The Inside View: A Coaching Conversation with Client Dr. Reema Padia

In this episode of Medical Mentor Coaching, Dr. Stacey Ishman welcomes her first guest, Dr. Reema Padia, a pediatric otolaryngologist at the University of Utah and Associate Professor in her seventh year of practice.

Dr. Padia shares her experience transitioning to a new institution, stepping into leadership, and navigating promotion while balancing family life and personal goals. Together, they explore how coaching can support early- and mid-career physicians in building national presence, strengthening leadership skills, and creating a career that feels both meaningful and sustainable.

No need to take notes—check out the Blog for a summary of these insights.

If you are interested in coaching for physicians in the first 10 years of practice—whether individually or at the department level—DM me on Instagram @sishmancoach or email me at [email protected] .

My mission is to help you build clarity, momentum, and a personalized path to your version of success in academic medicine.

Join us to intentionally shape your career.

1. Introduction & Career Background (0:00 – 1:00)

Introduction of Dr. Reema Padia

Pediatric otolaryngologist at University of Utah

Seventh year of practice, Associate Professor

Transitioned institutions and stepped into leadership

2. Transitioning Institutions & Taking on Leadership (1:00 – 3:00)

Moving across the country with two children

New department, new leadership role

Leading an established team as the “new person”

Recognizing the need for support during major transitions

3. Building Trust as a New Leader (3:00 – 4:30)

Balancing vision with humility

Avoiding the urge to “change everything” immediately

Focusing on relationship-building and trust

Positioning herself as the “glue” rather than the disruptor

4. From Broad Emails to Targeted Conversations (4:30 – 6:30)

Why “Let me know if you’re interested” often fails

The power of one-on-one conversations

Asking concrete, directed questions

Creating buy-in through personal connection

5. Creating Structure: Retreats & Program Growth (5:00 – 6:30)

Launching a vascular anomalies program retreat

Scaling ideas realistically (lunch-hour retreat vs. grand event)

Generating feedback with focused questions

Supporting interdisciplinary collaboration

6. Surgical Coaching & Interdepartmental Coaching (6:30 – 9:30)

Partnering with University of Colorado for resident coaching

Benefits of cross-institutional coaching

Psychological safety for residents

What surgical coaching is and how it works

Coaching focused on efficiency, communication, and teaching

7. Bringing Coaching to the Department Level (9:30 – 12:30)

Why coaching isn’t just about promotion

Accountability and implementation

Faculty across career stages benefiting from coaching

Strengthening academic alignment and shared goals

8. Expanding National Presence (11:30 – 13:00)

Strategies for increasing visibility

Committee involvement and academic networking

Connecting with colleagues across subspecialties

Coaching across the lifespan of academic medicine

9. Coaching Beyond Promotion (13:30 – 16:00)

Coaching is not therapy—it’s forward-focused

Individualized goal-setting

Consistency and cadence (monthly vs. twice monthly sessions)

The importance of accountability

10. Boundaries, Priorities & Work-Life Integration (16:00 – 18:30)

Moving away from arbitrary promotion timelines

Choosing activities aligned with genuine interest

Letting go of “CV padding”

Fully engaging in family time without guilt

11. Identity Outside of Medicine (18:30 – 19:30)

Joining an adult recreational soccer league

Building friendships outside of work

Reclaiming personal identity beyond physician and parent

12. Setting Ambitious Personal Goals (19:00 – 19:45)

Training for a Half Ironman

Bringing colleagues along for the journey

Modeling enjoyment and shared growth

13. Final Advice: Enjoy the Process (20:00 – 21:00)

Avoiding arbitrary timelines

Focusing on meaningful goals

Enjoying leadership rather than rushing through it

Buy-in grows when people see authentic investment

14. Closing Thoughts (21:00 – End)

Growth in leadership communication

Building momentum through small shifts

Invitation to connect and explore coaching

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If you are interested in getting in touch with us or providing topic suggestions, please:

● DM me on Instagram at @sishmancoach
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