Episodes

  • Conflict as Catalyst: Physician Resilience and Teamwork in Medical Education

    Conflict as Catalyst: Physician Resilience and Teamwork in Medical Education
    Oct 28 2025
    What happens when a simple act of initiative in the OR sparks a lifelong pursuit of conflict resolution and systemic change in medicine?In this inspiring episode, Dr. Andrea Austin chats with Dr. Lee Sharma about her path from private practice frustrations to earning a master's in conflict resolution amid burnout doubts. Lee recounts her "aha" moment assisting in a delayed C-section, realizing small actions foster teamwork and belonging. She discusses overcoming conflict avoidance, the emotional "bank account" in healthcare relationships, and scripting responses to personal attacks. Now in her 24-year solo practice and a health policy fellowship, Lee emphasizes listening to understand, pausing to respond, and viewing conflict as opportunity.You’ll hear how they: Build team belonging through "assists" and emotional investments for better patient outcomes Handle conflict by listening to understand, not respond, and redirecting personal attacks back to the core issue Advocate for autonomy, competency, and relational skills to combat burnout and improve healthcare systems Inspire change through vulnerability, scripting hard conversations, and pursuing additional education like conflict resolution degreesIf you’re facing workplace conflicts or seeking to reignite your passion in medicine, this episode provides honest insights and practical strategies for personal and systemic transformation.About the Guest"Conflict is not good or bad—it's an opportunity to improve and deepen relationships." – Dr. Lee SharmaDr. Lee Sharma is a board-certified OB/GYN in private practice for 24 years, with a master's in conflict resolution from Columbia College. Host of the podcast Scalpel and Sword, she consults on dispute systems, leadership, and conflict skills for hospitals and physicians. A health policy fellow at Brandeis University's Heller School, Lee advocates for women's health, teamwork, and systemic change, drawing from her experiences in Auburn, Alabama, where she returned to practice after training.📍 Connect with Lee 📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com 🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. SharmaPodcast: Scalpel and Sword 📚 Resources + Mentions 🔗 Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury 🔗 Caring Leadership in Turbulent Times by Josh Hartzell 🔗 Brandeis University Heller School Health Policy Fellowship (with Physicians Foundation)🔗 State Medical Association Meetings (e.g., Alabama Medical Association) 🔗 Resa Lewiss (keynote speaker on women's health and advocacy)🔑 Top 3 Key Takeaways Foster Belonging Through Assists: Recognize needs and lend a hand without waiting to be asked, building emotional "bank accounts" for stronger teams. Try one "assist" this week to enhance workplace fulfillment and patient care. Listen to Understand, Not Respond: In conflicts, pause and redirect personal attacks back to the core issue (e.g., "That's not what we're focusing on right now"). Practice scripting responses to stay composed and refocus on patient outcomes. View Conflict as Opportunity: Embrace vulnerability in hard conversations—admit "I don't know, but I'll find out"—to deepen relationships and drive change. Start with one reflective pause in a tense moment to turn challenges into growth.🩺 About the Host:Dr. Andrea Austin is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and passionate advocate for system-level change in healthcare. As the creator and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, Dr. Austin brings curiosity, compassion, and bold honesty to conversations with leaders who are challenging the norms and reshaping medicine from the inside out.With decades of experience in high-pressure clinical environments, Andrea has seen firsthand the cracks in the system—and the people working to repair them. Whether she’s mentoring residents, speaking on national stages, or recording with a fellow disruptor, she centers one theme: change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens heart to heart.💫 About the Show:Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare isn’t just a podcast—it’s a pulse check on what’s possible.Hosted by emergency physician and educator Dr. Andrea Austin, Heartline features conversations with healthcare leaders, innovators, and quiet disruptors who are challenging the way things have always been done.Each episode explores real stories of change—from redefining leadership and communication, to reimagining systems built on burnout and hierarchy. This is a space for truth-telling, for asking better questions, and for reconnecting with the reason we all got into medicine in the first place: to make it better.This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—with heart. 🎓 Upcoming Events & Opportunities🔥 ⁠⁠Recalibrate: Group Coaching for Physicians⁠⁠Starting 2026, I’ll be co-leading Recalibrate with psychologist and coach Sharee Johnson. This 6-month group coaching program supports ...
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    47 mins
  • Audio Healing: Fighting Misinformation with Stories

    Audio Healing: Fighting Misinformation with Stories
    Oct 21 2025
    How can podcasting transform the way we deliver health information to patients and providers?In this episode, Dr. Andrea Austin speaks with Dan Kendall, as he recounts his path from a sales career at Siemens to launching Digital Health Today in 2016, inspired by his family’s experience with multiple sclerosis and his daughter’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis. He discusses the power of podcasting to fill gaps in patient education, combat misinformation, and create human-centered content. From launching the Health Podcast Summit to developing Health Unmuted miniseries, Dan emphasizes serving niche audiences with authentic, trustworthy stories. The conversation explores challenges like funding, the allure of misinformation, and the need for ongoing dialogue to rebuild trust in healthcare.You’ll hear how they:Address the gap in patient education by creating audio miniseries tailored to newly diagnosed patientsCombat misinformation by prioritizing storytelling that’s evidence-based and human-centeredAdvocate for podcasting as a tool to empower patients and providers during commutes, workouts, or daily routinesInspire hope through a Health Content Integrity Pledge to ensure transparency and trust in health mediaIf you’re passionate about health communication or seeking ways to make patient education more accessible, this episode offers practical insights and a vision for change.About the Guests“Podcasting meets people where they are, filling the spaces between activities with transformative knowledge.” – Dan KendallDan Kendall is the founder of Mission-Based Media, a digital media company dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering audiences through trustworthy health information. With platforms like Health Podcast Network, Health Podcast Summit, and Health Unmuted, Dan leverages podcasting to deliver evidence-based content. Inspired by his family’s experience with chronic illness, including his daughter’s type 1 diabetes, he’s committed to making health information accessible and impactful. A Virginia Tech alum, Dan’s work is guided by the principle of service: Ut Prosim (“That I May Serve”).📍 Connect with DanWebsite: https://missionbasedmedia.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dankendallHealth Podcast Summit: https://healthpodcastsummit.com 📚 Resources + Mentions🔗 Earn It by Steve Pratt🔗 Health Content Integrity Pledge (Health Podcast Summit)🔗 Digital Health Today Podcast🔗 Health Unmuted Miniseries🔗 Rebel Healthcare by Susanna Fox🔗 Coalition for Trust in Health and Science🔗 World Economic Forum Zero Health Gaps Pledge🔑 Top 3 Key TakeawaysServe your audience: Create podcasts that address specific listener needs, like patient education miniseries for newly diagnosed conditions, to empower and inform.Combat misinformation with storytelling: High-quality, evidence-based content can engage audiences by being relatable and authentic, countering the allure of sensationalist narratives.Keep talking and listening: Rebuild trust in healthcare by fostering open dialogue, challenging personal biases, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder to solve systemic problems.🩺 About the HostDr. Andrea Austin is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and passionate advocate for system-level change in healthcare. As the creator and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, Dr. Austin brings curiosity, compassion, and bold honesty to conversations with leaders who are challenging the norms and reshaping medicine from the inside out.With decades of experience in high-pressure clinical environments, Andrea has seen firsthand the cracks in the system—and the people working to repair them. Whether she’s mentoring residents, speaking on national stages, or recording with a fellow disruptor, she centers one theme: change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens heart to heart.💫 About the ShowHeartline: Changemaking in Healthcare isn’t just a podcast—it’s a pulse check on what’s possible.Hosted by emergency physician and educator Dr. Andrea Austin, Heartline features conversations with healthcare leaders, innovators, and quiet disruptors who are challenging the way things have always been done.Each episode explores real stories of change—from redefining leadership and communication, to reimagining systems built on burnout and hierarchy. This is a space for truth-telling, for asking better questions, and for reconnecting with the reason we all got into medicine in the first place: to make it better.This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—with heart. 🎓 Upcoming Events & Opportunities🔥 ⁠⁠Recalibrate: Group Coaching for Physicians⁠⁠Starting 2026, I’ll be co-leading Recalibrate with psychologist and coach Sharee Johnson. This 6-month group coaching program supports physicians in rediscovering mindfulness, meaning, and wholehearted practice. I'm an alum myself—this program transformed my career. Learn more and ...
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    43 mins
  • Part 3: Opening Your Own Practice

    Part 3: Opening Your Own Practice
    Oct 14 2025
    Can any physician pivot to open a ketamine clinic, and what does it take to do it safely?In this Echo Episode, Dr. Andrea Austin continues her conversation with Dr. Kim Chan Ko, about common questions on ketamine infusions for mood disorders and chronic pain. As an ophthalmologist turned creative director for her emergency physician husband's clinic, Kim shares insights on transitioning careers, required training, and ethical considerations. She discusses building a patient-centered practice, managing risks like emergencies and addiction, and navigating business challenges while prioritizing family and values.You’ll hear how they:Clarify licensing and training needs for ketamine clinics, emphasizing specialties like emergency medicine, anesthesia, and psychiatry Address safety protocols, including emergency preparedness, patient monitoring, and addiction risk management Explore staffing requirements, from nurses to administrative roles, and marketing strategies for attracting patients Inspire physician entrepreneurs with tips on balancing business with personal life, values alignment, and avoiding burnout through intentional pivotsIf you’re a physician considering ketamine therapy or entrepreneurial ventures, this episode provides honest FAQs and strategies for ethical, sustainable change.About the Guest“Action brings clarity.” – Dr. Kim Chan koDr. Kim Chan Ko is a board-certified ophthalmologist, diplomat of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and co-founder of Ketamine Startup, an online course teaching physicians to open ketamine infusion clinics. After years as creative director of Reset Ketamine in Palm Springs, CA, alongside her emergency physician husband, Kim stepped away from academic ophthalmology to pursue a path aligned with her passions for patient education, mentorship, and innovative healthcare. Her journey through burnout and coaching has shaped her mission to help physicians find clarity and build fulfilling careers.📍 Connect with KimWebsite: https://www.ketaminestartup.comInstagram: @resetketamine Personal Instagram: @dr.kimberlyco📚 Resources + Mentions Reset Ketamine: https://resetketamine.com · Ketamine Startup: https://ketaminestartup.com ·Free Business Plan and Checklist: https://ketaminestartup.com/revitalizingdoctor American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners: https://askp.org PHQ-9 and Beck Depression Inventory for patient monitoring Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline by Dr. Andrea Austin🔑 Top 3 Key TakeawaysLicensing and Training for Ketamine Clinics: Any licensed physician can start a clinic with a DEA license and business permits, but prioritize safety through self-directed training, especially if from non-emergency/anesthesia backgrounds—focus on ketamine protocols for mood/pain disorders to ensure ethical, patient-centered care.Safety and Staffing Essentials: Equip clinics with emergency tools like crash carts and AEDs, hire trained nurses for infusions, and implement monitoring like PHQ-9 for outcomes; mitigate addiction risks with thorough screening and collaborative care involving psychiatrists or therapists.Balancing Business and Life: Align your clinic with personal values by revisiting goals regularly with partners, avoiding over-expansion that strains relationships, and starting small to test market viability while maintaining work-life boundaries.🩺 About the Host:Dr. Andrea Austin is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and passionate advocate for system-level change in healthcare. As the creator and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, Dr. Austin brings curiosity, compassion, and bold honesty to conversations with leaders who are challenging the norms and reshaping medicine from the inside out.With decades of experience in high-pressure clinical environments, Andrea has seen firsthand the cracks in the system—and the people working to repair them. Whether she’s mentoring residents, speaking on national stages, or recording with a fellow disruptor, she centers one theme: change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens heart to heart.💫 About the Show:Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare isn’t just a podcast—it’s a pulse check on what’s possible.Hosted by emergency physician and educator Dr. Andrea Austin, Heartline features conversations with healthcare leaders, innovators, and quiet disruptors who are challenging the way things have always been done.Each episode explores real stories of change—from redefining leadership and communication, to reimagining systems built on burnout and hierarchy. This is a space for truth-telling, for asking better questions, and for reconnecting with the reason we all got into medicine in the first place: to make it better.This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—with heart. 🎓 Upcoming Events & Opportunities🔥 ⁠⁠Recalibrate: Group Coaching for ...
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    44 mins
  • Part 2: Action Brings Clarity

    Part 2: Action Brings Clarity
    Oct 7 2025
    What happens when burnout pushes physicians toward innovative, autonomous careers?In this Echo Episode, Dr. Andrea Austin continues her conversation with Dr. Kim Chan Co, to speak about her journey from ophthalmology to launching Reset Ketamine in Palm Springs. Kim discusses supporting her husband Sam's shift from ER medicine to ketamine infusions, the clinic's focus on treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain, and the business challenges of starting a private practice. She emphasizes intentional use of ketamine, collaborative care, and the importance of "set and setting" to minimize risks like emergence phenomena or addiction.You’ll hear how they:Explore ketamine's evolution from ER staple to therapeutic tool for mood disorders and chronic pain ·Discuss managing patient expectations, emergencies, and addiction risks in a clinic setting Share strategies for physicians considering their own ketamine clinics, including market research and business planning Inspire action amid burnout through small steps, clarity on values, and trying new pathsIf you’re a physician facing burnout or envisioning entrepreneurial ventures in medicine, this episode offers practical advice and motivational insights for reclaiming autonomy and purpose.About the Guest:“Action brings clarity.” – Dr. Kim Chan koDr. Kim Chan Ko is a board-certified ophthalmologist, diplomat of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and co-founder of Ketamine Startup, an online course teaching physicians to open ketamine infusion clinics. After years as creative director of Reset Ketamine in Palm Springs, CA, alongside her emergency physician husband, Kim stepped away from academic ophthalmology to pursue a path aligned with her passions for patient education, mentorship, and innovative healthcare. Her journey through burnout and coaching has shaped her mission to help physicians find clarity and build fulfilling careers.📍 Connect with KimWebsite: https://www.ketaminestartup.comInstagram: @resetketamine Personal Instagram: @dr.kimberlyco📚 Resources + Mentions🔗 Reset Ketamine: https://resetketamine.com · 🔗 Ketamine Startup: https://ketaminestartup.com · 🔗 Free Business Plan Template: https://ketaminestartup.com/revitalizingdoctor · 🔗 American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners: https://askp.org ·🔗 PHQ-9 and Beck Depression Inventory (mentioned for patient monitoring)🔑 Top 3 Key TakeawaysKetamine as Therapy: When used intentionally in a supportive "set and setting," IV ketamine infusions can effectively treat refractory depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain with low addiction risk under supervision. Starting a Clinic: Research your market via directories like ASKP.org, clarify your "why," and use resources like business plan templates to navigate administrative challenges for greater autonomy. ·Overcoming Burnout: Take small, actionable steps toward change—action brings clarity. Explore new paths, align with your values, and don't fear trying (and pivoting from) ideas to find contentment.🩺 About the Host:Dr. Andrea Austin is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and passionate advocate for system-level change in healthcare. As the creator and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, Dr. Austin brings curiosity, compassion, and bold honesty to conversations with leaders who are challenging the norms and reshaping medicine from the inside out.With decades of experience in high-pressure clinical environments, Andrea has seen firsthand the cracks in the system—and the people working to repair them. Whether she’s mentoring residents, speaking on national stages, or recording with a fellow disruptor, she centers one theme: change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens heart to heart.💫 About the Show:Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare isn’t just a podcast—it’s a pulse check on what’s possible.Hosted by emergency physician and educator Dr. Andrea Austin, Heartline features conversations with healthcare leaders, innovators, and quiet disruptors who are challenging the way things have always been done.Each episode explores real stories of change—from redefining leadership and communication, to reimagining systems built on burnout and hierarchy. This is a space for truth-telling, for asking better questions, and for reconnecting with the reason we all got into medicine in the first place: to make it better.This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—with heart. 🎓 Upcoming Events & Opportunities🔥 ⁠⁠Recalibrate: Group Coaching for Physicians⁠⁠Starting 2026, I’ll be co-leading Recalibrate with psychologist and coach Sharee Johnson. This 6-month group coaching program supports physicians in rediscovering mindfulness, meaning, and wholehearted practice. I'm an alum myself—this program transformed my career. Learn more and enroll here, and please share with colleagues who may ...
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    32 mins
  • Part 1: The Multifaceted Career

    Part 1: The Multifaceted Career
    Sep 30 2025
    What happens when the “perfect” medical specialty no longer fits, and you dare to forge a new path?In this Echo Episode, Dr. Andrea Austin sits down with Dr. Kim Chan Ko, a former academic ophthalmologist and co-founder of Ketamine Startup, to explore her transition from repairing eyes to building a ketamine infusion clinic and teaching other physicians to do the same. Kim opens up about the challenges of practicing at a high-pressure Level 1 trauma center, the emotional weight of patient care, and the struggle to reconcile her identity as an ophthalmologist with her need for creativity and connection.Through personal development coaching and a circuitous journey, Kim discovered her passion for patient education, mentorship, and innovative healthcare models. She shares how embracing her multifaceted identity and saying “yes” to new opportunities—like video editing and coaching—paved the way for her current work. This episode dives into the power of redefining “physician,” the value of coaching for personal growth, and the courage to step away from traditional medicine to serve patients on your own terms.You’ll hear how they:Navigate the emotional and professional challenges of leaving a specialty that no longer alignsUse coaching to uncover personal strengths and reframe physician identityEmbrace creative outlets like video editing to build new ventures in healthcareHighlight the growing trend of physicians starting independent practices, from ketamine clinics to telemedicineIf you’re a physician feeling stuck or seeking a more fulfilling career, this episode offers honest insights and practical inspiration for your own journey.About the Guest“I am a multifaceted individual. I am just practicing medicine.” – Dr. Kim Chan KoDr. Kim Chan Ko is a board-certified ophthalmologist, diplomat of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and co-founder of Ketamine Startup, an online course teaching physicians to open ketamine infusion clinics. After years as creative director of Reset Ketamine in Palm Springs, CA, alongside her emergency physician husband, Kim stepped away from academic ophthalmology to pursue a path aligned with her passions for patient education, mentorship, and innovative healthcare. Her journey through burnout and coaching has shaped her mission to help physicians find clarity and build fulfilling careers.📍 Connect with KimWebsite: https://www.ketaminestartup.com 📚 Resources + Mentions· 🔗 Co-Active Training Institute (formerly CTI): https://coactive.com· 🔗 Reset Ketamine: https://www.resetketamine.com🔑 Top 3 Key TakeawaysRedefine Your Identity as a Physician: Shifting from “I am an ophthalmologist” to “I practice medicine” opens up possibilities for multifaceted roles and reduces the pressure of tying your worth to a single specialty.Embrace the Meandering Journey: Career transitions don’t need to be linear. Exploring passions like teaching, mentoring, or creative skills can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths.Coaching Unlocks Growth: Personal development programs, like the Co-Active Training Institute, help physicians ask powerful questions, foster self-discovery, and find clarity in their professional and personal lives.🩺 About the HostDr. Andrea Austin is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and passionate advocate for system-level change in healthcare. As the creator and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, Dr. Austin brings curiosity, compassion, and bold honesty to conversations with leaders who are challenging the norms and reshaping medicine from the inside out.With decades of experience in high-pressure clinical environments, Andrea has seen firsthand the cracks in the system—and the people working to repair them. Whether she’s mentoring residents, speaking on national stages, or recording with a fellow disruptor, she centers one theme: change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens heart to heart.💫 About the ShowHeartline: Changemaking in Healthcare isn’t just a podcast—it’s a pulse check on what’s possible.Hosted by emergency physician and educator Dr. Andrea Austin, Heartline features conversations with healthcare leaders, innovators, and quiet disruptors who are challenging the way things have always been done.Each episode explores real stories of change—from redefining leadership and communication, to reimagining systems built on burnout and hierarchy. This is a space for truth-telling, for asking better questions, and for reconnecting with the reason we all got into medicine in the first place: to make it better.This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—with heart. 🎓 Upcoming Events & Opportunities🔥 ⁠⁠Recalibrate: Group Coaching for Physicians⁠⁠Starting 2026, I’ll be co-leading Recalibrate with psychologist and coach Sharee Johnson. This 6-month group coaching program supports physicians in rediscovering mindfulness, meaning, and ...
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    21 mins
  • Part 2: Going from Reacting to Responding

    Part 2: Going from Reacting to Responding
    Sep 23 2025
    How can emergency physicians thrive in a broken system while staying true to themselves? In part two of this Echo Episode, Dr. Andrea Austin and Dr. Leslie Crawford explores sustainable solutions for physician well-being and systemic change in healthcare. Leslie shares insights from her journey as an emergency physician, reflecting on the toll of circadian rhythm disruptions, the limitations of quick-fix administrative solutions, and the power of personal practices like meditation and fitness. From navigating burnout to embracing compassion over judgment, this episode offers practical strategies for physicians and system leaders alike.You’ll hear how they:Challenge quick-fix solutions like bonuses and travel nurses, advocating for cultural shifts in healthcare.Explore whether full-time emergency medicine is sustainable long-term and the value of diversifying income streams.Share mindfulness techniques, like five-minute meditations and loving-kindness practices, to combat burnout and judgment.Emphasize fitness and parasympathetic activities (e.g., yoga, swimming) for stress relief and longevity.Offer metaphors from surfing and paddleboarding to face life’s challenges with resilience and acceptance.If you’re feeling overwhelmed by shift work or seeking ways to reclaim joy in medicine, this episode provides actionable steps and hope for lasting change.About the Guest“Meditation isn’t about clearing your mind—it’s about investigating what’s there.” – Dr. Leslie CrawfordDr. Leslie Crawford is a board-certified emergency physician, Afghanistan combat veteran, and author of the Stress Relief Survival Guide. With experience on the COVID frontlines and a career shaped by military service, she has developed practical, research-backed techniques to manage stress in high-stakes environments. Now training to become a meditation teacher through The Path program, Dr. Crawford is passionate about helping physicians embrace mindfulness, track heart rate variability, and prioritize recovery to combat burnout.📍 Connect with LeslieWebsite: https://stressreliefsurvivalguide.comFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/stressreliefsurvivalguideInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stressreliefsurvivalguideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliecrawfordmd📚 Resources + Mentions🔗 Stress Relief Survival Guide by Dr. Leslie Koenig 🔗 Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki🔗 TEAMSTEPPS (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety)🔗 Sharon Salzberg’s Loving-Kindness Meditation🔗 Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl🔑 Top 3 Key TakeawaysShift the culture, not just the schedule: Sustainable healthcare requires systemic changes, like fostering supportive leadership and team-based practices, rather than relying on bonuses or temporary staffing solutions.Diversify your career for freedom: Explore side gigs or passive income (e.g., real estate, coaching) to shift from “I have to” to “I want to” in emergency medicine, reducing financial and emotional pressure.Start small with mindfulness: Five-minute meditations in your car or simple practices like sun salutations can build resilience, reduce judgment, and restore compassion in high-pressure shifts.🩺 About the HostDr. Andrea Austin is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and passionate advocate for system-level change in healthcare. As the creator and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, Dr. Austin brings curiosity, compassion, and bold honesty to conversations with leaders who are challenging the norms and reshaping medicine from the inside out.With decades of experience in high-pressure clinical environments, Andrea has seen firsthand the cracks in the system—and the people working to repair them. Whether she’s mentoring residents, speaking on national stages, or recording with a fellow disruptor, she centers one theme: change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens heart to heart.💫 About the ShowHeartline: Changemaking in Healthcare isn’t just a podcast—it’s a pulse check on what’s possible.Hosted by emergency physician and educator Dr. Andrea Austin, Heartline features conversations with healthcare leaders, innovators, and quiet disruptors who are challenging the way things have always been done.Each episode explores real stories of change—from redefining leadership and communication, to reimagining systems built on burnout and hierarchy. This is a space for truth-telling, for asking better questions, and for reconnecting with the reason we all got into medicine in the first place: to make it better.This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—with heart. 🎓 Upcoming Events & Opportunities🔥 ⁠⁠Recalibrate: Group Coaching for Physicians⁠⁠Starting in 2026, I’ll be co-leading Recalibrate with psychologist and coach Sharee Johnson. This 6-month group coaching program supports physicians in rediscovering mindfulness, meaning, and ...
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    34 mins
  • Part 1 : Finding the Calm in the Storm

    Part 1 : Finding the Calm in the Storm
    Sep 16 2025
    How can emergency physicians thrive amidst chaos and stress? In this Echo Episode, Dr. Andrea Austin reconnects with Dr. Leslie Crawford, a fellow residency alum, board-certified emergency physician, and creator of the Stress Relief Survival Guide. Dr. Koenig shares her story of navigating COVID exposure, military service, and the demands of emergency medicine while raising a family. She discusses her transition to mindfulness, the power of heart rate variability (HRV) as a vital sign, and her journey to becoming a meditation teacher. From her "battery technique" for grounding thoughts to embracing meditation as a tool for neuroplasticity, Dr. Crawford offers actionable strategies for physicians to combat burnout and reclaim balance. The conversation also explores the need to view physicians as elite performers, prioritizing recovery and self-care to sustain long-term impact.You’ll hear how they:Tackle stress with simple, evidence-based techniques like the battery method to stabilize emotions in minutesUse heart rate variability to monitor and improve physical and mental resilienceReframe meditation as an accessible practice for Type-A physicians, focusing on investigation rather than clearing the mindAdvocate for a cultural shift in medicine to prioritize physician recovery, drawing parallels to elite athletesIf you’re an emergency physician or healthcare professional seeking practical tools to manage stress and prevent burnout, this episode offers a lifeline of hope and strategies for change.About the Guest“Meditation isn’t about clearing your mind—it’s about investigating what’s there.” – Dr. Leslie CrawfordDr. Leslie Crawford is a board-certified emergency physician, Afghanistan combat veteran, and author of the Stress Relief Survival Guide. With experience on the COVID frontlines and a career shaped by military service, she has developed practical, research-backed techniques to manage stress in high-stakes environments. Now training to become a meditation teacher through The Path program, Dr. Crawford is passionate about helping physicians embrace mindfulness, track heart rate variability, and prioritize recovery to combat burnout.📍 Connect with LeslieWebsite: https://stressreliefsurvivalguide.comFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/stressreliefsurvivalguideInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stressreliefsurvivalguideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliecrawfordmd📚 Resources + Mentions🔗 Stress Relief Survival Guide by Dr. Leslie Koenig 🔗 The Path Meditation Program🔗 Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)🔗 Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning🔗 Wearable devices: WHOOP, Oura Ring🔑 Top 3 Key TakeawaysMaster Stress with Simple Tools: Use the "battery technique" to ground yourself by assigning positive and negative thoughts to a pen, fostering mindfulness and emotional stability in minutes.Track Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Monitor HRV as a vital sign of resilience using wearables like WHOOP or Oura Ring to optimize sleep, meditation, and recovery for better health.Reframe Meditation for Physicians: Embrace meditation as an investigative practice, not a quest for a clear mind, to build neuroplasticity and create space between stimulus and response.🩺 About the HostDr. Andrea Austin is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and passionate advocate for system-level change in healthcare. As the creator and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, Dr. Austin brings curiosity, compassion, and bold honesty to conversations with leaders who are challenging the norms and reshaping medicine from the inside out.With decades of experience in high-pressure clinical environments, Andrea has seen firsthand the cracks in the system—and the people working to repair them. Whether she’s mentoring residents, speaking on national stages, or recording with a fellow disruptor, she centers one theme: change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens heart to heart.💫 About the ShowHeartline: Changemaking in Healthcare isn’t just a podcast—it’s a pulse check on what’s possible.Hosted by emergency physician and educator Dr. Andrea Austin, Heartline features conversations with healthcare leaders, innovators, and quiet disruptors who are challenging the way things have always been done.Each episode explores real stories of change—from redefining leadership and communication, to reimagining systems built on burnout and hierarchy. This is a space for truth-telling, for asking better questions, and for reconnecting with the reason we all got into medicine in the first place: to make it better.This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—with heart. 🎓 Upcoming Events & Opportunities🔥 ⁠⁠Recalibrate: Group Coaching for Physicians⁠⁠Starting 2026, I’ll be co-leading Recalibrate with psychologist and coach Sharee Johnson. This 6-month group coaching program supports physicians in rediscovering mindfulness, ...
