• Bite-Sized Wellbeing for Burned-Out Healthcare Workers with Brian Sexton on Burnout Metrics & Micro-Interventions Episode 162
    Mar 9 2026

    Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

    Psychologist and psychometrician Brian Sexton, Chief Wellness Officer at Duke Health Integrated Practice, discusses how his early quality-improvement work in Johns Hopkins ICUs revealed that high staff burnout undermined readiness for interventions like bloodstream infection reduction. He explains measuring burnout—especially emotional exhaustion—and how adding metrics like work-life integration and emotional recovery enables personalized wellbeing “profiles” and targeted interventions. Sexton describes evidence-based, one- to two-minute “bite-sized” tools (e.g., humor, awe, gratitude) designed for busy clinicians, and how Duke embedded these into continuing education with private feedback to boost engagement; a five-hour, eight-day CE program published in JAMA Network Open (Sept 2024) showed improvements, particularly for those struggling most. He outlines a 7-minute gratitude letter exercise, its research roots (Emmons, Seligman), wellbeing-informed leadership practices, and directs listeners to free tools at caws.dukehealth.org.

    Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

    1. Assess Wellbeing Before Adding New Tasks: Healthcare workers experiencing burnout lack the capacity to take on new initiatives. Organizations should measure emotional exhaustion and wellbeing readiness before implementing quality improvement programs or system changes. About one-third of ICUs weren't ready for innovation due to burnout - addressing wellbeing first is essential.
    2. Bite-Sized Interventions Have Lasting Impact: Simple 7-10 minute wellbeing exercises (like writing a gratitude letter) can produce measurable improvements lasting 6-12 months. These micro-interventions are designed for busy healthcare workers who want something that takes minimal time, provides immediate relief, and creates long-term benefits. The effects actually continue improving over time rather than fading.
    3. Wellbeing is Contagious - Both Ways: When 60% of a team engages in wellbeing interventions, even those who haven't participated show improvement through contagion effects. However, this works both ways - negativity and burnout also spread. Getting "enough" people engaged (not everyone) can create positive cultural shifts that lift the entire team.

    Meet Dr. Bryan Sexton:

    Bryan is the Chief Wellness Officer of Duke Health Integrated Practice and Director of the Duke Center for the Advancement of Well-being Science. After 30 years as a psychologist, psychometrician and investigator, he now works with leaders to assess and improve culture and work-force well-being. Bryan has conducted and published large studies and randomized controlled trials showing how to cause enduring improvements in the well-being of our workforce. He has authored over 100 peer reviewed publications, and his research instruments and well-being interventions have been translated and used in over 30 countries.

    A perpetually recovering father of four, he enjoys running, using hand tools on wood, pickleball with friends, and hearing particularly good explanations of extremely complicated topics.

    Don’t miss this enlightening conversation! 🎙️

    Connect with Dr. Bryan Sexton:

    🌐 Website https://caws.dukehealth.org/

    LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wellb/

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    **** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

    Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

    **** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.
    **** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.

    **** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

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    46 min
  • The Doctor's Path: Transformations and Triumphs of Medicine, Identity, and Resilience: Insights from Dr. Dhaval Desai Episode 161
    Mar 2 2026

    Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

    Dr. Dhaval Desai, an Atlanta-based internal medicine–pediatrics physician and former hospitalist director, shares his path from studying economics and Spanish and teaching high school to training abroad and leading a 30-physician hospitalist group at Emory St. Joseph’s with a split clinical/administrative role. He describes how COVID-era pressures and a new baby contributed to burnout, sleep and mood issues, and seeking therapy and medication, later deepening his advocacy through a memoir and work with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, noting about 400 U.S. physicians die by suicide annually. After being rejected for a chief wellbeing officer role and facing institutional limits on speaking publicly, he hired an executive coach and resigned, concluding loyalty can hold physicians back. He pivoted to direct primary care by purchasing a retiring physician’s practice, citing autonomy, fewer patients, and reduced bureaucracy as key to preventing burnout.

    Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

    1. Physician Loyalty Can Become a Career Trap: Dr. Desai learned that his loyalty to his institution, patients, and colleagues was actually holding him back from making necessary career changes. His executive coach's blunt advice - "Nobody is going to give a shit if you leave tomorrow" - proved true when he resigned. Healthcare systems will move on, regardless of individual contributions, and physicians need to recognize when loyalty is preventing them from pursuing fulfillment.
    2. Institutional Control Compromises Professional Integrity: Large healthcare systems often restrict physicians' ability to speak freely and advocate for what they believe in, even on humanitarian issues. Dr. Desai's experience being called in after writing an op-ed about ICE raids in hospitals showed how "the firm" can force physicians to compromise their values. This institutional pressure, combined with being passed over for the Chief Wellbeing Officer position, revealed that systems may pigeonhole physicians regardless of their capabilities.
    3. Direct Primary Care Offers Control and Prevents Burnout: Transitioning to a Direct Primary Care (DPC) model allowed Dr. Desai to reclaim control over his schedule, patient panel size, and work-life balance. By eliminating insurance billing bureaucracy and middle management, he now spends 30-60 minutes per patient visit instead of documenting for 6 hours daily. This autonomy - combined with ongoing therapy and medication - has eliminated the "dread of going to work" and allows him to pursue advocacy, media, and other passions without institutional gatekeeping.

    Meet Dr. Dhaval Desai:

    Dr. Dhaval Desai is a dual board-certified Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician who transitioned from hospital leadership into Direct Primary Care to practice medicine with deeper connection and purpose. He is the author of "Burning Out on the COVID Front Lines..." and host of the podcast SEEN IN FULL, where he explores burnout, identity, advocacy, and the human experience in modern work and life.

    Connect with Dr. Dhaval Densai:

    🌐 Website https://dhavaldesaimd.com/

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/doctordesaimd/

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    **** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

    Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

    **** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.
    **** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.

    **** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

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    35 min
  • Empowering Teams, Redesigning Care & Improving Health Outcomes with Amanda Laramie & Adrienne Mann - Episode 160
    Feb 23 2026
    Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast! Our host Dr. Sarah Smith interviews Coleman Associates staff Amanda Laramie and Chief Innovation Officer Adrienne Mann about how Coleman Associates helps healthcare clinics—especially community health centers—redesign care delivery through their Dramatic Performance Improvement (DPI) methodology. Adrienne describes how Coleman’s work in her Chicago community health center targeted goals such as cycle time under 30 minutes (from patient arrival to departure), no-show rate under 5%, and 100% real-time charting completion, leading to improved patient and staff satisfaction and reduced burnout. They explain cycle time as a measure of organized care and patient experience, and discuss how patient visit tracking reveals bottlenecks, handoffs, and physical-layout issues that slow flow. They cover strategies to reduce no-shows, framing them as a sign of a broken relationship and an access problem; examples include mystery shopper calls to identify barriers like long hold times, easier cancellation processes, and proactive visit confirmation and preparation. They discuss role realignment and preparing for visits through team-based workflows, including the “sheep-shepherd model” where MAs or nurses shepherd clinic flow to protect clinician time, reduce interruptions, and support “today’s work done today.” Specific tactics include team “dance steps,” robust intake and concise handoffs, the “midway knock” check-in (physical or virtual), and having staff “bodyguard” clinicians while charting to prevent interruptions and avoid getting behind on notes. They also discuss inbox/worklist overload, aiming for net-zero inbox at day’s end through better routing/oversight, team support for tasks, and a “red carpet exit” to reduce follow-up calls by addressing questions and ensuring orders/referrals are completed before the patient leaves. The conversation addresses individual needs and disabilities (including neurodiversity), emphasizing that frontline staff should design and adapt solutions; examples include noise-canceling headphones for charting and using space creatively (e.g., an exam room as a quiet charting space). They discuss shifting visit prep from clinicians to teams so multiple “brains” are aware of patient needs (e.g., hospital follow-ups, missing labs, forms), including pre-visit calls asking about ED visits, specialists, and concerns. They argue checkbox-heavy requirements (e.g., Medicare-related items) should be handled by nurses or staff through pre-visit “concierge” workflows, and note EHR limitations can be addressed through optimization and interdisciplinary decisions about filing and access. They conclude by encouraging curiosity and questioning existing systems (“why” thinking), noting that everything is changeable except load-bearing walls, and provide ways to find Coleman Associates online. They state they primarily work across the U.S. but are open to working anywhere, including Canada and Australia. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Cycle Time Under 30 Minutes Indicates Organized Care: Cycle time (patient arrival to departure) isn't about rushing—it's about eliminating confusion, handoffs, and mishaps. Shorter cycle times mean better-organized care that respects patients' time, especially those without PTO or childcare access. The goal is efficiency through coordination, not speed through corners cut. No-Shows Signal Broken Relationships, Not Patient Irresponsibility: When no-show rates exceed 10-15%, it reveals systemic issues: long hold times making cancellations difficult, appointments booked months in advance, or lack of relationship-building. The solution involves confirmation calls, easier cancellation processes, and recognizing that patients who no-show often need care the most—they're the ones appearing in emergency departments instead. The Shepherd-Sheep Model Empowers Teams and Protects Clinician Focus: Medical assistants and nurses should "shepherd" the clinician's flow—staying slightly ahead, looping back to check needs, and bodyguarding charting time from interruptions. This allows clinicians to focus on what only they can do while the care team handles preparation, coordination, and protection of workflow. The result: 100% real-time charting completion becomes achievable. Meet Amanda Laramie & Adrienne Mann: Amanda is experienced in process design, training, and leadership development. Before working with Coleman, Amanda worked for a women’s health center in Providence, Rhode Island. She was a Medical Assistant and later, a Health Center Manager. Amanda has been working with Coleman Associates since 2011 and has coached hundreds of health center teams. She is a team leader and current COO of Coleman Associates. Adrienne Mann is a dynamic coach, trainer, healthcare leader, speaker, and podcast host passionate about driving positive change. She ...
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    50 min
  • Burnout in healthcare isn't just about being tired. It's feeling numb, checked out, and ready to walk away from the career you worked years to build. Dr. Nikia Smith Ep 159
    Feb 16 2026
    Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast! In this interview, Dr. Nikia Smith, a board-certified anesthesiologist, wellness coach, and retreat curator, shares how she experienced burnout twice during her attending career and nearly left medicine. She describes early warning signs (persistent fatigue despite rest, increasing irritability, and eventual emotional numbness and autopilot), and links her initial burnout to chronic understaffing after colleagues left and a lack of administrative support, including being told the team was “handling it so well” that additional hires were unnecessary. After a near-20-hour call shift, she set boundaries by refusing further call, began educating herself on burnout, compassion fatigue, and self-compassion (including reading Kristin Neff), and rebuilt recovery through small, joy-based habits, movement (starting with Pilates), and reconnecting with community. She ultimately left a job that would not put agreed terms into a contract, moved to a no-call role to regain nights and weekends, and later negotiated for a part-time contract; she now works in Las Vegas under a contract requiring eight days per month, aligned with her goal of working 10 days or less. Dr. Smith explains how her personal retreat became an annual four-day wellness retreat for physicians (expanding to other clinicians) that includes CME and group learning on moral injury, perfectionism, invisible labor/“third shift,” and practical strategies such as boundary-setting, negotiating schedules, and mutual support (including helping participants craft emails). She advises clinicians to talk to others to learn what’s possible, keep asking for what they need (e.g., administrative time for committee work), and recognize that burnout recovery is not a quick fix but a process of re-engaging with self and community. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Burnout Recovery Takes Time and Intentional Action: Burnout develops gradually over years, and recovery requires more than just rest. Dr. Smith emphasizes reconnecting with activities that bring joy and energy (like movement, hobbies, and community), even when exhausted. Small, consistent steps—like 5-minute walks or puzzles—can help rebuild your capacity to recharge. Advocate for Your Non-Negotiables: Healthcare systems often claim certain accommodations are "impossible" until you're ready to leave. Dr. Smith successfully negotiated no-call schedules and eventually part-time work (8-10 days/month) by persistently asking and being willing to walk away. She encourages clinicians to keep asking for what they need and get terms in writing. Systemic Issues Require Personal Boundaries: While healthcare systems prioritize profits over provider wellbeing, waiting for institutional change isn't sustainable. Dr. Smith learned to set firm boundaries—like refusing additional committee work without administrative time, and leaving jobs that wouldn't honor her needs. The solution involves both advocating for systemic change and taking personal responsibility for protecting your wellbeing. Meet Dr. Nikia Smith: Dr. Nikia Smith is a practicing board-certified anesthesiologist, wellness coach, and retreat facilitator. She’s also the founder of She Is Fire Forged, a transformative wellness brand that helps high-achieving women of color reclaim their peace, power, and purpose. With over a decade (and counting!) of experience in the high-stress world of medicine, Nikia brings a deeply informed lens to conversations around burnout, boundaries, and emotional restoration. Nikia specializes in guiding women—especially Black women in leadership and healthcare—through the exhaustion that comes from constantly being everything for everyone. She equips her clients with the tools to say no without guilt, build lives rooted in their own definitions of success, and live in softness over survival mode. Through retreats, coaching, and community care, Nikia curates spaces where women are invited to pause, reset, and reimagine what thriving truly looks like. Her work blends evidence-based wellness tools with embodied spiritual practice, creating a holistic path forward rooted in softness, sustainability, and self-trust. She’s also been featured as a guest on the Docs Get Money and Free to Be Mindful podcasts. Outside of her work, Nikia prioritizes rest, joy, and connection. You’ll find her reading, recharging with loved ones, and spending time with her niece, modeling what’s truly possible for a strong and powerful woman in this world. Connect with Dr. Nikia Smith: 🌐 Website https://sheisfireforged.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nikiasmithmd/ -------------- Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click Here **** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to ...
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    33 min
  • Achieving Work-Life Balance: A Doctor's Journey Through Locum Tenens with Dr. Andrew Wilner - Episode 158
    Feb 9 2026

    Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

    In this episode, our host welcomes Dr. Andrew Wilner to discuss his extensive career in medicine, detailing his certifications in internal medicine, neurology, and epilepsy. Dr. Wilner shares his multifaceted journey, from starting as an ER doctor without formal training to becoming a professor of neurology. He delves into the evolution of the internship model and offers advice for medical students in career decision-making.

    Dr. Wilner also elaborates on the locum tenens lifestyle, discussing the challenges and benefits, including the necessary preparation and mindset for success. Additionally, he highlights his experiences in academic roles, private practice, and as a medical journalist. The conversation concludes with insights into Dr. Wilner's book, 'The Locum Life: A Physician's Guide to Locum Tenens,' and his podcast, 'The Art of Medicine,' featuring stories of physicians pursuing unique medical careers.

    Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

    1. Flexibility is Essential for Locums Success: Locums work requires adaptability in every aspect - assignments can be canceled last minute, you'll work in unfamiliar systems, and conditions are often less than ideal. The ability to be flexible and resourceful is more important than clinical skills alone.
    2. Prepare Thoroughly Before Each Assignment: Arrive 2 days early to handle logistics: learn the EMR system (demand paid training), scout parking and accommodations, get credentialing done, and eliminate uncertainties. This preparation reduces stress and lets you focus on patient care when the assignment starts.
    3. Locums Prevents Burnout and Maintains Career Options: Working locums (even part-time) keeps you clinically active, resets credentialing clocks, and provides control over your schedule. Many burned-out physicians rediscover their love of medicine through locums by working on their own terms (7-9 months/year) rather than leaving clinical practice entirely.

    Meet Dr. Andrew Wilner:

    Dr. Wilner has worked locum tenens on and off since 1982 and is the author of "The Locum Life: A Physician's Guide to Locum Tenens." Dr. Wilner is Professor of Neurology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee, and host and producer of the Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner podcast since 2020. Dr. Wilner is a PADI Divemaster and passionate underwater photographer.

    Connect with Dr. Andrew Wilner:

    🌐 Website http://www.andrewwilner.com

    Twitter/X http://www.twitter.com/drwilner

    Instagram http://www.instagram.com/seaphoto2025

    YouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/andrewwilnermdauthor

    YouTube Underwater http://www.youtube.com/c/andrewwilner

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    Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click Here

    **** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

    Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

    **** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.

    **** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.

    **** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

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    51 min
  • Why The "Arrival Fallacy" Keeps You Waiting for Happiness That Never Comes with Dr. Sunny Smith Episode 157
    Feb 2 2026

    Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

    Happy Women Physician Day! In this special episode, Dr. Sarah Smith sits down with Dr. Sunny Smith, founder of Empowering Women Physicians, to discuss the unique challenges facing women physicians and the coaching tools that are helping hundreds break free from burnout—without quitting medicine.

    If you've ever felt trapped, exhausted, or wondered "when does it get better?"—this conversation is for you.

    Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

    1. The Arrival Fallacy - Happiness Won't Come Later: The belief that you'll be happy "once you become an attending" or "once the kids are in school" is a fallacy. Happiness isn't found at some future milestone—it requires intentional choices now. The system won't change on its own, and no one is coming to save you.
    2. Agency Over Learned Helplessness: Medicine systematically exposes physicians to situations beyond their control, leading to learned helplessness. The antidote is recognizing you have agency and choice—even small 1% changes compound over time. Start with one closed chart, one boundary, one small decision that shows you can impact your outcome.
    3. Connection Breaks Isolation: You can't understand the mental load of being a physician unless you've been one. Being in community with other women physicians who normalize your struggles and model different choices is therapeutic. When you see others advocating for themselves—taking leave, setting boundaries, pursuing passion projects—it gives you permission to do the same.

    Bonus insight: It's not your job's job to make you happy—that's your job. And 77% of physicians entering coaching programs meet burnout criteria, but only 33% do after just 8 weeks, without changing jobs.

    Meet Dr. Sunny Smith:

    Sunny Smith MD is the Founder and CEO of Empowering Women Physicians.

    Dr Smith brings her background as an awarded Medical Educator, and Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health into the coaching space.

    She advocates for physician wellness through her comprehensive and collaborative coaching program, podcast, retreats and Facebook group that seek to change the culture of medicine through normalizing and humanizing the experience of being a physician.

    Connect with Dr. Sunny Smith:

    🌐 Website: https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomenphysicians

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnysmithmd/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnysmithmd/

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    Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click Here

    **** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

    Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

    **** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.

    **** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.

    **** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

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    39 min
  • Managing ADHD and Executive Function in Physicians: Insights with Dr. Elisabeth Baerg Hall
    Jan 26 2026
    Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast! In this episode, Sarah invites Dr. Elisabeth Baerg Hall, an expert in adult ADHD and psychiatrist, to discuss executive function challenges faced by physicians, particularly those with ADHD. Dr. Hall shares her professional journey from family medicine to psychiatry, highlighting the importance of psychoeducation and executive function skills development. They explore common struggles such as time management, charting, and the impact of life transitions like menopause and parenthood. Dr. Hall offers practical advice on enhancing productivity, using tools like time tracking and setting realistic goals. She also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, kindness, and understanding one's strengths to manage executive function effectively. Tune in to gain valuable insights into managing ADHD and improving executive function skills in the demanding field of medicine. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: ADHD in High-Achieving Physicians is Real—and Often Missed: Intelligence, creativity, and strong relationships help many physicians compensate for ADHD symptoms through medical school. Diagnosis often comes later when scaffolding disappears—starting practice, having children, menopause, or taking on leadership roles. The myth that "you can't have ADHD if you're a doctor" keeps many from getting help. Executive Function Skills Matter for Everyone, Not Just ADHD: Supporting your executive function—through proper sleep, regular meals, movement, and brief breathing breaks—benefits all physicians. These aren't just "ADHD strategies"; they're fundamental tools for managing cognitive fatigue and the overwhelming administrative burden of modern medicine. Start Small: Track, Reflect, and Be Kind to Yourself Instead of trying to fix everything at once, try tracking your time for just one hour or one morning. Then reflect: What were your expectations? Were they realistic? This awareness helps you adjust without shame. Multiply your time estimates by three, control your environment (headphones, closed doors, no wifi), and remember—you're not going to do groceries in a 20-minute break. Meet Dr. Elisabeth Baerg Hall: Elisabeth Baerg Hall MD, CCFP, FRCPC As a respected speaker, educator, and therapist specializing in adult ADHD, Dr. Baerg Hall is known for her leadership in building capacity to care for and improve services for adults with ADHD. She is passionate about advancing physician wellness, particularly in supporting medical professionals who have ADHD, through her targeted physician program, Build a Better Core and other Executive Function Workshops. She directs the ADHD Centre for Education and Training. She led development of ADHD Skills Builder, an online modular ADHD psychoeducational program funded by the James Family Foundation. Sign up link here:https://ebhallmd.com/executive-function-skills-for-health-care-providers/Referral Code - CHARTINGCOACH to receive 10% off Connect with Dr. Elisabeth Baerg Hall: 🌐 Website: www.ebhallmd.com 🌐 Website: www.adhdskillsbuilder.com Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elisabeth-baerg-hall-7515a8207/ -------------- Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click Here **** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine. Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca **** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released. **** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life. **** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.
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    47 min
  • The Journey of a Change Maker in Medicine Dr. Andrea Austin's Story. Episode 155
    Jan 19 2026

    Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

    In this episode, Dr, Sarah Smith interviews Dr. Andrea Austin, an emergency medicine physician, educator, and new program director of a residency program in Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Austin shares her journey from an early interest in medicine inspired by a 'Take Our Daughters to Work' day to her current roles in emergency medicine amidst the challenges of COVID and beyond. She discusses her experiences with burnout, the importance of therapy and coaching, and her transformative role in developing curriculum focused on positive changes in healthcare.

    Dr. Austin also highlights her recently published book 'Revitalized,' which aims to guide physicians toward a fulfilling career. The conversation covers key factors for change-making in medical institutions, the critical need for supportive leadership, and the shared struggles of global physician burnout.The episode provides valuable insights and strategies for recognizing and dealing with burnout effectively.

    Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

    1. Change Makers Need Supportive Organizations: Effective change in healthcare requires both individual qualities (insatiable learning, courage, resilience) and organizational support (funding for education, coaching, just culture, appropriate staffing, and the ability to actually take vacation time).
    2. Recovery Requires Time and Space: After experiencing burnout during COVID, Dr. Austin took a part-time remote teaching job that gave her three months to sleep, attend therapy, do coaching, and regulate her nervous system. This pause was essential for her body to "feel human again" and ultimately led to her pursuing a master's degree and starting a residency program.
    3. Caring Leadership Makes the Difference: The most critical factor in preventing physician burnout isn't metrics or ROI—it's caring. Leaders who see the big picture, invest in their people, provide meaningful feedback, and create psychologically safe environments enable physicians to thrive and create positive change, rather than just burning out from institutional betrayal.

    Meet Dr. Andrea Austin:

    Dr. Andrea Austin is the inaugural Emergency Medicine Program Director at Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Florida. As a Navy veteran, her military service taught her how to perform under pressure and lead teams in high-stakes environments. She brings that same focus to her work in medical education, physician well-being, and healthcare systems change. Dr. Austin is the author of Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline and host of the Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare podcast.

    Connect with Dr. Andra Austin:

    🌐 Website: https://www.andreaaustinmd.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreaaustinmd

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreaaustinmd/

    --------------

    Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click Here

    **** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

    Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

    **** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.

    **** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.

    **** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

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    47 min