In this episode, Lauren Umstattd, a facial plastic surgeon who shares her journey through medical training, the challenges of surgical residency, and her experience in a toxic fellowship. Lauren emphasizes self-advocacy, respect in educational environments, and the complexities of filing complaints. We also touched on authenticity in professional identity and strategies for managing burnout in healthcare.

Follow Lauren on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_umstattd_md/

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Effective feedback is a pivotal element in fostering growth and development within the healthcare profession, yet it remains a topic that many individuals approach with trepidation. In this episode, I engage in a profound dialogue with Dr. Paul Tran, a pediatric gastroenterologist and esteemed educator, who passionately advocates for the necessity of constructive feedback. Dr. Tran elucidates the significance of establishing mutual goals and expectations, emphasizing that feedback should not only be seen as a critique but rather an opportunity for collaborative growth. Throughout our conversation, we explore practical strategies to diminish the apprehension surrounding feedback, highlighting the importance of kindness and empathy in delivering messages that encourage improvement. Ultimately, we aspire to transform the feedback process into a constructive dialogue that empowers individuals to flourish in their professional journeys.

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocratic-collective.com

Connect with Paul: https://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/paul-tran-md

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alimentaryschool

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Alimentaryschool

In this episode, I reconnect with Dr Frances Mei Hardin, who shares her decision to leave medicine as an ENT surgeon. We talk about the impact of moral injury, the pressures of prestige in the medical field, and the vital role of self-reflection and therapy when facing life-changing choices. Frances Mei opens up about the difficulty of disappointing family and societal expectations, and how she’s now building the Hippocratic Collective to foster a supportive community for physicians. Our conversation highlights the importance of personal freedom and the courage it takes to pursue new opportunities, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Follow Frances Mei on IG: https://www.instagram.com/francesmeimd

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mel, who shared her journey from being an ENT surgeon to becoming a professional coach. We explore her difficult experiences in childhood and in medical training, and how coaching has helped her reclaim her sense of self-worth and empowerment. Mel introduced the concepts of black swans and red swans, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to recognize the unknowns in a patient encounter in order to be effective

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Connect with Mel: https://www.melthackercoaching.com/empoweredsurgeon

https://www.instagram.com/the_surgeon_coach/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this episode, I speak with Hannah and Chris, a married couple navigating the challenges of medical residency and parenthood. They share their journey from meeting during medical training to managing the complexities of Hannah's OB-GYN residency while balancing their relationship and impending parenthood. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, expectation management, and the unique challenges faced by couples in the medical field, especially when pregnancy and parenting are involved. The couple emphasizes the significance of community support, the dehumanization often faced in medicine, and the journey of sharing their story publicly to help others.

Connect with Chris and Hannah:

https://www.othersidemed.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theothersidemed/

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this episode, I discuss the detrimental effects of the culture of overworking in healthcare and present alternatives to the notion of 'pushing through.' I share practice strategies, personal experiences and insights on how these alternatives can lead to better recovery and sustainability in the healthcare profession. There's a reason I can't stop talking about the importance of recognizing your limits - it's a deeply humanizing practice for everyone in healthcare!

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this episode, I dive into the common fear of being judged by others while on my commute to work. I share some personal stories and tips on how to face and understand these fears. I talk about why it's so important to accept yourself and how being a bit disruptive can actually be a good thing. Through my reflections, I encourage everyone to embrace their flaws and remember that judgment is something we all deal with.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Dr Bryan MacLeod and I discuss the importance of self-compassion in healthcare. Bryan shares his journey from experiencing cauda equina while working rural physician to recognizing the need for self-compassion when facing ongoing health challenges. We explore the three pillars of self-compassion—mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness—and highlight the cultural challenges in healthcare regarding self-care. Bryan emphasizes how self-compassion can improve relationships, mental health, and work environments, and we discuss the need to teach these practices to combat burnout and foster wellness among healthcare professionals.
Connect with Bryan here: https://mscnorth.com/
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd