievements.

Get Started Using AI: Unlock ChatGPT to Transform Your Work and Life

Discover how ChatGPT can simplify your life and supercharge your productivity with this free guide. It's packed with practical prompts to help you tackle career planning, time management, difficult conversations, meal prep, and more. Start using AI as your 24/7 assistant to streamline your day and achieve your goals!

Today we’re diving back into the exciting and ever-evolving world of telemedicine. If you’ve been curious about exploring telemedicine as a side gig, a way to gain flexibility, or even as a full-time career, this episode is packed with insights and actionable tips. Joining me is Dr. Takashi Nakamura, an emergency medicine physician who transitioned into digital health and now leads in the telemedicine field. From running five national physician groups to coaching others through his AIR Academy, Dr. Nakamura has mastered the art of leveraging telemedicine for both financial and personal fulfillment. Together, we’ll explore five powerful ways to increase your income and expand your opportunities in telemedicine.

In this episode we’re talking about:

• The difference between synchronous and asynchronous telemedicine and how to use both effectively.
• Why obtaining additional state licenses can boost your earning potential.
• Diversifying your telemedicine practice with various roles including supervisory roles, consulting, and directorships.
• Tips for improving efficiency and maximizing productivity in telemedicine roles.
• Understanding telemedicine reimbursement and optimizing for profitability.
• The importance of building a strong network and finding mentors in the digital health space.

Links for this episode:

Telemedicine Freebie - 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 resource guide includes a list of over 40 telemedicine companies to choose from.

allinremote.com

This week’s episode explores how mindfulness can help physicians manage stress, lengthen the pause between trigger and response, and create a sense of calm amidst the chaos. Joining me are two incredible guests, Dr. Jessie Mahoney and Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang, co-hosts of The Mindful Healers Podcast and leaders in mindfulness and physician well-being. We explore practical strategies for incorporating mindfulness into daily life, from clinical settings to home routines to navigating difficult situations. Whether you’re dealing with burnout, struggling to stay present, or simply curious about mindfulness, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to take the first step.

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

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode209

 

In this episode we’re talking about:

• What mindfulness really means and how it helps physicians stay present.
• How honing your capacity to pause and separate triggers and responses can improve interactions with patients and colleagues.
• Practical, quick techniques for staying present and focused that can be used throughout the day.
• The role of cultivating awareness in transforming limiting beliefs and building resilience.
• Mindfulness as a tool for navigating toxic environments or personal challenges.
• Explore the connection between mindfulness and self-compassion.

 

Links for this episode:

www.jessiemahoneymd.com

mindfulhealthcarecollective.com

awakenbreath.org

A 12-Minute 4-7-8 Breathing Meditation