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    27 mins
  • Dr. Gillian Schmitz Part 2: Fighting for Doctors

    Dr. Gillian Schmitz Part 2: Fighting for Doctors
    Sep 9 2025
    What happens when insurance companies and emergency physicians clash over fair payment, leaving patients caught in the middle? In this Echo Episode, part two of a two-part series, Dr. Andrea Austin talks with Dr. Jillian Schmitz about the pressing challenges in emergency medicine today.Dr. Schmitz explains the intricacies of surprise billing, where out-of-network emergency care leads to unexpected patient costs, and the No Surprises Act’s intent to protect patients by removing them from billing disputes. She highlights the implementation challenges, including insurance companies’ failure to follow regulations, skyrocketing arbitration fees, and delays in payments that threaten small practices. The conversation also explores ACEP’s advocacy efforts, the power of collective action, and an exciting initiative to accredit emergency departments to set standards for resources, staffing, and transparency.You’ll hear how they:Break down surprise billing and its impact on patients and emergency physiciansExpose flaws in the No Surprises Act’s implementation, including insurance companies’ manipulation of dispute processesAdvocate for collective action through ACEP membership, Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions, and sharing real-world storiesPropose accrediting emergency departments to ensure proper resources and fair practice environmentsChallenge misconceptions about ACEP’s ties to corporate medicine and emphasize its physician-led advocacyIf you’re an emergency physician feeling the weight of systemic challenges or seeking ways to drive change, this episode offers practical insights, advocacy strategies, and a hopeful vision for the future of emergency medicine.About the Guest:“Emergency physicians are resilient—we adapt to challenging situations with little information and make the best of it.” – Dr. Gillian SchmitzDr. Gillian Schmitz is a professor at the Uniformed Services University and an emergency physician at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. As the past president and a member of the Board of Directors of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), she has been a leading voice in addressing workforce challenges, burnout, and policy reform in emergency medicine. A civilian working in military medicine, Gillian’s career blends clinical practice, academic teaching, and advocacy, inspired by her commitment to serving those who serve the country. Her work focuses on fostering resilience, improving team dynamics, and advocating for systemic changes to support emergency physicians.📍 Connect with GillianLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-schmitz-b88794302/Email: jillianmd@gmail.com📚 Resources + Mentions🔗 No Surprises Act🔗 ACEP Workforce Report🔗 ACEP Advocacy Resources🔗 Dare to Lead by Brené Brown🔗 The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown🔗 Recalibrate: Group Coaching for Physicians🔑 Top 3 Key TakeawaysUnderstand and fight surprise billing: The No Surprises Act aims to protect patients, but enforcement gaps allow insurance companies to delay payments and manipulate disputes, threatening small practices. Share your stories to fuel advocacy.Join the collective: Support ACEP through membership or PAC contributions to amplify emergency physicians’ voices in Congress and drive policy changes like fair reimbursement and accreditation standards.Envision a better future: ACEP’s push to accredit emergency departments could set standards for resources, staffing, and transparency, improving practice environments and patient care nationwide.🩺 About the HostDr. Andrea Austin is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and passionate advocate for system-level change in healthcare. As the creator and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, Dr. Austin brings curiosity, compassion, and bold honesty to conversations with leaders who are challenging the norms and reshaping medicine from the inside out.With decades of experience in high-pressure clinical environments, Andrea has seen firsthand the cracks in the system—and the people working to repair them. Whether she’s mentoring residents, speaking on national stages, or recording with a fellow disruptor, she centers one theme: change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens heart to heart.💫 About the ShowHeartline: Changemaking in Healthcare isn’t just a podcast—it’s a pulse check on what’s possible.Hosted by emergency physician and educator Dr. Andrea Austin, Heartline features conversations with healthcare leaders, innovators, and quiet disruptors who are challenging the way things have always been done.Each episode explores real stories of change—from redefining leadership and communication, to reimagining systems built on burnout and hierarchy. This is a space for truth-telling, for asking better questions, and for reconnecting with the reason we all got into medicine in the first place: to make it better.This isn’t about ...
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    29 mins