The BOSS Business of Surgery Series Podcast

Episode 1: Growth Days with Dr. Amy Vertrees

Physicians need “Growth Days” Physicians are overwhelmed and burned out. We have an epidemic of “too busy.” Many of us think we could get so much more accomplished if we had more time. Why aren’t we taking the time? Doctors need to start taking “Growth Days.” These aren’t sick days, mental health days or vacation days. Growth days are days strategically taken during the month that are specifically meant for personal growth. www.BOSSsurgery.com

Episode 10: You don't have to dread call with Dr. Karen Leitner

Fellow coach Dr. Karen Leitner and I talk about how we don't have to dread call. You may not ever love it, but there are definitely strategies to decrease the fear and uncertainty. 

What are the problems with call? 

- We make it three times longer than it has to be: 24 hours of dread, 24 hours of misery, 24 hours of feeling regret afterward

- We feel like we are in impossible situations: I don’t know what to do, and I can’t fix all of their problems

-We tie our self-worth to the patient's outcome, so we ruminate on the chart and vitals because we are trying to find our value (because we don’t find it within us)

Strategies for success:

-Recognizing that treating patients with dignity, kindness, compassion, and brutal honesty may be the true success in patient care, rather than just survival of the patient. 

-Working with the patient. Ask them the questions: What is your understanding of the situation? What do you want to get out of this? What are you willing to give up?

-Asking yourself if you consent to the procedure. Are you paying attention to the informed consent that you are asking the patient to sign? Would you sign it for yourself?

-Realizing you only get to live a choice one way, you will never know what happened if you chose a different path. Why wouldn’t you believe you are doing your best, and that you made the best choice? 

-Remind yourself that you are not the one who is ill (take your own pulse)

-Plan to talk with someone ahead of time about your fears

-Hearing what is going on in your head, so you can redirect and talk to yourself kindly

-Own the story of your call so you can own the ending- it’s ok not to know the right answer right away, you can figure it out

-You don't have to own everything: get on the same page with your partners with effective handoffs and embracing systems-based practice.

You can find Dr. Leitner and her program "How to Feel Better" here (www.karenleitnermd.com) and her article at

www.kevinmd.com/blog/2021/07/physicians-stop-dreading-call.html

You can find more information about Dr. Vertrees and the BOSS Business of Surgery Series at www.BOSSsurgery.com

Episode 2: Why we became surgeons with Dr. Amy Vertrees

I had a theory that a reason some of us were not satisfied with work was that our reason for becoming surgeons didn't apply to us anymore. Many of you responded, and there were themes for why we became surgeons. Although not all reasons apply anymore, there are some truly inspiring reasons, and I wanted to share them with you. It inspired me again to remember the time when I was making the decision. I hope you all are inspired, too, as you head back to our original "why."

Episode 25: Preventing burnout by learning more about money with the MoneyfitMD Dr. Latifat Akintade

The latest BOSS Business of Surgery Series podcast features Dr. Latifat Akintade, the MoneyfitMD. She coaches women physicians about money so they can burnout less. We had a great talk about how our thoughts and fears about money can hold us back. She had some great insights including:

- Separate the money we make from our value as a human. Money is a thank you for the work that we do, but it is not the measure of who we are. Unless we do that, we will never feel like we have enough.

- Simplifying the language of money shows us that it doesn’t have to be hard. And we don’t have to learn everything about money right away, or even learn everything there is to know.

- Recognize when we are feeling fear or shame about money, and that these come from thoughts that are holding us back (like money is hard, money is bad, I am too busy, I am greedy if I think about money, I should have learned all this already).

- When physicians have money, we do good things with it.

- We already have the tools to succeed with money

- Slow down, rest, relax, don’t burnout learning about money

She shared her Financial Liberation Plan:

1. Know you why- why do you want to practice medicine, why are you choosing this life. Explore the limited beliefs and past traumas to learn more about how you are approaching money.
2. Identifying your own unfair advantage- We all have characteristics that will help us be successful. For example, as doctors we know how to study, learn, collaborate with others, asking questions and, figure things out. Turn that flashlight on to knowledge about money
3. Look at the numbers- find your minimum viable expense. If you lost your job, how much would you need to get by? It’s often less than you think.
4. Diversify your sources of income- and it doesn’t have to happen in one day
5. Empower ourselves, find our communities and invest in ourselves. She noted that her networth increased as she increased investment in herself. I noticed that when I invested in myself, that was when my life started to change, too.

