
The Doctor’s Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast
Are you a physician who’s questioning your career path? If you’re at the white coat crossroads, for whatever reason, this podcast is for you. We’re going to help you find your best path forward, whether it’s to be happier in patient care, transition to a nonclinical career, or do something completely different.
In the weekly podcasts, we’re bringing you all the good stuff:
-Actionable tools and resources to help you start making positive changes.
-Interviews with physicians who’ve found new and fulfilling ways to practice as well as those who’ve transitioned into nonclinical careers.
-Concrete advice for applying to jobs, using LinkedIn, interviewing, negotiating, and much more.
Your host, Dr. Heather Fork, is a former board-certified dermatologist who transitioned into full-time career coaching for physicians over 10 years ago. She is a master certified coach who has been helping hundreds of physicians find ways to be happier both in medicine and beyond.
Come visit us at www.doctorscrossing.com to learn more!
Latest episodes

Aug 7, 2024 • 35min
Episode #194: An Anesthesiologist’s Decision to Follow Her Heart Led to a Rewarding Career Teaching at a Community College
Today we're diving into a topic that generates a lot of interest in the physician community: teaching. I’m thrilled to have Dr. Melissa Wheeler, an anesthesiologist who transitioned to teaching anatomy and physiology at a community college because she wanted to pursue something that made her happy. Dr. Wheeler will share her journey from clinical practice to academia, the qualifications needed, what a typical week looks like, compensation, and more. Her insights will be invaluable if you’re considering teaching or seeking inspiration to follow your heart. www.doctorscrossing.com/episode194 In this episode we’re talking about: Dr. Wheeler’s journey from loving anesthesia in residency to struggling as an attending. The challenges and rewards of teaching at a community college A typical week for a community college instructor. Qualifications needed to teach at a community college. Compensation and benefits of teaching roles. Advice for physicians considering a transition to teaching. The value of asking yourself what would make you happy in your career Links for this episode: PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance.

Jul 31, 2024 • 43min
Episode #193: Don’t Hide Under a Rock, Become Visible and Change Lives, Including Your Own
For today’s episode, we have a very special returning guest, Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, known fondly as Dr. Una. Dr. Una is a pediatrician, bestselling author, podcaster, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and founder of the EntreMD Business School, where she helps physicians build profitable businesses so they can live life and practice medicine on their own terms. She joins me to discuss the importance of visibility for physicians and shares key insights and teachings from her latest book, The Visibility Formula: Taking Your Business From Best Kept Secret to Household Name, which provides practical steps for physicians to enhance their luminosity and impact. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode193 In this episode we’re talking about: Dr. Una’s background and journey into entrepreneurship. How every physician is an entrepreneur and CEO of their personal brand. The importance of physicians being able to be seen and heard. Overcoming the discomfort of self-promotion. Practical steps to increase visibility in meetings, online, and through public speaking. Building a personal brand and leveraging social media effectively. Creating content that resonates and attracts your target audience. Links for this episode: The Visibility Formula: Taking Your Business From Best Kept Secret To Household Name www.entremd.com www.entremd.com/podcast

Jul 24, 2024 • 38min
Episode #192: Refusing to Take No For an Answer: A Pedi ER Doctor's Journey to Help Kids With Complex Medical Needs
Today you're in for a wild ride. My guest, pediatric emergency medicine physician Dr. Alison Curfman, shares her incredible story of how her desire to improve care for kids with complex medical conditions led her on a roller coaster journey in pursuit of her goal. Dr. Curfman's path to fulfilling her vision was not easy and had its share of setbacks. However, her refusal to give up led to the co-founding of Imagine Pediatrics, a market-disrupting healthcare group pioneering value-based care for chronically ill children. As we delve into her story, we'll focus on the importance of finding the right work environment where you can truly thrive. In this episode we’re talking about: Dr. Alison Curfman's background and journey into pediatric emergency medicine. The pivotal moment that sparked Dr. Curfman’s drive to improve pediatric care. The challenges and setbacks faced while developing a virtual care program. How Dr. Curfman navigated policy and reimbursement barriers. How a big leap of faith and an unexpected move to Nashville was the ticket to success. The importance of finding a supportive work environment. Practical steps for physicians to pursue their ideas and innovations. Links for this episode: Dr. Alison Curfman's website: www.alisoncurfmanmd.com Imagine Pediatrics PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance.

Jul 17, 2024 • 28min
Episode #191: How a Daily Inspirational Reading Practice Can Be Transformative
Today we’re doing something a little different. Instead of discussing career options and transitions, we’re going to focus on the mindset piece. I’ll be sharing a practice that can help set your mindset for the day: daily inspirational readings. These readings can come from various sources, whether it's a book you enjoy, a religious text, journaling, or meditation. I’ll introduce you to four different daily readers that offer short, impactful lessons to help frame your day positively and constructively. This practice can be incredibly transformative, helping you deal with life's challenges with a more empowered perspective. In this episode we’re talking about: The importance of a daily practice to frame your mindset. How daily readings can provide perspective and help deal with life's challenges. Personal stories illustrating the impact of these practices. Four recommended daily readers and examples from each. The value of combining reading with short meditation sessions. Practical steps to establish your own daily inspirational reading practice. The overarching themes of patience and perseverance found in all four recommended books. Links for this episode: A Year of Positive Thinking by Cyndie Speigel The Courage to Change - One Day at a Time in Al Anon II The Book Of Awakening by Mark Nepo The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday Episode #6: Why I Left Dermatology and Became A Physician Coach PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance.

Jul 10, 2024 • 31min
Episode #190: Dr. Pooja’s Story: An Inspiring Journey Through Dark Times to Career Happiness.
Today we have a very special guest, Dr. Pooja, who faced tremendous challenges including being let go from two residency programs and facing a very dark period in her life. Despite these obstacles, she found her way forward to a career path where she is using her medical training in a way that she finds very fulfilling and affords her a great work-life balance. Let's delve into Dr. Pooja's story of resilience and perseverance, and uncover the steps she took to move forward when she was filled with uncertainty and doubt. Her journey is a powerful reminder that even when things seem hopeless, your skills are valuable and there are always paths forward. In this episode we’re talking about: Dr. Pooja’s background and the challenges she faced in her residency programs. The impact and importance of advocating for oneself. How personal and professional setbacks can intertwine and affect overall well-being. The pivotal moment that led to Dr. Pooja’s turnaround. Strategies for moving forward when feeling uncertain and doubtful. How to identify and leverage transferable skills. Compensation insights and work-life balance in nonclinical roles. 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, 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 and stay tuned for our upcoming quiz!

Jul 3, 2024 • 39min
Episode #189: Get Your Charts Done and Get Home: Expert Tips from a Charting Coach
Today we’re tackling a huge challenge faced by many physicians: charting. Imagine finishing your workday without hours of charting hanging over you. Sounds impossible? For over 350 physicians and APPs, this dream has become a reality thanks to our special guest, Dr. Junaid Niazi. Dr. Niazi is an internist and pediatrician who has optimized his charting efficiency and now helps others do the same through his program, Charting Conquered. He will share his personal journey and the strategies he has developed to help physicians get their charting done efficiently and get home sooner. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode189 In this episode we’re talking about: The challenges physicians face with the EHR and charting. Dr. Niazi’s personal struggle with charting and how he overcame it. The importance of balancing perfectionism with efficiency. Practical tips for improving charting efficiency. The role of mindset in optimizing charting workflows. The potential of AI and technology in easing charting burdens. Dr. Niazi’s advice for physicians struggling with charting and productivity. Links for this episode: https://prosperouslifemd.com https://www.chartingconquered.com/ https://www.instagram.com/junaidniazi_md/ Are you a physician at a career crossroads? Join my comprehensive 6-week online course designed to help you gain clarity, explore clinical and nonclinical options, and have concrete steps for moving forward. Sign up for the waitlist and start your journey towards a fulfilling career! Course to launch in the Fall of 2024. Join the waitlist doctorscrossing.com/join

Jun 27, 2024 • 35min
Episode #188: Getting to the root of procrastination. Spoiler alert - It’s not laziness!
In this episode, I dive into the real causes of procrastination, debunking the myth that it’s just laziness. Through personal stories and relatable examples, we will explore how procrastination is often rooted in deeper emotional conflicts. I’ll share a three-step strategy to help you overcome procrastination. By shifting from problem-focused thinking to possibility-based thinking, you can start taking small, yet powerful steps toward your goals. Join me as we uncover the root of procrastination to help you move forward with confidence and purpose. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode188 In this episode we’re talking about: The erroneous perception that procrastination is due to laziness. The importance of self-compassion in overcoming procrastination. Identifying the source of internal conflict to understand the root of procrastination. Shifting from problem-focused thinking to possibility-based thinking. Taking small, yet empowering steps to build momentum and confidence. The influence of early life experiences and ingrained beliefs on current behaviors. A 3-step strategy to help you move forward with confidence and purpose. Links for this episode: Episode #78: Eat That Frog and 6 Other Time Managements Tips ⭐⭐⭐PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance.

Jun 19, 2024 • 35min
Episode #187: Don’t Wait for Doors to Open, Get Scrappy in Your Career Quest
In today's episode, we'll explore how taking initiative and creating your own opportunities can transform your career. I'm thrilled to welcome our guest, Dr. Georgette Chekiri, a family medicine physician who has navigated a successful and unconventional career path. Dr. Chekiri's journey is a testament to the importance of transferable skills and being proactive. From her early career aspirations to her diverse job experiences, including a stint at Disney World and working in a chicken processing plant, Dr. Chekiri has embraced every opportunity with determination and resilience. Now, she serves as a medical director in life insurance medicine, a role she discovered through her resourcefulness and willingness to explore non-traditional avenues. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode187 In this episode we’re talking about: Dr. Georgette Chekiri's early career aspirations and her path to medical school. The significance of "getting scrappy" and proactively seeking opportunities. Diversifying skills and having side gigs for career security and fulfillment. Pursuing unique job opportunities and not being deterred by rejection. How you can find job satisfaction in unlikely places. How Dr. Chekiri had to let go of worrying what others thought of her The impact of networking and mentors in successful career transitions. Links for this episode: Episode #8: Life Insurance – a Hidden Gem of a Nonclinical Career Episode #121: Love Your Job And Use Your Clinical Knowledge In Life Insurance Medicine Chart Review: Chart review is a great way to use your medical knowledge, earn side income, and develop new skills. This guide includes more than 50 chart review companies and a sample email template for reaching out to recruiters. 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 he

Jun 12, 2024 • 37min
Episode #186: Earn Extra Income, Fire Up Your Brain, and Find A New Direction With Physician Side Gigs
In this week’s episode, we're diving into an exciting and fun topic with a physician mover and shaker, Dr. Nisha Mehta. Dr. Mehta is the founder of the very active Facebook group, Physician Side Gigs, and has created a vibrant community of over 111,000 members in this group. She is also a practicing radiologist, keynote speaker, physician community builder, and advocate whose work has been featured in numerous media outlets. Dr. Mehta will share insights into the wide variety of side gigs physicians can pursue, offering the opportunity to use our skills in new areas, make extra money, and prevent burnout. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode186 In this episode we’re talking about: The various reasons physicians pursue side gigs. The growth and impact of the Physician Side Gigs Facebook group. Steps to find and start both medical and non-medical side gigs. The benefits of diversifying your income streams. Preventing burnout and increasing financial security through side gigs. Tips for being intentional about career pathways. Opportunities available in consulting, expert witness work, chart review, teaching, medical writing, and many more. Links for this episode: Physician Side Gigs Facebook group https://www.nishamehtamd.com 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.

Jun 5, 2024 • 36min
Episode #185: Shake things up with Unconventional Clinical Careers
In this episode, we dive into unconventional career paths for physicians with Dr. Sylvie Stacy, author of "50 Nonclinical Careers for Physicians" and the newly released "50 Unconventional Clinical Careers for Physicians." Dr. Stacy shares her journey from traditional medicine to exploring various roles in both clinical and nonclinical settings. We discuss the diverse opportunities available, such as working on cruise ships, in correctional facilities, and internationally. Dr. Stacy highlights niche practices and innovative fields like addiction medicine and clinical research, emphasizing the value of leveraging medical skills in unique ways. This episode is packed with insights for physicians seeking to reignite their passion for medicine and explore fulfilling career alternatives. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode185 In this episode we’re talking about: Insights into Dr. Stacy’s career journey and her motivation to help physicians explore diverse career options. Dr. Stacy's inspiration to create resources for physicians seeking non-traditional roles. The importance of exploring fulfilling career options beyond traditional clinical roles. Dr. Stacy’s emphasis on the high value of physicians’ skills, experience, and credentials. Resource recommendations for physicians looking to practice abroad. The concept of niche medical practices and how they can lead to fulfilling and specialized careers. The gray area between nonclinical medicine and clinical medicine. Links for this episode: 50 Unconventional Clinical Careers For Physicians: Unique Ways to Use Your Medical Career Without Leaving Patient Care by Dr. Sylvie Stacy PhysicianLeaders.org - 50 Nonconventional Clinical Careers (discount for AAPL members) PhysicianLeaders.org - 50 Nonclinical Careers (discount for AAPL members) Hippocratic Adventures - A Website for Physicians interested in Working Abroad PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance.