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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**** 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/

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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.

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/

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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.

Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

In this episode, the host welcomes Dr. Claire Plumbly, a clinical psychologist from the UK, to discuss her work and insights into managing burnout and trauma. Dr. Plumbly shares her background and journey into clinical psychology, highlighting her work in private practice and her recent book, 'The Trauma of Burnout'. The conversation delves into signs and symptoms of burnout, practical advice for managing it, and the importance of understanding one's nervous system.

Dr. Plumbly also emphasizes the need for compassionate self-care, regular check-ins throughout the day, and has suggestions for winding down to improve sleep. She further discusses ways to prevent burnout and introduces the concept of intensive therapy sessions for those who find weekly sessions challenging.

The episode provides valuable insights and strategies for recognizing and dealing with burnout effectively.

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. Understand Your Nervous System States Burnout involves getting stuck in two problematic nervous system states: "Amber" (sympathetic overdrive - constant rushing, can't slow down) and "Red" (dorsal shutdown - autopilot, disconnected, people-pleasing). You need different strategies for each: discharge excess energy when in Amber through movement, and gently thaw out when in Red through soothing touch and connection.
2. Recognize the Four Warning Signs Watch for burnout signals across four areas: Physical (aches, tension, frequent illness), Cognitive (rigid thinking, decision fatigue, making mistakes), Emotional (limited emotional range - stuck in overwhelmed/anxious/flat), and Behavioral (numbing behaviors like extra drinking, doom scrolling, or impulse purchases).
3. Use Transition Points as Check-In Opportunities Don't wait until end of day to address burnout. Use every transition between tasks as a mini pause to check: "What does my body need right now? What gear am I in?" This prevents accumulation of stress and makes winding down at night actually possible - you can't crash from sixth gear into sleep.

Meet Dr. Claire Plumbly:

Dr Claire Plumbly is a clinical psychologist, EMDR consultant & founder of Plum Psychology - a team of trauma-specialists who offer intensive therapy packages for burnout and trauma in the UK. She is the author of The Trauma of Burnout - which shows us how to navigate out of overwhelm tapping into the power of your nervous system

Connect with Dr. Claire Plemby:
🌐 Website: Www.drclaireplumbly.com

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

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

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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.

Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

In this episode, Dr. Zhen Chan shares his unique journey from growing up in Miami, Florida to becoming a pediatrician in Washington, DC, and ultimately venturing into the entrepreneurial side of healthcare.

Dr. Chan discusses his educational background, including an MD-MBA dual degree, and how it shaped his interests in blending artistic and scientific aspects within the medical field. He delves into his clinical practice in the 'fast track' side of an emergency room and his desire to improve healthcare systems.

Dr. Chan also talks about his entrepreneurial endeavors, like founding Grapevine, a community focused on healthcare workforce optimization and reducing burnout among medical professionals.

Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of networking and staying updated with technological advancements to better serve patients and the healthcare community. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. The Power of Networking in Healthcare: Dr. Chan emphasizes that building professional relationships and communities—like her Grapevine initiative—is crucial for career growth, combating burnout, and reducing social isolation among healthcare professionals. Networking is not just for business leaders; it’s essential for clinicians at all stages.

2. Innovation and Entrepreneurship are Vital for Modern Physicians: Dr. Chan’s journey shows that blending clinical practice with entrepreneurial thinking and process improvement (such as Six Sigma and MBA training) can help address systemic issues in healthcare. Physicians can—and should—embrace innovation to improve patient care and the healthcare system.

3. Technology and AI Can Reduce Administrative Burden: The discussion highlights how AI-powered tools (like scribing and coding assistants) are transforming healthcare by reducing administrative workload, allowing doctors to focus more on patient care. Accurate documentation and embracing new technologies are key to improving efficiency and outcomes.

Meet Dr. Zhen Chan:

Dr. Zhen Chan is a practicing pediatrician at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC and Founder/CEO of Grapevyne, a community dedicated to empowering physician autonomy and wellbeing through better networking and understanding about healthcare beyond medicine. He graduated from the University of Miami with his BS in Neuroscience and Criminology, MD, and MBA in Health Management & Policy. After completing his education, he went on to complete his pediatrics residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, where his work in quality improvement and advocacy projects revealed a career path to impact healthcare at scale beyond the exam room. In addition to his clinical practice and his own community, he advises other healthcare startups as well focused on improving healthcare access.

Connect with Dr. Zhen Chan:
🌐 Website: https://grapevyne.health

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zhenmd

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

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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.

Happy Holidays from the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

In honour of the holidays we are replaying our top two episodes of 2025.

This week we’re excited to bring you a replay of Episode 125 of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast. In this special episode, Dr. Sarah Smith brings together her “brains trust”—the talented team of assistant coaches from Charting Champions and Smarter Charting—for an inspiring and honest roundtable discussion. Join Dr. Jacqueline Holm-Jhass, Dr. Milene Argo, and Dr. Noel Nelson as they open up about their personal journeys from burnout to rediscovering joy in medicine and share their passion for helping clinicians create better clinical days.

You’ll hear first hand stories about the real costs of working after hours, practical strategies for managing the chaos of unpredictable clinic days, and priceless reminders that you are not alone in the struggle. The coaches offer compassionate advice on emotional regulation, self-compassion, and the vital importance of finding celebration and purpose—even on the hardest days.

Whether you’re deep in the trenches of clinical work or just starting to think about how to make medicine more sustainable, this episode is packed with relatable insights, encouragement, and actionable wisdom to help you reclaim time for your life outside of medicine. Get ready to meet the coaches who are changing the way clinicians approach their clinical days and rekindling love for the profession—one conversation at a time.

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. You’re Not Alone: Every physician experiences overwhelm—even the coaches and leaders we look up to. Vulnerability and community are key to finding solutions and breaking the cycle of isolation.
2. Small Wins & Self-Compassion Matter: Shifting from self-criticism to celebration of even tiny wins each day (like finishing one tough chart, or supporting a grieving patient) helps change the narrative and builds resilience over time.
3. The System is Broken, Not You: The impossible demands of modern medicine make it crucial to set boundaries and redefine what “good enough” looks like for you, rather than striving for unattainable perfection.

The Charting Champions Coaches

Dr. Sarah Smith and her vibrant Charting Coach team: Dr. Jacqueline Holm-Jhass, Dr. Milene Argo, and Dr. Noel Nelson. Get ready for an honest, supportive, and practical conversation about what it truly takes to create a sustainable, joyful clinical day as a physician or clinician.

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

****Get in on the Backlog Buddies Sale where All Session in June are only $10 https://www.backlogbuddies.com/

**** 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.