Thriving as a Savvy Working Mom: Insights from Whitnee Hawthorne

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine welcomes Whitnee Hawthorne, Global Head of Travel and Hospitality at Snowflake and author of The Savvy Working Mom: A Guide to Prioritization, Delegation, and Making Time for Cocktails. Whitnee shares her personal journey from New York to Georgia, detailing how she and her husband juggle careers, family, and self-care. She introduces key concepts from her book, including the Shine, Manage, Surrender framework and the Grace and Joy morning routine, offering practical advice for working moms to thrive rather than just survive. Whitnee emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, delegating effectively, and focusing on self-care to create a joyful and fulfilling life.

00:00 Introduction to Whitnee Hawthorne

00:55 Personal Anecdotes and Career Journey

02:39 Balancing Career and Family

06:13 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care

12:37 Shine, Manage, Surrender Framework

23:50 Grace and Joy Morning Routine

28:50 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The Intersection of Medical Humanities and Physician Wellness with Dr. Amanda Finegold Swain

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Amanda Finegold Swain, MD, Faculty Director for UME Medical Humanities and Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses her advocacy for incorporating medical humanities into medical education to teach empathy, perspective taking, and improve communication skills. Dr. Swain shares personal anecdotes about her love for reading and the importance of setting personal boundaries. She speaks about her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, discusses balancing work with personal passions, and elaborates on the significance of writing and narrative medicine in understanding oneself and supporting others. The conversation touches on the cultural expectations within academic medicine and the need to be brutally honest with oneself to achieve fulfillment and maintain mental wellness.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Amanda Finegold Swain

01:03 The Importance of Reading in Medicine

03:13 Setting Boundaries as a Mother and Physician

07:31 Balancing Part-Time Work and Patient Care

10:14 Living with Multiple Sclerosis

13:52 The Role of Writing and Narrative Medicine

19:33 Finding Fulfillment in Medicine

25:30 Final Thoughts on Fulfillment and Self-Care

Balancing Healing and Doctoring: Insights from Dr. Dympna Weil

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Dympna Weil, a former Ob/Gyn hospitalist, discusses her experiences with vestibular migraine and how these challenges reshaped her approach to physician wellness. Dr. Weil highlights the complexities of navigating the healthcare system as a physician-patient, the emotional toll of health-related identity crises, and the importance of self-advocacy and coaching. Through her journey, she founded The Physician Wayfinder to support healthcare professionals in cultivating resilience. Insights on the importance of harmony over balance and the need for emotional support in the medical field are shared, emphasizing the shared humanity among physicians and patients.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Dympna Weil

00:39 The Unspoken Struggles of Physicians

01:31 The Dual Identity of Doctor and Patient

02:40 Personal Health Battles and Professional Identity

04:19 Therapy, Coaching, and Mindset Shifts

06:22 Redefining the Role of a Physician

08:42 Navigating the Healthcare System as a Patient

13:24 The Birth of The Physician Wayfinder

18:26 Wellness Practices and Self-Advocacy

21:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Navigating Intimacy and Connection in High-Stress Professional Lives

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, a physician turned relationship expert, shares her journey and insights into nurturing passionate and fulfilling relationships for high-achieving professionals, particularly those in medicine. Dr. Stockwell discusses the challenges faced by physician couples, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from a sympathetic nervous system-driven state to a more relaxed parasympathetic state to foster intimacy. She introduces the concept of Uncompromising Intimacy, highlighting the need for honest self-expression and shared vulnerability in relationships without compromising personal truths. Practical strategies are provided for maintaining and improving emotional connections, including the significance of curiosity, setting boundaries, and effective communication techniques. The episode stresses that cultivating a healthy and fulfilling relationship is a continuous, learnable process that requires intentional effort and attention.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Alexandra Stockwell

00:49 Personal Anecdotes and Early Marriage

02:15 The Journey to Intimacy

04:16 The Role of the Nervous System in Intimacy

08:22 Uncompromising Intimacy: A New Approach

18:56 Practical Strategies for Better Communication

27:43 Balancing Medicine and Relationships

34:24 Final Thoughts on Building Better Relationships

Breaking Stereotypes in Orthopedic Surgery: A Conversation with Ms. Deepa Bose

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine interviews Ms. Deepa Bose, a consultant in Orthopedic Trauma and Limb Reconstruction at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, UK. With over 13 years of experience, Ms. Bose shares her journey in the traditionally male-dominated field of orthopedics. She discusses her upbringing in Guyana and India, her training and career in the UK, and the challenges and triumphs she faced as a woman in surgery. The conversation includes insights on gender stereotypes, the importance of mentorship, work-life balance, and recent changes in the work culture to support female surgeons. Ms. Bose also emphasizes internal resilience and the rewards of pursuing a career in surgery despite its demands.

00:00 Introduction

00:03 Meet Ms. Deepa Bose: A Trailblazer in Orthopedic Trauma

00:40 Understanding the Title 'Ms.' in UK Surgery

01:17 Ms. Bose's Journey: From Guyana to the UK

02:28 Choosing Orthopedics: A Personal Insight

03:17 Gender Challenges in Orthopedic Training

07:52 Balancing Career and Family in Surgery

23:49 The Importance of Mentorship in Medicine

27:12 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Surgeons

Emotional Intelligence in Healthcare: Insights from Dr. Robin Stern

In this episode of 'The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine welcomes Dr. Robin Stern, a key authority on emotional intelligence. They discuss the vital role emotional intelligence plays in healthcare, exploring its impact on patient interactions, workplace challenges, and the parallels between parenting and medical practice. Dr. Stern emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing emotions through practical strategies such as self-talk, emotional regulation, and creating internal space. The conversation highlights the psychological aspects of emotions, the empathy trap, and effective ways for healthcare professionals to maintain emotional balance while providing compassionate care.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Robin Stern

01:14 Parallels Between Parenting and Doctoring

02:51 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Healthcare

04:30 Impact of Emotions on Daily Life and Decision Making

07:56 Recognizing and Managing Emotions

17:16 Balancing Empathy and Professional Detachment

22:02 Strategies for Emotional Well-being

27:26 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

The Power of Emotional Connection in Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Laurie Lyckholm

In this episode of the Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Laurie Lyckholm, a hematologist oncologist, discusses her three-decade journey challenging the notion that doctors should emotionally distance themselves from patients. Despite traditional training advocating emotional detachment as a professional strength, Dr. Lyckholm's experiences and mentors inspired her to value emotional connection in patient care. She shares personal anecdotes from her nursing and medical career that highlight the importance of empathy, active listening, and emotional presence. Dr. Lyckholm emphasizes that emotional engagement can energize healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes, encouraging reflection and emotional expression as essential components of medical practice.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Laurie Lyckholm

00:35 Challenging Emotional Distance in Medicine

01:06 The Power of Patient Connection

03:21 Transition from Nursing to Medicine

05:11 Emotional Boundaries and Personal Stories

07:54 The Role of Emotions in Patient Care

13:04 Techniques for Being Present with Patients

16:24 Final Thoughts and Reflection

Overcoming Burnout: Insights from Dr. Kathy Stepien

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Kathy Stepien, founder of the Institute for Physician Wellness, shares her journey from experiencing burnout as a physical therapist to thriving as a pediatrician and coach. She discusses the importance of self-compassion, setting boundaries, and recognizing one's own capacity in order to prevent burnout. Dr. Stepien offers practical advice, such as pausing before making commitments, being mindful of emotional exhaustion, and monitoring irritability. The conversation highlights the significance of human connection and reaching out for support in overcoming feelings of being stuck.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kathy Stepien

00:36 Breaking Free from Self-Sacrifice

01:49 The Silver Lining of Burnout

02:44 Skills to Prevent Burnout

04:41 Setting Boundaries and Saying No

12:17 Recognizing and Addressing Survival Mode

14:37 Message to Those Feeling Stuck

16:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts