Host Dr. Dael Waxman welcomes Dr. Stuart Slavin, Vice President for Well-Being at the ACGME, for a deep dive into the systemic challenges and solutions surrounding physician well-being in medical training. Dr. Slavin recounts his transformative work at St. Louis University, where interventions like reduced class time and pass-fail grading slashed student depression rates by 80%—without sacrificing academic performance. The conversation exposes the harsh realities residents face: sleep deprivation, productivity pressures, and cultures that stigmatize vulnerability. Dr. Slavin details how the ACGME is pushing structural reforms, from embedding well-being in accreditation standards to providing programs with data-driven tools to diagnose and address environmental stressors.

The discussion also explores the psychological burdens unique to trainees, including imposter syndrome and the "Stanford Duck" effect—the tendency to hide distress beneath a calm exterior. Dr. Slavin advocates for dual solutions: fixing toxic systems (like inefficient workflows and punitive feedback cultures) while equipping individuals with cognitive tools to reframe maladaptive mindsets. He shares promising models, such as Mount Sinai’s Well-Being Champions program, and stresses the need for iterative, trainee-informed change. A rallying cry for educators and leaders, this episode balances stark truths with actionable hope for a healthier future in medicine.

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Music by Ryan Jones.
Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at ryjonesofficial@gmail.com

Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com

In this episode of Life-Changing Moments, Dr. Kelly Schmidt, a fifth-year otolaryngology resident at the University of Missouri, shares pragmatic insights on resilience and self-care in medical training. Moving beyond conventional wellness advice, she emphasizes sustainable, small-scale habits—such as integrating personal checklists and celebrating incremental progress—to navigate residency’s demands. Crucially, she reframes resilience as a systemic issue, challenging the notion that burnout reflects individual failure.

Dr. Schmidt candidly discusses the pressures of rigorous schedules, imposter syndrome, and the importance of redefining success in an imperfect system. She advocates for building supportive peer and mentor networks while normalizing professional mental health care as a proactive step, not a weakness. Her perspective balances realism with optimism, acknowledging residency’s challenges while highlighting the growth they foster.

This episode offers actionable strategies for medical trainees and professionals in high-stakes fields, underscoring how self-compassion, community, and adaptable self-care practices can sustain well-being and improve patient care. Dr. Schmidt’s reflections serve as both a guide and a reminder: progress, not perfection, is the goal.

Rethinking Residency — https://rethinkingresidency.com/
Self-Care Mantras That Help Me Survive Surgical Residency, Dr. Kelly Schmidt - Essay

This episode of Prescription for Success features Dr. Stephanie Wu, an internationally renowned podiatrist and dean of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Wu shares her unconventional journey into medicine, beginning with a career in marketing before serendipitously discovering podiatry through an unplanned MCAT exam. Her story highlights the importance of remaining open to unexpected opportunities and embracing career changes. She also reflects on her deeply personal decision to become a U.S. citizen following the events of September 11, emphasizing the resilience and unity she witnessed in the aftermath.

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Dr. Wu’s passion for wound care, a specialty she describes as uniquely rewarding due to the deep patient connections and interdisciplinary collaboration it fosters. She underscores the profound impact of chronic wounds on patients' lives and the satisfaction of providing long-term, life-changing care. Additionally, Dr. Wu discusses her transition into academic leadership, including the challenges of guiding her institution through the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode concludes with her “prescription for success,” a thoughtful acronym (A-E-I-O-U) that emphasizes availability, enthusiasm, inspiration, seizing opportunities, and the value of hard work—principles that have shaped her distinguished career.

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Join the Conversation!

We want to hear from you! Do you have additional thoughts about today's topic? Do you have your own Prescription for Success? Record a message on Speakpipe

Unlock Bonus content and get the shows early on our Patreon

Follow us or Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Amazon | Spotify

---

Music by Ryan Jones.
Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at ryjonesofficial@gmail.com

Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com