

Stop Physician Burnout: Physician Leadership Skills To Help Us Lead The Charge To Physician Wellness
Dike Drummond MD
Explore practical physician leadership tools to give you the power of influence in the C-Suite, earn the trust of your colleagues in the front lines and the ability to help us lead the charge to physician wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.
Each skill and awareness comes from my 40,000 physician coaching and training experience since launching TheHappyMD.com in 2010.
Learn a simple, practical, proven physician leadership tool in less than 10 minutes. Use it this week for immediate benefit.
Each skill and awareness comes from my 40,000 physician coaching and training experience since launching TheHappyMD.com in 2010.
Learn a simple, practical, proven physician leadership tool in less than 10 minutes. Use it this week for immediate benefit.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 23, 2025 • 12min
155. Process Improvement can be Heaven or Hell - it All Depends on This Simple Skill
You can choose: Heaven or HellWhy do some process improvement projects feel like a gift—and others like a punishment?If you've ever been caught in the chaos of a so-called "improvement" initiative that made things worse instead of better, you're not alone. This episode explores how traditional process improvement often misses the mark and how a new, wellness-centered approach can turn stress into support for your team.You Will Discover ...👉🏼 The one crucial distinction that determines whether your process improvement destination will be heaven or hell.👉🏼 A simple survey method that gives you a laser focus on what truly stresses your staff—and how to fix it.👉🏼 Practical steps to run a stress-reducing project that your Lean and Six Sigma teams will actually enjoy.PRESS PLAY NOW to learn how to make process improvement a source of joy and success for your entire team—starting today.~~~~~Book a Discovery Session to Become a More Effective, Respected and Influential Physician Leaderhttps://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery~~~~~Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.

May 16, 2025 • 11min
154. How Can These 2 Leadership Power Questions Effectively Prevent Physician Burnout?
Are you wondering how to truly advocate for your colleagues' well-being when you are the only physician in the room during leadership meetings?Physician leaders are often caught between administrative pressure and frontline realities, wrongly accused of having "gone over to the Dark Side" - when nothing could be further from the truth. If you’re a senior physician leader, this episode gives you new tools - the language and leverage to champion staff wellness without being dismissed or ignored.You Will Discover:👉🏼 Discover two power questions that instantly spotlight wellness in decision-making discussions.👉🏼 Learn how to use the Quadruple Aim to hold leadership accountable for staff well-being.👉🏼 Get proven scripts to challenge burnout-inducing policies in real time—even when you’re the only doctor in the room.PRESS PLAY NOW to learn the two wellness leadership questions that will help you protect your team’s health and uphold your values in every executive meeting.~~~~~Book a Discovery Session to Become a More Effective, Respected and Influential Physician Leaderhttps://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery~~~~~Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.

May 9, 2025 • 9min
153. RED ALERT >> Could 56 Million Americans Lose Hospital Access Overnight?
What happens when a fragile rural health care system collides with a political budget axe?The US rural health care crisis is on the brink—are your patients safe?In this episode of the Stop Physician Burnout podcast, Dr. Dike Drummond exposes a looming policy disaster that could obliterate health care access for tens of millions of Americans living in rural areas. With a proposed federal budget threatening to gut Medicaid funding, already-struggling rural hospitals face imminent collapse. This conversation is a wake-up call for physicians, leaders, and voters alike who care about the survival of health care in America's heartland.OUTRAGED?? PLEASE SHARE THIS PODCAST WAKE UP CALL !YOU WILL DISCOVER:👉🏼 A breakdown of the mounting rural hospital closures and their link to Medicaid funding.👉🏼 A political map overlay that reveals how proposed cuts target the very communities that voted in the current administration.👉🏼 A pathway to avoid this disaster.CLICK HERE to see the red/blue political MAP of the USAPlay this episode now to understand the coming collapse of rural hospitals nationwide and the health care deserts it will produce across 71% of the lower 48 states.~~~~~Leave a comment and find the references on THIS BLOG POST~~~~~Book a Discovery Session to Become a More Effective, Respected and Influential Physician Leaderhttps://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery~~~~~Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.

