Insights on Success, Optimism, and Emotional Intelligence with Dr. William James

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine interviews Dr. William James, an Emeritus Professor of Dermatology with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Dr. James shares his extensive medical background, personal anecdotes, and the importance of forming lasting relationships. He discusses key skills that have contributed to his thriving academic career, such as optimism, listening, and respect for others. The conversation also delves into emotional intelligence, handling medical errors, and the evolving nature of professional and personal growth. Dr. James emphasizes gratitude, altruism, and the value of human connections in achieving happiness and success in both life and dermatology.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:42 Personal Anecdotes and Relationships

02:48 Skills for a Successful Academic Career

04:50 Finding Meaning Beyond Work

05:28 Dealing with Mistakes in Medicine

08:08 Emotional Intelligence and Building Rapport

11:16 Career Reflections and Serendipity

12:30 Final Thoughts on Happiness and Gratitude

Embracing Change: From Breast Cancer to Being Nice to Yourself

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine edited an episode from the Lean Out Podcast with Dr. Dawn Baker. The conversation covers Christine's journey with a breast cancer diagnosis and its impact on her work. They discuss the importance of self-care, the fixed mindset, and having hobbies. Christine shares insights from her journey as a parent of a young patient and her reflections on medical decisions, emphasizing the value of patient education and listening to one's intuition.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:31 Unexpected Directions in the Interview

00:58 Balancing Work and Life Post-Cancer Diagnosis

02:37 Exploring New Hobbies and Interests

03:02 Writing and Parenting Influences

03:34 Navigating Medical Challenges with a Child

07:19 Reflections on Parenting Decisions

09:11 Fixed Mindset and Personal Growth

11:41 Being Kinder to Yourself

13:26 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

The Rejuvenating Power of a Well-Planned Vacation

In this short and sweet summer episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine shares her rejuvenating experience from a girls' vacation to Italy. The trip was a graduation gift from her sister to her daughter and included highlights such as exploring Rome, biking through Tuscany, and visiting Florence. Christine emphasizes the benefits of taking a vacation planned by someone else, visiting a new place, and engaging in the right amount of activity to disconnect from work and rejuvenate.

00:00 Welcome to the Girl Doc Survival Guide

00:07 A Memorable Girl's Vacation to Italy

00:40 Three Reasons This Trip Was Special

01:12 Vacation Tips for Doctors and Parents

01:25 Happy Summer!

Exploring Life with Cochlear Implants: A Conversation with Paul Bass and Owen Whang

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, we have excerpts from Dateline New Haven, in which host Paul Bass interviews Christine and her son Owen Whang about their picture book, SOUND SWITCH WONDER. The book, inspired by Owen's experiences with cochlear implants, aims to fill a gap in children's literature by featuring a character with the implants living his daily life. Christine, a Professor of Dermatology and Pathology at Yale, discusses the challenges and decisions they faced during Owen's early diagnosis and treatment for auditory neuropathy. Owen shares his perspective on the book and the unique advantages and challenges of having cochlear implants. The episode also delves into the creative process behind the book and the importance of representation and diversity in children's literature.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:21 Meet the Authors: Christine Ko and Owen Whang

00:51 The Inspiration Behind SOUND SWITCH WONDER

01:20 Creating a Children's Book

02:28 Understanding Cochlear Implants

04:57 The Decision and Its Impact

05:53 Owen's Experience with Cochlear Implants

07:57 Funny Moments and Final Thoughts

Unveiling the Connection: Dr. Keira Barr on Stress, Skin Health, and the Mind-Body Paradigm

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Keira Barr, a dermatologist specializing in somatic psychodermatology, shares her personal journey of discovering early melanoma and the ensuing health challenges that led her to explore the mind-body connection. Dr. Barr discusses the critical role of stress in skin and overall health, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing body signals. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to wellness that includes proper diet, mindful movement, and adequate sleep. The conversation delves into adaptive strategies for handling stress, such as breath work and recognizing personal triggers, to maintain equilibrium in the face of the demands of medical training and professional life.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Keira Barr

00:26 Personal Journey: From Dermatologist to Somatic Psycho Dermatology

01:09 The Wake-Up Call: Diagnosing Her Own Melanoma

01:56 Connecting the Dots: Mind-Body Medicine

04:12 Lifestyle Changes for Better Health

06:13 The Impact of Medical Training on Health

07:26 Understanding and Managing Stress

11:01 The Nervous System and Stress Response

17:10 Practical Tips for Stress Management

19:57 Final Thoughts on Skin and Mental Health

Redefining Success and Survival for Physician Moms with Dr. Toya

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. La Toya Luces-Sampson, aka Dr. Toya, shares her top five tools for navigating motherhood while being a physician. She emphasizes the importance of redefining one's own values around motherhood, building a supportive village (both paid and unpaid), maintaining a healthy marriage, prioritizing self-care, and trusting oneself. Dr. Toya also discusses how the culture of medicine impacts physician well-being and the necessity of sustainable careers. She advocates for personal growth, getting necessary help, and recognizing the challenges within the medical system, particularly concerning physician parents.

00:00 Introduction to The Girl Doc Survival Guide

00:08 Top Five Tools for Physician Moms

01:27 The Importance of Outsourcing and Support

02:19 Focusing on Marriage and Self-Care

06:07 Redefining Success for Physician Moms

11:06 Challenges in Medicine and Motherhood

14:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Overcoming Burnout and Redefining Physician Motherhood with Dr. La Toya Luces-Sampson

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. La Toya Luces-Sampson, also known as Dr. Toya, an OB/Gyn, perinatal mental health specialist, and transformational coach, shares her personal journey through three periods of burnout during her medical career and postpartum experience. Dr. Toya discusses the pressures of being a physician mom, the challenges of career and family, and the importance of redefining success in physician motherhood. She emphasizes the need for self-care, the value of therapy, and the importance of realistic expectations. Join us to hear how Dr. Toya turned her struggles into a mission to support other physician moms through coaching and her podcast, Stethoscopes and Strollers.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Toya

00:52 Personal Anecdote: Burnout and Resilience

04:26 The Impact of Motherhood

07:30 Redefining Success and Overcoming Anger

19:14 Healing and Growth in Marriage

21:43 Conclusion and Next Steps

Navigating A Stellar Career in Pediatric Dermatology: Dr. Ilona Frieden

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Ilona Frieden, a distinguished leader in pediatric dermatology, shares her journey and insights. Dr. Frieden discusses her personal background, the challenges she faced growing up in California, and her unexpected path into medicine. She underscores the importance of balancing career aspirations with personal well-being and family, talking about her own experiences with social activism, feminism, and motherhood. Dr. Frieden also highlights the significance of finding meaning and community in one's work, her pragmatic approach to problem-solving, and the vital role of humility and collaboration in medical practice. This episode offers valuable lessons on work-life balance, career development, and the evolving nature of professional fulfillment.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:27 Personal Anecdotes and Early Life

03:13 Career Journey and Achievements

05:13 Work-Life Balance and Parenting

09:55 Mentorship and Professional Insights

16:37 Reflections on Medicine and Legacy

23:28 Final Thoughts and Gratitude