The Doctor’s Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

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 doctor. Through a Dear Abby-style format, we explore common challenges, including confidence struggles, work-life balance, and the pressure of finding the right partner. In this episode we’re talking about: The unique challenges of dating as a busy physician. How to build confidence and step into dating with a positive mindset. Balancing work demands with making space for relationships. Addressing fears, perfectionism, and patterns that may be holding you back. Strategies for dating apps, meeting people organically, and expanding your social circle. Navigating the pressures of wanting children and making relationship decisions on a timeline. Links for this episode: https://sydneyashland.com/ https://sydneyashland.com/physician-business-coaching-and-consulting/ https://www.amyporterfield.com/2025/01/748/ https://kevinmd.com/2018/01/top-10-lies-doctors-tell.html https://doctorscrossing.com/19/ Books: Why Mars and Venus Collide: Improving relationships by Understanding How Men and Women Cope Differently With Stress.  By John Gray   (also available in audio CD). The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Attached – The New Science of Attachment – How it Can Help You Find And Keep Love. By Amir Levine and Rachel Heller.  Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types by David Keirsey ⭐️ Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, time management, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself! 🌷Spring Special - Save 25% off our LinkedIn for Physicians Course with code: SPRING25 If you’d like to learn how to customize your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out to recruiters, this course walks you through all the steps with short, actionable videos and cheat sheets for each lesson. This course takes the guesswork out of using LinkedIn! 📩 We’d love to hear from you! Have a podcast topic in mind or a burning question you’d like us to cover? Send us a quick email at team@doctorscrossing.com — we’re always open to your ideas and feedback!

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 patient care and what a medical affairs career entails. If you're considering nonclinical options, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode219 In this episode we’re talking about: What to do when your chosen specialty no longer feels right. The challenges of private practice and the shift toward a corporate model. How to break into the pharmaceutical industry without prior experience. The day-to-day responsibilities of a medical affairs physician. Steps to explore opportunities in pharma, including networking and working with recruiters. Insights into compensation, career growth, and job satisfaction in medical affairs. Links for this episode: LinkedIn for Physicians Course  This fun course shows you how to create a stand-out profile on LinkedIn and use the powerful features to advance your career goals. The short video lessons guide you step-by-step on how to grow your connections, network successfully, and search for and apply to jobs. Included are cheat sheets for each lesson, examples of physician profiles, and a bonus PDF on how to rock your informational interviews.  Pharma Insider's Guide - Get an overview of the different areas for physicians in pharma as well as tips to start building your platform to make a transition. Pharma Podcast Episode List - Curious if a career in pharma is right for you? We’ve made it easy to explore! Download our free list of all Doctor’s Crossing Podcast episodes related to pharma and gain valuable insights from physicians who have successfully made the transition. Learn about different roles, salary expectations, required skills, and how to get started—so you can decide if pharma is the right path for you.

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 highly respected relationship and transformation coach with over 25 years of experience working with physicians. In this episode, we explore real-life scenarios—Dear Abby style—to address the struggles many physician couples face and how to strengthen communication, navigate career shifts, and build a more connected, fulfilling relationship. In this episode we’re talking about: The impact of long work hours and career stress on relationships. How financial dynamics can shift power and create tension. Strategies for improving communication and reconnecting with your partner. Navigating career transitions while maintaining a strong relationship. Practical steps to break unhealthy cycles and foster emotional connection. Advice for single physicians seeking meaningful relationships (preview of Episode 220). Links for this episode: ihttps://sydneyashland.com/ https://sydneyashland.com/physician-business-coaching-and-consulting/ https://www.amyporterfield.com/2025/01/748/ https://kevinmd.com/2018/01/top-10-lies-doctors-tell.html https://doctorscrossing.com/19/ Books: Why Mars and Venus Collide: Improving relationships by Understanding How Men and Women Cope Differently With Stress.  By John Gray   (also available in audio CD). The Seven Principles for Making A Marriage Work:  A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert.  By John Gottman.  The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Attached – The New Science of Attachment – How it Can Help You Find And Keep Love. By Amir Levine and Rachel Heller.  Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types by David Keirse

Dr. Maanas Samant, the CMIO of a healthcare and fintech company, shares his inspiring journey from medicine to consulting. Initially pursuing medicine to meet family expectations, he pivoted towards technology, spurred by his early interest in computers and a pivotal question from his wife. He discusses networking strategies that landed him roles at Accenture, the fascinating projects he undertook in healthcare consulting, and the importance of presenting transferable skills. Dr. Samant encourages physicians to explore nontraditional paths and take action for fulfilling careers.

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 education platform for doctors. He shares key strategies for financial independence, career transitions, and smart money decisions. Dr. Dahle also reflects on a life-altering climbing accident that shaped his perspective on financial planning and risk-taking. In this episode we’re talking about: Why financial freedom is key to making career transitions with confidence. The importance of early financial planning and getting your “financial ducks in a row.” How to determine how much money you need to retire. Ways to balance career changes with financial stability. The emotional side of financial decision-making and overcoming limiting beliefs. Tips for discussing financial changes with a spouse or partner. Links for this episode: www.whitecoatinvestor.com  Episode #196 What Do Nonclinical Jobs Actually Pay? Hero’s Of My Life Part 1 - Dr. Jim Dahle’s story of his fall on the Grand Tetons Heros Of My Life Part 2 Physician Transition Starter Kit - A “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. This 25-page guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started.

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 clinical medicine. Drawing from her book, Escape Plan, she offers insights on resilience, career transitions, and embracing new opportunities at any stage of life. If you’re facing change or seeking inspiration, this episode is for you! You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode215 In this episode we’re talking about: How Dr. Charity overcame adversity growing up in the segregated South. The pivotal moment that led to her decision to become a doctor at age nine. How being fired at 60 became a turning point instead of a setback. Strategies for shifting your mindset from self-doubt to empowerment. How she transitioned into speaking, comedy, and writing after medicine. The importance of mentorship, community, and asking for help. Links for this episode: Website: DrCharitySpeaks.com Website: lynettecharitycomedy.com Instagram: @keynotecharity Book: Escape Plan From FIRED to Public Speaker – An Anesthesiologist’s Story: https://doctorscrossing.com/from-fired-to-public-speaker-an-anesthesiologists-story/ Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, time management, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself! Physician Transition Starter Kit - A “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. This 25-page guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started. Thank you for listening!

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 fostering deeper patient relationships. Dr. Concepcion shares her journey from fee-for-service medicine to creating a thriving DPC practice, the freedom and flexibility these models offer, and how they empower both physicians and patients. Whether you’re a primary care provider or a specialist, this conversation will open your eyes to new possibilities in medical practice.   You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:   www.doctorscrossing.com/episode214   In this episode we’re talking about:   What direct primary care and direct specialty care models are and how they differ from traditional practice. The autonomy and flexibility direct care models offer physicians. How DPC allows for smaller patient panels and stronger doctor-patient relationships. Strategies for starting a direct care practice, including financial considerations. The importance of building transparent, patient-focused healthcare systems. Leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance patient engagement in direct care practices. Insights on pricing strategies and communicating value to patients in a cash-based system. Links for this episode:   Dr. Concepcion’s Links: https://mydpcstory.com https://maryal.me https://bigtreesmd.co https://thedpcdirectory.com    Dr. Concepcion’s Book Recommendations: "Spark Start Fires" by Dr. Julie Gunther   "The Official Guide to Starting Your Own Direct Primary Care Clinic" by Dr. Douglas Farrago   "Byja Blueprint" by Dr. Byron Jasper   Episode 98 Take Back Control With A Direct Primary Care Practice - Featuring a married couple who share a DPC practice and love their freedom and lifestyle.    Episode 150 - Are You Paralyzed By The Siz of Your Goal? Start with a Lemonade Stand. Featuring how a physician started a DPC practice on a shoe-string budget with no prior business experience.  Private 1:1 Consultations - If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, Dr. Heather Fork offers one-hour paid  Zoom consultations. This one-hour coaching session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some concrete steps for moving forward. Dr. Fork also has a 5-month coaching program for those physicians wanting additional assistance (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at team@doctorscrosing.com.

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. With decades of experience in physician assessment and remediation, they bring a wealth of knowledge to this important topic. In this episode, we discuss actionable strategies for exam preparation, managing anxiety, addressing knowledge gaps, and achieving success on high-stakes exams. In this episode we’re talking about: Common missteps physicians make when preparing for board exams. Why creating a structured study plan is essential for success. Techniques for identifying and addressing knowledge gaps. The benefits of focusing on question-and-answer study formats. Strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence on test day. Tips for balancing study time with clinical responsibilities and personal life. Recognizing and avoiding burnout during intense study phases. Links for this episode: Physician Test Prep Professionals Email address: md.test.prep.ceb@gmail.com Text messages can be sent to: 512.442.6195 ⏰Time Management Resource - Download a list of books and apps that can help you with time management, procrastination, building successful habits and finding ways to focus.  

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 for you. We’ll explore how to assess your career satisfaction, follow your energy, identify internal drivers, develop inner guidance, and give yourself the permission to pursue your true path. By the end of our discussion, you’ll have actionable insights to help guide you toward the career and life that fulfill you most.   You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:   www.doctorscrossing.com/episode212   In this episode we’re talking about: How to quantify your career satisfaction and use it as a guide for decision-making. The importance of following your energy to uncover what excites and motivates you. Identifying internal drivers and recognizing when they come from a healthy or unhealthy place. Developing an inner guidance practice to connect with your deeper self. Giving yourself permission to explore new directions and honor your true desires. Recognizing external pressures and how to prioritize your own needs and values. Links for this episode: Episode #191: How a Daily Inspirational Reading Practice Can Be Transformative Episode #209: Break the Stress Cycle: Mindfulness Techniques to Master Your Thoughts and Emotions Leave Your Work at Work (LYWAW) is a free Zoom training designed to help physicians and APPs shave off at least 1 hour from their evening charting. When: Thursday, Jan 30th at 7pm CT Here’s what you’ll walk away with: How training and the culture of medicine keep physicians stuck charting Practical tips and efficiencies to complete work at the office Junaid’s 4-Step framework (the You First Charting Method) to build their own system to finish charting before going home *Folks can sign up for free to get access to the training live as well as replay access for 48 hours. Sign up here: https://www.chartingconquered.com/a/2148027704/eRbeEBhn

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 Legacy. We discuss how to shift from focusing on lofty "whys" to finding joy in purposeful actions, explore common myths about purpose, and examine how regret can be a surprising catalyst for growth. If you’ve been questioning your career, your goals, or even your daily activities, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on how to reconnect with what truly lights you up.   In this episode we’re talking about: The difference between purpose as action and purpose as “why.” How purpose anchors can help you build a more fulfilling life. How aligning daily actions with core values can create a sense of purpose. Practical steps to move from feeling lost to creating meaningful activities. Leveraging regret as a catalyst for personal growth and uncovering your purpose. Tips for navigating crossroads in your personal and professional life.   Links for this episode: jordangrumet.com earnandinvest.com The Purpose Code: How to unlock meaning, maximize happiness, and leave a lasting legacy 7 Key Tips for Writing a Standout Physician Resume Ready to stand out in the competitive nonclinical job market? Download this guide to learn how to create a concise, focused resume that highlights your unique skills and achievements. Get Started Using AI: Unlock ChatGPT to Transform Your Work and Life Discover how ChatGPT can simplify your life and supercharge your productivity with this free guide. It's packed with practical prompts to help you tackle career planning, time management, difficult conversations, meal prep, and more. Start using AI as your 24/7 assistant to streamline your day and achieve your goals!