The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

We're often told that gratitude is the answer, that if we could just appreciate what we have, everything would feel better. And while gratitude can be grounding and healing, there is a side of it that doesn't get talked about enough. In this solo episode, I explore what happens when gratitude turns into pressure, when "I should be grateful" becomes a way of silencing your truth, minimizing your exhaustion, or staying stuck in a situation that no longer fits. This is what I call the gratitude trap, and it's one many physicians encounter, especially at moments of transition. This episode is an invitation to reclaim gratitude as a source of support rather than self-abandonment. If you've ever questioned your career and then talked yourself out of listening to that inner voice, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we're talking about: The difference between gratitude that expands you and gratitude that shuts you down How "I should be grateful" can quietly keep you stuck Why comparison is not a reason to ignore your own truth What authentic gratitude actually sounds like Signs your energy is contracting vs. expanding in your work How listening to discomfort can point you toward a better fit Using gratitude as support rather than pressure You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode237 Links for this episode: We're continuing our podcast-sharing contest through January 🎁 Just share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before, then email us: the episode(s) you shared, and the initials (or another identifier) of the two people That's it. Email team@doctorscrossing.com, and we'll send your prize. People are loving it because it's customizable and genuinely useful—this really is a contest you can't lose 🌟

Have you ever found yourself helping a loved one through a confusing medical situation and thought, "I wish I could do this full-time"? You're not alone. Many physicians are naturally drawn to patient advocacy and navigation, even if they don't yet realize it has a name or a career path. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Angie Ingraham, a former trauma surgeon and critical care physician who made a powerful career transition after her father's diagnosis with glioblastoma. Experiencing the healthcare system from the other side opened her eyes to the gaps patients and families face. That journey led her to launch True North Patient Advocates, where she now supports others through complex medical situations with clarity and compassion. Whether you've thought about becoming a patient advocate and navigator — or are simply curious about what this work actually involves — Angie shares the real-life steps she took to create a fulfilling and sustainable new path. In this episode we're talking about: How a personal family crisis led Dr. Ingraham to explore patient navigation The surprising barriers patients face, even with medical connections What professional patient advocates and navigators actually do and how physicians are uniquely qualified How she built her business without formal business training The variety of clients and services in her day-to-day work Financial considerations and typical rates for advocates Steps you can take to explore this path for yourself You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode236 Links for this episode: Dr. Angie Ingram — True North Patient Advocates Greater National Advocates Directory Alliance of Professional Health Advocates - Offers a Boot Camp and 100-day program for business startup Health Advocate X Patient Advocate Certification Board National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Work Episode #68: Being a Patient Advocate is a Real Option Episode #156: How To Start A Side Gig Or Business As A Patient Navigator 🎉Exciting News: Earn CME Credit with Our Career Tools! We're thrilled to share that both the LinkedIn Course for Physicians and the Carpe Diem Resume Kit are now approved for CME credit. If you have funds to use before the end of the year or need additional hours, this is a perfect opportunity to invest in your career growth while fulfilling CME requirements. LinkedIn Course – 3 CME hours Resume Kit – 2 CME hours You can find both resources under the Products tab or click here for direct access. If you have any questions or would like a sneak peek, just email us at team@doctorscrossing.com and we'd be happy to help! 🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it! We've got a special prize waiting for you, and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at team@doctorscrossing.com and we'll send you your prize!

Dr. Sarah Smith, a rural family physician and founder of Charting Coach, reveals her journey from charting chaos to clinical ease. She shares how shifting mindset and auditing daily habits transformed her workflow, allowing her to reclaim personal time. Discover strategies for managing interruptions, finishing notes efficiently, and overcoming perfectionism. Sarah also emphasizes the importance of team support in combating charting guilt and discusses using AI wisely to enhance rather than hinder documentation.

