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After celebrating Mother's Day, we explore a concept everyone needs regardless of parental status: mothering yourself. Medical training conditions us to abandon our humanity bit by bit, wearing sacrifices like badges of honor while neglecting our own basic needs.

• The caregiver trap teaches us to neglect ourselves while caring for others
• Even the most brilliant physician cannot pour from an empty cup
• Self-care is not selfish but essential for sustainable practice
• Mothering yourself means saying no without apology when something doesn't align with your values
• Rest and restoration are forms of preservation in a system designed to ignore our limits
• When we properly care for ourselves, we reclaim our power and model humanity for others
• Challenge 1: Identify what you truly need this week to sustain yourself
• Challenge 2: Dare to dream again and reconnect with your authentic desires
• Start by asking what one thing would put a genuine smile on your face today

You are not just a physician. You are worthy of care as well.

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 high-producing physician decides to walk away from a successful 25-year medical career? Dr. Susan Baumgaertel shares her transformative journey from traditional internal medicine to patient advocacy and authorship in this candid conversation.

Dr. Baumgaertel's story begins with a familiar scenario—working nonstop, taking minimal vacation, and feeling the mounting pressure of productivity demands. In the chaos, she found ways to maintain her humanity by incorporating her passion for art into patient care. The paintings by her late mother that adorned her office walls created unexpected healing connections with patients, illustrating how medicine and creativity can intersect in powerful ways.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Dr. Baumgaertel explains her preference for the term "moral injury" over "burnout." While burnout can affect professionals across various industries, moral injury refers to the violation of a physician's ethical code when corporate interests take precedence over patient care.

Now as an MD Advocate, Dr. Baumgaertel has created a unique model that supports rather than competes with traditional medical care. She helps patients navigate complex systems while providing physicians with the backup they need for thorough discussions that today's time constraints often do not allow. Her book, "The Menopause Menu," further extends this mission, providing accessible, evidence-based information structured like a meal—appetizer, entrée, palate cleanser, and dessert.

Perhaps most inspiring is her commitment to daily walking, regardless of weather, where she solves problems and maintains mental clarity. This simple practice embodies her philosophy that self-care is not selfish, but essential for physicians who want to provide compassionate care without sacrificing their well-being.

Dr. Baumgaertel's parting wisdom rings true: "Listen to yourself." Your authentic journey in medicine may look different from what you imagined, but that might be precisely what you need.

Listen to yourself! Listen to pay attention!

CONNECT WITH DR. B:

LinkedIn MD Advocate The Menopause Menu

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 physicians reclaim their humanity after years of medical training that teaches them to ignore their basic needs? Dr. Manju Dawkins joins us to share her fascinating journey from traditional dermatology practice to healthcare entrepreneurship, revealing how creativity and medicine can powerfully intersect.

Remember when you were taught that holding your bladder for 12 hours was a badge of honor in medical training? Our conversation dives into how physicians are conditioned to disconnect from their bodies and operate in perpetual "fight or flight" mode. We explore the damaging consequences of this culture—and more importantly, how to break free from it.

Dr. Dawkins takes us through her entrepreneurial awakening, sparked by watching her infant daughter receive painful vaccinations. This moment of parental anguish led her to create Thimble Health, a company developing innovative solutions for needle pain. Her story illuminates how physicians can leverage their unique perspectives to solve healthcare problems beyond the exam room.

The dialogue challenges the notion that physicians must limit themselves to direct patient care. "The system wants us to just put our heads down, have the blinders on and see patients," Dr. Dawkins notes, "but we shouldn't let the degree limit us—we should let it expand our opportunity." This perspective encourages doctors to explore varied expressions of their talents in entrepreneurship, policy, media, and creative pursuits.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is our discussion about purpose and guilt. We unpack how guilt serves no productive function, while authenticity and joy lead to our best work. Dr. Dawkins suggests that purpose need not be narrowly defined as helping others through direct medical care—even simple acts of creation fulfill our human purpose and bring unexpected joy to others.

Whether you're questioning your career path or seeking to reconnect with what initially drew you to medicine, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on finding fulfillment while making meaningful contributions to healthcare. Subscribe now and join the movement to redefine what it means to be a worthy physician in today's world.

What you'll learn:

• Medical training conditions physicians to ignore basic human needs and disconnects us from our bodies
• Everything is not "on fire"—we need to break the cycle of

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

Dr. David Weill shares his journey from transplant pulmonologist to consultant and author, exploring how he recognized the emotional and physical toll of clinical medicine after 20 years and strategically transitioned to his "second act." He provides honest insights into the realities of medical practice, the importance of knowing when to pivot, and the value of pursuing creative outlets that align with your strengths.

• After 20 years as a transplant pulmonologist, Dr. Weill transitioned to consulting and writing
• He recognized early that clinical medicine had a "shelf life" due to physical demands and emotional toll
• Used a methodical approach of listing what he excelled at and enjoyed to guide his next chapter
• Now works as a consultant helping transplant programs improve their systems and outcomes
• Has published two books: "Exhale" (a memoir) and "All That Really Matters" (a novel)
• Emphasizes the challenge of accepting medicine's imperfect outcomes
• Recommends "test-driving" potential new career paths while still in your current role
• Highlights the importance of the "three Fs": family, friends, and faith (spiritual practice)

Visit davidweill.com to learn more about Dr. Weill's books and work. He welcomes emails from medical students, residents, and physicians considering career transitions.

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

Dr. Sweet shares her 43-year journey in HIV/AIDS care, transforming a deadly condition with six-month prognosis into a manageable chronic disease where properly treated patients can expect normal lifespans.

• Started practicing in 1982, drawn to medicine by hands-on patient interaction rather than purely diagnostic work
• Encountered her first HIV patient in 1983 when stigma and discrimination were severe
• Founded the Sweet Emergency Fund approximately 30 years ago to address gaps in care
• Hosts annual "Sweet Affair" fundraiser in her backyard to support medication, housing, and transportation needs
• Advocates for healthcare as a right, not a privilege, ensuring patients receive care regardless of ability to pay
• Teaches medical students the human side of medicine—listening, understanding quality of life, and addressing social determinants of health
• Emphasizes that early HIV treatment prevents hospitalizations and costly complications
• Modern HIV patients on proper treatment can expect normal life expectancies (82-88 years)

To donate to the Sweet Emergency Fund's community-focused support for HIV patients, send a tax-deductible contribution to this 501(c)(3) organization that ensures 100% of funds go directly to patient care needs.

This episode is part of the Podcasthon. What does that mean?

This week, in March, several podcasters around the world are asked to release an episode regarding philanthropy. What a cool way to create a positive impact?!

Why does it matter?

We can all strive to leave the world a little better than the way we found it.

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

Dive into an inspiring episode that chronicles the life journey of Dr. Sabharwal, a dedicated physician who broke barriers to shift his career from clinical work to entrepreneurship through real estate investing. Discover the unique challenges international medical graduates face as they adjust to the U.S. healthcare system, while exploring strategies for achieving financial independence.

In this episode, Dr. Sabharwal candidly shares his experiences—from funding his own medical rotations to navigating the complexities of building a real estate portfolio. He highlights essential insights on understanding investment dynamics, the value of continuous education, and finding ways to generate passive income. With a focus on the intersection of personal fulfillment and professional success, Dr. Sabharwal discusses how one can live intentionally and embrace change as a pathway to growth.

As busy professionals, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. The episode serves as a reminder to realign your focus and ask questions that cut to the core of your motivations. Join us for an enriching discussion that offers practical advice, thoughtful reflections, and a boost of inspiration for anyone looking to blend passion with purpose.

Don't forget to check out the free resources mentioned in the episode, including Dr. Sabharwal's video series that demystifies real estate investing for busy physicians. Join us on this transformative journey—you won’t want to miss it!

What you'll learn:

• Dr. Sabharwal’s background and challenges in the U.S. medical system
• The pivotal role of education and mentorship in his journey
• Transitioning from clinical care to exploring real estate
• Insights on the importance of understanding investment opportunities
• The intertwined nature of personal happiness, purpose, and financial security
• Ways for busy physicians to consider investing and building wealth

Connect with Dr. Sabharwal:

The Immigrant Doctor

LinkedIn

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE!

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 unlocking the full potential of physicians goes beyond medicine? Join us in an engaging discussion with Dr. Shai Efrati, as we uncover the secrets to enhancing efficiency and peak performance in the demanding world of healthcare. We explore the often-overlooked roles physicians play and how the drive to surpass "normal" benchmarks can lead to unparalleled growth. By addressing both biological and non-biological barriers, Dr. Efrati provides intriguing insights into how simple habits, like morning phone checks, can impact a physician's focus and productivity.

Beyond the clinic, personal development and mental resilience take center stage. We delve into the parallels between elite athletes and physicians, focusing on self-assessment and discipline. The conversation touches on setting personal and professional goals, highlighting the benefits of mental framing and resilience. Dr. Efrati shares his evolved understanding of mental health, particularly PTSD, providing a fresh perspective on these challenges.

In the quest for mindful performance optimization, we emphasize the power of purpose. Discover the art of managing attention and interactions, as we discuss strategies for navigating daily transitions with a clear "why." Dr. Efrati shares personal techniques for self-reflection and growth, from using verbal reinforcement to fostering a humorous approach to self-assessment. Through these strategies, we inspire listeners to take control of their routines and unlock new levels of personal and professional fulfillment.

Striving for peak performance in healthcare requires physicians to identify and overcome personal and professional bottlenecks. Dr. Shai Efrati emphasizes the importance of motivation, daily missions, and self-reflection as key elements for continuous improvement in practice and life.

• Understanding the multifaceted roles of physicians
• The importance of identifying biological and non-biological bottlenecks
• Strategies for managing time and attention effectively
• The role of self-reflection and weekly evaluations
• The necessity of having a personal ‘why’ as motivation for improvement
• Emphasizing gratitude and its impact on patient care
• Encouraging the adoption of daily missions for greater focus
• The impact of physical health on overall performance

Connect with Dr. Efrati:

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

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, offers physicians a powerful tool to process trauma and emotional stress. Dr. Jill Wener, MD shares insights on how tapping integrates easily into medical practice, emphasizing vulnerability, self-compassion, and effective stress management.

• Introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
• Understanding the science behind tapping
• Exploring trauma experiences within medicine
• The emotional burden carried by healthcare professionals
• Practical applications of tapping in personal and professional life
• The importance of self-compassion and vulnerability
• Guidance on connecting with Dr. Jill Wiener and further resources

Unlock the transformative power of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) with Dr. Jill Wiener. Discover how tapping on acupressure points can be a game-changer for trauma healing and stress reduction, especially in the high-pressure world of healthcare. Whether navigating the emotional turmoil of medical practice or facing everyday stressors, learn how EFT helps regulate the nervous system and mitigate the impact of intense emotions. This episode promises insights into how acknowledging trauma is crucial for mental well-being, particularly for physicians who constantly confront highly charged situations.

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