The Worthy Physician Podcast

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Discover how to find your inner peace and purpose amidst the chaos with our special guest, Dan Millman, author of "Way of the Peaceful Warrior." Join us as we navigate the critical issue of physician burnout and moral injury, especially in light of the pandemic's impact. Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque and Millman discuss the demanding nature of the medical profession and how it can often strip away humanity and compassion. Learn the concept of the peaceful warrior—maintaining a peaceful heart while confronting life's stresses with a warrior spirit. Understand how viewing daily life as spiritual weight training can fortify you to face greater challenges ahead.

Ever wondered how adversity can actually be beneficial? We explore the value of "voluntary adversity," whether it comes through physical training, intimate relationships, or raising children. Millman shares practical stress management techniques, emphasizing the power of living in the present moment and simple practices like "here and now, breathe and relax." This perspective is vital for professionals, especially doctors, who must reignite their humanity and passion for their work. We also address the psychological and physical toll of physician burnout and share insights on resilience.

In our final segment, we dive into the practical philosophy of the peaceful warrior's approach to living. Highlighting the importance of action over mere thoughts and feelings, Millman discusses willpower and the essence of peaceful living. Learn from his experiences speaking at San Quentin Prison and his personal journey, including the metaphor of learning to unicycle, to understand perseverance and continuous improvement. We also explore the distinction between self-worth and self-esteem and the critical need for self-compassion and balanced health practices. Tune in to gain valuable tools for maintaining both your physical and mental well-being.

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 if you could harness the power of accountability to transform your career and personal life? Join us on this thought-provoking episode of Worldly Physician as we sit down with Dr. Mary Rensel, a renowned neuroimmunologist and entrepreneur. Dr. Rensel takes us through her inspiring journey of creating BrainFresh and the Women’s Physicians Accountability Group, shedding light on the critical role structured support systems play in combating physician burnout and achieving goals. You'll hear firsthand how the principles of medical protocols can be effectively translated into business strategies to foster thriving healthcare professionals.

Discover how the intersection of personal growth, accountability, and neuroscience can be a game-changer in reaching your life ambitions. We discuss the power of hitting weekly goals and the importance of accountability partners, drawing inspiration from real-life stories of intentional living. Dr. Rensel emphasizes the need to reflect on one’s path and integrate passions that align with core strengths and values. With heartfelt recommendations on resources and support systems like the Women's Physicians Accountability Group, this episode is packed with actionable insights for physicians, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to live authentically and purposefully.

Connect with Dr. Rensel:
https://linktr.ee/Dr.MaryRensel

Check out the workbook mentioned in the episode!

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 a text

What if the intense pressures of medical school and residency could be transformed into a journey of self-compassion and personal growth? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Olivia Ong, a remarkable pain and rehabilitation physician from Melbourne, who shares her incredible story of overcoming a spinal cord injury and the harsh, competitive culture of medicine. Through her personal experiences, Dr. Ong discusses the emotional toll of her accident and how it led her to embrace self-compassion, ultimately becoming a beacon of hope and a burnout coach for fellow doctors.

In this episode, we explore the three vital pillars of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness. Listen as Dr. Ong reveals how integrating these principles can transform your inner critic into a supportive ally, reshaping your professional and personal life. We also touch on the profound impact of living a life filled with love and kindness, emphasizing that self-love is not just a luxury but a necessity. This inspiring discussion aims to motivate you to be kinder to yourself and to foster a more compassionate environment in the high-pressure world of medicine. Don't miss this powerful and motivating episode that could redefine your approach to both life and work.

Connect with Dr. Ong:
https://drolivialeeong.com/

The Worthy Physician Store

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 a text

What happens when a driven physician realizes that years of hard work and dedication still leave her feeling inadequate? Join us as Dr. Megan Melo shares her journey through medical school, residency, and beyond, shedding light on the hidden struggles of perfectionism and burnout that many in her profession face. Through candid storytelling, Dr. Melo reveals the toll that relentless pressure and systemic issues in healthcare take on those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

In our conversation, Dr. Melo discusses the critical, yet often overlooked, topic of self-care in the medical field. She recounts the sacrifices made during her 20s and the unrealistic expectations that can lead to disillusionment with the profession. Importantly, she shares her strategies for prioritizing mental and emotional health, such as setting personal boundaries and seeking life coaching. By advocating for self-care, Dr. Melo hopes to inspire fellow physicians to prioritize their well-being and contribute to systemic change that benefits everyone in the healthcare industry.

Navigating emotions and setting boundaries are essential for healthcare providers, and Dr. Melo provides valuable insights into these complex challenges. She discusses the ethical dilemmas of patient demands and the importance of acknowledging and processing negative emotions rather than suppressing them. By reframing thoughts and understanding that one's worth isn't tied to pleasing others, Dr. Melo offers a pathway to maintaining both professional integrity and personal well-being. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in healthcare looking to foster healthier emotional well-being and establish stronger professional boundaries.

What You'll Learn:

• The importance of self-care
• The importance of boundaries
• Feel the feelings and why it is important

Connect with Dr. Melo:

• Healthier for Good
• LinkedIn

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 a text

Have you ever pondered the lasting marks you leave in both your personal and professional life? In this episode of The Worthy Physician, I recount a fascinating summer adventure to New Mexico with my family to see dinosaur footprints. This trip sparked a deep reflection on the footprints we leave through our daily interactions, whether with family, friends, colleagues, or ourselves. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful introspection, I explore how our words and actions create lasting impressions and how important it is to be mindful of the habits we cultivate.

Additionally, I share a poignant family experience of being stranded due to brake failure, which turned into an unexpected bonding opportunity that highlighted the value of staying present and positive, even in challenging times. This episode encourages you to reflect on the type of footprint you want to leave behind and offers a practical workbook to assist you on this journey. Don't miss the upcoming episode featuring Dr. Megan Melo, who will share her journey of overcoming burnout and making life-changing positive shifts. Stay tuned and reignite your passion for humanity and medicine.

Link to workbook:
https://www.theworthyphysician.com/store

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 a text

Why do so many physicians struggle to prioritize their well-being or even consider leaving the profession despite severe burnout? Dr. Otten shines a light on the cultural and systemic hurdles, from financial worries to family impacts, that keep many healthcare providers trapped in a cycle of self-sacrifice. He shares personal anecdotes and insights from his collaborative book "The Ripple of Change," co-authored with patient Joshua Judy, revealing how their dialogue evolved into a broader call for action within the healthcare system. Their unique partnership offers a fresh perspective on rebuilding trust and combating learned helplessness in an often dysfunctional system.

Imagine the extraordinary outcomes that can emerge from simple equations like one plus one. In our final discussion, Dr. Otten explores the incredible synergies that arise from collaboration. Reflecting on his journey of co-authoring a transformative book with Joshua, he emphasizes the profound impact of working together towards a common goal. His optimistic view encourages us all to recognize our potential and the powerful results that collective efforts can achieve. This episode is not just about surviving burnout; it's about thriving through resilience, self-advocacy, and the magic of partnership and collaboration for a solution.

Connect with Dr. Otten:
https://www.ourquadrupleaim.com/

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 a text

What happens when two accomplished physicians decide to pivot from traditional medical practice to coaching? Our guests, Dr. Michael Hersch and Dr. Arpita Gupta DePalma, reveal the transformative power of coaching and how it has rekindled their passion for helping others. Dr. DePalma shares her poignant tale of choosing her family over a demanding medical career, eventually experiencing burnout in administrative roles. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for her to discover coaching's true potential. Dr. Hersch, a seasoned gastroenterologist, gives us a glimpse into his own journey towards reintegrating humanity and compassion into his professional life.

Stigma surrounding mental health and coaching can be particularly challenging within certain cultural contexts.  Over time, however, they found that coaching addressed long-standing issues like bottled-up anger and strained family ties, leading to newfound happiness and improved relationships. This section underscores the harmful belief that individuals should tackle life's challenges alone and how coaching helps dismantle these limiting paradigms for personal growth and fulfillment.

Focusing on the unique challenges faced by physicians, we delve into the societal and professional expectations that discourage vulnerability, especially among male doctors. The discussion broadens to compare coaching's acceptance in other fields, asserting that while not everyone may need a coach, everyone deserves one. Personal anecdotes illustrate the journey toward recognizing self-worth beyond professional achievements. We also touch upon the importance of community, therapy, and life coaching in fostering personal and professional development. Join us for this enlightening conversation that offers valuable lessons for anyone striving to balance professional success and personal well-being.

