Agency in Healing – Dr. Christine Kempton’s Journey to Renewal | Ep48

For physicians, burnout can feel like an inevitable cost of caring. But what if it’s actually an invitation to realign with who we are?

In this episode of Designing Healthcare That Cares, Dr. Laura Suttin talks with Dr. Christine Kempton, professor of hematology at Emory University and founder of Christine Kempton Coaching, about her personal and professional journey from perfectionism and overwork to purpose and presence.

Christine shares how her early years as a ballet dancer shaped her drive for external validation—and how those same perfectionist patterns followed her into medicine. Through candid reflection, she reveals the turning point when burnout forced her to pause and reclaim agency over her own well-being.

They explore why waiting for “the system” to change can leave physicians feeling powerless—and how taking responsibility for our inner world, rather than blaming the outer one, leads to freedom.

From practical tools like mindful mornings and digital boundaries to profound mindset shifts about fear, worth, and love, this episode offers a roadmap for any healthcare professional seeking renewal.

It’s a conversation that moves beyond fixing burnout to rediscovering meaning—and reminds us that healing the system starts with healing ourselves.

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Agency Begins Within. True change in healthcare starts when individuals reclaim their power to choose how they show up—even in systems that need reform.
2. Fear Isn’t the Fuel. Shifting from fear-based striving to love-based action unlocks peace, clarity, and authentic leadership.
3. Burnout Is a Message, Not a Failure. When exhaustion hits, it’s often an invitation to realign with your values, not an ending.

About the Guest

Dr. Christine Kempton is a professor of hematology at Emory University and director of the Hemophilia of Georgia Center. With over two decades of experience in medicine, she has cared for generations of patients and led innovative research in bleeding disorders.

After walking through her own burnout, she founded Christine Kempton Coaching, where she helps women physicians reconnect with purpose, balance, and joy. A former ballet dancer, she blends science, self-awareness, and soulful coaching to empower others to move from fear to freedom.

🌐 https://www.christinekempton.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christine-kempton-md-msc-93744997

About the Show

Designing Healthcare That Cares is where leadership meets humanity. Hosted by Dr. Laura Suttin, the show explores what happens when compassion, connection, and courage come together to transform how we care—for our patients, our teams, and ourselves.

About the Host

Dr. Laura Suttin is a physician, leadership coach, and lifelong advocate for designing systems that truly care. After years of navigating the complexities of healthcare, she realized that compassion and connection aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re the foundation of great medicine.

Today, Laura brings that vision to life through her work as a consultant, speaker, and host of Designing Healthcare That Cares. She helps healthcare leaders and clinicians rediscover their purpose, build resilient teams, and lead with both strategy and soul.

When she’s not interviewing changemakers or guiding organizations, you can find her sharing stories that remind us all why we got into medicine in the first place—to make a difference, together.

🌐 Website: drlaurasuttin.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-suttin-md/
📸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulMD

The Designing Healthcare That Cares Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding personal or organizational decisions.