empowerED

In the second part of our conversation, Dr. Caylor speaks about the exciting potential of innovation in family medicine, especially as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to gain momentum. She discusses how the "dance" that medical students are often expected to follow can limit room for creativity, but with AI and other emerging technologies, there is a brighter, more innovative futu...

In this episode of  empowerED , we welcome Dr. Tonya Caylor, a Family Physician and professional coach, who has dedicated her career to supporting Family Medicine Residents and faculty. Dr. Caylor takes us through her journey, from clinical practice to academic medicine, and how she discovered the transformative power of coaching—especially for family medicine professionals facing burnout. She sha...

In the second half of our conversation with Dr. Mick Krasner, we dive deeper into resilience, rediscovery, and the role of adversity in personal and professional growth.   Key takeaways include:   The 3 Ps for Managing Stress:  Understanding that life isn’t perfect, personal, or permanent. Practical mindfulness techniques like the STOP practice and “Where Are My Feet?” for grounding yourself in hi...

In this transformative episode of EmpowerED, we sit down with Dr. Mick Krasner, Professor Emeritus, mindfulness expert, and advocate for flourishing in medicine. Dr. Krasner shares his journey from internal medicine to pioneering mindful practices tailored for healthcare professionals.   We explore: The intersection of personal loss and professional purpose in shaping Dr. Krasner’s career. How min...

Picking up from our previous discussion, I rejoined Dr. Bapu Jena to further unravel the complexities of patient care and the intriguing analogy of shopping algorithms. Dr. Jena brilliantly parallels how these algorithms customize our shopping experience to how AI could elevate patient management in healthcare. We explored concepts such as the enigma of cardiologists' absences improving patient ou...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of diving into an insightful conversation with Dr. Bapu Jena, a physician economist whose perspectives on the intersection of medicine and economics are nothing short of enlightening. We delved into how technology reshapes healthcare landscapes and the crucial role economic principles play in medical decision-making. Our exchange took a fascinating turn as we wo...

In part two we delve into the critical role of mindset, perspective, and teamwork in preventing burnout, and Dr. Leung offers practical tips for physicians to reclaim their well-being. We also explore the power of emotional intelligence, the importance of being comfortable with others' misconceptions of us, and how this mindset shift can significantly impact our wellness. Together, we discuss proc...

In this powerful episode, Dr. Mary Leung opens up about her journey through severe burnout as a physician and how she found her way back to joy in medical practice. She shares insights into the immense challenges healthcare professionals face, from the relentless demands of charting to managing patient care. Dr. Leung highlights the importance of self-care, shifting perspectives, and being intenti...

Welcome to part 2! Dr. Latifat makes an interesting comparison, likening physicians' sharp and adaptable minds to those of military snipers, encouraging them to harness their unique skills to improve their financial situations. We delve into the common financial mistakes physicians make—like procrastination and letting societal expectations dictate their spending—and how to avoid them.   We al...

In this latest episode of empowerED, I chat with Dr. Latifat Akintade, a gastroenterologist turned master money coach for women physicians, to discuss her inspiring journey into financial empowerment. Dr. Latifat shares her story of realizing the importance of mastering her finances and how that led her to help other physicians do the same.   Throughout our conversation, she debunks common money m...

We’re excited to bring you Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with Dr. Una. If you thought Part 1 was empowering, get ready to dive even deeper into the world of physician entrepreneurship! Dr. Una encourages doctors to step out of their comfort zones and embrace discomfort to unlock their full potential. In this discussion, Dr. Una and I discuss the challenges physicians face in their careers a...

In this exciting episode of empowerED, we kick off Part 1 of a compelling conversation with the inspiring Dr. Una. From her early days as a Pediatrician to her current role as a physician business coach, Dr. Una’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and self-empowerment in the medical field. She underscores the importance of integrating business acumen into medical training and empow...

In part 2 of our enlightening discussion with Dr. Clayton Dyck, we continue to explore the essential support and resources needed for learners with difficulty. De. Dyck delves deeper into the themes of self-reflection and mental health, emphasizing the power of relationships within the Family Medicine community. We discuss the critical importance of creating a safe space for growth, practicing sel...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Clayton Dyck, an experienced Family Physician and dedicated mentor, who shares his inspiring journey in Family medicine. Dr. Dyck offers invaluable advice for residents transitioning into practice, emphasizing the importance of taking a long-game approach and being mindful of one's values and purpose. Dr. Dyck delves into the common challenges that residen...

Continuing our discussion, Dr. Michael Hersh highlights male physicians' struggle to embrace vulnerability. His candid insights revolve around reclaiming joy and finding purpose amidst the demanding healthcare profession. We also explore the significance of being a part of a Family Medicine community, celebrating victories, no matter how small, and actively shaping one's desired life path....

In part 1, Dr. Michael Hersh, Gastroenterologist and physician coach, shares a compelling journey from burnout to rediscovering fulfillment in medicine. In his insightful discussion, he delves into the intricacies of achieving work-life balance, stressing the importance of tailoring it to individual needs. Dr. Hersh highlights the necessity of vulnerability and self-compassion within the medical f...

We’re back with part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Filip Gilic. In this part of the episode, we hear more about the Queen’s University Nightmares Simulation Program and delve into the complexities of the physician experience, touching upon the vital necessity of addressing emotional well-being. We also navigate the delicate balance between the demands of the medical profession and the imperative...

In part 1 of this enlightening episode, Dr. Filip Gilic, a dedicated rural primary care physician, takes us on a journey through the unique landscape of rural medicine. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Dr. Gilic sheds light on the myriad benefits of practicing in rural areas, including a profound sense of agency and the expansive scope of practice that comes with it. Throughout the conv...

We continue with part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Karen Leitner. Mentorship and collaboration are essential themes of her discussion, underlining their importance in career advancement and networking.   Drawing on her experiences, Karen explores the impact of perfectionism, self-criticalness, and people-pleasing on well-being, offering valuable insights into changing thinking patterns. She provid...

In part 1 of this engaging conversation, Dr. Karen Leitner takes us on her transformative journey from being a practicing internist and pediatrician to becoming a life coach for women physicians. She candidly shares her struggles with burnout during her residency and how coaching became a powerful catalyst for positive change in her life. Karen stresses the critical need for supporting women physi...

Feeling like you've lost the joy in your work as a Family Doctor? In this episode, I sit down with Anita Fletcher, a medical career coach, ACRRM & RACGP CPD provider. Anita specializes in helping doctors rediscover fulfillment in both clinical and non-clinical roles. We dive into the crucial realm of career planning, outlining actionable steps for doctors grappling with work dissatisfactio...

WONCA Polaris is excited to introduce the empowerED podcast - your backstage pass to conversations with trailblazers in medicine. We're here to provide you with empowering education, tailored for every step of your medical journey - from medical student to Family Medicine trainee and through the first five years of practice. Get ready to dive deep and be inspired by transformative leaders. Sta...