

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career
Rob Orman, MD
Do you work in medicine and love patient care but feel like parts of the job don’t measure up? Stimulus equips you with tools, mindset shifts, and strategies they didn’t teach you in training—so you can practice medicine like a boss, flourish in your career, and not let it crush your soul. Emergency physician and executive coach Rob Orman, MD, goes in-depth with thought leaders on how to avoid burnout, improve communication, lead without drama, and stay calm amidst the storm. Don’t just suck it up, think differently.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 16, 2024 • 49min
What's It Like To Be A Transgender Physician?
It started in medical school, when I witnessed the stark reality of the hidden curriculum: a transgender patient referred to as "it" by an attending physician. Over the years, I saw more subtle but no less harmful behaviors—snickers, misused pronouns, quiet biases. I often felt lost in how to respond.Today, transgender identity feels more politically charged than ever. But beyond the politics, what’s it like simply to be transgender? What challenges do transgender patients face—physically, medically, socially, and emotionally? And how do you navigate a world that sees you differently after transitioning?In this episode, Dr. Jailyn Avila shares her story. We cover the deeply personal aspects of transition, from conversations with her wife and kids to navigating professional dynamics as an internationally recognized expert. Dr. Avila offers candid insights into her experience as a physician presenting as both male and female, practical advice for providing better care for transgender patients, and strategies for addressing pronouns and mistakes with grace.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest bio: Jailyn Avila is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, transgender woman, wife, and mother of three. She has been heavily involved in medical education with an emphasis on bedside ultrasound and runs Core Ultrasound, delivering online educational content. In 2021, Jailyn began her gender transition and “completed” said transition in 2023. Jailyn is currently Core Faculty for the UHS SoCal MEC Emergency Medicine Residency in Temecula, California where she also functions as the Associate Ultrasound Director and the Director of Faculty Development. Coming Out to Her WifeNavigating External Frictions and Gender IdentityBalancing Personal and Professional IdentityThe Gradual Process of TransitionWork and Social DynamicsExperiences as Both a Male and Female PhysicianManaging Emotions: The RAIN MethodCaring for Transgender Patients in the Emergency DepartmentImpact of Jailyn's Transition on Her Family and ChildrenUnderstanding Gender and Biological VariationsMentioned in this episode:Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up?
Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited.
🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event!Awake + Aware Bend 2025Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice EasierScripts for your least favorite conversations.
The quick and dirty guide to calling consults.
A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work.
My favorite documentation templates.
Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death.
Free Resources Link

Dec 2, 2024 • 38min
Regression to the Mean Isn’t as Boring as it Sounds
Join Josh Russel, MD, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine and a double board-certified physician, as he navigates the fascinating terrain of regression to the mean. Discover how this statistical concept plays a crucial role in medical decision-making and clinical assessments. Josh humorously tackles superstitions in the emergency department and explains the importance of control groups in interpreting health outcomes. Learn how understanding regression can shape our approach to patient care, reduce unnecessary interventions, and enhance clinical judgment.

Nov 18, 2024 • 52min
Five Ways to Connect With Patients
In this insightful discussion, guest Clay Smith, an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and founder of JournalFeed, explores the vital connections between doctors and patients. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and genuine engagement to ease patient anxiety. The conversation covers the role of preparation and active listening in building trust and understanding patients' stories. Clay also highlights how recognizing emotional cues can significantly improve care and prevent burnout, making a strong case for intentional interactions in healthcare.

Nov 4, 2024 • 52min
Mel Herbert on Mediocrity, Forgiveness, and the Cost of Holding Grudges
Join Mel Herbert, a prominent emergency medicine educator and founder of EM:RAP, as he tackles the weight of grudges and the liberation of forgiveness. Mel emphasizes that embracing our average qualities can lead to unexpected success, challenging the myth of needing to be exceptional. He discusses the impact of corporate pressures on human connections in healthcare and the vital role of emotional intelligence. Discover how setting boundaries can transform relationships and the joy of creative expression through writing.

11 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 58min
The Fine Print of Crushing It | Small actions for big impact
In this discussion, Dr. Adaira Landry, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and co-founder of Writing in Color, joins Dr. Resa E. Lewiss, a professor of emergency medicine and TEDMED speaker. They explore the power of micro-skills like financial literacy and effective communication for career growth. They address workplace challenges such as mansplaining, share strategies for navigating student debt, and emphasize the importance of allyship and knowing when to say 'no' to prevent burnout. Transformative literature also finds a place in their conversation.

Oct 18, 2024 • 4min
Registration for Awake + Aware 2025 is Now Open!
Ready to reset, recharge, and level up?Join us at our live event - Awake + Aware, a game-changing 3-day workshop from May 5-7 in Bend, Oregon. Learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited.🖱️ Website: Awakeandawarebend.com🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event!

4 snips
Oct 14, 2024 • 11min
The Lowest Common Denominator of Communication
In high-pressure environments like medicine, communication is crucial. A resident shares a miscommunication story that emphasizes humility over ego. Leading with curiosity rather than defensiveness can enhance trust and improve patient care. The podcast delves into the reasons behind a nurse questioning a doctor's order and suggests that inquiry can save time and foster better relationships. It advocates for a culture of collaboration and highlights the profound impact of effective communication on healthcare outcomes.

5 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 49min
How to be a Good Boss and Navigate a Bad One
Karl Pister, president of The Coaching Group, discusses navigating leadership challenges with empathy and strategy. He shares insights on how new leaders can avoid common pitfalls like poor communication and lack of relationship-building. The conversation emphasizes the practice of future writing as a tool for mental clarity and positive visualization. Pister also addresses the importance of understanding team dynamics in high-pressure environments and offers advice on recognizing and dealing with suboptimal leadership to build a collaborative culture.

Sep 23, 2024 • 55min
Tax Secrets Every Doctor Should Know
Discover essential tax strategies tailored for medical professionals, including maximizing retirement contributions and leveraging Health Savings Accounts for tax benefits. Learn the pros and cons of different business structures like LLCs and S-Corporations, and get tips on transitioning from employee to entrepreneur. Gain insights on rental strategies that can optimize your financial outcomes while navigating the complexities of multiple income streams. Lastly, understand when to use TurboTax and when to seek professional help for your unique tax situation.

Sep 17, 2024 • 13min
The Mistake Most of Us Make When Work Feels Crappy
Explore the personal journey of navigating burnout within the medical field. Hear cautionary tales that highlight the gap between initial enthusiasm and the harsh realities of residency. Discover the importance of recognizing one’s value and addressing burnout’s root causes for a more fulfilling career. This discussion offers both practical insights and relatable experiences that resonate with many professionals.


