Episodios

  • Physicians, Properties, and Entrepreneurship with Dr. Alex Schloe. | Ep31

    Physicians, Properties, and Entrepreneurship with Dr. Alex Schloe. | Ep31
    Mar 2 2026
    What if the thing that's 'missing' in your life as a physician isn't leaving medicine... but building something outside of it that gives you true freedom—at work and at home?In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh interviews Dr. Alex Schloe, a family medicine physician, Air Force veteran, and real estate entrepreneur. Dr. Schloe shares his journey from childhood entrepreneurial roots to building a real estate portfolio focused on assisted living, short-term rentals, and more— all while serving in the military and prioritizing family. He discusses how real estate offers stability and autonomy, and allows practicing medicine part-time in direct primary care, reducing burnout and reclaiming time for what matters most. The conversation covers navigating physician skepticism toward side ventures, the mindset shifts needed for entrepreneurship, the importance of community and vulnerability, and practical steps to start building alternative income streams. This episode is ideal for physicians who feel something is "missing" and are exploring ways to create more freedom, fulfillment, and impact, both in medicine and beyond.Top 3 TakeawaysStart Small and Build Momentum in Real Estate: Begin with accessible opportunities like physician loans for house hacking or primary residences, then expand into rentals, short-term stays, or assisted living. Education through podcasts, books like ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’, and ‘BiggerPockets’, and self-study during residency drives progress without derailing clinical focus. Passive or semi-passive income creates "mailbox money" that snowballs into greater flexibility, like reducing shifts or practicing part-time.Prioritize Family and Protect Time as Non-Negotiables: True balance means setting boundaries. Finish notes at work, leave the computer behind, and dedicate sacred family time (e.g., evenings with kids unplugged). Entrepreneurship requires sacrifices like late nights, but as income grows, redesign your schedule, for example, part-time clinical work, to be present for family milestones. Financial freedom enhances presence and reduces stress, making you a better doctor and parent.Overcome Skepticism, Fear, and Identity Challenges Through Community: Physicians often face internal doubt, imposter syndrome, or criticism from peers for pursuing non-clinical paths. Surround yourself with supportive rooms—masterminds, podcasts, or like-minded physicians—to accelerate growth and see what's possible. Risks are manageable; invest only what you can afford to lose. Pivots are always available, and alternative income protects against burnout or disability while allowing you to serve patients more joyfully.About the Show:Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.About the Guest:Dr. Alex Schloe is a family medicine physician, Air Force veteran, husband, father, and real estate investor specializing in residential assisted living, rentals, and entrepreneurship. He hosts the Physicians and Properties Podcast, teaching physicians how real estate can give them the freedom to practice medicine and live life on their terms. He co-hosts The RAL Room Assisted Living Podcast and is involved in the RAL Room Assisted Living Mastermind. His focus is on high-impact, cash-flowing investments that align with family priorities and meaningful service.Website: https://physiciansandproperties.comPodcast: Physicians and Properties PodcastAssisted Living: https://theralroom.com (RAL Room)LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexander-schloe-mdAbout the Host:Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in ...
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    36 m
  • You Get to Be Angry: The Emotion Physicians Aren’t Supposed to Talk About | Ep30

    You Get to Be Angry: The Emotion Physicians Aren’t Supposed to Talk About | Ep30
    Feb 23 2026
    Have you ever felt anger hit you so fast you didn’t even see it coming, and then felt ashamed for feeling it at all?Anger isn’t a character flaw, it’s a normal human emotion, and physicians feel it more than we like to admit. In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh explains why anger often arrives as a secondary emotion covering disappointment, fear, shame, or loss of control, why suppressing it leads to sarcasm, impatience, or snapping, and how it leaks sideways when we refuse to acknowledge it.You’ll learn that anger is a messenger, not the enemy, and that real control comes from slowing down the moment: interrupting the physiological reflex, naming what you feel, asking what’s underneath, choosing when to address it, and repairing when you miss the mark. This isn’t about never feeling angry, it’s about responding with intention instead of reacting on autopilot, both at work and at home.Free 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians: betterphysicianlife.com/commuteresetTop 3 TakeawaysAnger is rarely the first emotion, it’s the cover. It often sits on top of something quieter like disappointment, fear, shame, or feeling out of control. When you only manage the anger, you miss the real message. Ask: “What just happened inside me? What felt threatened?”Suppressing anger doesn’t make you calmer, it makes it leak sideways: It shows up as sarcasm, impatience, rigidity, or snapping at the people you care about most. The goal isn’t to eliminate anger; it’s to slow down enough to choose what happens next.A pause is power, not weakness. Notice your body (tight jaw, clenched hands), take a breath, name what you’re feeling, and decide: address now or later? Delaying with intention “I want to talk about this, but not like this” protects relationships and restores clarity.About the Show:Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.About the Host:Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    20 m
  • Physician Overwhelm: 5 Practical Strategies to Reduce Stress and Regain Control | Ep29

    Physician Overwhelm: 5 Practical Strategies to Reduce Stress and Regain Control | Ep29
    Feb 16 2026
    Do you ever finish a ‘good’ day feeling like you’ve accomplished nothing because everything still feels urgent and unfinished?Overwhelm doesn’t just hit physicians out of nowhere; it builds quietly from carrying too many unanswered questions and subtle resistance. In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh breaks down what overwhelm really is and what it isn’t, why it feels so heavy even on busy-but-manageable days, and the five key shifts that help physicians take back control.You’ll learn how to treat resistance as valuable data, close the mental loose ends your brain is carrying, stop wrestling with unwanted thoughts, shift from “I can’t handle one more thing” to clear priorities, and build simple systems that reduce decision fatigue and create traction.This isn’t about working harder or adding more hours; it’s about responding differently to what’s already in front of you so you can stop feeling like the day is running you.Free 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians: betterphysicianlife.com/commuteresetTop 3 TakeawaysOverwhelm is not about workload; it’s about unanswered questions. Your brain treats every loose end like a threat, keeping you on high alert. Closing those mental loops, even with “I’ll decide tomorrow at 2 PM” reduces the weight dramatically.Resistance is information, not failure. That “ugh” feeling when opening a chart or email signals something unclear, overbooked, or exhausting. Get curious instead of judgmental, ask “What am I resisting? What’s the smallest next step?” and the pressure eases.Structure beats willpower. Small, consistent systems (a 5-minute EMR pause, a weekly reset, clear yes/no guidelines) reduce decision fatigue and move you from reaction mode to traction. You don’t need more time; you need fewer loose ends and better support.About the Show:Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.About the Host:Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    19 m
  • How Physicians Can Take Back Control: Agency vs. Autonomy in Modern Medicine | Ep28

    How Physicians Can Take Back Control: Agency vs. Autonomy in Modern Medicine | Ep28
    Feb 9 2026
    What if the “agency” being offered to physicians isn’t empowerment—but a more polished way of staying inside the lines?In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh examines the quiet shift from physician autonomy to what is now being labeled “agency,” and why that distinction matters more than it sounds. He unpacks how autonomy once meant real authority paired with responsibility at the bedside, while today’s version of agency often amounts to influence within systems physicians don’t control.Dr. Hersh explores how this mismatch (being held accountable without having true authority) drives burnout, moral injury, and a loss of purpose that many doctors struggle to name. He reframes agency not as something granted by organizations, but as something claimed through daily decisions, personal standards, and leadership from wherever you are.The episode also highlights physicians who are no longer waiting for permission—those building micro-practices, choosing locums, pursuing direct care, coaching, or nonclinical roles—not as escape plans, but as deliberate ways to practice medicine with integrity. This is a call to stop waiting for autonomy to be handed back and to start reclaiming ownership, one decision at a time.Free 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians: betterphysicianlife.com/commuteresetTop 3 TakeawaysAutonomy is authority; agency is influence: Autonomy means having the authority to make final clinical decisions based on judgment, training, and ethics. What’s often labeled “agency” today usually means operating within pre-set rules, metrics, and constraints. Notice when language is being used to soften the loss of real authority, and be clear about what you still control within your role.Agency is practiced through daily choices: You may not be able to change every policy, but you can choose how you show up, how you advocate, how you connect with patients, and what you’re willing to tolerate. Real agency shows up in standards, boundaries, and the willingness to speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable.When autonomy is limited, design your own path: Many physicians are already reclaiming control by building micro-practices, choosing direct care or locums, moving into consulting or nonclinical roles, or redefining how they practice within existing systems. If autonomy isn’t coming back from the top, start building it yourself—one decision, one boundary, one calculated risk at a time.About the Show:Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.About the Host:Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    15 m
  • When Doctors Get Sued: Surviving Medical Malpractice with Dr. Gita Pensa | Ep27

    When Doctors Get Sued: Surviving Medical Malpractice with Dr. Gita Pensa | Ep27
    Feb 2 2026
    In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh speaks with emergency physician Dr. Gita Pensa about what it’s actually like to be named in a malpractice lawsuit—and how to get through it without losing your footing. Drawing from her own 12-year case, Dr. Pensa explains the emotional impact most physicians aren’t prepared for, including shame, doubt, and isolation, alongside the practical realities of what to do after you’re served.They walk through early mistakes to avoid, how to protect your focus and identity while a case is ongoing, and why litigation is an unspoken part of the “fine print” of medicine. The conversation also covers how to find support without compromising your case, how to approach depositions and testimony with clarity, and why these skills can be learned—rather than endured in silence. This episode is for physicians facing litigation now, or who want to be better prepared if it ever happens.Top 3 TakeawaysWhat to Do First After Being Served: Your first call should be to your insurer or risk management team so a defense attorney can be assigned. Avoid chart access, addenda, or independent research outside of attorney–client privilege. Don’t rush to conclusions. Give yourself time to gather information and stabilize before making decisions.Managing the Psychological Hit: Shame, fear, and isolation are common responses to litigation and don’t reflect your competence as a physician. You can (and should) talk about how you’re feeling with trusted people without discussing case details. Litigation is part of medicine’s unspoken fine print. It doesn’t erase your value or your career.Focus on the Parts That Matter: For most physicians, litigation performance comes down to the deposition and, in fewer cases, trial testimony. Learning how the system works helps right-size fear and restores a sense of control. With preparation, coaching, and support, this becomes a skill set, not a personal referendum.About the Show:Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.About the Guest:Dr. Gita Pensa is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at Brown University. She's the creator and host of the podcast Doctors and Litigation: The L Word, and developer of the Litigation Education and Performance (LEAP) courses used by hospitals and insurers. Drawing from her own 12-year malpractice lawsuit, she coaches physicians in active litigation and consults nationally on navigating its psychological and performance challenges.Website: https://doctorsandlitigation.comPodcast: Doctors and Litigation: the L Word PodcastLEAP Courses: doctorsandlitigation.com/leap-coursesAbout the Host:Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    36 m
  • Physician Feedback: How to Take Criticism and Keep Growing | Ep26

    Physician Feedback: How to Take Criticism and Keep Growing | Ep26
    Jan 26 2026
    What if the moment you cringe at ‘Can I give you some feedback?’ is actually the exact moment you start growing fastest?For physicians, feedback rarely feels like a gift. It feels like proof we messed up. From brutal ICU rounds to hallway comments years later, we were trained that mistakes equal danger, so any critique hits our identity, not just our performance. In this episode, Dr. Michael Hersh dismantles that fear and hands you a new lens: feedback is data, not a verdict.Learn why the discomfort is actually evidence you care, the simple pause that stops defensiveness in its tracks, and how to ask “What part of this might be true?” without surrendering your self-worth. You’ll also get practical scripts for giving feedback that are specific, timely, impact-focused, and collaborative, so you build trust instead of resentment at work and home. Stop bracing for shame and start using feedback as the fastest path to growth, leadership, and stronger relationships. Because the physicians who get better fastest aren’t the ones who never hear criticism, they’re the ones who learned how to listen.Get the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians: www.betterphysicianlife.com/commuteresetTop 3 Takeaways:Pause Before You React: When feedback hits, take one deliberate breath. That tiny pause keeps your old “fix-it-fast” reflex from shutting down the part that actually helps you grow—listening. You can always decide later what’s useful; you can’t un-hear what you never let land.Ask “What Part Might Be True?” Instead of “Am I Terrible?”: Feedback is data, not a verdict. Treat it like a lab result: separate the signal from the noise. Even if 90% feels off, the 10% that’s accurate might be the exact insight that changes how you lead, communicate, or connect. Take what serves you, leave the rest without shame.Give Feedback That Actually Lands: Be specific (“I noticed you didn’t make eye contact”), timely, and tie it to impact (“patients felt rushed”). Make it collaborative with questions like “How did that feel for you?” Safe, clear feedback builds trust; vague or delayed criticism only breeds resentment at work and at home.About the Show:Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.About the Host:Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    19 m
  • The Power of No: Physician Boundaries Without Guilt in Medicine | Ep25

    The Power of No: Physician Boundaries Without Guilt in Medicine | Ep25
    Jan 19 2026
    Every extra “yes” at 9 p.m., the quick message, the last-minute add-on, the coverage you didn’t have room for, is quietly stealing your life one compromise at a time. In this powerful episode, Dr. Michael Hersh exposes why physicians are professionally trained to over-give and why saying no feels like betrayal of the very identity medicine gave us: the helpful, reliable, never-let-anyone-down doctor.He reveals the uncomfortable truth—you can do everything perfectly, and someone will still be disappointed—and why that disappointment is never yours to carry. Boundaries aren’t rejection or rigidity; they’re simple, kind “if-then” statements that protect your time and energy so you can finally give your best instead of whatever is left. Learn why every yes already contains a no, usually to yourself or your family, how to stop people-pleasing without guilt, and the mindset shift that turns every “no” into a louder, more honest “yes” to what actually matters. If you’re tired of running on fumes and ready to take your life back, this episode hands you the exact tools to start today.Get the 5-Minute Commute Reset: betterphysicianlife.com/commute-resetTop 3 TakeawaysEvery Yes Already Contains a No: The real question is who you’re saying no to. When you automatically say yes to extra calls, late messages, or last-minute patients, you’re silently saying no to your family, your rest, and yourself. Boundaries make that choice deliberate instead of accidental, so your yeses become intentional, and your life finally reflects your real priorities instead of everyone else’s urgencies. Boundaries Are Simple If-Then Statements, Not Walls: “If you text me work after 7 p.m., then I’ll respond tomorrow morning.” “If you try to add on when I’m fully booked, then I’ll offer the next available slot.” These clear, pre-decided responses remove guilt in the moment because the decision is already made. You’re not rejecting people, you’re protecting the version of yourself they actually need. Someone Will Always Be Disappointed, And That’s Never Your Fault: Medicine trained us to believe that if anyone is upset, we failed. Reality: You can be excellent, kind, and thorough, and people will still feel frustrated. Boundaries don’t stop their feelings; they stop you from carrying emotions that were never yours to begin with. Accepting this frees you to lead with integrity instead of people-pleasing. About the Show:Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.About the Host:Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    16 m
  • Surgical Complications and Self-Doubt: How Surgeons Recalibrate After Hard Cases with Dr. Amy Vertrees | Ep24

    Surgical Complications and Self-Doubt: How Surgeons Recalibrate After Hard Cases with Dr. Amy Vertrees | Ep24
    Jan 12 2026
    What if the hardest part of being a surgeon isn’t the case in front of you… But the one still living in your head at 2 a.m.?In this powerful episode of Better Physician Life, board-certified general surgeon, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.), and physician coach Dr. Amy Vertrees gets brutally honest about the part of surgery no one teaches: how to handle complications without destroying yourself.From deploying to Afghanistan to building her own private practice, Amy has spent years studying failure, shame, and emotional capacity. She shares her 3-step post-complication debrief (What went well, What I wish went differently, Next best step), why surgeons must give themselves informed consent for risk, how to stop arguing with reality, and why remembering your original “why” is the ultimate antidote to burnout.If you’ve ever lain awake replaying a case, this conversation will give you permission to be human and tools to come back stronger.Top 3 TakeawaysReframe Complications as Failure You Can Actually Use: Stop arguing with reality (this shouldn’t have happened). Accept it, then run Amy’s 3-step debrief: 3 things that went well, 3 things I wish went differently, and 1 next best step. This expands emotional capacity instead of contracting it with shame.Give Yourself Informed Consent: Before every case, ask: “Do I consent to the risk of bleeding, perforation, or even death?” We make patients consent, why don’t we consent ourselves? Owning the real risks up front reduces denial and post-op self-blame.Look at the Gain, Not Just the Gap: Perfection is impossible. Focus on the 97% you nailed instead of beating yourself up over the 3% gap. Pair this with fierce self-compassion (mindfulness, self-talk, and common humanity), and you’ll carry the hard days without letting them crush you.About the Show:Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.About the Guest:Dr. Amy Vertrees is a board-certified general surgeon, Army Lieutenant Colonel (ret.), and veteran of three combat deployments. She founded Columbia Surgical Partners and hosts the top-rated Boss Business of Surgery Series podcast. Through her coaching programs and book Become the Boss MD, she teaches surgeons the missing skills: handling complications, building shame resilience, expanding emotional capacity, negotiating contracts, and leading with confidence, everything residency never covered. Her mission is to help surgeons turn failure into growth and build careers that last without burning out.Connect with Dr. AmyWebsite: https://www.bosssurgery.com/Facebook: “Become the BOSS MD Coaching” https://www.facebook.com/groups/249619353796932Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebosssurgeonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-vertrees-md-20192a8b/About the Host:Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians.Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next.You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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