Whole Body Optimism

Unlocking Potential: Coaching in Academic Medicine with Clare Coonan

Join Dr. Chrissy on this episode of Whole Body Optimism for Healthcare Professionals as she welcomes Clare Coonan, a seasoned department coach from Tulane’s Department of Surgery. With over five years of friendship and professional interaction, Clare shares invaluable insights into the power of coaching in academia and beyond. Discover how coaching can help you navigate your career, break free from self-limiting beliefs, and fully utilize your personal strengths.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Clare Coonan:
Clare’s extensive background in education, executive coaching, and her unique approach to empowering professionals in academic medicine.
Journey into Academic Coaching:
How Clare transitioned from secondary education to impactful roles in non-profit and healthcare settings, eventually leading to her specialization in academic coaching.
The Role of a Department Coach:
Insights into Clare’s role at Tulane and the transformative impact of having a dedicated coach within a medical department.
Common Challenges in Academic Medicine:
Discussion on prevalent issues such as imposter syndrome, fear of the unknown, and the misalignment of personal goals with societal expectations.
Strategies for Personal and Professional Growth:
Clare shares effective coaching strategies that help individuals and teams achieve their full potential, including setting clear goals, navigating career transitions, and enhancing leadership skills.
The Power of Networking:
Clare emphasizes the importance of building connections within the industry and how strategic networking has shaped her career trajectory.
Advice for Aspiring Coaches and Professionals:
Tips for those interested in coaching or seeking to enhance their careers through coaching, including the importance of finding one’s passion zone and overcoming fear.
Clare’s Impact and Vision for Coaching:
Examples of how Clare’s coaching has led to significant professional growth and satisfaction among clinicians and academics she has worked with.
Guest Contact Information:
Clare Coonan can be reached for coaching services via email at Clare@adjacentconsulting.com
Closing Thoughts: Clare and Dr. Chrissy discuss the broader implications of effective coaching in healthcare settings, emphasizing the need for departments across the country to consider integrating professional coaching roles to foster a supportive and thriving environment.
 
Read the Terms of Use before listening to the Whole Body Optimism Podcast. This podcast is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
 

Confronting Burnout in Medicine: A Candid Conversation with Dr. Bryce Bowers

In this episode of Whole Body Optimism for Healthcare Professionals, Dr. Chrissy is joined by Dr. Bryce Bowers, a newly appointed attending with a profound interest in burnout prevention. Dr. Bowers shares his personal journey through medical training, his battle with burnout, and how it has shaped his mission to foster well-being among medical professionals.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction of Dr. Bryce Bowers
Background as a new attending and his continued dedication to addressing burnout in medicine.
Dr. Bowers’ personal struggle with burnout during his medical school and residency.
Recognizing Burnout Early in Medical Training
Dr. Bowers recounts his realization of burnout symptoms during his second year of medical school, highlighting the pivotal moments that led to his awareness and subsequent actions.
Challenges During Residency
Transition to residency exacerbated burnout symptoms leading to severe personal and professional consequences.
Insights into coping mechanisms and the crucial turning point involving substance use and poor health practices.
Recovery and Advocacy
How physician coaching and a supportive residency environment helped him recover.
Dr. Bowers’ advocacy work in raising awareness about burnout and its impact on physicians’ mental health.
Advice for Medical Trainees and Practitioners
Practical tips for recognizing signs of burnout early.
Importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking help without stigma.
Role of Institutions in Addressing Burnout
Discusses how medical institutions can better support their staff and trainees.
Encourages a cultural shift towards acknowledging and addressing mental health openly within the medical profession.
Dr. Bowers’ Current Projects
Overview of his blog and podcast, which focus on challenges in the medical profession and strategies for overcoming them.
How his experiences have influenced his content and outreach efforts.
Conclusion: Dr. Chrissy and Dr. Bowers emphasize the importance of addressing burnout proactively by changing the cultural norms within medical training and practice. They advocate for a supportive approach that encourages medical professionals to prioritize their well-being as much as their patients’.
Guest Contact Information:
Instagram: @DrBryceBowers
Blog: Badge of Burnout on Substack
LinkedIn: Dr. Bryce Bowers
Call to Action:Follow us for more insights on embracing positivity and maintaining mental health in the demanding field of healthcare. Share your stories and join the conversation to help destigmatize burnout.
 
Read the Terms of Use before listening to the Whole Body Optimism Podcast. This podcast is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Leaning Into Life: Paths Beyond Medicine with Dr. Dawn Baker

Welcome back to Whole Body Optimism for Healthcare Professionals. In this episode, Dr. Chrissy explores the intersection of professional development, personal growth, and tackling infertility issues among healthcare professionals with guest Dr. Dawn Baker. Dive into an insightful discussion on the unique journeys healthcare professionals undertake, from embracing non-clinical careers to addressing infertility openly. Dr. Baker, an anesthesiologist turned life coach and author, shares her inspiring journey from engineering to medicine and eventually to a fulfilling life in homesteading and personal coaching.
Introduction to Dr. Dawn Baker: An introduction to Dr. Baker’s diverse career and interests including her transition from engineering to medicine and her pursuits outside of her clinical practice.
Journey into Medicine and Beyond: Dr. Baker discusses her initial reasons for entering the medical field and how her personal interests influenced her career decisions. Her story includes significant shifts prompted by personal health challenges and a passion for holistic wellness.
Infertility Among Professional Women: Dr. Baker shares insights from her book, Lean Out, which addresses infertility issues among professional women. This conversation sheds light on how these challenges can affect work-life balance and professional growth.
Overcoming Personal Health Challenges: A detailed recount of Dr. Baker's diagnosis with a pituitary adenoma during her residency, her treatment journey, and how it influenced her career and personal life choices.
Infertility Treatments and Work-Life Balance: Dr. Baker opens up about her infertility treatments, the emotional and physical challenges she faced, and how she managed her demanding medical career alongside.
Advocacy and Reducing Stigma: A discussion on how Dr. Baker has used her platform to advocate for more openness about infertility in the medical community and her efforts to reduce stigma associated with it.
Homesteading and Life Beyond Medicine: Explore Dr. Baker’s life in homesteading, how she balanced this with her medical career, and her advice for others interested in pursuing passions outside of their professional lives.
Closing Remarks: Dr. Chrissy wraps up the episode with key takeaways about embracing a multifaceted approach to life and career in healthcare, emphasizing whole body optimism.
Follow our journey on this podcast for more stories and tips on embracing positivity and practical growth in your personal and professional life. Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook for daily doses of whole body optimism!
Guest Contact Information:Dr. Dawn Baker can be reached through her website Practice Balance, where listeners can find her blog, book, and additional resources. Join her newsletter for updates on upcoming courses and speaking engagements.
Read the Terms of Use before listening to the Whole Body Optimism Podcast. This podcast is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
 

Does Osteoarthritis Begin in the Gut? Exploring the Gut-Joint Connection

Overview: Dr. Chrissy explores the potential link between gut microbiota and osteoarthritis in this episode of Whole Body Optimism for Healthcare Professionals.
Scientific Basis: Discussion centers around a 2022 review article from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, highlighting how gut dysbiosis may affect osteoarthritis development.
Personal Insights: Dr. Chrissy shares personal discussions with her mother about osteoarthritis, providing a relatable context to the scientific discussion.
Key Points:
Metabolic syndrome and inflammatory diets as potential accelerators of osteoarthritis.
The critical role of gut health in systemic inflammation and joint health.
Possible interventions including diet adjustments, physical activity, and the use of prebiotics and probiotics.
Educational Goals: The episode aims to educate healthcare professionals on the significance of gut health and its impact on osteoarthritis, encouraging proactive management of gut microbiota.
Read the Terms of Use before listening to the Whole Body Optimism Podcast. This podcast is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Deep Dive into Surrogacy and Non-Traditional Paths with Dr. Victoria Fritz

In this powerful and insightful episode of Whole Body Optimism for Healthcare Professionals, we sit down with Dr. Victoria Fritz, a former cardiothoracic surgery resident who transformed her personal challenges into an innovative career in surrogacy. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during her surgical residency, Dr. Fritz faced a life-altering decision that not only reshaped her career path but also led her to explore alternative ways of building a family.
Dr. Fritz shares her emotional journey through medical school, residency, and the difficult choice to leave surgery due to health concerns. She candidly discusses her decision to pursue surrogacy, the stigmas surrounding fertility in the medical field, and how her experiences led her to create Baby Bumps, a unique platform designed to connect intended parents with surrogates in a more compassionate, transparent, and efficient way.
We dive into the hurdles of navigating infertility, the nuances of surrogacy, and the critical need for open conversations within the medical community around non-traditional family building. From the challenges of managing career and family priorities to the societal stigmas often faced by physicians who choose non-traditional paths, Dr. Fritz offers invaluable insights.
If you're a medical professional facing fertility challenges, considering surrogacy, or just curious about alternative ways to grow your family, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and hope. Together, we explore how academic institutions, hospitals, and professional societies can create space for these important conversations, offering support to healthcare providers who dream of starting a family while managing demanding careers.
Join us for this engaging episode where optimism meets real-world solutions in medicine, life, and family building. Don’t miss out on how Baby Bumps is changing the surrogacy landscape, and how the medical community can lead the way in supporting a diverse range of family growth options.
Read the Terms of Use before listening to the Whole Body Optimism Podcast. This podcast is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
 

