The PLA Podcast

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In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa welcomes PLA Alumni, coach, and Ohio State pathologist Dr. Melinda Schumacher for a fascinating conversation about equine experiential learning and the unexpected lessons horses can teach us about ourselves and our leadership.
 
 Drawing on her experience as a physician and coach, Dr. Schumacher shares how interacting with horses can help individuals develop greater self-awareness, strengthen their intuition, and navigate personal and professional challenges. Through real-life examples, she illustrates how horses encourage us to slow down, recognize our emotions, communicate more effectively, and find clarity in moments of uncertainty.
 
 Together, they explore themes central to the PLA experience, including mindfulness, presence, relationship-building, and trusting our inner wisdom. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on personal growth and a reminder that some of life's most powerful leadership lessons come from simply paying attention.

Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org.

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

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In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa welcomes PLA graduate and pediatrician Dr. Purbi Sahai for a thoughtful conversation about what happens after the Physicians Leadership Academy experience and how personal transformation continues long after graduation.  

Drawing on her own journey through a significant life transition, Dr. Sahai reflects on rediscovering purpose, embracing uncertainty, and creating a new path forward both personally and professionally. 

Together, they explore themes of self-awareness, boundaries, vulnerability, and the importance of slowing down to reconnect with what matters most. Dr. Sahai shares how PLA helped her move beyond the expectations of a traditional career path, lean into curiosity and growth, and become the author of her own life. 

Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org.

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/

Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

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In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa welcomes PLA faculty member, physician leader, and healthcare coach Dr. Mrunal Shah for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, organizational culture, and the evolving challenges facing physicians today.

Drawing on years of experience working with physicians across Central Ohio, Dr. Shah shares insights into the changing healthcare landscape, including increasing administrative burdens, shifting employment models, and the growing need for physicians to lead in new ways. Together, they explore why leadership requires a different skill set than clinical excellence, and how qualities such as curiosity, humility, and collaboration can help physicians navigate complexity more effectively.

Whether you are leading a team, caring for patients, or simply navigating life's challenges, this conversation offers an invitation to practice curiosity, embrace continuous growth, and discover the relief that comes from leading with openness rather than certainty.

Enrollment is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy, which begins in September 2026. Information and the application may be found at https://www.physiciansleadershipacademy.org/placlassof20262027.
 
Learn more about Dr. Mrunal Shah and Thrive Healthcare Coaching & Consulting: https://thrivehcc.com/

Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org.

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/

Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

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In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa welcomes Tracy Davidson, CEO of the Columbus Medical Association and Affiliates, for a conversation about physician belonging, leadership, and the importance of community in healthcare. Together, they explore the organization’s new vision, the growing challenges of physician isolation, and why connection, shared purpose, and collaboration are essential for building healthier communities and a stronger future for medicine. 

“The Upswing” book by Robert D Putnam: More information.

Read with a Doc: The next session August 8, at 2:00pm, Hilliard Library, 4500 Hickory Chase Way. More information.  

Doc to Doc: This program is a confidential peer support program that provides access to an empathetic network of physician peers who have been professionally trained to support colleagues in need. Find more information.

SAVE THE DATE: Illuminate, the CMA’s annual celebration is on October 22, 2026. Find more information and RSVP today today. 

Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org.

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/

Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

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In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa sits down with PLA founder Phil Cass for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about his recent journey into end-of-life coaching.

After decades of leadership, coaching, and service to physicians, Phil shares how a silent retreat, personal loss, and his own health scare led him to explore a new purpose: supporting individuals and families as they face death. Now trained as an end-of-life-coach, Phil reflects on the power of presence, listening, and reducing fear at life’s most vulnerable moments.

Together, they explore how conversations about death can bring clarity, connection, and even joy, and why so many people already hold deep insight into what a “good death” and a meaningful life look like. Phil also offers practical reflections on preparing for the end, from writing ethical wills to having honest conversations with loved ones, and shares how this work continues to shape his own approach to living fully.

Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org.

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/

Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

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In part two of our conversation with aesthetician, artist, and craniosacral therapy practitioner Amy Linville, host and PLA Director of Alumni Programming Dr. Stephanie Costa continues their conversation focusing on biodynamic craniosacral therapy (CST) and its relevance for healthcare professionals managing chronic stress and trauma.

Amy explains how stress can lead to “chronic bracing,” and describes how safe, negotiated relational touch can help the autonomic nervous system soften and regulate beyond simply telling oneself to relax. 
 
Learn more about Amy on her website: https://www.amylinville.com/

Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org.

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/

Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

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Host and PLA Director of Alumni Programming Dr. Stephanie Costa speaks with Amy Linville, an aesthetician who also incorporates biodynamic craniosacral therapy, about building a creative life through drawing.

In Part 1 of their conversation, they discuss approachable practices such as 10-minute drawing challenges focused on process over product, noticing nervous system regulation and body awareness, and using constraints like time to reduce perfectionism. 
 
Learn more about Amy on her website: https://www.amylinville.com/ 

Try Amy's drawing game here: https://bit.ly/4cmu6ct

Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org.

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/

Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Stephanie Costa, Director of Alumni Programming at the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA), talks with PLA graduate Dr. Dean Agra, formerly a nephrologist and now a full-time addiction medicine physician, about how martial arts support mindfulness, grounding, and leading as one’s truest self.

Dean shares how he first explored martial arts as a child, returned to training in medical school as a physical and mental outlet, and now practices three to five times per week as a “moving meditation” that helps him stay focused and present. He discusses the complementary nature of PLA mindfulness teachings with martial arts, outlines disciplines he’s trained in (including kung fu, ninjitsu, Muay Thai, and tai chi), and offers suggestions for beginners seeking breath work, fitness, or practical self-defense.

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/

Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

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Amy Marzluff shares her coaching journey and unique approach to helping people rediscover their dreams. This episode explores physician burnout, leadership, retirement, and life transitions—and how reconnecting with purpose can support both personal and professional well-being. 

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/

Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

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Psychiatrist and OhioHealth Medical Director of Provider Well-Being Dr. Carol Chung joins host Stephanie Costa to discuss physician well-being, trauma, and the importance of seeking support in medicine. They explore burnout versus depression, peer support, trauma-informed care, and how EMDR can help clinicians heal and return to work stronger. A thoughtful conversation about leadership, compassion, and changing the culture of medicine from within. 

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/

Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org