The BOSS Business of Surgery Series Podcast

Episode 39: Treat yourself like an elite athlete with Dr. Geeta Lal

If you are one of the 60-70% of surgeons who have pain, fatigue and numbness and only recall ergonomics as “stand up straight- and suck it up” then this episode is for you.

Dr. Geeta Lal is an endocrine surgeon who experienced work-related musculoskeletal symptoms herself, like many of us have done. She first wondered if it was just her, but when she realized that musculoskeletal injuries in surgeons was more prevalent than in industries like construction work, she became committed to increasing awareness of and developing solutions to counteract the impact of poor ergonomics on surgeons' professional and

personal lives. She is the founder of Surgical Ergonomics, a speaking and coaching business, and a co-founder and Inaugural President of the new Society of Surgical Ergonomics.

She shared the effects of poor ergonomics: loss of productivity, shortened careers, loss of income to the surgeon and the hospital, and degradation of quality. She has so much to share including these highlights:

-       Pay attention to your symptoms, they are not in your head

-       Take breaks to reverse the posture you are holding (5 min every 30 min, micro breaks at 20 sec every 20 -30 min, or 90 sec every 45 min).

-       Pay attention to your equipment and choose the lightest loupes and headlamps

-       Become familiar with optimum positioning

-       Join the society to help your ergonomic ideas make it to the industry where it counts (your reps are often sales reps)

 Find more information at:

https://www.societyofsurgicalergonomics.org/

https://surgicalergonomics.com/

Episode 33: Boundaries build relationships with Dr. Amy Vertrees

Healthy boundaries promote empowerment. We are safe to interact with the world. We can be around people and not worry about them manipulating us. We can hold any job, because we can protect ourselves from overworking or being taken advantage of. It is a critical part of negotiating with ourselves and the people around us. Without boundaries, we are a set up for resentment, passive aggressive behavior and disappointment. I want more for you.

 Enrollment for everything is a negotiation is open, head to BOSSsurgery.com for more information.

Episode 46: You can create Brave Boundaries with Dr. Sasha Shillcutt

The latest BOSS podcast episode features Dr. Sasha Shillcutt, a cardiac anesthesiologist who is committed to helping women physicians have better lives by creating better boundaries. Her lessons are universal, so don't think that she is only talking to women. 

This episode is so critical for every one of us, because many of the problems we are having can be traced to a lack of boundaries. 

- You may think that boundaries are about keeping the bad things out- but it's also about keeping the good things in

- With more work from home, it is more important than ever to be intentional around protecting yourself

- What are your priorities- and are they reflected on your schedule? 

- What is necessary for an effective boundary?

- What about the backlash? (Is it really as bad as we think?)

Listen to the episode to hear more! 

https://www.bosssurgery.com/podcasts/boss-business-of-surgery-series 

More from Dr. Shillcutt can be found here:

https://www.becomebraveenough.com/

Boss Business of Surgery Series – Episode 51

We Are at Risk: Physician Burnout, Brain Health, and Preventing Tragedy with Dr. Michelle Chestovich

In this profoundly important episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees speaks with Dr. Michelle Chestovich, family medicine physician, life coach, and physician-suicide-prevention advocate, about the dangerous, often invisible path many physicians are walking.

This conversation goes beyond burnout. It addresses risk, exhaustion, self-doubt, stigma, and the systemic pressures of medicine that place physicians—especially women physicians—at significantly higher risk for mental health crises and suicide.

Dr. Chestovich shares both her professional journey into coaching and the deeply personal loss of her sister, Dr. Gretchen Butler, a radiologist and mother of three who died by suicide. Her story is a powerful reminder that competence, achievement, and dedication do not protect us from danger when our brains are overwhelmed.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why burnout is not just uncomfortable—but potentially life-threatening

• The staggering reality that nearly 400 physicians die by suicide each year

• Why women physicians are at even higher risk

• How overwork, isolation, anxiety, and sleep deprivation compound risk

• Why “just pushing through” is not resilience—it’s danger

• How sleep deprivation impairs judgment at levels comparable to intoxication

• Why feeling trapped is one of the most concerning warning signs

• How physicians normalize unsustainable workloads without realizing the cost

• Why having children does not always protect against crisis

• How guilt, responsibility, and scarcity thinking keep physicians from asking for help

• The role of isolation during COVID and remote work in worsening risk

• Why stigma around mental health still prevents early intervention

• How coaching helps physicians interrupt dangerous thought patterns

• Why “enough” is a decision—not a productivity metric

• How identity, worth, and performance become dangerously intertwined

• Why prevention must happen before a breaking point

Key themes:

• Physicians are an at-risk population

• Burnout is a brain-health issue

• Exhaustion changes thinking—not character

• Feeling trapped is a red flag

• Productivity is not worth

• “Nothing has gone wrong” when you need help

• Sustainable careers require intentional boundaries

• Coaching is evidence-based prevention, not indulgence

Resources mentioned:

• Physician coaching as an evidence-based intervention for burnout

• Research published in JAMA supporting coaching effectiveness

• Cleveland Clinic outcomes showing reduced burnout and system savings

• Dr. Chestovich’s website: https://mamadoclifecoach.com 

• Podcast: Remind Yourself

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

Episode 52: Protecting yourself with disability insurance with Dr. Stephanie Pearson

The latest BOSS podcast episode features Dr. Stephanie Pearson

She is an OB/Gyn and learned the hard way about the details of disability insurance when she was injured at work.

Her injury could have brought her down- and almost did- but she turned a devastating injury into a remarkable hero's journey. 

She is committed to make sure other physicians don't make the same mistakes that she did. She is on a mission to make sure we are well-informed and empowered to make educated decisions on our disability insurance. She makes a complicated concept simple. 

She also shared her struggles after her injury. She is also committed to normalize the struggles that we all have, because we are truly an at-risk profession. Injuries can hurt more than just our career. 

Find her at: https://pearsonravitz.com/

Boss Business of Surgery Series – Episode 82

When Being a Surgeon Is Used Against You: Divorce, Custody, and Resilience with Dr. Jennifer Whittington (Part 1)

In this episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees speaks with Dr. Jennifer Whittington, surgical oncologist in New York City, about what happens when life veers sharply away from the “Hallmark-card” version of success—and how resilience is forged when your career is used against you.

Dr. Whittington shares her deeply personal story of navigating divorce, custody battles, financial strain, and single parenthood during a demanding surgical oncology fellowship. This is a candid, unfiltered conversation about fear-based decisions, systemic bias, shame, and survival—and how grit, preparation, and community made it possible to keep both her career and her child.

This episode is Part 1 of a two-part conversation and focuses on the early and middle stages of Dr. Whittington’s journey.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How personal tragedy during training shaped Dr. Whittington’s path into surgical oncology

• Why the “straight and narrow” medical career path is more myth than reality

• How divorce can escalate quickly—and why the person you divorce is not the person you married

• Why trying to have a “cheap” divorce often leads to devastating long-term consequences

• How being a surgeon and working long hours can be weaponized in custody disputes

• The financial realities of divorce, mediation, and family court for physicians

• Why separating finances early is critical when divorce is imminent

• How fear-based decisions compound stress and cost over time

• What it’s like to fight for custody while earning a fellow’s salary

• The hidden shame many physicians carry during personal crises

• How exhaustion can be misinterpreted as disengagement in training programs

• Why asking for help—and rebuilding your village—is essential

• How learning emotional restraint and a “poker face” became a survival skill

• The importance of legal preparation, documentation, and mental health evaluations

• How courtroom skills translated into stronger leadership, teaching, and clinical presence

Key themes:

• Resilience under extreme pressure

• The intersection of career, identity, and motherhood

• Bias against women physicians in family court

• Financial vulnerability during training

• Shame and isolation in professional environments

• Community as a lifeline

• Emotional regulation as a transferable leadership skill

Resources & mentions:

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

• Become the Boss MD (book release June 20)

• Support resources for managing negative emotions

This episode is essential listening for surgeons and physicians navigating divorce, custody issues, or major life upheavals—especially those worried that their profession may be used against them. Dr. Whittington’s story is a powerful reminder that survival sometimes looks quiet, unglamorous, and exhausting—but resilience is built in those moments nonetheless.

Episode 104: Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Divorce with Dr. Stefanie Huff

Are you a high-achieving professional contemplating divorce? Join us as Dr. Stephanie Huff, a divorce coach specializing in helping women physicians through divorce, shares her invaluable insights and advice. 

In this episode, you will:

• Learn the unique challenges high-achieving professionals face during divorce and how to navigate them successfully.

• Discover the importance of seeking early legal advice to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

• Understand the concept of unbundled legal services and how they can provide cost-effective options tailored to your specific needs.

• Gain insights into the emotional and psychological challenges that often arise during divorce and learn strategies to overcome them.

• Avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that can negatively impact your divorce process and financial well-being.

