The Fit Physician

In this high anticipated episode of The Fit Physician Podcast, Suzanne and Jake tackle one of the most researched supplements in the health and fitness world—creatine. Suzanne breaks down the science behind its benefits, who it’s for, and why it’s not just for “gym bros.” Jake adds humor with a personal story about his early supplement mishaps. You’ll learn how creatine supports muscle growth, cog...

In this episode, Jake and Suzanne review the International Society of Sports Nutrition's position stand on diets and body composition. They discuss the organization's background and the purpose of a position stand. The key takeaway from the paper is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to fat loss. The most important factors are being in a calorie deficit, consuming adequate protein, and fi...

In this episode of the Fit Physician Podcast, Dr. Deb Marshall shares her inspiring journey from aspiring physician to hospitalist in palliative care. She discusses her early struggles with self-doubt, body image issues, and the impact of diet culture on her life. After facing the unexpected loss of her father, Deb found strength through fitness and community, leading to a transformative journey t...

In this episode, Jake and Dr. Suzanne Rutherford discuss the importance of dietary fiber and provide tips on how to increase fiber intake. They cover topics such as the definition of fiber, the role of fiber in optimizing health and longevity, the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, the recommended daily intake of fiber, and practical ways to incorporate fiber-rich foods into the diet....

In this episode of The Fit Physician Podcast, Jake and Dr. Suzanne Rutherford dive deep into the benefits of dietary fiber, exploring its role in reducing the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. Building on the success of the first Science Snack about estrogen replacement therapy, this second edition looks at a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 that compile...

In part 2 of this series, Dr. Gamache talks all things hormone replacement therapy. She explains that testosterone therapy can improve libido, brain fog, energy levels, and muscle mass. Additionally, she discusses the role of estrogen replacement therapy in perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing the importance of starting hormone therapy within the first 10 years of the last period to prevent ch...

In this highly anticipated episode, we sit down with none-other-than Dr. Nathalie Gamache, a leading expert and innovator in menopause treatment. During the discussion, she breaks down the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. She explains how the onset of symptoms such as heavy and irregular periods, mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, to name a few, occurs. In...

In this episode, Jake and Suzanne introduce a new segment called Science Snacks where they review research articles related to fitness and nutrition. They start by discussing a study on transdermal estrogen therapy and its effects on muscle mass in early menopausal women. The study found that women who received estrogen replacement therapy showed significant improvements in muscle size compared to...

Dr. Hanley shares her journey of getting back into fitness after having two children and overcoming disordered eating. She discusses her background in organized sports and the societal pressure to achieve a specific body type. She also talks about her introduction to nutrition and the emphasis on weight and appearance rather than fueling the body. Dr. Hanley highlights the common experience of dis...

In this episode, Dr. Kathleen Martin Ginis, PhD discusses the challenges of sticking to an exercise routine. She explains that exercise is not a single behavior but a complex set of behaviors that require time, planning, and effort. She emphasizes that exercise is a lifelong commitment that needs to adapt to changes in lifestyle, seasons, and health. Dr. Ginis also highlights the importance of fin...

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Hamlin Douglas shares her inspiring fitness journey from "unathletic" to thriving physician. After having her daughter, she struggled to find time for fitness and experienced a low point during the pandemic. At the end of 2023 she decided enough was enough and decided to fully commit. She joined the Fit Physician program and in focusing on strength training and nutritio...

In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Rutherford answers questions related to fitness and nutrition. She discusses how her fitness and nutrition regime has changed as she's gotten older, emphasizing the importance of being intentional with exercise and focusing on long-term health and functionality. She also provides strategies for dealing with cravings, including not having any foods off-limits and using...

Dr. Kaila Holtz, an Olympian and physiatrist, shares her journey from being an athlete to becoming a physician and finding work-life balance. She discusses the impact of her mother's cancer journey on her perspective and the importance of prioritizing self-care. Dr. Holtz emphasizes the need for connection, community, and having fun as essential elements of well-being. She encourages physicians to...

In this episode, Jake is interviewed by Suzanne about his expertise in strength-based resistance training for women physicians. Jake shares his journey from training hockey players to exclusively training women, addressing misconceptions about strength training and discussing the foundations of his strength training programs. The conversation also explores the effectiveness of simple and efficient...

Dr. Aisha Husain shares her inspiring journey as a family physician and her battle with a life-altering diagnosis. She discusses the challenges she faced in pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor and the importance of resilience and not giving up. Dr. Hussain also highlights the struggles physicians face in maintaining a health and fitness routine and the impact it has on mental health. She empha...

In this episode of the Fit Physician Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Rutherford and Jake Wright discuss the topic of weight loss. They address the stigma around weight loss and emphasize that it is okay for women to want to change their body composition. They explain the difference between weight loss and fat loss, highlighting the importance of preserving muscle mass. They debunk the idea of a one-size-fits...

Dr. Alene Toulany, an adolescent medicine specialist, shares her personal journey and experiences in prioritizing her health and fitness as a busy physician. She discusses her parents' immigration story and their impact on her desire to pursue higher education. Dr. Touleny also talks about her upbringing around food and the challenges of managing nutrition as a teenager. She highlights the importa...

In this episode, Suzanne answers questions about protein intake and provides tips for meeting protein goals. She discusses how to get 130 grams of protein in a day, the importance of protein for muscle synthesis, and the recommended protein intake for different age groups. Suzanne also addresses concerns about high protein diets and cardiovascular disease, the benefits of collagen supplements, and...

Dr. Smita Halder, a gastroenterologist and physician coach, shares her journey from practicing medicine to a life changing experience that led her to pursue coaching. She discusses the challenges and doubts she faced in making this transition. Dr. Halder and Jake share their own experience and ROI from investing in their own personal growth and development. They also share success stories of clien...

Dr. Manon Pelletier shares her journey of struggling with body image, emotional eating, and weight gain as a physician and mother. She discusses her experiences growing up, going through medical school, and the challenges she faced in her career and personal life. Dr. Pelletier talks about the mindset shifts and empowerment she gained from joining a fitness program and the positive impact it had o...

In this episode, Jake and Suzanne discuss the importance of protein in the diet, its functions in the body, and the optimal intake for different individuals. They also address the challenges faced by vegetarians in meeting their protein needs and provide strategies to optimize protein intake. Additionally, they discuss the differences between plant-based and animal-based proteins and the considera...

Dr. Jen Baxter, a family physician and self-compassion advocate, shares her journey of overcoming challenges and prioritizing self-care in the medical field. From her motivation to become a woman in medicine to a traumatic brain injury, Dr. Baxter discusses the struggles she faced and the turning point that led her to prioritize her health and well-being. She emphasizes the importance of strength...

Dr. Mel Flegel, a family physician and orthopedic surgery hospitalist, shares her inspiring fitness journey. She discusses her experience of losing over 40 pounds and maintaining her fitness while balancing a busy medical career and family life.  Dr. Flegel provides valuable insights into the challenges she faced and the practical strategies she implemented to prioritize her own health and we...

In this episode, Jake, also known as the Fit Physician Coach, shares his personal journey of becoming a fitness professional dedicated to helping women in medicine achieve their strength, fitness, and confidence goals.  He recounts his childhood experience as a young hockey player, his transition to becoming a personal trainer, and the pivotal moments that led him to specialize in training wo...

Dr. Suzanne Rutherford and Jake Wright discuss the challenges faced by women physicians in prioritizing their own health and fitness i n the inaugural episode of The Fit Physician Podcast, Dr. Rutherford, a practicing physician specializing in hospitalist medicine and a mother of two, shares her journey and insights, emphasizing the importance of personalized, evidence-based nutrition and fitness...