Embracing Holistic Health: A Journey with Dr. Anita Lwanga

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Whole Body Optimism for Healthcare Professionals." Today, our host Dr. Chrissy is joined by the inspiring Dr. Anita Lwanga, who shares her unique journey from competitive gymnastics to shaping the education of medical residents and students. Dr. Lwanga dives into her transformative approach to healthcare, emphasizing natural and holistic methods alongside traditional medicine to enhance patient well-being. Tune in as we explore how foundational health practices, mindset shifts, and a proactive approach to wellness can revolutionize healthcare.
Introduction to Dr. Anita Lwanga: Learn about Dr. Lwanga's background, from her early interest in health as a competitive athlete to her educational journey in kinesiology and medicine.
Holistic Approach in Medical Training: Discover how Dr. Lwanga incorporates lessons from exercise and health physiology into her medical practice, emphasizing the importance of non-medical ways to enhance patient health.
Challenges in Modern Healthcare: Explore the issues Dr. Lwanga faces in the education of medical residents and students, focusing on the integration of natural remedies and traditional medical training.
Patient Care Philosophy: Gain insight into Dr. Lwanga’s patient care model which balances diet, sleep, exercise, and medication to prevent hospitalization and improve overall wellness.
Mindset and Health Outcomes: Understand the critical role of mindset in achieving health goals, as discussed by Dr. Lwanga, emphasizing the power of a positive and open approach to personal health and patient care.
Advice for Healthcare Professionals: Dr. Lwanga shares her advice for young healthcare professionals on maintaining personal well-being and managing stress effectively within the demanding healthcare environment.
Read the Terms of Use before listening to the Whole Body Optimism Podcast. This podcast is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
 

Navigating Fertility: Insights and Optimism with Dr. Ikhena-Abel

In this insightful episode of "Whole Body Optimism for Healthcare Professionals," host Dr. Chrissy is joined by Dr. Ikhena-Abel, a double board-certified OBGYN and REI expert, to explore the complexities of fertility treatments and the influence of clean living. Highlights of their discussion include:
Dr. Ikhena-Abel's Background: Insights into her journey from an all-girls Catholic school in Northern Nigeria to specializing in reproductive endocrinology, driven by her passion for women's health.
Fertility Treatments Explained: Detailed examination of egg and embryo freezing processes, donor options, and the implications of aging on fertility.
Clean Living Tips: Recommendations for lifestyle adjustments to enhance fertility, including dietary changes and reducing exposure to toxins.
Emotional Considerations: The psychological impact of fertility treatments, the importance of community support, and efforts to destigmatize reproductive assistance.
Financial and Practical Advice: Strategies for managing the costs of fertility treatments and tips for selecting the right clinic and specialist.
Contacting Dr. Ikhena-Abel:
Website: Visit Dr. Ikhena-Abel's website at https://www.drdeboikhena-abel.com/ to book an appointment or learn more about her services.
Social Media: Follow Dr. Ikhena-Abel on Instagram and TikTok for educational content and updates.
Aspire Fertility Clinic: Starting September, Dr. Ikhena-Abel will be available at Aspire Fertility in Austin, Texas. Appointments can be booked through their website or by phone.
This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals and anyone navigating the complex journey of fertility, providing a blend of scientific insight and empathetic advice.
Read the Terms of Use before listening to the Whole Body Optimism Podcast. This podcast is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
 

Embracing Modern Positivity and Personal Growth in Healthcare with Dr. Jen

Dr. Chrissy welcomes listeners to a journey towards a happier, healthier, and more optimistic life, specifically tailored for healthcare professionals. She introduces her guest, Dr. Jen, whom she connected with over Instagram due to their shared interests in wellness and mindset within the medical field.
Key Points Discussed:
Background and Motivation:
Dr. Jen shares her journey into dentistry influenced by her father and her struggle with the demands and challenges of dental school. Her personal experiences with seasonal depression and profound personal losses shaped her perspective on mental health and well-being.
Career Pivot:
After years in traditional dental practice, Dr. Jen felt compelled to address her internal struggles and dissatisfaction, leading her to explore deeper into personal growth, notably through the works of Eckhart Tolle and Dr. David Hawkins.
Shift to Online Coaching:
Dr. Jen discusses her transition to online coaching and content creation, driven by a desire to share her journey and insights on well-being, especially relating to mental and emotional health.
Mindset and Subconscious Beliefs:
The conversation delves into the impact of subconscious programming on behavior and personal satisfaction. Dr. Jen emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these underlying beliefs to achieve genuine change and fulfillment.
Practical Tools and Approaches:
Discussion on various practical tools for personal development, including grounding techniques, EMDR therapy, and the benefits of nasal breathing as explored in the book "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art."
Conclusion: The episode wraps up with Dr. Jen providing insights on how she uses her platform to aid others in similar professional fields to overcome personal and career-related challenges through a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content on social media and follow the podcast for more insights into achieving whole-body optimism.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, focusing on the transformational stories and practical advice shared by Dr. Jen, aimed at empowering healthcare professionals with tools for better mental, emotional, and physical health.
Read the Terms of Use before listening to the Whole Body Optimism Podcast. This podcast is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Harmonizing Health: How Gut Health and Hormones Shape Our Well-being with Dr. Karolina

