Mindful Practice Podcast

In this episode of the Mindful Practice Podcast, Dr. Bertina Hooks explores why physicians must eventually redefine success in order to avoid burnout and build sustainable careers. Traditional success in medicine often centers on achievement — prestige, income, productivity, and recognition. But when success is defined only by “more,” it can lead to endless pressure and exhaustion. Dr. Hooks share...

In this episode of the Mindful Practice Podcast , Dr. Bertina Hooks tackles one of the most quietly painful challenges in medicine: giving yourself permission to evolve. Whether you're questioning your specialty, stepping into leadership, or feeling called toward something beyond clinical practice, this episode is your reminder that growth is not betrayal, it's maturity. What You'll Learn in This...

Most physicians don't fear leaving medicine. They fear not being able to afford it. And that fear when it's undefined feels infinite. In this episode of the Mindful Practice Podcast, Dr. Bertina Hooks breaks down the financial frameworks that turn overwhelming fear into a manageable, strategic plan. No toxic positivity. No reckless courage. Just clarity, the kind that lets you make career decision...

A career pivot is not failure, betrayal, or quitting. Board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Bertina Hooks explains how to take the panic out of career transition and redesign your medical career with intention instead of fear. In This Episode: Medicine trains physicians for a linear path. Deviation is rarely discussed and often judged. Fear shows up quickly: "I wasted my training. I'm di...

What happens when you achieve everything you worked for in medicine, but success stops feeling successful? Board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Bertina Hooks explores the moment when external achievement no longer matches internal reality, and why redefining success isn't failure it's maturity. In This Episode: There comes a moment for many physicians when success quietly stops working....

What happens after the white coat myth breaks? Board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Bertina Hooks guides you through life after realizing medicine doesn't have to define your entire identity. This episode explores the uncomfortable in-between space, the grief that comes with expansion, and what freedom looks like for physicians rebuilding their lives. In This Episode: After naming the t...

The white coat ceremony marks the beginning of your medical journey, but what happens when that symbol of professionalism becomes your entire identity? Board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Bertina Hooks explores the white coat myth: the dangerous belief that medicine must define you, sustain you, and justify your suffering. In This Episode: Dr. Hooks shares her personal white coat cerem...

Physician burnout affects 40-60% of doctors, but many don't know that coaching can be a powerful tool for burnout recovery. In this episode of the Mindful Practice Podcast, board-certified internal medicine physician and certified life coach Dr. Bertina Hooks explains how coaching specifically helps physicians heal from burnout—and why it's different from therapy and mentoring. If you're a burned-...

Think you're burned out? You're not alone and you're definitely not broken. In this powerful episode, Dr. Bertina Hooks cuts through the wellness industry to reveal what physician burnout really is, why it happens, and why your yoga retreat isn't fixing it. This isn't another "self-care solves everything" lecture. Dr. Hooks breaks down the systemic issues driving physician burnout, from moral inju...

In this deeply personal premiere episode, board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Bertina Hooks shares the story that nearly ended her career and her life and why she created this podcast for physicians drowning in burnout. In This Episode: Dr. Hooks takes you inside the moments that broke her: working 20+ patient days on an oncology floor, delivering devastating news while running on empt...

Welcome to the Mindful Practice Podcast, a judgment-free space created specifically for physicians who are navigating burnout, identity shifts, and career transitions. Hosted by Dr. Bertina Hooks, a board-certified internal medicine physician, certified coach, and writer, this podcast is your safe haven to explore what it truly means to build a sustainable medical career and a life that goes beyon...