The BOSS Business of Surgery Series Podcast

Boss Business of Surgery Series – Episode 68

When the Job Is the Problem: Under-Engagement, Career Fit, and Finding the Right Surgical Partner with Dr. Sara Rasmussen

In this episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees sits down with Dr. Sara Rasmussen, pediatric transplant surgeon, to unpack a rarely discussed but critically important career truth: sometimes it’s not burnout or overwork—it’s the wrong job.

Dr. Rasmussen shares her extraordinary career journey through academic surgery, pediatric liver transplant, and multiple institutions, including the experience of building programs, navigating leadership changes, and ultimately recognizing when a position no longer aligned with her professional identity, health, or values.

Drawing on a 2022 study by Delmont et al. (Surgery, University of Cincinnati), this conversation explores the finding that nearly 25% of early-career transplant surgeons leave the field within three years—not from overwork, but from under-engagement. Dr. Rasmussen’s story brings that data to life with clarity, honesty, and hope.

This episode is about career fit, agency, partnership, and the courage to leave when growth is blocked.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why under-engagement—not workload—drives early attrition in transplant surgery

• How leadership changes can quietly derail a previously fulfilling career

• The danger of “mind-reading” your role instead of asking explicit questions

• Why asking detailed questions before accepting a job is essential

• How micromanagement erodes confidence—even in highly experienced surgeons

• Why data doesn’t always change institutional behavior

• How professional misalignment can manifest as panic attacks, hypertension, and physical symptoms

• The difference between hierarchical environments and true team-based care

• Why staying and “trying harder” is not always the right answer

• How coaching helped clarify what was actually non-negotiable

• The moment when health becomes the deciding factor

• How children often understand more than we expect during major life transitions

• Why modeling self-respect is one of the greatest lessons parents can teach

• What true surgical partnership looks like during complications

• How the right partner supports growth without judgment

• Why strength and thoughtfulness can be assets—or liabilities—depending on environment

Key themes:

• Under-engagement as a career risk

• Job fit vs. self-blame

• The cost of staying in misaligned systems

• Leadership and psychological safety

• Health as a career signal

• Modeling boundaries for children

• The power of shared vision

• Surgical partnership rooted in trust

• Growth through supportive challenge

Resources & mentions:

• Delmont et al., Surgery (2022): Early-career transplant surgeon attrition

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

• Become the Boss MD

Boss Business of Surgery Series – Episode 86

When It’s Not You: Toxic Jobs, Career Red Flags, and Designing Your Own Path with Dr. Claire Isbell

In this episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees speaks with Dr. Claire Isbell, trauma and critical care surgeon, about what happens when you do everything “right” — train hard, get the job, show up prepared — and still find yourself in one toxic work environment after another.

Dr. Isbell shares her candid journey through multiple difficult jobs, including working in the same practice as her surgeon spouse, navigating leadership turnover, maternity leave bias, COVID-era instability, and the emotional toll of being made to feel like you are the problem. This is a raw, validating conversation for physicians who quietly wonder, “Is it me… or is this job just wrong?”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the belief that “training guarantees stability” is one of medicine’s biggest myths

• The unique challenges of working in the same practice as your spouse

• How leadership turnover and staffing instability quietly erode morale

• What maternity leave bias can look like in surgical practice

• How unconscious and overt bias show up around pregnancy and parenthood

• Why being removed from leadership roles after leave is a major red flag

• How silence, whispers, and lack of transparency damage trust

• Why isolation after a partner leaves a practice can become unbearable

• How dread, anxiety, and emotional withdrawal signal misalignment

• Why leaving without another job lined up can still be the healthiest choice

• How toxic environments make surgeons question their competence

• Why multiple bad jobs do not mean you are the problem

• The subtle red flags of a dysfunctional practice: body language, turnover, culture

• How unmanaged leadership mindsets affect entire teams

• Why good performance does not protect you in unhealthy systems

• How redefining success allowed Dr. Isbell to rebuild her career intentionally

• Why designing your career around your life — not the reverse — is possible

Key themes:

• “It’s not you” is sometimes the truest diagnosis

• Toxic jobs create self-doubt, not clarity

• Environment matters as much as skill

• Maternity leave is not a vacation

• Career identity can be rebuilt

• Leaving is sometimes an act of strength

• You are allowed to outgrow roles

• Surgeons can design non-linear, sustainable careers

Resources mentioned:

• Feeling Safe at Work: Five Things You Could Do Right Now to Have a Better Life at Work

• Become the Boss MD

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

Boss Business of Surgery Series – Episode 83 (Part 2)

Leaving a Toxic Job, Protecting Yourself, and Rebuilding Your Village with Dr. Jennifer Whittington

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Amy Vertrees continues her discussion with Dr. Jennifer Whittington, surgical oncologist in New York City, focusing on what happens after you recognize a job is toxic—and how to leave safely, ethically, and intact.

This episode moves beyond awareness and into strategy: how to protect your career, your patients, and your mental health when resignation may trigger retaliation, and how rebuilding your professional and personal village is not only possible—but transformative.

Dr. Whittington shares concrete, hard-earned lessons about contracts, job transitions, allyship, debt, grief, and rebuilding a life that no longer fits the “Hallmark” version of success—but is deeply aligned and sustainable.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why not hiring a contract lawyer can be one of the most expensive mistakes early-career surgeons make

• What questions must be clarified in writing before accepting a job (call, reimbursement, block time, expectations)

• Why being discouraged from speaking to the prior surgeon is a major red flag

• How respect—or lack of it—is often the earliest signal of a toxic environment

• Why ethics and standard of care matter as much as workload

• How to safely prepare for resignation when retaliation is a concern

• What documents and credentials must be secured before leaving a hostile job

• Why emotional restraint (“the consummate professional”) can be a career-saving skill

• How allies across roles—nurses, PAs, surgeons, staff—can quietly protect you

• Why shame thrives in isolation—and dissolves in community

• How leaving the wrong job can restore confidence, clarity, and momentum

• Why career “non-linearity” on a CV does not equal failure

• How trauma, critical care work, and unorthodox paths can strengthen surgical skill

• Why becoming debt-free was both a financial and emotional turning point

• How rebuilding a village—professionally and personally—creates resilience

• Why supporting trainees and advocating for childcare equity is a leadership issue

Key themes:

• Contracts are protection, not formalities

• Respect is non-negotiable

• Ethics and integrity are career anchors

• Preparation prevents retaliation

• Allyship exists at every level

• Shame diminishes when stories are shared

• Debt is a hidden stressor in physician vulnerability

• Villages can be rebuilt

• Success does not have to look traditional

• Advocacy often grows from lived experience

Resources & mentions:

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

• Become the Boss MD

• Advocacy for subsidized childcare for surgical trainees

This episode is essential listening for surgeons considering leaving a difficult job—or quietly enduring one out of fear. Dr. Whittington’s story reinforces a critical truth: when a village falls apart, it can be rebuilt—and sometimes stronger, wiser, and more aligned than before.

Episode 90: When you get suddenly laid off with Dr. Audrey Bauer

What would you do if you suddenly found yourself without a job?

The latest BOSS podcast features Audrey Bauer, MD. She is a bariatric surgeon who was suddenly laid off.

She discovered just how many challenges she would face when she realized she was not as financially secure as she thought... and what was worse, being a specialized surgeon actually hurt her chances of getting another job. Locums has some pitfalls, too.

We talked about the lessons she learned in her path from being laid off, and her future is bright on a path she didn't expect. Her lifestyle now may make you envious!

Episode 93: We always have a choice with Dr. Sharon Stein

One of the biggest preventable challenges we face is telling ourselves we don’t have choices,

but the fact is we always do.

In the latest BOSS podcast, I talk with fellow surgeon coach Dr. Sharon Stein about the choices we have in life and in our jobs.

We talked what gets in the way of making decisions.

How we get in our own way.

The "right" path for us is waiting, and at every point there is a decision tree.

(You will also hear why my OR folks never let me get something from my car- LOL)

My guest is Sharon L. Stein, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a colorectal surgeon and Professor of Surgery at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine. She is also a certified coach and founded her own coaching program, The Intentional Surgeon, and started The Surgeon’s Lounge, a group coaching program dedicated to strengthening physicians’ voices and improving the culture of medicine.@slsteinmd

www.linkedin.com/in/sharonsteinmd

www.facebook.com/sharon.stein.355

www.thesurgeonslounge.com

Boss Business of Surgery Series – Episode 96

When Work Goes Away: Identity, Panic, and the Freedom to Evolve with Dr. Mel Thacker

In this episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees speaks with Dr. Mel Thacker, ENT surgeon, lifestyle medicine physician, and surgeon coach, about what happens when work defines your identity—and then suddenly disappears.

Like many physicians, Dr. Thacker experienced a profound reckoning during the COVID-19 pandemic. When surgeries stopped and distractions vanished, she was forced to sit with long-buried emotions, unresolved stories, and the realization that her sense of worth had become dangerously entangled with achievement and productivity.

This conversation is a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, panic, mindset work, and the freedom that comes from learning how to manage your own brain.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How growing up in instability shaped Dr. Thacker’s drive, perfectionism, and relationship with achievement

• Why school became a source of safety, structure, and validation

• How success can quietly become a substitute for self-worth

• Why reaching professional goals doesn’t guarantee fulfillment

• How the pandemic stripped away distraction and exposed unprocessed fear and shame

• What panic attacks feel like—and how they can emerge when the nervous system is overwhelmed

• Why insomnia, catastrophizing, and fear are signals—not failures

• How separating facts from stories can interrupt spirals of anxiety

• What a “thought diuresis” is—and how getting thoughts out of your head changes everything

• Why resisting negative emotions makes them stronger

• How learning to feel emotions all the way through restores control

• The “buffalo vs. cow” analogy for facing mental storms

• Why mindset work is a daily practice, not a one-time fix

• How internal validation replaces external approval

• Why success is better defined as the freedom to evolve, not a fixed endpoint

• How goals matter less than the person you become while pursuing them

• Why life is 50/50—and why accepting that creates peace

• How rediscovering connection with patients restored joy in clinical work

• Why coaching differs from advice-giving—and why it works

• How physicians can become better “thought partners” for patients and themselves

Key themes:

• Identity beyond medicine

• Panic as a nervous system response, not weakness

• Achievement vs. internal validation

• Emotional avoidance vs. emotional ownership

• Growth through mindset and self-reflection

• Success as evolution, not arrival

• Coaching as brain management

• Reclaiming joy through authentic connection

Resources & mentions:

• Dr. Mel Thacker Coaching: https://melthackercoaching.com 

• Instagram: @the_surgeon_coach

• Lifestyle Medicine (six pillars framework)

• The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

• The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

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

This episode is essential listening for surgeons who feel unmoored when work slows down, uneasy when achievement no longer soothes anxiety, or quietly afraid of what’s underneath the busyness. Dr. Thacker’s story offers reassurance and clarity: you are not broken—your brain is doing exactly what it was designed to do, and you can learn to lead it somewhere better.

Episode 103: When No One Has Your Back with Dr. Jennie Eckstrom

Are you tired of feeling unsupported and looking for a solution? Join me as I introduce Jennie Eckstrom, who will be sharing her expertise on overcoming feelings of being unsupported, so that you can achieve a sense of satisfaction and find the strength to navigate the challenges of your profession. Discover the path to fulfillment and resilience in your career, and unlock the keys to overcoming feelings of no one having your back.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the power of self-validation and self-care to enhance your well-being and fulfillment as a physician.
• Master the art of setting boundaries and acknowledging your limitations to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout.
• Learn effective strategies to overcome feelings of being unsupported, allowing you to thrive in your private practice.
• Cultivate self-reflection and self-compassion as powerful tools for overcoming insecurities and building confidence in your career.
• Create a positive and supportive environment in your practice, fostering collaboration and camaraderie among your colleagues.

My special guest is Jennie Eckstrom.

Jennie is a real estate investor and Real Estate mentor for physicians. She is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine. She is a Family Medicine physician with 17 years of clinical practice in Montana. Jennie is the Vice President of an independent multispecialty primary care clinic with 18 providers, 100+ staff members and 60,000 visits annually. The clinic provides primary care, urgent care, lab, imaging and endoscopy services as well as a Med Spa and laser clinic.

As the daughter of a contractor and real estate broker, Jennie grew up actively involved in new construction and renovations. She has been an active investor in commercial medical real estate. What started as an investment in her medical building has lead to the role of partner owner of 14 commercial doors in 3 communities. She is the managing representative of a partnership involved in the development of 22 acres of raw land in one of the largest growing micro-politan communities in the nation. She and her husband, Andrew, own short term vacation rentals in Maui and are invested in multiple syndications. She enjoys discussing all things real estate in a monthly investment group she leads with fellow physician investors.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Meeting People Online and Feeling Disconnected

00:01:19 - Seeking Validation and Feedback in Private Medicine

00:03:08 - The Story We Tell Ourselves About Not Having Support

00:06:09 - Expectations and Disappointment in Balancing Work and Family

00:09:21 - Setting Boundaries and Overcoming Shame

00:14:32 - Self-Acceptance and Being There for Others

00:15:15 - Dealing with Overwhelming Activation

00:16:46 - Addressing Internal Dialogue

00:18:28 - Observing Ourselves with Compassion

00:21:34 - Boosting Ourselves Up and Creating Boundaries

00:28:47 - The Importance of Self-Awareness and Compassion

00:30:19 - Navigating Growth with Compassion

00:31:48 - The Power of Sharing Stories

00:33:23 - Supporting Physicians in Private Practice

Episode 105: From Training to Retirement-Mastering Passion Throughout Your Surgical Career

If you're feeling a deep sense of frustration and burnout despite your dedication to surgical excellence, then you are not alone! Many surgeons are tirelessly striving for success, yet find themselves lacking passion and fulfillment in their careers. Despite the long hours, the countless surgeries, and the constant pursuit of perfection, they may still find themselves searching for a deeper sense of purpose.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover practical strategies to reignite your passion for surgery and find fulfillment in your career.

• Overcome career progression challenges unique to surgeons and pave the way to success.

• Explore the values and priorities that are essential for maintaining passion and satisfaction in your surgical career.

• Navigate through the uncertainties and disruptions that can arise in surgical careers with confidence and resilience.

• Gain insights and actionable steps to find fulfillment and maintain a sense of purpose in your surgical career.

Amy Vertrees, MD, FACS is a general surgeon, certified coach, and the founder of BOSS Business of Surgery Series. She is committed to helping surgeons learn lessons that were not taught in residency but necessary for a successful surgical career. 

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:03 - Introduction

00:00:34 - The Challenge in Medicine

00:02:00 - Remembering Why We Became Surgeons

00:03:05 - The Non-Linear Progression of Careers

00:07:34 - Mastery, Recognition, Values, and Priorities

00:11:08 - Uncertainties and Life Disruptions

00:15:25 - The Impact of a Stroke on Brain Function

00:16:30 - The Role of the Left Brain in Training

00:19:39 - Challenges in Mid Career

00:22:56 - Transitioning to a New Path

00:25:58 - Retirement and Its Challenges

Episode 106: Embracing the Neurodiverse Physician with Dr. Krystal Sodaitis

Have you been told to hide your neurodiversity to succeed as a physician? The ineffective action of masking your true self can lead to a painful sense of isolation and burnout, but there is a better way. Discover how embracing neurodiversity can enhance your medical career and unleash your potential through coaching tailored to neurodiverse individuals. It's time to overcome the challenges and leverage your unique strengths to thrive in the medical profession.

In this episode, you will be able to:

- Discover how embracing neurodiversity can enhance your medical career.
- Unleash your potential through coaching tailored to neurodiverse individuals.
- Overcome the challenges of masking and ADHD with effective strategies.
- Master the art of effective communication in the workplace to thrive in your medical profession.
- Find the support and resources you need to excel as a neurodiverse physician.

My special guest today is Dr. Krystal Sodaitis.

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis board-certified pediatrician, who transitioned from academic medicine to health plan leadership in 2013. Krystal has advanced certifications in physician coaching, leadership coaching, and deep dive coaching. Her coaching practice is focused on physicians who have a neurodevelopmental diagnosis such as ADHD, Autism or dyslexia.

Highly intelligent people are often identified as neurodiverse (formally or through self-discovery/diagnosis) well into adulthood. While the diagnosis may come with some understanding and validation, many still have questions. Unsure where to go with their newfound knowledge - that’s where she comes in. Krystal helps neurodiverse docs discover their “what now.” She addresses the guilt, shame, and limiting beliefs that come with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorder, autism spectrum disorder or any other disability. Our brains are amazing, and Krystal wants us all to embrace the different yet glorious ways our brains work. She helps people harness their gifts, not squelch them.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-revai-sodaitis
Website: https://neurodiversedocs.com/
eBook: https://link.neurodiversedocs.com/top-5-tips

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:07 - Dr. Sodaitis' Journey
00:03:10 - The Need for Coaching
00:07:54 - Identifying Neurodiversity
00:10:46 - Overcoming Challenges
00:17:32 - The Pressure to Mask in Autism
00:18:00 - Masking and Adjusting Communication
00:19:06 - Starting with Personal Goals
00:19:24 - Addressing Sensory Overload
00:21:32 - Balancing Authenticity and Comfort
00:22:57 - Understanding Differences with Compassion
00:33:19 - Expressing the Impact of Actions
00:33:45 - Reaching Out for Help
00:34:01 - Conclusion and Farewell

Episode 109: When Divorce Challenges Your Identity at Work with Dr. Paul Michaud

A high-flying surgeon confronts the crushing reality of divorce, as he strives to shatter the facade of perfection, repair broken relationships, and find redemption amidst the wreckage of his personal and professional life.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how to navigate the challenges of divorce with grace and resilience.
• Learn effective strategies to support your children during the divorce process.
• Find out how to take responsibility for your mistakes and grow from them.
• Explore the impact of divorce on your personal and professional life, and learn how to manage both with confidence.
• Gain insights into finding a balance between work and parenting while going through divorce.

My special guest today is Paul Michaud.

Paul is a father to 5 sons, Radiologist, Certified Physician Executive, and executive leadership coach. He served in the Army for over 13 years where he earned a reputation of creating exceptional work environments for his teammates and developing innovative leadership models for the organizations he has served.

Notable past leadership positions include Chair, Department of Radiology, Chief Medical Officer, and Consultant to the Army Surgeon General. Paul currently serves as Professor of Radiology at West Virginia University, where he is pursuing his passion for teaching and developing the next generation of leaders.

He is also an organizational leadership and executive coach with a particular interest in optimizing work environments and helping individuals navigate challenging life experiences such as trauma, divorce, and transitions in their career path.

Find out more about Paul here: 

• http://linkedin.com/in/paul-michaud-755287271
• https://www.theinstituteofpurpose.com

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - The Perception of Perfection at Work

00:03:24 - Helping Others Going Through Divorce

00:06:57 - Acknowledging Imperfections

00:08:28 - The Long Process of Divorce

00:15:34 - Managing the Process on Your Own Terms

00:17:30 - Taking Responsibility and Apologizing

00:18:30 - Kids' Awareness and the Healing Process

00:20:22 - Recognizing When to Take a Break

00:23:10 - Responsibility vs. Blame

00:30:58 - Addressing the Abscess and Teaching Kids

00:32:15 - Allowing Kids to Make Mistakes

00:34:24 - Apologizing and Acknowledging Mistakes

00:36:38 - Finding Joy in Children's Success

00:40:21 - Identity Crisis and Overcoming Obstacles

Episode 114: Recognizing Gender Bias in Medicine with Dr. Maggie Brooke

Have you heard the myths that women exaggerate their pain, that men are better suited for leadership positions in healthcare, and that women are more emotional and therefore less capable in the medical field?

Our guest, Maggie Brooke, will share the truth about gender bias in the medical field and how we can work towards equality.

“Women physicians receive more complaints: Complaints from other staff, from patients, and more negative interpretations of typical interactions. It's a real challenge to combat.” - Dr. Maggie Brooke

Key Takeaways

• Gain insights into the hidden challenges affecting patient care.
• Discover strategies for breaking barriers and thriving in male-dominated surgical specialties.
• Uncover the impact of unrecognized labor and societal pressures on healthcare professionals.
• Learn how to advocate for change and promote equality within medical institutions.
• Find valuable tools and support networks to drive positive change in healthcare.

My special guest today is Maggie Brooke.

Magdalene (Maggie) Brooke, MD FACS is a full spectrum community and academic surgeon working in Denver, Colorado. Her primary interests are surgical education and providing excellent, up-to-date surgical care to vulnerable populations in the Denver safety net system. She is married to another physician in a procedural field and the mother of two young children. She is an artist, an avid reader, and a lifelong proud feminist. She has no academic expertise in the field of equity in healthcare, but rather is a female surgeon doing her best to support the ongoing growth of gender equity within her field. Her views are her own and not those of her department or institution. 

Find out more here: 

• Twitter: @MagdaB_MD
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggie.brooke.7

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Book "Invisible Women"

00:03:59 - Recognizing Gender Bias

00:08:25 - Stereotypes in Surgery

00:12:10 - The Impact of Gender Diversity

00:13:35 - Support for Parenthood in Medicine

00:15:14 - Gender Equality and Family Leave Policies

00:16:01 - Biologic Realities of Childbearing

00:17:05 - Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities

00:18:57 - Thoughtful Implementation of Policies

00:23:08 - Gender Bias and Microaggressions in Medicine

00:31:16 - Gender Bias in Interactions

00:32:08 - Challenging Gender Bias

00:35:12 - Pervasive Gender Bias

00:36:53 - Dealing with Gender Bias

00:43:14 - Making Invisible Work Visible

00:44:59 - Redefining Societal Expectations

00:46:16 - Establishing Boundaries

00:48:11 - Effective Communication

00:49:37 - Gender Bias in the Workplace

00:53:22 - Ergonomics and Equipment Challenges

00:58:06 - Gender Bias in Healthcare

00:58:49 - Benefits of Diversity

00:59:16 - Conclusion and Recommendations

00:59:34 - Book Recommendation

01:00:00 - Additional Resources

Episode 156: Getting the Most Out of Conferences (Without the Drama) with Dr. Amy Vertrees

This podcast episode discusses strategies for making the most out of attending medical conferences as a surgeon. The host shares personal experiences and insights on preparing for conferences, managing thoughts and emotions, networking effectively, reflecting on career goals, and following up after the event. Key points include setting intentions beforehand, being mindful of self-talk, making meaningful connections, allowing for flexibility in plans, and practicing self-compassion throughout the experience.

Chapters

Introduction and Anticipation

The host introduces the topic of attending conferences and the mixed feelings of excitement and dread that often accompany them. She emphasizes the value of anticipating the event and enjoying the experience before, during, and after. Preparing for presentations and packing in advance can help reduce stress and allow for a more positive mindset.

Managing Thoughts and Emotions

The host acknowledges the various thoughts and emotions that can arise during conferences, such as self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and feelings of inadequacy. She encourages recognizing these as choices and practicing self-compassion. Strategies like setting deadlines, being present, and listening to one's body are recommended.

Networking and Connecting

Networking and making meaningful connections are highlighted as essential aspects of conferences. The host suggests preparing an elevator pitch, being open to new contacts, and following up after the event. Social media can also be a valuable tool for extending connections and promoting one's work.

Reflection and Career Goals

The host emphasizes the importance of reflecting on career goals and direction during and after conferences. Feelings of inspiration, intimidation, or discouragement can provide valuable feedback on desired growth areas. Gratitude and self-compassion are encouraged throughout the process.

Post-Conference Follow-Up

After the conference, the host recommends recording lessons learned, reviewing materials, completing CME requirements, submitting expenses for reimbursement, and scheduling a buffer day for reflection and recalibration. Proper follow-up can help maximize the benefits of attending the conference.

Action Items

1. Set intentions and goals for the conference beforehand
2. Prepare an elevator pitch for networking opportunities
3. Practice self-compassion and manage self-talk during the conference
4. Make an effort to connect with peers, mentors, and speakers
5. Utilize social media to extend connections and promote your work
6. Reflect on career goals and direction during and after the conference
7. Record lessons learned and follow up on materials or connections
8. Complete CME requirements and submit expenses for reimbursement
9. Schedule a buffer day for reflection and recalibration after the conference