Episode 28: Health care design for health care equity and burnout prevention with Dr. Heena Santry

The latest BOSS podcast features Dr. Heena Santry, a double-boarded trauma and acute care surgeon and consultant talking about how health care design can help health care equity and prevent moral injury and burnout. 

She had two guiding principles as a surgeon: creating a just culture in surgery and advancing health equity. She was excelling along the typical academic track when she realized that she had an opportunity to reach more than just an academic department. She became a consultant for a health care architectural design firm where she uses her experience and skills as a surgeon, her leadership skills, quality research, epidemiologic survey research and geographic information systems to create efficient, equitable spaces in a diverse set of hospitals. Her work allows hospitals to best organize themselves to achieve their population goals considering aspects like trends of aging in the population, kinds of diseases in the area, proximity to other hospitals, and strategies to achieve high quality equitable care. 

She is especially passionate about the physicians’ lounge which can break down barriers in the workplace. The lounge has the potential to provide an organic chance to sit with peers in a place focused on wellness, natural light, food for fuel, and a variety of options for comfortable seating either alone or together. 

As a mother and a surgeon, many women who did not have any mentors reached out to her for advice. She created an online space for surgeon mothers that allowed networking, relatable content, venting, isolation prevention that has been invaluable for thousands of female surgeons. This space provides opportunity for sponsorship, mentorship, coaching and sharing experiences that has led to real-life networking as well. 

Episode 30: Decreasing burnout and stress with Dr. Robyn Tiger the StressfreeMD

The latest BOSS podcast features Dr. Robyn Tiger, a diagnostic radiologist and founder of StressFreeMD. She has been a leader in the field of evidence-based self-care tools and burnout thriver.

“I made my mess my message”

She began her wellness career when after 10 years in practice she had somatic symptoms that no one could figure out- migraines, headache, vertigo, tinnitus, couldn’t sleep, reflux, chest pain, and paresthesias. She would consistently workout and eat a vegan diet, but despite being physically healthy, she didn’t feel well. She spontaneously took a 5-week series on yoga meditation (initially rolling her eyes at the concept), but was surprised when she felt calm, clear, not even tired anymore.

She found the solution was bringing homeostasis back to her autonomic system. She learned how to take care of herself from the inside out. Over time, she transitioned from solely body-based work to mindset with coaching, because it is hard to work with our thoughts when our autonomic system is out of whack. She learned to be a doctor in a different way by balancing physiology and managing our mind.

The solution is not as inaccessible as it seems. She provides “stress-free snacks” to quickly feel better when something comes up. These are quick easy things to do all day long. You can find more information about her podcast, free videos and latest projects at https://www.stressfreemd.net/

Boss Business of Surgery Series – Episode 41

From Burnout to Determined: Reclaiming Identity, Purpose, and Direction

with Dr. Jimmy Turner

In this episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees speaks with Dr. Jimmy Turner, anesthesiologist, writer, and founder of The Physician Philosopher, about burnout as a breaking point — and as a catalyst for profound clarity and determination.

Dr. Turner shares his deeply personal story of moving through severe burnout, disillusionment with medicine, and the unraveling of a professional identity that had once defined him. Rather than framing burnout as something to simply “recover from,” this conversation explores how burnout can force honest reckoning — and how determination, values, and self-trust can emerge on the other side.

This episode offers honesty, validation, and hope for physicians who feel exhausted, trapped, or unsure how to keep going.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How burnout often builds quietly before it becomes unavoidable

• Why medical training normalizes emotional suppression and overwork

• How identity becomes dangerously fused with role and productivity

• Why “just pushing through” often makes burnout worse

• How moral injury differs from ordinary stress or fatigue

• Why many physicians don’t recognize burnout until they are depleted

• The grief that comes with questioning a long-held professional identity

• Why leaving or redefining medicine can feel both terrifying and relieving

• How shame and silence keep physicians stuck

• Why burnout is a systems problem — not a personal failure

• How reflection and philosophy helped Dr. Turner make sense of his experience

• Why worth must be separated from career status

• How meaning can exist beyond traditional clinical roles

• Why determination often replaces certainty

• How rebuilding requires space, honesty, and support

• Why helping other physicians became part of Dr. Turner’s healing

• How redefining success restores agency

• Why it’s possible to move forward without having everything figured out

Key themes:

• Burnout is not weakness

• Medicine trains endurance, not sustainability

• Identity loss is real and painful

• Determination can follow disillusionment

• Stepping away can be an act of integrity

• Systems create suffering — individuals absorb it

• Meaning is not limited to clinical work

• You are more than your title

Resources & mentions:

• The Physician Philosopher: https://thephysicianphilosopher.com 

• Writing and coaching resources for burned-out physicians

• Boss Business of Surgery Series: https://bosssurgery.com 

• Become the Boss MD

This episode is essential listening for physicians who feel exhausted, disillusioned, or quietly questioning whether they can continue practicing medicine as it currently exists. Dr. Turner’s story is a powerful reminder that burnout doesn’t have to be the end of the road — it can be the moment determination, honesty, and a new direction begin.

Boss Business of Surgery Series – Episode 62

Strategies for When You’re Crispy Around the Edges

with Amy Vertrees, MD

In this solo episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees addresses a state many surgeons recognize instantly but rarely name: being “crispy around the edges.” Not fully burned out — but noticeably frayed, depleted, and running on fumes.

Dr. Vertrees breaks down what this in-between state looks like in real life, why it’s so easy to dismiss or normalize, and why waiting until full burnout is neither necessary nor wise. This episode focuses on early intervention, practical recalibration, and small, realistic strategies that help surgeons regain steadiness before exhaustion hardens into collapse.

This is a compassionate, practical episode designed to help surgeons stabilize, reset, and protect their capacity in demanding seasons.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What “crispy around the edges” actually feels like in day-to-day practice

• How this state differs from full burnout — and why it’s often ignored

• Why surgeons normalize depletion until it becomes dangerous

• How irritability, numbness, and fatigue are early warning signs

• Why rest alone doesn’t fix chronic misalignment

• How small, targeted changes can prevent deeper burnout

• Why adding more productivity tools usually backfires

• How to assess what’s draining you versus what’s sustaining you

• Why nervous system overload impacts judgment and patience

• How to reduce friction instead of demanding more resilience

• Why boundaries matter before you feel desperate

• How to make space without blowing up your life or career

• Why permission to slow down must be self-granted

• How to interrupt the “push harder” reflex

• Why clarity returns before motivation

• How to choose recovery that actually restores capacity

• Why being proactive is a form of professionalism

• How addressing crispiness protects long-term sustainability

Key themes:

• Burnout has early stages

• Depletion is information

• Waiting makes recovery harder

• Small changes compound

• Rest without alignment isn’t enough

• Boundaries prevent crisis

• Capacity deserves protection

• You don’t have to be broken to make changes

Resources & mentions:

• Boss Business of Surgery Series: https://bosssurgery.com 

• Become the Boss MD

• Resources on physician well-being and sustainable practice

This episode is essential listening for surgeons who feel stretched thin, more reactive than usual, or quietly exhausted — but who don’t feel “burned out enough” to justify change. Dr. Vertrees’ message is both practical and reassuring: you don’t have to wait until everything falls apart to take yourself seriously — addressing crispiness early is how you stay in the game.

Boss Business of Surgery Series – Episode 91

Rebelling Against Burnout Culture: Choosing Sustainability in a System That Rewards Overwork

with Kristen Yates, MD

In this episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees speaks with Dr. Kristen Yates, surgeon and physician leader, about burnout culture — not as an individual failure, but as a deeply ingrained system that rewards self-sacrifice, silence, and endurance at all costs.

Dr. Yates challenges the unspoken rules of medicine that equate exhaustion with commitment and overwork with professionalism. Together, they explore what it means to rebel against burnout culture in practical, grounded ways — by questioning norms, setting boundaries, and choosing sustainability even when it feels uncomfortable or countercultural.

This episode is about refusing to accept burnout as inevitable — and reclaiming agency in a system that benefits from physician depletion.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What “burnout culture” actually looks like in everyday medical practice

• Why burnout is often normalized, minimized, or even celebrated

• How physicians are trained to override basic human limits

• Why resilience messaging can quietly shift responsibility onto individuals

• How overwork becomes a badge of honor

• Why questioning norms can feel risky — even when they’re harmful

• How burnout culture perpetuates guilt and self-blame

• Why small acts of resistance matter

• How boundaries challenge dysfunctional systems

• Why sustainability is not laziness or lack of dedication

• How to recognize when culture — not capacity — is the problem

• Why physicians often wait for permission that never comes

• How choosing yourself disrupts unhealthy expectations

• Why rebellion doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful

• How clarity replaces compliance

• Why opting out of burnout culture protects patient care

• How collective change begins with individual decisions

• Why you’re allowed to practice medicine differently

Key themes:

• Burnout is systemic, not personal

• Overwork is culturally reinforced

• Sustainability is a professional value

• Boundaries are acts of resistance

• You are not weak for needing limits

• Questioning norms is leadership

• Small rebellions create change

• Physicians deserve better systems

Resources & mentions:

• Boss Business of Surgery Series: https://bosssurgery.com 

• Become the Boss MD

• Physician leadership and burnout-prevention resources

This episode is essential listening for surgeons who feel exhausted by expectations they never agreed to, or who sense that burnout has been normalized as “just part of the job.” Dr. Yates’ message is clear and empowering: you don’t have to accept burnout culture to belong — choosing sustainability is not rebellion against medicine, it’s a stand for its future.

Boss Business of Surgery Series – Episode 97

When You’re Burned Out — But Asked to Smile More

with Megan Melo, MD

In this episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees speaks with Dr. Megan Melo, surgeon and physician leader, about a familiar but rarely named experience in medicine: being visibly exhausted, overwhelmed, or stretched thin — and being told, implicitly or explicitly, to smile more, soften your tone, or make others more comfortable.

Dr. Melo explores how emotional labor, gendered expectations, and burnout intersect in surgical culture, placing additional, invisible demands on physicians who are already operating at capacity. Together, they unpack why requests to be more pleasant or agreeable often surface precisely when someone is most depleted — and how these expectations quietly reinforce burnout, resentment, and self-silencing.

This episode reframes emotional performance not as professionalism, but as an added tax placed on already burned-out clinicians.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it really means when burned-out physicians are told to “smile more”

• How emotional labor shows up in surgical and medical environments

• Why tone-policing often targets women and underrepresented physicians

• How burnout is compounded by expectations to manage others’ comfort

• Why professionalism is frequently conflated with pleasantness

• How emotional suppression worsens exhaustion and disconnection

• Why feedback about demeanor often lacks context or accountability

• How self-silencing becomes a survival strategy

• Why resentment is a predictable outcome of emotional overextension

• How to distinguish between constructive feedback and control

• Why boundaries matter when emotional labor is expected

• How to respond when requests for “niceness” feel misaligned

• Why authenticity improves trust more than performance

• How internal validation protects against external pressure

• Why you’re not obligated to perform happiness while depleted

• How naming emotional labor restores clarity

• Why leadership doesn’t require emotional self-erasure

• How choosing yourself disrupts unhealthy norms

Key themes:

• Emotional labor is real work

• Burnout is worsened by performance expectations

• Professionalism is not emotional suppression

• Tone-policing undermines trust

• Boundaries protect dignity and energy

• Authenticity strengthens leadership

• You are not responsible for managing others’ comfort

• Sustainability requires honesty

Resources & mentions:

• Boss Business of Surgery Series: https://bosssurgery.com 

• Become the Boss MD

• Resources on physician burnout, emotional labor, and leadership

This episode is essential listening for surgeons who feel exhausted yet pressured to appear upbeat, agreeable, or accommodating. Dr. Melo’s perspective offers validation and permission: you don’t owe cheerfulness when you’re depleted — you deserve systems and cultures that respond to burnout with support, not performance demands.

Episode 111: Burnout in Private Practice

Do you want to gain greater self-awareness and acquire practical tools to overcome burnout in your private practice? Look no further, because I have the solution you've been searching for. In this discussion, our guest, Sogol Pahlavan, will be sharing invaluable insights and strategies to help you achieve a renewed sense of well-being and combat burnout effectively. Get ready to unlock the secrets to achieving a healthier work-life balance and reignite your passion for your private practice.

My special guest is Sogol Pahlavan

Meet Dr. Sogol Pahlavan, a dynamic pediatrician and entrepreneur who knows firsthand the ups and downs of private practice. Growing up as a first-generation immigrant in Texas, Dr. Pahlavan was inspired by her family's entrepreneurial spirit. With a natural inclination for communication and a love for children, she found her calling in pediatrics. Together with her sister, she took the leap and established their own clinic, even though many doubted the profitability of serving the Medicaid community. However, Dr. Pahlavan's determination and passion led to a thriving practice in an underserved Hispanic community. Along her journey, she encountered burnout and realized that blaming external factors wouldn't solve the problem. Instead, she delved into self-reflection and discovered the importance of addressing the internal manager that constantly berates us with self-sabotaging thoughts. Dr. Pahlavan's story is a testament to the possibilities of private practice and the power of overcoming burnout with self-awareness and resilience.

If you are drawn to something, if your soul is calling for you to connect and do something that's completely outside the box that no one has ever done, don't listen to them. Follow your soul's calling, because if it is aligned with what you truly want, the universe will make it happen. - Sogol Pahlavan

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore practical strategies to combat burnout in private practice.

• Embrace unconventional career paths while following your passion.

• Learn effective methods to build a profitable private practice.

• Recognize burnout as a transformative and personal journey.

• Master the importance of self-leadership in your business.

Episode 125: Healing the Healers with Dr. Nora Vasquez

Dr. Nora Vasquez, a triple certified coach on leadership and wellness, brings a unique perspective to the discussion on healthcare burnout. With a background in internal medicine and a decade of serving underserved communities, Dr. Vasquez's personal experience with burnout led her to pursue coaching as a means to heal the healers. She is passionate about addressing institutional change, advocating for resources and support within healthcare systems, and empowering both individuals and teams to navigate the challenges of burnout. Through her work with medical societies and hospitals, Dr. Vasquez is dedicated to creating impactful, sustainable change that benefits the well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care.

"Who heals the healers? I do. I have these tools. I can help heal." - Dr. Nora Vasquez

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how coaching can empower physicians to overcome burnout and thrive in their careers.

• Explore the impact of implementing wellness programs in healthcare institutions for staff and patient care.

• Learn effective strategies for creating work-life balance to enhance well-being for healthcare professionals.

• Uncover actionable strategies for driving positive change within the healthcare system.

• Explore the benefits of coaching for healthcare teams in improving job satisfaction and patient outcomes.

Create Work-Life Balance Strategies
In the pursuit of balance, Dr. Vasquez encourages professionals to get clear on personal desires instead of attempting to meet external expectations. She recognizes the variation in work-life balance needs according to life stages, endorsing the belief that balance is achievable even while navigating demanding careers and personal responsibilities. By promoting these strategies, Dr. Vasquez supports a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle for healthcare professionals.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit the website www.renewyourmindmd.com to request a free strategy session and discuss individual challenges or bringing a grand rounds to your institution. The coaching offers CME and are free, providing a win for everybody.

• Join the free online community on the website www.renewyourmindmd.com to connect with others and access additional resources and support.

• Explore the website www.renewyourmindmd.com to learn more about the coaching services offered, including life coaching, leadership coaching, and wellness coaching for healthcare professionals.

• Reach out to Dr. Nora Vasquez through the website www.renewyourmindmd.com to inquire about bringing coaching programs to your institution, including retreats and ongoing support for staff.

• Engage in a free strategy session with Dr. Nora Vasquez by visiting the website www.renewyourmindmd.com to discuss specific challenges and explore how coaching can provide hope and support for healthcare professionals.

Episode 142: Burnout Presents Differently in the High Achiever with Dr. Diana Londono

The latest BOSS podcast features Dr. Diana Londono, a urologist who has experienced burnout twice. We talked about burnout in the high achiever, and how these symptoms can look differently than it does in other people. Dr. Londono shares her personal experiences with burnout, highlighting the physical and emotional manifestations she encountered, such as weight loss, hair loss, insomnia, asthma, chest pain, and joint pain. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout symptoms, which can vary from person to person, and seeking support through resources like coaching, therapy, or support groups.

Self-love, gratitude, and finding purpose are critical in combating burnout. Dr. Londonio discusses the Physician Coach Support Program she created, which offers free and confidential coaching sessions for physicians. We also talked about the Physician Support Line and Physician Anonymous.

The key takeaway is that burnout is a complex issue, especially in the high acheiver that requires a multifaceted approach, including self-care, mindset shifts, and seeking support from others.
Link to the episode in comments.

Chapters

Introduction and Background

The podcast host introduces Dr. Diana Londonio, a urologist who has experienced burnout twice. They discuss the rarity of female urologists, especially Latinas, and Dr. Londonio's work in creating education and support programs for physicians.

Recognizing Burnout Symptoms

Dr. Londonio shares her personal experiences with burnout, highlighting the physical and emotional symptoms she encountered, such as weight loss, hair loss, insomnia, asthma, chest pain, and joint pain. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout symptoms, which can manifest differently in different individuals, and seeking support.

The Role of Self-Love and Gratitude

Dr. Londonio discusses the importance of self-love, gratitude, and finding purpose in combating burnout. She emphasizes the power of words and the need to speak to oneself with love and kindness. She also highlights the significance of prioritizing self-care activities like exercise, healthy eating, and sleep.

Seeking Support and Resources

The conversation explores various resources available for physicians struggling with burnout, including coaching, therapy, and support groups. Dr. Londonio discusses the Physician Coach Support Program she created, which offers free and confidential coaching sessions for physicians. Other resources mentioned include the Physician Support Line and Physician Anonymous.

Finding Purpose and Remembering Why

Dr. Londonio emphasizes the importance of remembering the purpose and reasons behind choosing a career in medicine. She suggests that reconnecting with the initial motivations and finding joy in serving others can help combat burnout and restore a sense of fulfillment.

Action Items

1. Recognize and acknowledge burnout symptoms, which can manifest differently in different individuals, such as dread, cynicism, anger, loss of hope, or physical symptoms like weight loss, insomnia, or joint pain.
2. Practice self-love and self-care activities like exercise, healthy eating, and prioritizing sleep.
3. Seek support through resources like coaching, therapy, or support groups, such as the Physician Coach Support Program, Physician Support Line, or Physician Anonymous.
4. Cultivate gratitude and find purpose in serving others, remembering the initial motivations for choosing a career in medicine.
5. Learn to set boundaries and say 'no' when necessary to avoid overcommitment and overwhelm.
6. Explore forgiveness, both for oneself and others, as a means of healing and letting go of emotional burdens.

Episode 143: Evidence That Coaching Decreases Burnout and Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Tyra Fainstad and Dr. Adrienne Mann

This episode discusses a program called Better Together Physician Coaching, created by Dr. Adrienne Mann and Dr. Tyra Feinstad. The program aims to address burnout, imposter syndrome, and other well-being issues faced by medical professionals through group coaching sessions, self-study modules, and one-on-one coaching opportunities. The program is offered to entire populations within institutions or departments, with participants able to join confidentially. The founders share their personal experiences with burnout and how coaching transformed their lives, leading them to create Better Together. They conducted studies, including a randomized controlled trial with over 1,000 residents, which demonstrated significant improvements in burnout, imposter syndrome, and self-compassion scores among participants. The program is now available to medical students, residents, faculty, staff, and advanced practice providers across various institutions. The article highlights the program's accessibility, with institutions paying a fee of $100 per eligible MD/DO/AP and $60 per eligible trainee for a year of access. The founders aim to partner with institutions to drive cultural change and prioritize well-being investments. They also discuss the program's flexibility, allowing participants to engage in various ways, and the sense of community it fosters despite being virtual. Future plans include continuing to partner with institutions, conducting further research, and expanding the program's offerings.

Chapters

Introduction to Better Together Physician Coaching
The article introduces Dr. Adrienne Mann and Dr. Tyra Feinstad, the founders of Better Together Physician Coaching, a program aimed at addressing burnout, imposter syndrome, and other well-being issues faced by medical professionals. The program offers group coaching sessions, self-study modules, and one-on-one coaching opportunities.

Personal Experiences and Motivation

Dr. Mann and Dr. Feinstad share their personal experiences with burnout and how coaching transformed their lives, leading them to create Better Together. They discuss the challenges they faced, such as feeling disconnected from their roles and struggling with approval addiction, and how coaching helped them regain a sense of self and balance.

Program Structure and Accessibility

The article explains that Better Together is offered to entire populations within institutions or departments, with participants able to join confidentially. The program is accessible, with institutions paying a fee of $100 per eligible MD/DO/AP and $60 per eligible trainee for a year of access. The founders aim to make coaching affordable and available to the masses.

Research and Impact
The article discusses the research conducted by the founders, including a randomized controlled trial with over 1,000 residents. The study demonstrated significant improvements in burnout, imposter syndrome, and self-compassion scores among participants. The founders also mention ongoing research and plans to continue investigating the program's impact on various populations.

Institutional Partnerships and Cultural Change
The founders emphasize the importance of partnering with institutions to drive cultural change and prioritize well-being investments. They aim to engage with stakeholders at various levels, such as CMOs and deans, to promote understanding of the program's necessity and impact.

Program Flexibility and Community
The article highlights the program's flexibility, allowing participants to engage in various ways, such as group coaching calls, written coaching, self-study modules, and one-on-one sessions. Despite being virtual, the program fosters a sense of community among participants, which the founders believe is crucial for its success.

Future Plans and Expansion
The founders discuss their future plans for Better Together, including continuing to partner with institutions, conducting further research, and expanding the program's offerings. They aim to leverage the wealth of data and insights gathered from participants to inform the well-being sphere and drive positive change in the medical field.

Action Items
1. Reach out to Better Together Physician Coaching to inquire about partnering with the program for your institution or medical group
2. Consider implementing the Better Together Physician Coaching program to address burnout, imposter syndrome, and well-being issues among medical professionals within your organization
3. Explore opportunities to prioritize well-being investments and drive cultural change by engaging with stakeholders at various levels, such as CMOs and deans, to promote understanding of the program's necessity and impact
4. Encourage medical professionals within your organization to participate in the Better Together Physician Coaching program, as it offers a flexible and confidential approach to addressing well-being challenges through group coaching, self-study modules, and one-on-one coaching opportunities

Episode 139: Fatigue is Killing Your Dream with Dr. Amy Vertrees

If you had a strategy that would make it more likely to achieve your dreams, would you look more into it?

Fatigue is killing our dreams. 

If we are not taking breaks and recharging, it's difficult to tap into the creative energy we have. The appreciation for our job and for our life. We have common thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to overworking, like the fear of being perceived as lazy or not doing enough.

Prioritize self-care, create boundaries, and take growth days to prevent burnout are essential key strategies for helping us achieve our dreams. Without rest, we may fall into worsening depression (sometimes difficult to identify in the high achiever) and imposter syndrome. We must value our well-being and make time for rest and rejuvenation to sustain our careers and achieve our greatest aspirations.