Connect with these docs!
https://thoughtworkmd.com/
https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/

Book mentioned:

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 a text

Have you ever felt the weight of societal expectations pressing down on you, urging you to chase a version of success that never truly resonates with your core? This is a reality many of us grapple with, including our guest Jillian Rigert, who sheds light on her transformative journey of breaking free from the constraints of titles and the arrival fallacy. As your guide, Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, I too share my personal evolution from dental student to someone deeply immersed in existential questions and spiritual wellness. Together, we dissect the nuances of self-confidence, the art of setting boundaries, and the profound moments that compel us to live in alignment with our true selves.

The path to authentic living often requires us to reconnect with what matters most. In the high-stakes world of medicine, where personal neglect can be a troubling norm, we examine the stark reality of ignoring our basic human needs for the sake of career demands. This episode is an impassioned call to my fellow medical professionals, and anyone feeling the crunch of their profession, to honor our bodies, minds, and spirits. You'll hear candid discussions on the necessity of checking in with our happiness, reevaluating life choices, and the daring act of reshaping our work environments to nurture our well-being.

In the spirit of authenticity, we also brave the complex terrain of eating disorder recovery and the cultivation of self-worth. By sharing my collegiate running experience and the lessons learned from facing an eating disorder, we shine a light on the power of community support and the reclaiming of personal agency. The episode culminates with an exploration of self-worth, self-compassion, and the societal forces that mold our perceptions of success. We address the double standards women face in professional settings and the courage it takes to stand firm in our power. So, join us as we embrace the strength that comes from vulnerability and the quest for a life that truly reflects who we are.

Connect with Jillian:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-rigert

Watch our video cast together!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVylZOaEaiY

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 a text

As the days grow longer and the academic year winds to a close, I invite you to embrace the coming summer not just as a season for leisure, but as a pivotal time for introspection and goal-setting. Picture this: a serendipitous breakdown on a New Mexico highway led me to an epiphany about the necessity of creating intentional spaces for self-reflection. That's the kind of transformative journey I share on this episode of The Worthy Physician, where we explore the 'loss of self' that so many of us, especially in high-pressure careers like medicine, often face. It's a call to action—to pause, to reflect, to realign with your core values, and to reignite your passion for both your career and your life as we transition into the year's second act.

Harness the quiet of summer to craft your own narrative. Scribble down your triumphs, your musings, even your fleeting thoughts—it's all part of your evolving story. For those inspired to delve deeper, I hint at an upcoming workbook designed to assist you on this journey of self-improvement, providing the framework for a summer of meaningful growth. And to elevate your motivation, next week's episode will feature Dr. Jillian Rigert, whose inspiring transformation promises to offer invaluable insights for personal and professional rejuvenation. So, listen in and let the season of warmth guide you to a summer of self-discovery and renewed purpose.

Coming May 27, 2024, a workbook, From Loss to Legacy Renewing Your Sense of Self  will be available for purchase.  Dive deeper into the most important relationship--yourself!

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 a text

As a healer, do you ever feel like the essence of your craft is lost beneath the weight of your white coat? Dr. Yolanda Bogaert joins us to unravel her 26-year medical career, sharing a raw and honest narrative that navigates through the tumultuous waves of burnout to a place of rediscovery. Her story serves as a beacon, illuminating the importance of aligning one's medical practice with their true healer's identity and addressing the systemic issues that often lead to the erosion of a physician's passion.

Throughout our conversation, we examine the complex realities faced by those in the medical field. From the personal struggles that accompany the transition from residency to private practice to the profound realization that physicians are not omnipotent saviors, but rather guides for their patients' health journeys. These reflections provide a necessary recalibration of the doctor-patient dynamic, underscoring the significance of empathy, patient autonomy, and the delicate practice of detached attachment in healthcare.

This episode transcends the typical medical narrative, offering an ode to the resilience of healers and the transformative power of patient care. Dr. Bogaert's insights remind us of our shared humanity and the timeless role healers play in it. As we close, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on your own path and consider how embracing your authentic healing identity can not only mitigate burnout but enrich your practice and the lives of those you touch.

Connect with Yolanda:
https://frameshiftcoaching.com/

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