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

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

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.

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/

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

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.