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 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