Welcome to the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Smith is joined by Sue Peters—a healthcare improvement leader with a background in audiology and extensive experience in quality improvement for clinical teams. Sue and Sarah dive into the day-to-day challenges clinicians face, from the dreaded in-basket workload to the complexities of team communication and patient care coordination.

Together, they explore practical strategies to streamline processes, clarify roles within clinical teams, and leverage everyone's unique skills to create more efficient and sustainable practice environments. Sue shares actionable tips on offloading non-physician work, optimizing EMRs, and effectively onboarding patients—all while ensuring that both providers and patients benefit from these improvements. Plus, they chat about breaking old habits, embracing true teamwork, and even finding ways to take things out of everyone's overloaded "backpack."

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. Embrace Team-Based Care: Don’t try to shoulder all the work alone. By clearly defining roles and empowering every member of the care team—from RNs and LPNs to MOAs—practices can improve patient access, reduce wait times, and allow clinicians to focus on what matters most.
2. Optimize Your EMR Processes: Standardizing how we populate and use EMR data not only improves patient care, but also makes it much easier to delegate and manage population health. Consistency in documentation enables actionable reporting—and lets the right team member handle the right task.
3. Involve Everyone in Change: Successful quality improvement requires all voices at the table, not just physicians. When team members participate in designing solutions, they’re more engaged, invested, and open to new ways of working.

Sue Peters Bio:

Sue Peters is a Healthcare Improvement Leader working with Primary Care and Specialty Teams to achieve true team-based care through Quality Improvement. Imagine a team where every member has a critical role in patient care and is working to top of scope, allowing you to focus on the work for which you are highly trained - It is possible.

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Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click here

Learn more about our guest: https://petersconsulting.ca/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-peters-b8661774/

**** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

**** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.

**** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.

**** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

Welcome to the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

In today’s episode, Dr. Sarah Smith tackles a challenge every clinician knows all too well—the dreaded backlog. Whether its unfinished charts, lab results waiting for review, or paperwork accumulated from a busy week, backlog is that persistent weight that follows us home and keeps us up at night. Dr. Smith gets real about the emotional toll backlog can take, from the shame and overwhelm to the constant struggle to find time amidst ever-increasing clinical demands.

You’ll hear practical tips for managing your backlog, transforming bonus moments in your day into productive opportunity, and making a concrete plan that helps you finally clear that In-basket. Plus, learn more about Backlog Buddies, Dr. Smith’s virtual co-working sessions designed to keep you accountable and in good company as you power through your outstanding tasks. If you’re tired of letting backlog steal your free time and sanity, this episode is packed with insights to help you reclaim both your workday and your life outside of medicine. Tune in and discover how to turn backlog from an endless chore into a manageable—and even occasionally satisfying—part of your clinical routine.

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. Plan Ahead for Backlog: Don’t wait for the “right moment”—schedule dedicated sessions to tackle backlog and decide ahead of time what you’ll work on first.
2. Use Bonus Time Wisely: Take advantage of unexpected lulls or no-shows by knowing in advance which quick tasks you can clear off your list in those smaller pockets of time.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Set a clear end time for backlog work, then acknowledge your progress—even if you only get a few tasks done. Being kind to yourself is crucial for sustainability.

Backlog Buddies:

Backlog Buddies is A Virtual Co-Working Space for Physicians and Clinicians to get their incomplete tasks and charts done. Set aside procrastination, work hard alongside peers for 2 hours and be delighted in what you can achieve with dedicated time and friends.

Whether you’ve got a massive backlog or just a few lingering tasks, we’re here to support you. This is your chance to clear the clutter faster—and create more time for life outside of medicine.

Rather than spending your whole weekend cleaning the kitchen for the fourth time, come to a session and get started. And when you're done? Have something fun planned. You'll deserve it.

We have times available on Saturday mornings, Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Monday mornings. Choose a time slot that works for you. Each session is 2 hours.

We can't wait to see you at your next Backlog Buddies session!

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Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click here

Learn more about Backlog Buddies backlogbuddies.com

**** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

**** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.

**** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.

**** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

Welcome to the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anne Frankl, a specialist pediatric anesthetist and health and well-being coach for doctors, based in Melbourne. Dr. Frankl shares her fascinating journey from becoming a pediatric anesthetist to navigating the challenges of balancing a demanding medical career with family life and moving internationally for her fellowship.

Together with our host, Dr. Sarah Smith, Dr. Frankl delves into the importance of work-life integration, the journey to overcoming burnout, and how she transitioned into her passion for coaching doctors. Get ready to discover valuable pearls of wisdom about creating a sustainable, fulfilling career in medicine while maintaining personal well-being. Whether you're a busy parent juggling a career or someone looking for career fulfillment without burnout, this episode offers insights that can resonate with everyone in the medical field. Enjoy!

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. Work-Life Integration: Dr. Frankl emphasizes the importance of blending professional and personal life rather than trying to keep them in separate silos. Finding a unique balance that works for you can lead to a rewarding and sustainable career in medicine.
2. Prioritizing Self-Care: Amidst the busy life of being a doctor and a parent, Dr. Frankl highlights the necessity of prioritizing your health. It's about making intentional choices that allow you to nurture both your career and personal well-being.
3. Embracing Coaching: Discovering the power of coaching helped Dr. Frankl and many others navigate career and personal challenges. Coaching is about being heard, reflecting on what's most important, and finding ways to achieve a fulfilling career and life.

Dr. Anne Frankl Bio:

Dr. Anne Frankl is a Specialist Anaesthetist with over 20 years of experience in private practice in Melbourne. Early in her career, she was deeply involved in medical education, teaching paediatric anaesthetic trainees and facilitating simulation training at Monash Medical Centre.

Anne’s passion for health and well-being led her to pursue further qualifications in coaching. She is a Master Certified Physician Development Coach and a Health & Well-being Life Coach, dedicated to supporting her medical colleagues in achieving professional and personal fulfillment.

Alongside her anaesthesia practice, Anne provides coaching in areas such as work-life integration, career transitions, leadership development, communication skills, and critical incident debriefing. She is particularly committed to shifting the culture of medicine—helping doctors prioritise their own well-being while delivering exceptional patient care.

Anne believes that a sustainable and fulfilling medical career requires more than clinical expertise; it demands self-care, balance, and resilience. Through her coaching, she aims to empower the next generation of doctors to thrive—not just as professionals, but as whole individuals.

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Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click here

Learn more about our guest: drannefrankl.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annefrankl/

**** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

**** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.

**** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.

**** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

Welcome to the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

This time, Dr. Sarah Smith sits down with Quenby Rubin-Sprague, a seasoned professional in the healthcare industry with over 35 years of experience. Starting as a registered dietitian nutritionist, Quenby's journey led her to medical sales and eventually into corporate training and development, where she found her passion for coaching and making impactful changes within healthcare teams.

In this episode, Quenby delves into her career evolution, highlighting the importance of happiness and fulfillment both at work and beyond. She shares insights into how she cultivated resilience and mental fitness in challenging clinical environments, especially amidst high-stress situations. They discuss how healthcare professionals can enhance their communication skills, create a shared reality, and build trust within teams, even when organizational changes are slow to come.

Whether you're a healthcare provider, a practice manager, or part of a clinical team, this episode offers valuable perspectives on sustaining happiness and effectiveness in the face of inevitable challenges.

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. Empower with Empathy: Understanding our colleagues' and patients' perspectives can create a shared reality based on trust and respect. This not only enhances patient experience but also contributes to a more cohesive team environment.
2. Practice Self-Empathy: As much as we focus on empathy for others, it's crucial to nurture self-empathy. Recognizing that we can't control everything and focusing on self-care can help maintain our own well-being amidst the chaos.
3. Cultivate Mental Fitness: Building resilience through mental fitness allows us to handle the pressures of healthcare more effectively. This involves acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of our day and choosing to focus on growth and joy.

Quenby Rubin-Sprague Bio:

Quenby is a recognized expert with over 30 years of experience as a Strategic Communications Advisor and Executive Coach. She has partnered with C-Suite healthcare leaders, medical groups and physician executives, providing consulting and coaching services to notable organizations such as Adventist Health, Sutter Health and Dignity Health.

Her work catalyzes the creation of psychologically safe cultures where the leader leads authentically without sacrificing their sanity or humanity. They have the confidence and savvy to respond to complex situations with discernment, empowerment and compassion. This fosters health system-wide well-being and the achievement of key initiatives.

The ripple effect from Quenby’s expertise: Raises medical group leadership capability, elevates the patient experience and transforms health system culture.

Quenby holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Organization Development from the University of San Francisco.

She holds the following certifications: Conversational Intelligence®, Myers-Briggs (MBTI), Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching, Advanced Training in Positive Intelligence.

Quenby is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist.

When not coaching health care leaders, you’ll find Quenby on the black diamond runs at her favorite Lake Tahoe ski resort or trying to break the sound barrier on her road bike!

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Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click here

Learn more about our guest: www.linkedin.com/in/quenbyrubinsprague/

**** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

**** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.

**** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.

**** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

Welcome to the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Smith sits down with the remarkable Dr. Pauline Morris, an adventuring anesthetist who has travelled from the Caribbean to the UK, Qatar, and now Australia.

Dr. Morris shares her journey, the challenges she's faced, and the personal growth that came with stepping out of her comfort zone. From overcoming barriers as an international medical graduate to embracing new cultures and even learning to scuba dive, Dr. Morris's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability.

This conversation delves into her transitions across different healthcare systems, her realization of burnout, and how she reinvented herself with a Master's in Business. Plus, learn about her passion for coaching doctors to find fulfillment without sacrificing their lives outside medicine. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue on personal growth, adaptability, and sustaining a career in medicine.

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. Embracing Personal Growth: Dr. Morris's journey highlights the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to foster personal growth. Whether it's a move across the globe or taking on unexpected challenges like learning to scuba dive at a later stage in life, growth often comes from embracing the unfamiliar.
2. Importance of a Support System: Having mentors and support systems can make a significant difference. Dr. Morris credits a lot of her decisions to the mentors who guided her and helped her see potential paths she hadn't considered. It's a reminder to nurture those relationships, both as mentors and mentees.
3. The Power of Reflection: Taking the time to reflect on where you want to be, both professionally and personally, is essential. Dr. Morris conducts exercises like envisioning her retirement party to align her current path with long-term life goals. This approach can provide clarity and direction for a more fulfilling career in medicine.

Dr. Pauline Morris Bio:

Dr. Pauline is on a mission to help doctors build fulfilling careers and joyful lives—without burnout. As the founder of Doctors Caring for Doctors, she empowers physicians to make career choices that align with their deepest values, redefining what success in medicine looks like.

A globally experienced Consultant Anaesthetist—having worked across the Caribbean, Middle East, UK, and Australia—Dr. Pauline brings a unique perspective to career coaching. With certifications in business, mindfulness, CBT, and NLP coaching, she provides practical, inspired solutions for doctors navigating work-life balance.

Her authentic, compassionate approach truly sets her apart—helping doctors gain clarity, confidence, and control over their careers.

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Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click here

**** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

**** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.

**** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.

**** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.