The Doctor’s Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

Seeking validation is a normal human behavior - whether we realize we are doing it or not. This can be especially true for physicians, who are often natural people pleasers. However, if you are considering a career or life change, it’s important not to let the need for validation from others hold you back from doing what’s best for you. In today’s solo episode (my 100th podcast!), I'm discussing all things validation, including the different types of validation and how to process your own need for validation.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/100   In this episode we’re talking about: Why we feel the need for validation One of my listeners who found validation through this podcast The special role of validation from our parents How to listen and trust your feelings without judgment The difference between external and internal validation Using lived experience as a form of validation My personal experience finding validation in my career change   Links for this episode: 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, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself!

Have you ever wanted to pursue a passion but felt like something was holding you back? This is common among physicians and my guest today, Dr. Debra Blaine, is here to discuss how to conquer common obstacles we perceive to be standing in the way of pursuing our passion. Dr. Blaine is a family medicine physician and fiction novelist who will share the benefits of following a passion, how to make time for this, why indulging in a passion can be difficult for physicians, and what to do if you haven’t identified your passion yet. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/99   In this episode we’re talking about: How attending a writing conference inspired Dr. Blaine to get started Why writing provided Debra with an outlet for her work stress The unexpected benefits of following your passion How to find the time to pursue your passion What to do if you don’t feel passionate about anything Viewing failure as a learning opportunity Why physicians have trouble engaging with their passion   Links for this episode: Dr. Debra Blaine’s website -  Learn more about Debra’s 3 books as well as her Mindset Coaching Services for physicians. Dr. Blaine is also available to coach aspiring writers at all stages, and offers authors an easy guide to quality self-publishing. 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, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself!

While many physicians are looking to make the leap to a nonclinical career, others want to continue practicing, but do it on their own terms. A popular option for those in the latter group is direct primary care, or DPC. Today, I’m excited to have not one, but two, direct primary care and lifestyle medicine physicians as my guests, Drs. Monica and Prisiliano Salas. They’ll discuss what DPC is, the financial aspects of this practice model, how they incorporated lifestyle medicine into their practice, and steps you can take to pursue DPC for yourself. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/98   In this episode we’re talking about: How a direct primary care model operates What inspired the Salas’ to pursue opening a DPC practice The nuts and bolts of DPC financials How the Salas’ created a flexible work schedule to meet their needs What types of specialties are best suited for DPC Why lifestyle medicine is easily integrated into the DPC model How you can get started down the path to practicing DPC medicine   Links for this episode: Salveo Direct Care - The Salas’ Direct Primary Care Practice  Email Instagram Facebook The DPC Podcast - A podcast hosted by Dr. Landon Rousell on everything related to starting and running a direct primary care practice.  Direct Primary Care Summit 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.

Have you ever had an “aha moment” where you suddenly realize there is a significant problem you’ve been avoiding by burying your head in the sand? This is a common behavior, and there are many reasons we may lean on this coping mechanism. But once you’ve admitted there is a problem, what’s the next step? That’s what today’s guest, Dr. Tom Black, is here to discuss. Dr. Black is a Naval veteran and former ER physician, and he’s going to share with us how to take an empowered stance and make informed decisions to achieve the life you want.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/97   In this episode we’re talking about: Dr. Black’s winding road to a career in medicine The value of learning from your mistakes How Tom realized a clinical career was not for him Assessing whether your current path will take you where you want to go The importance of asking yourself if you are happy Understanding the role of finances in making life decisions Why creating a plan is such a valuable tool   Links for this episode: Dr. Thomas Black’s LinkedIn The Passive Income Physician - Surviving a Career Crisis By Expanding Net Worth by Dr. Thomas Black The Tax Code: Change The Facts of Your Financial Life to Create True Wealth And Peace of Mind by Dr. Thomas Black Carpe Diem Resume Kit - Converting your CV to a resume helps recruiters better understand why you are a great match for a specific job. My resume kit will guide you through creating a polished resume for your desired job. Templates are included as well as a bonus on writing your cover letter. Give yourself the best chance of getting that interview!

Resigning from your current job is often the very last step in a job or career change. And while this task sounds simple, physicians often have questions about how best to approach it. Do you need to let your boss know where you are going? Should you provide information about why you’re leaving? In today’s solo episode I’ll be answering these important questions and reviewing best practices for a smooth and professional resignation.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/96 In this episode we’re talking about: The “must include” information for your resignation letter Optional information you may want to include Examples of professional phrasing to use The spectrum of responses your resignation letter may get How to respond if you are met with a counteroffer Whether or not you should share why you are leaving 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.  Carpe Diem Resume Kit - Converting your CV to a resume helps recruiters better understand why you are a great match for a specific job. My resume kit will guide you through creating a polished resume for your desired job. Templates are included as well as a bonus on writing your cover letter. Give yourself the best chance of getting that interview! Episode 49: Giving Notice and Non-Competes with Jon Appino