My special guest is Stephanie Huff

Dr. Stephanie Huff is an emergency medicine physician based in Denver and a divorced mother of two incredible kids. Having gone through a high-conflict and messy divorce herself, she understands the challenges and emotional toll it can take on individuals, especially high-achieving professionals like women surgeons. Dr. Huff now works as a divorce coach, specializing in guiding women physicians and physician moms through the divorce journey. With her personal experience and expertise, she helps her clients navigate the complexities of divorce, providing them with resources and support to make the process less daunting and uncertain. Dr. Huff's goal is to ensure that no one else has to go through what she experienced, offering a different approach and empowering individuals to create their own journey through divorce.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction

00:01:03 - Personal Experience

00:03:25 - Lessons Learned

00:06:48 - The Messy Middle

00:08:08 - Terminology and Legal Support

00:15:37 - Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP)

00:16:43 - Abbreviations and Terms in Divorce Cases

00:17:21 - Overwhelm and Paperwork in Divorce

00:18:34 - Special Considerations for High-Income Individuals

00:26:15 - Transformation through Coaching

00:33:02 - Working with Divorcing Moms

00:34:48 - Free Resources and Support

00:36:03 - Overcoming the Challenges

00:36:21 - Coaching with Dr. Huff

00:36:53 - Closing Remarks

Episode 112: The Inheritance Playbook with Chad Holmes

Have you heard these inheritance myths?
Myth #1: My parents don't need a will because everything will automatically go to me.
Myth #2: Inheritance planning is only for wealthy families.
Myth #3: I'll figure out the details after my parents pass away.

In this episode, Chad Holmes will debunk these myths and reveal the truth about effective inheritance planning for adult children with aging parents.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Strategize now for smooth inheritance transitions later.
• Gift thoughtfully to make the most of your wealth.
• Streamline the transfer of your wealth efficiently.
• Open up about finances to secure your family's future.
• Engage long-term with advisors for enduring financial success.

My special guest is Chad Holmes.

Chad runs a boutique financial planning firm serving multigenerational families from all over the country that seek to minimize taxes and maximize legacies. As an expert in his field, his advice has been published in various outlets, including The Wall Street Journal. At Formula Wealth, Chad offers flat fee engagements as a fiduciary advisor—no products to sell or commissions to earn. Chad enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with his wife and daughters outside of work.

Click the links below to discover more about Chad and The Inheritance Playbook

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/formulawealth/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formulawealth/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadholmesformulawealth/
• Website: www.formulawealth.com
• The Inheritance Playbook Website: www.theinheritanceplaybook.com

The key moments in this episode are:

• 00:00:02 - Introduction
• 00:01:11 - Role of a Certified Financial Planner
• 00:02:30 - Why Chad Wrote "The Inheritance Playbook"
• 00:04:00 - Understanding Probate
• 00:06:25 - Finding Important Documents
• 00:15:44 - Maximizing Wealth for Future Generations
• 00:16:41 - Why Wait Until Death to Pass on Wealth?
• 00:18:26 - The Joy of Giving and Receiving
• 00:19:58 - Disclaiming an Inheritance for Tax Efficiency
• 00:23:14 - Finding the Right Title for the Book
• 00:31:31 - Letting the Markets Do Their Thing
• 00:32:49 - Transitioning to a Stay-at-Home Dad
• 00:33:41 - Taking a Risk and Pursuing Entrepreneurship
• 00:34:11 - Unfolding Paths and Authenticity
• 00:35:22 - The Inheritance Playbook

Episode 122: Setting Boundaries Without Guilt with Dr. Laura Suttin

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to prioritize and manage your time, but it's not bringing the results you want. Instead, you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and struggling to set boundaries. If you're a physician or healthcare professional facing these challenges, you're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Laura Suttin shares her wisdom on how to prioritize your life, manage your time, and set boundaries without guilt.

“There was a part of me that said, I have so much going on. I don't even want to think about it. And then I realized if I don't face it, then nothing’s going to get done, and denial is not the right place to be either.” -Dr. Laura Suttin

Key Takeaways

• Master time management and set clear boundaries for a balanced life.
• Learn the importance of saying no and setting healthy boundaries.
• Manage feelings of regret and prioritize your own well-being.
• Understand personal values and make intentional choices for fulfillment.
• Create space for yourself and reclaim control of your time.

About Dr. Laura Suttin

Dr. Laura Suttin is a Board Certified family physician, an ICF-trained and certified coach, a physician executive, a consultant, and an entrepreneur. She currently practices in San Antonio, where she lives with her family. She completed her medical training at the McGovern Medical School in Houston and her residency at the Christus Spohn Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Corpus Christi, Texas. She received her MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2016.

Dr. Suttin began working with a coach over 10 years ago, and found it so life-changing that she became a coach herself. She is certified through both the Physician Coaching Institute and The Insight Coaching Community. She launched Purposeful MD in 2021, with the mission of empowering physicians to create the lives they love without guilt. In her spare time, she enjoys running, triathlon, travel, and glamping with her family in their travel trailer.

Find Out More

www.thepurposefulmd.com

https://www.facebook.com/purposefulMD/

www.linkedin.com/in/laura-suttin-md

www.tiktok.com/@thepurposefulmd

www.youtube.com/@thepurposefulmd

Key Moments

00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:01:35 - The Power of Coaching

00:03:46 - Facing the Reality of Time

00:07:01 - Using Technology to Manage Tasks

00:11:07 - Calendarizing Tasks for Clarity

00:12:57 - Anticipating Curveballs and Setting Boundaries

00:14:00 - Overcoming Fear of Saying No

00:15:29 - Prioritizing Time and Energy

00:16:56 - Decision-Making Process

00:23:30 - Empowering Others and Succession Planning

00:25:48 - Avoiding Burnout by Allowing Help and Amplifying Voices

00:26:11 - Managing Feelings of Regret

00:28:13 - Clarifying Core Values

00:30:52 - Prioritizing Roles and Responsibilities

00:33:01 - Being the Creator of Your Schedule 

Episode 147: From Surgical Spine Injury to Surgeon Advocate with Dr. Talar Tejirian

The latest BOSS podcast features Dr. Talar Tejirian, a general surgeon who suffered a cervical spinal injury that led to a permanent nerve injury in her dominant arm. She shares her experience of undergoing surgery for a disc herniation, initially having a positive outcome, but then experiencing worsening symptoms due to improper rehabilitation and being dismissed by medical professionals. After a long struggle, she finally received an accurate diagnosis of a nerve injury. This episode highlights her journey of trying various physical therapies and treatments to manage her condition, and her realization that surgeons often face similar physical challenges due to the demanding nature of their work. Dr. Tajirian emphasizes the importance of surgeons adopting an athlete-like approach, incorporating physical training and recovery into their routines to maintain their health and longevity in the profession. She has become an advocate for surgeon wellness and is working to raise awareness and provide resources through initiatives like the Surgeon Wellness Center at the International Hernia Collaboration meeting.

Register for the meeting here:

https://www.herniagroup.com/ihc-2024-mexico-mailing-list/

Read her article here:

https://www.generalsurgerynews.com/Opinion/Article/09-21/Surgery-Is-a-Contact-Sport/64653

Episode 12: Rise of the Physician Advocate with Dr. Sunny Smith

Dr. Sunny Smith, founder of Empower Women Physicians and is the leader of the rise of the physician coach. Her coaching program is THE premier program for physicians, and you still have the opportunity to join. You can find more information about this excellent program here at https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/coaching/ 

Dr. Smith along with other women physicians have created awareness for Henrietta Lacks. She was an African-American woman whose cancer cells are the source of the HeLa cell line, the first immortalized human cell line and without a doubt one of the most important cell lines in medical research. These cells were taken from her without her knowledge or consent. Dr. Smith and others have led a movement towards donating money to Henrietta Lacks' family and have already raised over $270,000. You can donate here: https://henrietta-lacks-foundation.snwbll.com

Episode 27: What is Coaching with Dr. Amy Vertrees

Why do we have the same problems but have different outcomes? Why are some people burned out and some people achieving at their highest potential? Coaching involves understanding our thoughts and how they affect our emotions and actions and ultimately the result we get in our lives. Why would a surgeon need a coach? Like an elite athlete, we need someone who can analyze our strengths and weaknesses, come up with exercises and strategies to let us achieve at our highest level.

Self-coaching: this is where you find a lot of the information yourself. This is a very safe starting point, you could do this in your own home, you can start cleaning out your mental closet without feeling like you must show it to anyone. People who are not quite ready to air out the dirty mental laundry start here. There are numerous books and podcasts that are extremely helpful. My favorite podcast The Life Coach School with Brooke Castillo because she explains these principles of the thought model in a way that is easy to understand. She also has excellent strategies for specific situations. Corinne Crabtree and Katrina Ubell are great for dealing with buffering. Brendan Burchard, Tony Robbins, Byron Katie all have excellent books. Ongoing self-coaching is very important. For a medical comparison, this is like medical school. Once you start looking into it, it’s like drinking from a fire hydrant. There’s tons of information. Unless you have the ability to constrain, find a resource that breaks it down into small areas, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed

Group coaching: You can continue to look at your mental closet of stuff, and start to explore strategies of getting better with the help of a coach. With group coaching, you realize that other people have similar problems as you and have similar mechanisms for compensating. You could learn a lot from these group sessions at a safe distance. This is more like residency. You may participate, but everybody else is too so you don’t feel alone. Sunny Smith’s Empowering Women Physicians is one example, and I offer group coaching, too. The next group coaching is Everything is a Negotiation starting late June.

One on one coaching. This is where do you work directly with someone. You can air out all your mental clutter in a safe place. The coach does not judge and will offer guidance based on your thoughts and your principles and your desires. They offer tools and strategies. They get to know your strengths and areas where you can improve. Much like the elite athlete, this is the most uncomfortable. You must be vulnerable. This is very hard when you’re starting out. It takes a process of recognizing that being vulnerable is not weakness. Being vulnerable and exposing pain is the key to unlocking your highest potential. It is the ability to be satisfied with life because you start to learn that when things go wrong, it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. You start to develop strategies that allow you to deal with a difficult aspect of life that everyone has in a safe place.