The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

In this episode, we discuss the importance of stepping back to gain clarity when facing career crossroads in medicine. I'll share my personal experiences and offer practical strategies for physicians to reflect on their careers, make room for self-discovery, and envision a more fulfilling future. You'll learn how to get to the root of what's prompting your desire for change, so you can make decisi...

Have you ever dreamed of working in a more holistic, patient-centered way—without having to start your own practice from scratch? If so, you're going to love today's episode. We're diving into the growing field of integrative and functional medicine—especially for those who want the stability of an employed role while practicing in a more meaningful, whole-person way. In this episode, I'm joined b...

Today's episode is a powerful conversation about identity, loss, and rediscovery. I'm joined by Dr. John Fondran, a colorectal surgeon whose career ultimately came to an end due to severe arthritis in his hands and feet—a condition he had long been managing, but whose impact he struggled to fully accept. Dr. Fondran takes us through the difficult process of stepping away from surgery—not by choice...

If you are curious about expert witness work and whether it might be a good fit for you, this episode offers valuable insights.  I'm joined by Dr. Amy Fogelman, an internist and founder of High Rock Experts and High Rock Academy. Amy shares her journey into expert witness work and breaks down what it takes to get started, including qualifications, mindset shifts, compensation, and common concerns—...

If you are looking for a flexible, meaningful role that does not require board certification or recent clinical practice, you will not want to miss today's episode. Today, I am joined by Dr. Phyllis Nsiah-Kumi, Chief Medical Officer at the Cleveland Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). Dr. Nsiah-Kumi shares what it is like to work as a MEPS physician — a rewarding opportunity to assess the...

If you're a single physician struggling with dating, you're not alone. The demands of medicine can make finding love feel overwhelming, whether you're hesitant to put yourself out there, dating after divorce, or unsure if a fulfilling relationship is possible. On today's episode, I'm joined once again by relationship and transformation coach Sydney Ashland to dive into the realities of dating as a...

This week, we explore what happens when your specialty no longer feels like the right fit. My guest, Dr. Edio Zampaglione, began as an OB-GYN but found the corporate shift in medicine limiting. He shares his transition from private practice to a thriving career in medical affairs, including how he entered pharma without prior industry experience. We discuss key moments that led him to leave patien...

If your medical career is putting a strain on your relationship, you're not alone. Long hours, endless charting, and the emotional toll of medicine can create disconnection and tension at home. Whether your partner feels neglected, you're struggling with financial disparities, or you're facing difficult conversations, these challenges can feel overwhelming. Today we are joined by Sydney Ashland, a...

Today, we explore what happens when you follow your own path—even if it means leaving medicine. My guest, Dr. Maanas Samant, is now the CMIO of a healthcare and fintech company, but his journey into medicine began as a way to please his family. Growing up in a family of physicians, it was the expected path—yet his real passion was always tech. In this episode, we talk about the question that chang...

Welcome to Episode 216 of the Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem podcast! Today, we're tackling a major concern for physicians considering career changes—finances. Whether you're stepping away from clinical work, reducing shifts, or exploring entrepreneurship, financial uncertainty can be daunting. Joining us is Dr. Jim Dahle, emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor , a top financial...

At 60, Dr. Lynette Charity was fired from her job—an event that could have been devastating but instead became the catalyst for reinvention. In this episode, Dr. Charity shares her journey from growing up in the segregated South to becoming an anesthesiologist, speaker, and comedian. She discusses overcoming adversity, shifting from self-doubt to empowerment, and finding new purpose beyond clinica...

On today's episode, we're exploring the transformative world of direct care models with the inspiring Dr. Maryal Concepcion. Dr. Concepcion is a family medicine physician, founder of Big Trees MD in rural Northern California, and host of the My DPC Story podcast. We discuss the direct primary care (DPC) and direct specialty care (DSC) models that allow physicians to practice on their terms while f...

Today we're tackling the topic of high-stakes exams and board certification—a challenge that many physicians face. Struggling with these exams can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, test-taking anxiety, and even impact career opportunities. To lend their guidance and expertise, I'm joined by two wonderful guests, Dr. Rob Steele and Dr. Charles Bell, founders of Physician Test Prep Professionals....

Today we're diving into five transformative steps to help you uncover clarity and alignment in your career and life. As physicians, we often feel stuck, unsure of the next best move. Whether you're questioning your future in clinical medicine, considering nonclinical options, or exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, these steps will help you polish your "crystal ball" and uncover what's right f...

Today's episode is about the profound and sometimes challenging topic of purpose. Have you ever felt unsure about your life's direction or struggled to define your "why"? In this episode, Dr. Jordan Grumet, a hospice physician, author, and host of the Earn & Invest Podcast , shares insights from his latest book, The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legac...

Today we're diving back into the exciting and ever-evolving world of telemedicine. If you've been curious about exploring telemedicine as a side gig, a way to gain flexibility, or even as a full-time career, this episode is packed with insights and actionable tips. Joining me is Dr. Takashi Nakamura, an emergency medicine physician who transitioned into digital health and now leads in the telemedi...

This week's episode explores how mindfulness can help physicians manage stress, lengthen the pause between trigger and response, and create a sense of calm amidst the chaos. Joining me are two incredible guests, Dr. Jessie Mahoney and Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang, co-hosts of The Mindful Healers Podcast and leaders in mindfulness and physician well-being. We explore practical strategies for incorporating mi...

In this final installment of our four-part retirement series, we're diving deep into the financial planning nuances specific to physicians approaching retirement. Joining us is Dr. Carolyn McClanahan, a former physician-turned-certified financial planner. With her insider's perspective, Dr. McClanahan offers invaluable insights on everything from assessing retirement needs to navigating long-term...

Today we're addressing a common challenge many of us face—comparison. It's easy to fall into the "compare and despair" cycle, especially in high-achieving professions like medicine, but you don't have to stay stuck there. I'm joined by Dr. Jessie Mahoney, a pediatrician, coach, and mindfulness expert who co-hosts the Mindful Healers podcast. Together, we dive into practical strategies for recogniz...

Today we're diving into the challenges caregivers face and practical advice on how to care for others while also caring for your well-being. Whether you're caring for an aging parent, an ill spouse, or a child with special needs, being a caregiver often leads to exhaustion and burnout. Joining me is Dr. Delia Chiaramonte, an integrative palliative care physician and host of The Integrative Palliat...

We are diving into an incredibly important conversation around mental health and well-being for physicians, a topic that is too often overshadowed by stigma. Breaking through the silence is essential, and I'm honored to have Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist, mindfulness meditation teacher, and physician coach, join us for this episode. Dr. Fisher is a leader in organizational well-being and res...

Today we continue our series on retirement with Dr. Dike Drummond. Dr. Drummond is a family physician, coach, and CEO of The Happy MD, specializing in helping physicians navigate burnout and retirement with purpose and clarity. In this episode, Dr. Drummond shares his personal experiences and insights on how to approach retirement with a focus on self-identity, purpose, and fulfillment. We'll disc...

Today we're discussing the transformative power of changing how you see yourself. If you've ever felt stuck in your career or weighed down by self-doubt and imposter syndrome, this episode is for you. Joining me is Dr. Maria Dominguez, an emergency medicine physician who, through coaching, overcame self-doubt and imposter syndrome to rediscover joy in her work and start a side business. Dr. Doming...

Today we're diving into part-time opportunities for physicians who aren't quite ready to retire but want to slow down. Whether you're nearing retirement or just looking to diversify your career, these part-time options offer flexibility and fulfillment. Our guest today is Dr. John Jurica, host of the popular Physician NonClinical Careers podcast, who has firsthand experience with many part-time ro...

On today's episode, we're exploring an exciting and often overlooked side gig that can bring in significant income, from $10,000 to $20,000 or more per month. Dr. Tom Davis, a family physician who transitioned to working as an independent contractor for the Social Security Administration, shares how this side gig has been rewarding both financially and professionally, how it works, the qualificati...