Have you ever dreamed of practicing medicine in a way that actually fits your life? Where you're not racing through 15-minute visits, drowning in charts, or missing your kid's birthday because of another call weekend? Then this episode is for you. I'm joined by Dr. Diana Kumar and Dr. Teresa Walsh, two board-certified OB-GYNs who opted out of the grind of a big healthcare system to co-found GLISS Wellness, a nationwide telemedicine practice for women's health and menopause care. In just eight months, they turned an idea from their "burn book" into a real, thriving business. No perfect plan. No waiting for permission. They just got to work and made it happen. We're diving into what it really takes to launch your own practice, how they got licensed in all 50 states, and why telemedicine has given them the freedom and flexibility they craved. This is a story about guts, innovation, and rewriting the rules to build a career that finally fits. In this episode we're talking about: How a trip abroad sparked a new business idea Why they chose telemedicine over a brick-and-mortar practice The unexpected perks of telehealth for women's care How AIR (All In Remote) Academy helped them launch fast and legally Why having a partner made all the difference, and what to look for if you're considering teaming up How they stacked multiple income streams to stay financially secure during the transition The emotional and mindset hurdles of leaving traditional medicine, and how they pushed through the fear Links for this episode: GLISS WELLNESS: The Company Founded by Dr. Diana Kumar and Dr. Teresa Walsh Gliss Wellness Newsletter: https://substack.com/@glisswellness @glisswellness and @GlissSpot To learn more about AIR (All-In-Remote) Physician Academy, sign up for one of their information sessions at airphysicianacademy.com. Don't forget to mention that you heard about the program through Doctor's Crossing! *Please note: I'm an affiliate for AIR Physician Academy, which means if you sign up through my link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend programs I truly believe in, and this one is a great fit for physicians exploring non-clinical opportunities. Episode #210: 5 Ways To Increase Your Income and Find Great Opportunities in Telemedicine - with Dr. Takashi Nakamura- cofounder of AIR Academy Telemedicine Companies - If you're interested in using your clinical skills, making money, and being able to work from home, the beach, or a mountain cabin, telemedicine is worth considering. This FREE resource guide includes a list of over 40 telemedicine companies to choose from.

Have you ever been deep in a seemingly small, repetitive problem at work and thought, "There's got to be a better way"? Today's guest didn't just have that thought—she ran with it, all the way from the ER to the shelves of Amazon. In this episode, Dr. Liz Clayborne, emergency physician and founder and CEO of Nasaclip, shares how a common clinical nuisance sparked a full blown medical innovation. What started as a passing thought during residency turned into a patented, market-ready device that's now helping people everywhere from Disney cruises to school nurse's offices. Liz opens up about how she went from taping tongue depressors together to launching a product online. She breaks down the roadmap she followed which included bumps, doubts, funding stress and all—and shows you what's possible when you stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem. Whether your big idea is a device, an app, or just a smarter way to do the thing everyone hates, this conversation will give you the tools (and courage) to start. In this episode we're talking about: How a single ER shift inspired Dr. Liz to design a new medical device What you should do first when you have an idea (spoiler: it's not building a prototype) How to deal with imposter syndrome when you're stepping into unfamiliar territory The realities of fundraising—and why being a physician can actually be your superpower A step-by-step roadmap to go from idea to market The surprising ways her invention has made an impact beyond the ER Why betting on yourself isn't just brave—it's necessary Links for this episode: Dr. Liz Clayborne: Contact: eclayborne@nasaclip.com Instagram: @drelizpc Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethpclayborne/ Nasalip: Website: nasaclip.com Nasaclip Instagram: @nasaclip 🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it! We've got a special prize waiting for you — and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at team@doctorscrossing.com and we'll send you your prize!

Dr. Sonia Millan, a board-certified family medicine physician and former white-water rafting guide, shares her journey from clinical practice to a fulfilling role in utilization management. She emphasizes the importance of experimentation and adaptability in finding career satisfaction. Sonia discusses how losing autonomy led her to explore various nonclinical roles and ultimately discover her dream job, aided by her 'lunch litmus test' for workplace culture. Her advice encourages clinicians to embrace uncertainty and pursue curiosity for career clarity.

If you've been in the interview process for a nonclinical job and suddenly find yourself in a holding pattern—no updates, no emails, and no clarity—you're not alone. Delays, ghosting, and rejection can be confusing and discouraging, especially when everything seemed to be going well. In this episode, Heather shares why these frustrating pauses happen, what might be going on behind the scenes, and most importantly, how to respond so you stay confident, empowered, and ready for the next opportunity. You'll learn practical strategies to follow up respectfully, gain insight from your interview experience, and reframe rejection as redirection toward the right role for you. Whether you're waiting for a recruiter to reply, feeling ghosted after multiple rounds, or processing a painful "no," this episode offers both empathy and actionable guidance to help you keep moving forward with faith and self-assurance. In this episode we're talking about: Why delays, ghosting, and rejection happen in nonclinical job searches What might be happening behind the silence from recruiters and hiring teams When and how to follow up without overdoing it The "three P's" of handling rejection Why rejection is often redirection—and how to stay open to what's next How to learn and grow from every interview experience, no matter the outcome Links for this episode: Episode #154: Top Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Nonclinical Job Interviews – Part 1 Episode #155: Top Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Nonclinical Job Interviews – Part 2 Episode #230: Nail That Recruiter Interview: Build Your Bridge to the Next Round

When you're exploring nonclinical jobs, one of the very first hurdles is often the recruiter screening call. Many physicians assume this will just be a quick, casual chat but in reality, it can make or break whether you move forward in the process. In this episode, I'll walk you through how to prepare for this important conversation as if I were coaching you one-on-one. You'll learn what recruiters are really looking for, how to connect your story to their needs, and the simple but powerful ways you can build a bridge that sets you apart as a strong candidate. This isn't about rattling off your CV or giving "perfect" answers. It's about understanding the recruiter's perspective, showing authentic interest, and coming across as both capable and collaborative. By the end, you'll feel much more confident heading into that first call and know how to approach it with professionalism and ease. In this episode we're talking about: The "three-legged stool" recruiters use to assess candidates How to build a bridge between your story and the company's mission Tips for answering the classic "Tell me about yourself" opener The most common questions you'll hear—and how to be ready for them How to handle the dreaded salary question with calm confidence Thoughtful questions you can ask to stand out Why a warm, timely follow-up email makes such a difference Links for this episode: 🌟 Want more support? Download my free guide, 10 Steps to Rock Your Interviews here. Following these 10 tips will help you strategically prepare for your nonclinical job interviews. You will be more confident, relaxed, and ready to do your best! And if you'd like personalized prep, you can book a one-off coaching session—just reach out at team@doctorscrossing.com for more

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pivot into a completely new career—especially when you don't fit the traditional mold? In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Michelle Mudge-Riley, a physician who took a bold leap from career coaching into the pharmaceutical world. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to follow your curiosity and explore what else is possible. We pull back the curtain on her transition, what it felt like to leave a successful business behind, and how she broke into pharma despite not being the typical candidate. Whether you're just beginning to question your current path or actively exploring nonclinical options, Michelle's story offers honesty, encouragement, and practical tools for the journey ahead. She shares what really happens behind the scenes—from failed interviews and self-doubt to finally landing the right role. In this episode we're talking about: What it's like to make a bold pivot when you don't fit the "traditional" candidate mold. How Michelle handled rejection (including one painful interview setback) and kept going. Why informational interviews were a game-changer (even when some flopped). The mindset shift that helped her overcome fear and finally hit "send" on those messages. How she reframed her background to land roles — even without the "right" experience. Why she loves her new career in pharma, and why she's glad she made the leap. The unexpected part of her new job that brought back joy and connection. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode229 Links for this episode: Episode #17: 9 Top Nonclinical Side Gigs with Michelle Mudge-Riley 🎁 Share & Win! Want to win a prize? It's simple—share The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast with five people, then email us at team@doctorscrossing.com with their initials (or another easy way to validate). We'd love to thank you with a prize for helping us grow our listener family!

Have you ever fantasized about working from a seaside café in Italy or spending your mornings hiking the Alps before a day of virtual patient care? For many physicians, the dream of living abroad can feel out of reach—especially if continuing to practice medicine is important. But what if you didn't have to choose between your career and your sense of adventure? In this inspiring episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ashwini Bapat, a palliative care physician and co-founder of Hippocratic Adventures, a vibrant community for doctors dreaming of life and work outside the U.S. Dr. Bapat shares her own journey to Portugal, how she and her husband made it work professionally, and the many options available for physicians—from local employment abroad to telemedicine and hybrid models. Whether you're just starting to consider life in another country or actively mapping out your international move, this episode offers stories, strategies, and support to help you navigate the possibilities. In this episode we're talking about: How physicians can continue to work clinically while living outside the U.S. The most straightforward countries for U.S. physicians to work in clinically How telemedicine has opened up global flexibility for non-procedural specialties Common myths around practicing medicine from another country Important legal and licensing considerations for remote work and private practice Resources to help physicians interested in working while abroad The mindset shift that can turn "I can't" into "How can I?" Hippocratic Adventures Telemedicine & Beyond (International): This resource was created by Hippocratic Adventures and Dr. Ashwin Bapat. It includes a curated list of companies that offer telemedicine opportunities outside of the U.S., for physicians interested in practicing remotely from abroad. There is a reasonable fee for this resource. IG: @hippocratic_adventures FB group (physician only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/936658356753142/ The CME-accredited course, Telepsychiatry From Abroad, opens for enrollment on September 23rd, 2025. This will be the final enrollment period in 2025. https://www.hippocraticadventures.com/telepsychiatryfromabroad/ Free Guide: Telemedicine Companies (U.S.): Created by The Doctor's Crossing, this free guide includes a list of over 40 telemedicine companies in the United States. It's designed for physicians based in the U.S. who want to start exploring telemedicine opportunities while using their clinical skills, earning income, and working from home (or anywhere in the U.S.). *Note: This guide is for U.S.-based physicians only. If you're looking for telemedicine roles you can do while living abroad, please see the "Telemedicine & Beyond" resource above.