If you’re ready for a career move but don’t want to make the leap to another industry or leave your current workplace, your answer may be right in front of you. Trying out a managerial or administrative role in your current institution is a great way to explore different nonclinical areas without changing jobs. On today’s episode, I’m talking with returning guest, Dr. John Jurica, about the types of nonclinical pursuits available in most healthcare systems, how these opportunities can be used as stepping stones, and how to get started in one of these roles.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/95 In this episode we’re talking about: Dr. Jurica’s background in nonclinical and administrative work How these experiences can boost your resume for future nonclinical work The nuts and bolts of different roles and what skills you build in each Non-paid opportunities to build your skills and resume How and when to get started in one of these nonclinical positions When to consider pursuing an advanced degree How to test the waters by working with a nonprofit  Links for this episode: The Physician NonClinical Careers Podcast - Dr. John Jurica’s fabulous podcast Using Nonprofits to Build Business Skills - Dr. Jurica’s 4-lesson course on how to acquire new management stills by volunteering for a nonprofit organization. Use coupon code FREE for access. 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, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself! Prior Podcast Episodes with guest Dr. John Jurica  Episode #58  - Careers You Can Do Without Residency Episode #5 - Top 3 Nonclinical Job Sectors 

As a physician, it’s common to feel weighed down by systemic issues that leave you feeling stuck in your job, career, or role. However, sometimes the first step to making a change is changing the way you think. In today’s episode, I’m talking with Dr. Nneka Una, founder of EntreMD, and we’ll discuss how to shift your mindset from victimhood to empowerment so you can make positive changes and move forward in your career. Dr. Una will share her story and offer tips on how to hone your empowerment skills and approach difficult situations with confidence.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: https://www.doctorscrossing.com/94 In this episode we’re talking about: The difference between a victim mindset and an empowered mindset Dr. Una’s quest for more after completing her pediatric residency Why Dr. Una considers every physician to be an entrepreneur The importance of speaking to get your message across Why negotiation skills are critical for physicians  How shifting out of fear-based thinking leads to empowerment Dr. Una’s book, The EntreMD Method   Links for this episode: Dr. Una’s Website EntreMD Podcast EntreMD Method - A proven roadmap for doctors who want to practice medicine and live life on their own terms. A wonderful book for both employed physicians and those who are interested being an entrepreneur. 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.

Once you’ve decided to make the leap to a nonclinical career, you may think your transition is on it’s way. However, breaking this news to your patients, colleagues, and family can be an unexpected obstacle in the career change process. In today’s solo episode, I’m tackling the many nuances of this sticky issue, from ways to approach this discussion to handling the myriad reactions you may receive. I’ll also share three helpful principles to get you through all of these difficult conversations.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: https://doctorscrossing.com/93 In this episode we’re talking about: Why these conversations can make us uncomfortable How to tailor your discussion for different audiences Overcoming your discomfort with uncertainty Why you can’t be responsible for other’s reactions The benefits of an empowered mindset My own experience when I reached a career crossroads Dos and don’ts when reaching out for informational interviews Links for this episode: Carpe Diem Resume Kit - Converting your CV to a resume helps recruiters better understand why you are a great match for a specific job. My resume kit will guide you through creating a polished resume for your desired job. Templates are included as well as a bonus on writing your cover letter. Give yourself the best chance of getting that interview!

One of the biggest questions early-career physicians can grapple with when considering a nonclinical career is whether or not to finish residency. This is a big decision with many factors to consider, and the right answer is not the same for everyone. My guest today, Dr. Chelsea Turgeon, made the difficult decision to leave her OB/GYN residency after realizing clinical medicine was not the best career path for her. She’s here to discuss how she made this tough choice, what she’s doing now (and where she’s doing it!), and steps you can take to decide if it’s best for you to stay or leave residency.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/92 In this episode we’re talking about: Why a career in clinical medicine didn’t match Dr. Turgeon’s expectations Chelsea’s process for deciding whether she should leave residency How revisiting why you chose medicine can help you move forward Coping with thoughts of guilt surrounding leaving residency Why residency is not the only path to a successful career as a physician Dr. Turgeon’s new career path and lifestyle Steps you can take to process your residency doubts  Links for this episode: Dr. Chelsea Turgeon’s Website Life After Medicine Facebook Group  5 Steps to Career Clarity Mini Course Should I quit residency? - A very help site that walks you through the process of answering this question for yourself using a powerful flowchart and question prompts.  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, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself!

When embarking on a career change, most physicians naturally start by looking outward: What role fits me best? Where should I apply? However, if you don’t take the time to look inward and develop a good relationship with yourself, these outward steps may not yield the results you are hoping for. Today’s guest, Dr. Cindy Tsai, is an internal medicine physician, coach, and author, who will discuss the importance of your relationship with yourself and strategies for coping and reframing your perspective when this relationship becomes compromised. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/91 In this episode we’re talking about: How Dr. Tsai’s childhood experiences influenced her relationship with herself The diagnosis that led Cindy to reconsider her priorities Techniques to reframe imposter syndrome How to deal with perfectionism that has become dysfunctional Why chronic people pleasing can lead to a negative relationship with yourself How viewing yourself as a victim can lead to feeling stuck Dr. Tsai’s book, So Much Better: Life-Changing Strategies to Develop Calm, Confidence & Curiosity to Become Your Own Inspiring Success Story Links for this episode: LinkedIn for Physicians Course - Would you rather clean out your garage or attic than “put yourself out there” and network? No worries! My LinkedIn course is geared to make networking doable and fun. I will show you how to connect with people who can be helpful for your career, what to put in your messages, and how to apply strategically for the job you really want. You can learn more about this course and get a sneak peek inside right HERE.  Dr. Tsai’s website Dr. Tsai’s LinkedIn So Much Better: Life-Changing Strategies to Develop Calm, Confidence & Curiosity to Become Your Own Inspiring Success Story by Cindy Tsai, MD