The Worthy Physician

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Have you ever wondered if you truly belong in your chosen field of medicine, especially as you navigate the stressful process of applying for residency spots? Reflecting on my own journey over 13 years ago, I, Dr. Shah-Haque, plan to take you on an enlightening exploration in this episode of The Worthy Physician. 

Remembering why we first chose medicine is crucial, despite the hurdles posed by an imperfect system. This episode serves as a gentle reminder, like a nudge or a guiding hand on your shoulder, telling you that you are worthy of respect, happiness, and psychological security. You are deserving of your spot in the grand scheme of things, so hold your head up high. Tune in for this soulful and inspirational conversation that aims to rekindle your passion for medicine. Don't forget to share and subscribe for more such insightful content.

Connect with Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque:
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To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts!

Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice.  This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone.  If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.


Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/books

Let's connect for speaking opportunities!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/dr-shahhaque-md-as-a-speaker

Check out the free resources from The Worthy Physician:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/freebie-downloads

Battle of the Boxes

21 Day Self Focus Journal

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Have you ever questioned your life's path, even after reaching substantial professional heights? We dive head-first into that question in our latest conversation with Brittany Busse, MD, a brave physician who dared to pivot her career in search of more fulfillment. Taking inspiration from her nurse mother, Brittany embarked on a journey into medicine, finding her niche in surgical specialty. But when a toxic environment and a personal health crisis triggered a profound reevaluation, she chose to make a dramatic career shift.

In our chat, we also navigate the complex terrain of technology and medicine, discovering how the intersection of these two fields can enhance patient relationships and physician practices. We lay bare the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in crafting personalized nutrition plans, enhancing learning about nutrition and lifestyle medicine, and fostering autonomy and creativity in physicians' work. Brittany opens up about her experiences in urgent care, her foray into telehealth, and her unyielding mission to lessen the workload for doctors while optimizing patient outcomes.

The conversation takes a crucial turn as we discuss the pressing issue of supporting physicians for success. We delve into topics such as healthcare coaches, payment models, and authorizations, reiterating the balance between technology and high-touch care. And finally, we broach the heart-wrenching topic of physician suicide, underscoring the value of each individual, the importance of embracing our authentic gifts, and the necessity of seeking help when needed. Tag along for this compelling discussion with Brittany Busse that challenges the status quo and inspires physicians to carve out a fulfilling and balanced professional life.

Connect with Dr. Busse:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-busse-md-6067a8132/
https://www.vitelhealth.com/

Connect with Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts!

Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice.  This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone.  If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.


Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/books

Let's connect for speaking opportunities!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/dr-shahhaque-md-as-a-speaker

Check out the free resources from The Worthy Physician:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/freebie-downloads

Battle of the Boxes

21 Day Self Focus Journal

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What does it mean to be a physician in a system that often overlooks the mental health of its staff? I, your host, found myself pondering over this existential question as I sat down with Larry Schwarm, a man touched by the tragic loss of his wife, Dr. Peg Bicker, a revered physician who sadly took her own life in 2019. Driven by the weight of his loss, and motivated by the memory of Peg's enduring commitment to her patients, Larry and I embark on a poignant exploration of the taboo topic of physician suicide, the stigmatization of mental health in the medical field, and the relentless issue of physician burnout. 

Grappling with the complex, unforgiving landscape of the medical practice, we dissect the systemic issues that contribute to physician burnout - inadequate reimbursement for patient care, intricate coding and quota systems, and the onerous burden of electronic medical records. We delve into the poignant narrative of Peg's battle with depression, revealing the unseen side of a woman who, despite her struggles, was deeply committed to her patients. Larry's experience provides a window into the toll these systemic issues can take on physicians like Peg and opens up a conversation on the need for significant structural changes.

As we navigate the intricacies of this topic, we underscore the urgency for improved professional training for physicians and the unforeseen benefits of a business background in running a medical practice. Our discussion serves as a clarion call for systemic change - a plea to the healthcare industry to safeguard its physicians from the hardships Peg had to endure. Through the heartache of Peg's passing, Larry and I hope to inspire necessary conversations and vital changes. Join us on this journey and let’s work towards creating a support system that truly serves our physicians, both professionally and personally.

You matter. You're replaceable at work, but you are not replaceable at home. There is only one you. Resources. Call 988.

Reach out to Physician Coach Support. Join Physicians Anonymous. They are open to physicians, medical students, and residents.

Connect with Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts!

Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice.  This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone.  If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.


Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/books

Let's connect for speaking opportunities!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/dr-shahhaque-md-as-a-speaker

Check out the free resources from The Worthy Physician:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/freebie-downloads

Battle of the Boxes

21 Day Self Focus Journal

Send us Fan Mail

Ever felt like the human connection is missing in healthcare? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Miriam Zylberglait, a physician with a unique perspective on the patient-doctor relationship, and we delve into the nuances of practicing medicine in today's health system. Born and trained in Peru, Dr. Zylberglait offers an intriguing viewpoint on the challenges and opportunities in medicine as we exchange thoughts on the criticality of trust between patients and physicians and the need for transparency and ethics in the system.

From discussing the issue of burnout and exhaustion among healthcare workers to the impact of the system on patient-centered care, we navigate through the complex landscape of modern healthcare. We underscore the need for a paradigm shift towards more humanistic healthcare, questioning who truly benefits from the current system and its ensuing traumatic effects. We also broach the need for the community's advocacy and making the costs of these problems tangible to healthcare administration.

Our conversation extends to the difficult decision of leaving a job within the healthcare system, something that resonates with professionals across different fields. Zylberglait shares her personal journey of making healthier decisions for herself and her family, emphasizing the importance of setting examples for our children and practicing humanism in our work. Finally, we touch on the power of advocacy, emboldening our listeners with Zylberglait mantra - 'This is your life, this is your choice, this is your journey'. So, tune in and feel empowered to take charge of your journey in medicine.

Connect with Dr. Zylberglait, MD
LinkedIn
WellbeingMD

Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice.  This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone.  If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.


Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/books

Let's connect for speaking opportunities!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/dr-shahhaque-md-as-a-speaker

Check out the free resources from The Worthy Physician:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/freebie-downloads

Battle of the Boxes

21 Day Self Focus Journal

Send us Fan Mail

Ever felt an internal conflict merely expressing your emotions as a man? In the world where societal pressures encourage men to wear a mask, psychologist Furkhan Dandia and I, Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, challenge the norms. This episode is a powerful exploration of men's mental health where Furkhan Dandia shares firsthand why men often hesitate to seek help, due to fear of being labelled as weak or a failure. We dissect these detrimental effects of silence and isolation, stressing the urgent necessity of open dialogues, community support, and secure spaces for men to articulate their emotions freely.

As we peel back the layers on this topic, we discuss the potential of men's groups in providing a feeling of community and the relief these spaces offer from judgement. We delve into the societal constraints that suppress emotional openness amongst men and discuss how we can initiate a shift in these standards. From Furkhan's insightful perspective, he provide practical tips on building sturdy support systems, the importance of identifying and challenging unhelpful expectations, and the transformative power of self-reflection.

Finally, we highlight the critical role compassion, respect, and support play during challenging times. We illuminate the value of connection and shared struggle, emphasizing the power of open conversations in tackling mental health issues. Using Furkhan's personal journey as a catalyst, we reassure you that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, that you're not alone, and that our shared experiences can fuel positive change. So, don't hold back and join us in this thought-provoking episode as we shatter the silence around men's mental health.

Connect with Furkhan:
Social media links:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/eunoiazen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/

Facebook:www.facebook.com/EunoiaZen

Connect with Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts!

Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice.  This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone.  If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.


Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/books

Let's connect for speaking opportunities!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/dr-shahhaque-md-as-a-speaker

Check out the free resources from The Worthy Physician:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/freebie-downloads

Battle of the Boxes

21 Day Self Focus Journal

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever felt the crushing weight of burnout, or struggled to find a safe space to discuss the relentless pressures of the medical field? Let me, Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque give a recap of the past few episodes!
 We address these challenges head-on, providing practical tools like Hope4Med, Physicians Anonymous, and Physician Coach Support. Dr. Jean-Baptiste passionately emphasizes the critical need to reach out for help, reminding us of one poignant truth - while you might be replaceable at work, you aren’t at home. Drawing on the power of pragmatic mindfulness with Dr. Gail Gazelle, we explore how this can shape our daily engagements and ultimately our lives.

Ever felt guilt creeping in when you take time out for self-care? We're on a mission to debunk this harmful myth. In our conversation, we stress the significance of prioritizing tasks and deliberately carving out time for self-care. We share insights on coping with burnout, underlining the necessity of a supportive community. Our discussion taps into my personal journey, illuminating the importance of maintaining our humanity amidst demanding careers. We wrap up the episode emphasizing the value of setting boundaries and making conscious choices about how we spend our time and energy. Trust me, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. So plug in, breathe deep, and let’s embark on this journey together, one step at a time.

Connect with Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts!

Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice.  This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone.  If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.


Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/books

Let's connect for speaking opportunities!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/dr-shahhaque-md-as-a-speaker

Check out the free resources from The Worthy Physician:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/freebie-downloads

Battle of the Boxes

21 Day Self Focus Journal

Send us Fan Mail

Think back to a day when you felt completely drained by work, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of responsibilities resting on your shoulders, and yearned for the elusive work-life balance. You're not alone. Today, we bring you an enlightening conversation with Dr. Mary Leung, a hematologist/oncologist turned certified life coach, who transformed her work-life balance and now helps other physicians do the same.

We start by delving into Dr. Leung's own journey - how she went from being overworked and feeling burned out to effectively managing her time and achieving an ideal work-life balance. She shares insightful strategies on how focusing on our feelings and goals, and giving full attention to one patient at a time, can significantly enhance our work efficiency. We also reveal how a shift in mindset, a positive attitude, and overcoming perfectionism can help physicians better handle the unexpected surprises that medicine often throws our way.

But we don't stop there. We also address the often underrated topic of self-care. We underscore its importance and discuss practical ways to incorporate it into our routine. Dr. Leung emphasizes that caring for ourselves isn't selfish but necessary for us to continue caring for others. In the end, we hope this conversation inspires you to regain control over your time, improve your efficiency, and achieve a healthier work-life balance. Tune in and embark on a journey towards a more satisfying and balanced life in medicine.

Connect with Dr. Leung:
www.shiningwithgratitudemd.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-leung-md-9b52331b4/

Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice.  This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone.  If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.


Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/books

Let's connect for speaking opportunities!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/dr-shahhaque-md-as-a-speaker

Check out the free resources from The Worthy Physician:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/freebie-downloads

Battle of the Boxes

21 Day Self Focus Journal

Send us Fan Mail

-Today's episode is dedicated to the topic of grief, a universal human emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives.
- Join us as we delve into the process of navigating grief, understanding it, and discovering ways to heal and grow from our loss.

- Define grief and its significance in the human experience.

- Explore the emotional, physical, and cognitive manifestations of grief.

Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice.  This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone.  If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.


Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/books

Let's connect for speaking opportunities!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/dr-shahhaque-md-as-a-speaker

Check out the free resources from The Worthy Physician:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/freebie-downloads

Battle of the Boxes

21 Day Self Focus Journal

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we delve deep into the pressing issue of physician burnout and how pragmatic mindfulness and authenticity can serve as powerful tools for recovery. Our guest, Dr. Gail Gazelle, MD, a physician coach, author, speaker among many other hats, shares her personal journey of grappling with burnout and ultimately finding solace .

Together with Dr. Gazelle, we explore the impact of burnout.  Through candid conversations, we discuss the importance of recognizing  and the significance of adopting pragmatic mindfulness practices. We also examine the transformative power of authenticity in healing, both on an individual level and within the healthcare system itself.

Tune in as we uncover the connections between pragmatic mindfulness, authenticity, and mitigating physician burnout. Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking coping mechanisms or simply interested in the intersection of holistic well-being and the medical field, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways for all.

What you’ll learn:

Why she wrote Mindful MD.

How to gain autonomy.

How to be pragmatically mindful.  No, it is not about meditating or yoga.  

You can control happiness.   You can still thrive.

Be aware to not see your life as a problem.

Therapy versus coaching.

Get back to dreaming.

What is your purpose?

Be the master of your mind.

There is reason for hope. 

Connect with Dr. Gazelle:

https://gailgazelle.com/

https://gailgazelle.com/mindfulmd/

[email protected]


Connect with Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts!

Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice.  This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone.  If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.


Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/books

Let's connect for speaking opportunities!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/dr-shahhaque-md-as-a-speaker

Check out the free resources from The Worthy Physician:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/freebie-downloads

Battle of the Boxes

21 Day Self Focus Journal

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Worthy Physician, Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque  interviews Dr. Jean Baptiste, also known as the Metaverse Doc. Dr. JB shares her own experiences and challenges as a full-time ER physician and discusses the creation of her company, Hope4Med. They discuss the importance of having a safe space to release frustrations and find camaraderie in the medical field. Dr. JB's platform aims to provide an outlet for stress and overwhelm early in one's medical career. Tune in to hear Dr. JB's pearls of wisdom and resources for combating physician burnout.

Time Stamps:
[00:02:19] Physician burnout and mental health.

[00:07:57] Anonymity in the Metaverse.

[00:09:54] Mental health in healthcare professionals.

[00:15:26] Mental health in healthcare.

[00:19:53] Training and generational trauma.

[00:23:21] Hope4Med accessibility.

[00:26:42] Hybrid virtual events via Zoom.

Connect with Dr. JB
https://hope4med.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomijeanbaptiste/

Connect with Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts!

Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice.  This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone.  If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.


Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/books

Let's connect for speaking opportunities!
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/dr-shahhaque-md-as-a-speaker

Check out the free resources from The Worthy Physician:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/freebie-downloads

Battle of the Boxes

21 Day Self Focus Journal