Thriving in Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Insights from Dr. Tessa Davis

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, we are joined by Dr. Tessa Davis, a pediatric emergency medicine consultant at the Royal London Hospital and co-founder of the pioneering educational platform Don't Forget the Bubbles. Dr. Davis shares her unique journey from Glasgow to Sydney and back to the UK, detailing her experiences in building a balanced and sustainable career. She offers practical advice on medical interviews, public speaking, and leveraging technology effectively. Additionally, Dr. Davis discusses the importance of mindset, self-advocacy, and fostering supportive professional teams for career success. She also highlights the challenges and strategies for managing high-stress situations and balancing family life, including raising three kids and two dogs. This conversation is a rich resource for anyone looking to excel in pediatrics or any demanding medical field.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tessa Davis

00:55 Tessa's Journey to Sydney

01:57 Founding Don't Forget the Bubbles

05:08 Balancing Roles and Responsibilities

05:34 Mastering Medical Interviews

13:28 Challenges in Pediatric Emergency Medicine

14:27 Building a Sustainable Career

22:19 Embracing Failure and Learning

25:35 Final Reflections

Navigating Medicine with Dr. Celeste Royce: Mentorship, Motherhood, and Advocacy

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Celeste Royce, a Harvard Medical School OB/GYN educator with over 35 years of experience, shares insights from her comprehensive career. Dr. Royce discusses her journey from initial medical school fears to her love for OB/GYN, shaped by camaraderie and a pivotal surgery block experience. She reflects on her challenges as a female physician, including balancing motherhood and her profession in a male-dominated field. Dr. Royce highlights the significance of mentorship, equitable access to hidden medical curriculum knowledge, and advocating for academic freedom. The episode also delves into her personal experiences with maternity leave, the importance of choosing the right time to have children, and the pivotal role support systems play. Furthermore, Dr. Royce discusses her advocacy work, particularly a legal challenge with the ACLU over censorship of her gender-inclusive research on endometriosis. She emphasizes the importance of speaking out, mentorship, and understanding that life’s different phases dictate the focus and balance in one's career and personal life.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Celeste Royce

00:59 Dr. Royce's Journey into OB/GYN

02:22 Mentorship and Leadership in Medicine

04:27 Balancing Motherhood and a Medical Career

08:37 Advice for Aspiring Physicians

15:35 Advocating for Academic Freedom

19:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Finding Authentic Balance: A Conversation with Dr. Dawn Baker on Burnout and Rediscovery

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, host Christine interviews Dr. Dawn Baker, a board-certified anesthesiologist and lifestyle design coach. Dr. Baker shares her journey from burnout and significant health issues, including a pituitary tumor, to finding a sustainable path forward. They discuss the perils of the 'treadmill of achievement,' the importance of self-compassion, and practical tools for achieving personalized work-life harmony. Dr. Baker emphasizes the value of self-reflection, mindfulness, and developing confidence to break free from societal and professional expectations. The conversation offers valuable insights and actionable advice for professionals struggling to find fulfillment in their careers.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Dawn Baker

01:02 The Treadmill of Achievement

02:31 Burnout and Health Scare

04:11 The Wake-Up Call

07:03 Self-Compassion and Diagnosis

09:48 Infertility and Stigma

12:13 Work-Life Harmony Tools

14:51 Mindfulness Practices

15:55 Building Confidence and Clarity

22:00 Final Thoughts and Message

Reimagining Mental Health in Medicine with Dr. Robert C. Smith

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine hosts Dr. Robert C. Smith, a University Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry Emeritus from Michigan State University. Dr. Smith discusses his journey from a traditionally trained internal medicine doctor to an advocate for integrating mental health care into primary care. He shares his experiences and the development of important works like Smith's Patient-Centered Interviewing and Has Medicine Lost Its Mind. Dr. Smith critiques the prevalent 'mind-body split' in modern medicine, arguing for a bio-psychosocial model that addresses both physical and mental health. He also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness for doctors and provides actionable steps for the public to advocate for better mental health care. The episode ends with Dr. Smith encouraging listeners to visit his website and engage with policymakers to drive change.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Robert C. Smith

00:49 Dr. Smith's Journey in Medicine

03:34 The Mind-Body Split in Medicine

07:59 Bio-Psycho-Social Systems Approach

12:26 Challenges in Modern Medicine

17:41 Personal Reflections and Self-Awareness

23:38 Call to Action and Final Thoughts

Balancing Hematology, Oncology, and Parenthood with Dr. Annie Im

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Annie Im, a hematologist oncologist and Program Director for Hematology Oncology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, shares her insights on balancing a demanding medical career with personal sustainability. She discusses the unrealistic expectations of 'doing it all,' the importance of work-life integration, and the challenges women physicians face with childcare and career advancement. Dr. Im emphasizes the need for prioritizing and being realistic about time management while advocating for systemic changes to support working mothers and parents.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Annie Im

00:36 Balancing Family and Career

02:34 Work-Life Integration Strategies

06:54 Challenges and Boundaries for Women Physicians

08:38 Advocacy and Speaking Up

11:27 Personal Experiences and Overcoming Stigma

20:38 Advice for Aspiring Women in Medicine

23:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Thriving as a Savvy Working Mom: Insights from Whitnee Hawthorne

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine welcomes Whitnee Hawthorne, Global Head of Travel and Hospitality at Snowflake and author of The Savvy Working Mom: A Guide to Prioritization, Delegation, and Making Time for Cocktails. Whitnee shares her personal journey from New York to Georgia, detailing how she and her husband juggle careers, family, and self-care. She introduces key concepts from her book, including the Shine, Manage, Surrender framework and the Grace and Joy morning routine, offering practical advice for working moms to thrive rather than just survive. Whitnee emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, delegating effectively, and focusing on self-care to create a joyful and fulfilling life.

00:00 Introduction to Whitnee Hawthorne

00:55 Personal Anecdotes and Career Journey

02:39 Balancing Career and Family

06:13 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care

12:37 Shine, Manage, Surrender Framework

23:50 Grace and Joy Morning Routine

28:50 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The Intersection of Medical Humanities and Physician Wellness with Dr. Amanda Finegold Swain

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Amanda Finegold Swain, MD, Faculty Director for UME Medical Humanities and Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses her advocacy for incorporating medical humanities into medical education to teach empathy, perspective taking, and improve communication skills. Dr. Swain shares personal anecdotes about her love for reading and the importance of setting personal boundaries. She speaks about her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, discusses balancing work with personal passions, and elaborates on the significance of writing and narrative medicine in understanding oneself and supporting others. The conversation touches on the cultural expectations within academic medicine and the need to be brutally honest with oneself to achieve fulfillment and maintain mental wellness.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Amanda Finegold Swain

01:03 The Importance of Reading in Medicine

03:13 Setting Boundaries as a Mother and Physician

07:31 Balancing Part-Time Work and Patient Care

10:14 Living with Multiple Sclerosis

13:52 The Role of Writing and Narrative Medicine

19:33 Finding Fulfillment in Medicine

25:30 Final Thoughts on Fulfillment and Self-Care

Balancing Healing and Doctoring: Insights from Dr. Dympna Weil

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Dympna Weil, a former Ob/Gyn hospitalist, discusses her experiences with vestibular migraine and how these challenges reshaped her approach to physician wellness. Dr. Weil highlights the complexities of navigating the healthcare system as a physician-patient, the emotional toll of health-related identity crises, and the importance of self-advocacy and coaching. Through her journey, she founded The Physician Wayfinder to support healthcare professionals in cultivating resilience. Insights on the importance of harmony over balance and the need for emotional support in the medical field are shared, emphasizing the shared humanity among physicians and patients.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Dympna Weil

00:39 The Unspoken Struggles of Physicians

01:31 The Dual Identity of Doctor and Patient

02:40 Personal Health Battles and Professional Identity

04:19 Therapy, Coaching, and Mindset Shifts

06:22 Redefining the Role of a Physician

08:42 Navigating the Healthcare System as a Patient

13:24 The Birth of The Physician Wayfinder

18:26 Wellness Practices and Self-Advocacy

21:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement