In this conversation, Dr. Kara Pepper shares with host Dr. Saba Fatima, her journey from a successful medical career to confronting her struggles with substance use and burnout. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in medicine, the challenges healthcare workers face, and the need for open conversations about mental health and substance use. Dr. Pepper discusses her personal experiences with alcohol, the stigma surrounding it, and the significance of community support in recovery. She encourages listeners to recognize their autonomy in their careers and to seek help when needed, ultimately advocating for a culture shift in the medical profession.

Dr. Kara Pepper is a practicing primary care Internist and executive coach in Atlanta, GA. After 14 years in private practice, Dr. Pepper built her own 17-state telemedicine practice for adults across the southeast, especially those with eating disorders. In addition to her clinical practice, she provides executive coaching and is the founder of Micropractice Mastermind, a community for physicians transforming healthcare through solo practice. Dr. Pepper is the podcast host of "It's Not Just You," stories of survival, humanism, and career sustainability.

Chapters
00:00
Breaking the Silence on Substance Abuse in Healthcare
03:17
Dr. Kara Pepper's Journey: From Perfectionism to Recovery
06:02
The Impact of COVID-19 on Substance Use Among Physicians
08:54
Understanding Shame and Seeking Help in Medicine
11:48
The Prevalence of Substance Abuse in Healthcare
14:44
Feeling Trapped: The Burden of Professional Expectations
17:46
Taking Action: How to Seek Help and Support
20:32
Navigating Work and Recovery: Do You Need to Quit?
23:24
Creating Compassionate Work Environments for Healthcare Workers
28:13
Breaking Free from Addiction
32:15
Navigating Social Relationships Post-Addiction
33:50
Talking to Teens About Addiction
36:23
Transitioning to a New Career
38:36
Identity and Responsibility in Medicine
41:11
Normalizing Conversations Around Substance Use
42:14
Cultural Norms and Alcohol
43:17
Final Thoughts and Resources

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.

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