May 2, 2025 • 13min
152. Dealing with Disruptive Physicians-the "Sorting Hat" Method to Build Your Action Plan
You have reached out to a disruptive doctor with the message, "this behavior must stop". How do you decide what to do next?The doctor's reaction to your outreach contains the answer to that question*As a physician leader, confronting disruptive behavior isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s crucial to team morale, patient safety, and legal risk. This episode tackles what to do after the initial intervention conversation, helping you navigate three common reactions that determine whether a doctor stays or goes.You will discover:👉🏼 The “Sorting Hat” method (think Harry Potter) to instantly identify which of three distinct follow-up strategies a doctor’s response calls for.👉🏼 How to differentiate between a doctor who can grow through a Performance Improvement Plan and one who needs a firm, enforceable Behavior Modification contract.👉🏼 Understand when and why immediate termination is not only justified but necessary to protect the integrity and safety of your team.LISTEN NOW to learn the exact follow-up strategy that matches your doctor's response and take confident, effective action as a physician leader.Episode 151: How to reach out to a disruptive physician ~~~~~Book a Discovery Session to Become a More Effective, Respected and Influential Physician Leaderhttps://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery~~~~~Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.*Adapted from "Necessary Endings", Dr. Henry Cloud, Harper Business, 2010

Apr 25, 2025 • 11min
151. Master Your Outreach to Disruptive Physicians With This Proven Leadership Plan Pt1
Have you ever been tasked with confronting a disruptive physician—and had no idea where to start?For physician leaders, navigating the delicate task of addressing a colleague labeled as "disruptive" can feel like walking a tightrope—especially when you’ve never been trained to handle it. This episode offers a practical, proven framework to help you manage these tough conversations with clarity and confidence, all while protecting your organization—and yourself.You Will Discover ...👉🏼 A structured approach to preparing for and leading an effective outreach conversation with a disruptive doctor.👉🏼 The crucial legal and organizational protections every leader needs before engaging in this crucial conversation.👉🏼 How to identify root causes like burnout or trauma, and set the stage for a potential path to rehabilitation and team reintegration.🎧 LISTEN NOW to gain the tools and confidence you need to lead critical conversations that protect your team, your organization, and your integrity as a physician leader.~~~~~Book a Discovery Session to Become a More Effective, Respected and Influential Physician Leaderhttps://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery~~~~~Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.

Apr 18, 2025 • 12min
150. Physicians Take a REAL 2-Week Vacation in 2025 - Here's How, Step-By-Step
Is a 2-week vacation the key to restoring your energy, recharging your reserves, and rekindling your love for medicine? Could it be that simple? Learn the step-by-step formula to make this transformative break a reality—without the self-sabotage.Physicians in the U.S. often view extended vacations as unattainable - "too much brain damage" - yet doctors worldwide regularly take meaningful breaks to reset and restore. In this episode, Dr. Dike Drummond explores why American doctors struggle to take time off and shares a proven method to plan, enjoy, and return from a REAl two-week vacation. This episode is an essential guide to breaking free from workaholic patterns and creating space for rest, connection, and personal renewal.You will:👉🏼 Understand why vacations matter and how they can transform your energy, relationships, and career satisfaction.👉🏼 Learn a step-by-step process to plan, commit to, and fully enjoy a real two-week break without sabotaging yourself.👉🏼 Discover how to set boundaries that protect your vacation, ensuring you can fully disconnect and recharge.Listen to this episode and follow the simple formula to book your first real two-week vacation, so you can reset, recharge, and return to medicine with fresh energy and enthusiasm.~~~~~Book a Discovery Session to Become a More Effective, Respected and Influential Physician Leaderhttps://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery~~~~~Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.

Apr 11, 2025 • 13min
149. Ask Forgiveness Not Permission to Overcome Learned Helplessness - Here's how ... MYB1
Sooner or later you MUST STOP Being Such a Good Resident.Many physicians unknowingly carry the mindset of "learned helplessness" from their training into their professional careers. If you feel trapped by the rigid systems of your clinic or hospital, this episode will show you how to start reclaiming your autonomy and redesign your workflow—without needing a permission slip.You will discover:👉🏼 How to break free from institutional constraints by leveraging the power of asking forgiveness instead of permission.👉🏼 Practical ways to launch under-the-radar workflow changes that benefit both you and your patients.👉🏼 How to understand the mindset and motivations of administrators so you can navigate bureaucracy like a pro—and even turn your ideas into pilot projects.Listen now to learn how to escape learned helplessness and make real, positive changes in your clinical or leadership role—without waiting for anyone’s approval.~~~~~Book a Discovery Session to Become a More Effective, Respected and Influential Physician Leaderhttps://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery~~~~~Episode 130 "The Bullseye: Your Ideal Job Description - Career Satisfaction for Physician Leaders Starts HERE"Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.

Apr 4, 2025 • 10min
148. How to Tell Your Boss They Messed Up So They Actually Fix Their Mistakes
Have you ever been frustrated by a decision from leadership that didn’t make sense—but hesitated to speak up for fear of backlash?Speaking up the chain of command can be intimidating, especially when emotions are high, and trust is on the line. If you've ever struggled to communicate concerns without triggering defensiveness from your boss, this episode is for you. Learn how to give feedback in a way that builds alignment and actually leads to change.You Will Discover:👉🏼 A simple, effective conversation structure to make your feedback more effective and defend your core values in a way your boss agrees with you.👉🏼 Learn how to frame conversations around shared values rather than personal criticism, avoiding unnecessary conflict.👉🏼 Find out how to name emotions without becoming them, so your message is heard clearly and professionally.Tune in now to master the art of speaking up to leadership without clashing egos—because the right feedback, given the right way, can make all the difference.~~~~~~~~~~Book a Discovery Session to Optimize Your Leadership Skill Sethttps://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery~~~~~Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.

Mar 28, 2025 • 10min
147. If Vulnerability Feels Like Danger, Your Culture’s Off - This Simple Fix Changes Everything
Physician leaders: Let's address the collapsed distinctions between vulnerability, fear, danger and telling the truth in the workplace. When you do this successfully you'll be able to name the elephant in the room, point out the emperor has no clothes and be truthful, open, honest and transparent at all times ... just imagine that!In many workplaces, especially in healthcare, people feel like it takes bravery to be honest — and that’s a red flag. If truth-telling feels risky, it’s a sign that your culture lacks psychological safety. This episode flips the popular concept of vulnerability on its head and reveals what true leadership looks like in action.You Will Discover:👉🏼 How to create a supportive culture where truth and transparency are the norm—not the exception.👉🏼 Why vulnerability shouldn't feel risky—and what it really says about your leadership environment.👉🏼 A powerful first step you can take to model authentic communication and help your team heal and thrive.LISTEN NOW to uncover the missing ingredient in your physician leadership approach — and start building a culture where honesty is celebrated, not feared.~~~~~Become a More Effective, Respected and Influential Physician Leader - Let's Connecthttps://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery~~~~~Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.

Mar 21, 2025 • 9min
146. Eliminate the Fear of FAILURE When You Try Anything New With This Awareness Hack
What if you could eliminate the fear of failure from your life — not just cope with it, but completely reframe it into something empowering?If you're hesitating to try something new or stretch beyond your comfort zone because you're afraid of failing, you're not alone—especially if you're in a high-stakes field like healthcare.But what if the only thing standing between you and your next breakthrough is a simple shift in how you define "failure"?You Will Discover:👉🏼 How to reframe every attempt at growth as an experiment instead of a pass/fail test.👉🏼 How to extract meaningful feedback from experiences that don't go as planned — and turn them into powerful learning moments.👉🏼 The one true definition of failure that actually matters—and how avoiding it opens the door to unstoppable personal and professional development.HIT PLAY NOW to discover how redefining failure as feedback can unlock your growth potential and help you lead with more courage, clarity, and confidence.~~~~~Become a More Effective, Respected and Influential Physician Leader - Let's Connect!https://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery~~~~~Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.