Introduction:
Special Guest: Dr. Karolina, an expert in integrative and functional medicine.
Dr. Karolina's Journey:
Background: Studied medicine in Poland, residency in internal medicine at Henry Ford Hospital, worked as a hospitalist, and later joined the faculty at the University of Michigan.
Shift to integrative medicine: Motivated by observing the treatment of chronic conditions and medication side effects in conventional settings.
Emphasis on evidence-based approaches and personal and familial inclination towards natural practices.
Main Discussion Points:
Hormonal Health:
Importance of comprehensive hormonal testing, including the Dutch test for detailed hormonal analysis.
Common hormonal issues like estrogen dominance and luteal phase dysfunction, their symptoms, and impact on overall health.
Gut Health:
The critical role of gut health in overall hormonal balance and systemic health.
Use of GI map tests to assess the microbiome and identify imbalances.
Integrative Approach to Patient Care:
The integrative model involves detailed labs that assess nearly 500 variables to create a full picture of a patient’s health.
Importance of spending adequate time with patients to understand their health comprehensively.
Patient Case Studies and Success Stories:
Examples of how integrative approaches have resolved complex cases that traditional methods could not.
Challenges in Healthcare:
Discussion on the systemic issues in healthcare, such as the pressure to see more patients which may compromise the quality of care.
The contrast between the necessity of comprehensive care in functional medicine and the constraints in conventional medical settings.
Closing Thoughts:
Encouragement for healthcare professionals to adopt a mindset of whole body optimism and to consider integrative approaches in their practice.
Reminder of the podcast's mission to support personal growth, clean living, and positivity in the medical community.
Follow Dr. Karolina on Instagram @naturasmed
Read the Terms of Use before listening to the Whole Body Optimism Podcast. This podcast is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Balancing Fertility and Medicine: A Journey of Family Planning and Professional Fulfillment

In this episode of Whole Body Optimism for Healthcare Professionals, Dr. Chrissy shares her personal fertility journey and offers invaluable insights into family planning for those pursuing a career in medicine. Based on her TEDx talk at Tulane, Dr. Chrissy emphasizes the importance of being proactive about fertility and family planning early in your medical career. Whether you're a medical student, trainee, or established professional, this episode provides essential guidance on balancing a demanding career with personal life goals.
Key Discussion Points:
The Reality of Medical Training: Dr. Chrissy discusses the demanding nature of medical training, which often involves 80-hour work weeks and the challenge of balancing career and family aspirations.
Importance of Family Planning: Understand the significance of family planning in medicine and how early awareness and preparation can impact your future.
Fertility Screening and Preservation: Learn about available screening tools to evaluate fertility and the importance of considering options like egg and sperm freezing to preserve fertility.
Challenges of Infertility: Dr. Chrissy shares statistics on infertility among female physicians, highlighting the importance of taking proactive steps early on.
Advocating for Change: Discover ways to advocate for fertility awareness and family planning support within medical institutions, including the importance of paid parental leave and fertility treatment coverage.
Personal Reflection and Experience: Dr. Chrissy reflects on her personal journey and encourages listeners to be proactive in their approach to fertility and family planning.
Call to Action:If you're considering a career in medicine and envision having a family, take proactive steps now to understand and preserve your fertility. Start conversations about family planning with mentors and colleagues, and advocate for change within your institutions.
Connect with Dr. Chrissy:Feel free to reach out to Dr. Chrissy with questions or to connect with others who have faced similar challenges. She is available for panel discussions and is eager to help you navigate your own fertility journey.
Additional Resources:
Watch Dr. Chrissy’s TEDx Talk
Follow Whole Body Optimism on Instagram
Tune in to gain insight and empowerment to take charge of your fertility and family planning while pursuing a fulfilling career in medicine.
 
Read the Terms of Use before listening to the Whole Body Optimism Podcast. This podcast is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.