The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

As a physician, it's common to feel weighed down by systemic issues that leave you feeling stuck in your job, career, or role. However, sometimes the first step to making a change is changing the way you think. In today's episode, I'm talking with Dr. Nneka Una, founder of EntreMD, and we'll discuss how to shift your mindset from victimhood to empowerment so you can make positive changes and move forward in your career. Dr. Una will share her story and offer tips on how to hone your empowerment skills and approach difficult situations with confidence. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: https://www.doctorscrossing.com/94 In this episode we're talking about: The difference between a victim mindset and an empowered mindset Dr. Una's quest for more after completing her pediatric residency Why Dr. Una considers every physician to be an entrepreneur The importance of speaking to get your message across Why negotiation skills are critical for physicians How shifting out of fear-based thinking leads to empowerment Dr. Una's book, The EntreMD Method Links for this episode: Dr. Una's Website EntreMD Podcast EntreMD Method - A proven roadmap for doctors who want to practice medicine and live life on their own terms. A wonderful book for both employed physicians and those who are interested being an entrepreneur. LinkedIn for Physicians Course This fun course shows you how to create a stand-out profile on LinkedIn and use the powerful features to advance your career goals. The short video lessons guide you step-by-step on how to grow your connections, network successfully, and search for and apply to jobs. Included are cheat sheets for each lesson, examples of physician profiles, and a bonus PDF on how to rock your informational interviews.

Once you've decided to make the leap to a nonclinical career, you may think your transition is on it's way. However, breaking this news to your patients, colleagues, and family can be an unexpected obstacle in the career change process. In today's solo episode, I'm tackling the many nuances of this sticky issue, from ways to approach this discussion to handling the myriad reactions you may receive. I'll also share three helpful principles to get you through all of these difficult conversations. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: https://doctorscrossing.com/93 In this episode we're talking about: Why these conversations can make us uncomfortable How to tailor your discussion for different audiences Overcoming your discomfort with uncertainty Why you can't be responsible for other's reactions The benefits of an empowered mindset My own experience when I reached a career crossroads Dos and don'ts when reaching out for informational interviews Links for this episode: Carpe Diem Resume Kit - Converting your CV to a resume helps recruiters better understand why you are a great match for a specific job. My resume kit will guide you through creating a polished resume for your desired job. Templates are included as well as a bonus on writing your cover letter. Give yourself the best chance of getting that interview!

One of the biggest questions early-career physicians can grapple with when considering a nonclinical career is whether or not to finish residency. This is a big decision with many factors to consider, and the right answer is not the same for everyone. My guest today, Dr. Chelsea Turgeon, made the difficult decision to leave her OB/GYN residency after realizing clinical medicine was not the best career path for her. She's here to discuss how she made this tough choice, what she's doing now (and where she's doing it!), and steps you can take to decide if it's best for you to stay or leave residency. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/92 In this episode we're talking about: Why a career in clinical medicine didn't match Dr. Turgeon's expectations Chelsea's process for deciding whether she should leave residency How revisiting why you chose medicine can help you move forward Coping with thoughts of guilt surrounding leaving residency Why residency is not the only path to a successful career as a physician Dr. Turgeon's new career path and lifestyle Steps you can take to process your residency doubts Links for this episode: Dr. Chelsea Turgeon's Website Life After Medicine Facebook Group 5 Steps to Career Clarity Mini Course Should I quit residency? - A very help site that walks you through the process of answering this question for yourself using a powerful flowchart and question prompts. Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you're feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself!

When embarking on a career change, most physicians naturally start by looking outward: What role fits me best? Where should I apply? However, if you don't take the time to look inward and develop a good relationship with yourself, these outward steps may not yield the results you are hoping for. Today's guest, Dr. Cindy Tsai, is an internal medicine physician, coach, and author, who will discuss the importance of your relationship with yourself and strategies for coping and reframing your perspective when this relationship becomes compromised. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/91 In this episode we're talking about: How Dr. Tsai's childhood experiences influenced her relationship with herself The diagnosis that led Cindy to reconsider her priorities Techniques to reframe imposter syndrome How to deal with perfectionism that has become dysfunctional Why chronic people pleasing can lead to a negative relationship with yourself How viewing yourself as a victim can lead to feeling stuck Dr. Tsai's book, So Much Better: Life-Changing Strategies to Develop Calm, Confidence & Curiosity to Become Your Own Inspiring Success Story Links for this episode: LinkedIn for Physicians Course - Would you rather clean out your garage or attic than "put yourself out there" and network? No worries! My LinkedIn course is geared to make networking doable and fun. I will show you how to connect with people who can be helpful for your career, what to put in your messages, and how to apply strategically for the job you really want. You can learn more about this course and get a sneak peek inside right HERE. Dr. Tsai's website Dr. Tsai's LinkedIn So Much Better: Life-Changing Strategies to Develop Calm, Confidence & Curiosity to Become Your Own Inspiring Success Story by Cindy Tsai, MD

While some physicians are ready to fully transition out of clinical practice, others are looking for the best of both worlds: maintaining some clinical work and also pursuing nonclinical interests. Finding this balance through a portfolio career can keep your work interesting and prevent burnout by adding variety to your everyday routine. Today's guest, Dr. Jingyi Liu, knew early on this was the path for her and is already maintaining a portfolio career as a PGY-2 resident. She'll discuss how she knew this was the best fit for her and steps you can take to find a portfolio approach that works for you. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/90 In this episode we're talking about: Why clinical practice can feel routine even early on Different ways to approach a portfolio career How a portfolio career can counteract boredom and stagnation What led Dr. Liu to pursue interests outside of clinical medicine The steps Jingyi took to make her portfolio goals a reality How Dr. Liu realized she wanted to maintain a clinical role Jingyi's advice for those considering a portfolio career Links for this episode: Dr. Jingy Liu Episode 79: Find Flexibility and Fun as an Independent Consultant Carpe Diem Resume Kit - Converting your CV to a resume helps recruiters better understand why you are a great match for a specific job. My resume kit will guide you through creating a polished resume for your desired job. Templates are included as well as a bonus on writing your cover letter. Give yourself the best chance of getting that interview!

Despite all the hard work and planning, unexpected events can still derail a physician's career in ways that are beyond our control. This is exactly what happened to today's guest, who I'm calling Dr. Usman to protect his identity. When things fell apart in his anesthesia residency, Dr. Usman never gave up on his dreams and demonstrated exceptional grit and determination in forging his own path ahead in spite of multiple barriers in his way. He'll share his story with us and offer advice for any of you who may be experiencing similar roadblocks on your path to success. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/89 In this episode we're talking about: What led Dr. Usman to pursue practicing medicine in the US The event that changed Dr. Usman's career trajectory How he coped with the hand he was dealt The long road that followed when Dr. Usman left his residency Where Dr. Usman ended up after his long journey What kept him motivated and resilient along the way Dr. Usman's advice for others in a similar situation Links for this episode: Check out our Free Resouces! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you're feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself!

Lots of physicians take on "extracurricular" work in their jobs, often motivated by their desire to solve a problem that is frustrating them. In unexpected and intriguing ways, this desire to solve a problem may end up leading these physicians into a new career direction. My guest today, Dr. Jennifer Bepple, is here to share how she did this with her passion for using technology to solve a problem she was experiencing in her urology practice. Dr. Bepple will discuss what sparked her interest in this area, how she forged her own path, and her tips for other physicians looking to do the same. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/88 In this episode we're talking about: The patient access issue Dr. Bepple was driven to solve What exactly is informatics? How Jennifer learned to navigate the system to achieve her goals The changes Dr. Bepple initiated at her institution How her experience led Jennifer to pursue a degree in informatics The types of roles available in the informatics field How to design your own path to achieve your career goals Links for this episode: Dr. Jennifer Bepple's LinkedIn Ohanaoneinternational - Nonprofit that uses digital technology to assist with surgical mentoring and training. Episode #65: Opportunities in Digital Health - Catch the Wave Episode #55: How About a Job Improving the EMR?

Have you ever thought about not just transitioning to a nonclinical career, but actually pursuing a field totally outside of healthcare? That's what today's guest, Dr. Kricia Palmer, did to follow her dream of becoming an interior designer - and she couldn't be happier. Like many folks transitioning to a nonclinical career, Dr. Palmer grappled with her decision and she'll share with us how she decided to take this leap of faith along with tips for others who want to pursue a creative career or start their own business. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/87 In this episode we're talking about: Dr. Palmer's career path from dancer to doctor to interior designer How Kricia studied interior design before starting her business What personality types may be drawn to more creative careers How to cope with guilt that may arise during a career transition Why Dr. Palmer chose to specialize in designing for physicians Kricia's business model and design services Incomes for interior designers and how to get started Links for this episode: Dr. Kricia Palmer's Website - House Calls For Physicians Facebook Instagram Email: kricia@kricia.com Carpe Diem Resume Kit - Converting your CV to a resume helps recruiters better understand why you are a great match for a specific job. My resume kit will guide you through creating a polished resume for your desired job. Templates are included as well as a bonus on writing your cover letter. Give yourself the best chance of getting that interview!

When speaking with physicians considering a transition to a nonclinical career, one of the most common concerns I hear is, "All I have is clinical experience, how can this translate to a nonclinical career?" The answer - in more ways than you can imagine! My guest today, Dr. Caitlin Delaney, is the Director of Business Development and Medical Advisor for flipMD, a company that connects physicians with businesses seeking their expertise. She'll share her own journey to a nonclinical career and discuss how you can get started doing freelance consulting work through flipMD. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/86 In this episode we're talking about: How Dr. Delaney's desire to diversify her career led her to flipMD What types of consulting positions are available for physicians How flipMD connects physicians and businesses The range of opportunities available on flipMD Pricing how-tos for consulting work The business model and sign-up process for flipMD Getting started as a consultant Links for this episode: Dr. Caitlin Delaney's LinkedIn flipMD LinkedIn for Physicians Course - If you'd like to learn how to customize your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out to recruiters, this course walks you through all the steps with short, actionable videos and cheat sheets for each lesson. This course takes the guesswork out of using LinkedIn!

If you're early in your career and feeling like clinical medicine isn't the right path for you, you're not alone. Many physicians struggle with the decision about whether or not to leave residency. It can be hard to know if these feelings are temporary or not and whether "sticking it out" will be beneficial for your future career. Today I'm talking with Dr. Sam Kessel, who realized during his intern year that clinical medicine was not the right path for him. He'll discuss how he made the tough decision to leave residency and why his new career as a consultant is a great fit for his passion, personality, and goals. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/85 In this episode we're talking about: How the pandemic influenced Dr. Kessel's intern year experience Why Sam decided to pursue an MBA during medical school What a strategy consultant does and how to learn more about the field Factors to assess if you're considering leaving residency The power of LinkedIn for connecting with others who share your interests Why Dr. Kessel is so passionate about the intersection of medicine and technology Steps physicians can take to explore consulting roles Links for this episode: Dr. Kessel's LinkedIn Episode 79: Find fun and flexibility as a consultant Rock Health podcast MDisrupt - A site to connect health experts with digital health companies to help bring impactful products to market quickly and responsibly. STAT biotech podcast LinkedIn for Physicians Course - Would you rather clean out your garage or attic than "put yourself out there" and network? No worries! My LinkedIn course is geared to make networking doable and fun. I will show you how to connect with people who can be helpful for your career, what to put in your messages, and how to apply strategically for the job you really want. You can learn more about this course and get a sneak peek inside right HERE.