In this episode, Dr. Toyosi Onwuemene speaks directly to physicians considering new leadership roles and administrative opportunities. Drawing from a recent coaching conversation and her own experience as a medical director, she explains why many leadership roles offered to physicians lack protected time, resources, compensation, and clear metrics for success leading to burnout, underperformance, and lost career opportunities. This episode offers a clear framework to help physicians evaluate leadership roles before saying yes.

Key Points Discussed:

• Why unresourced leadership roles create unsustainable workloads for physicians
• The real meaning of protected time for physicians—and why it is essential for success
• How lack of staffing, funding, and infrastructure leads to physician leadership burnout
• Why unpaid or underpaid administrative roles undervalue physicians’ expertise
• The negative impact of uncompensated leadership roles on existing clinical and academic responsibilities
• The opportunity cost of accepting unsupported leadership positions in academic medicine
• Why unclear expectations and missing metrics for success place physicians at risk
• How saying “no” can initiate meaningful leadership role negotiation
• What to look for in leadership roles that truly support long-term career advancement for physicians

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• AAMC Faculty Salary & Compensation Reports – National benchmarking data for physician leadership and administrative compensation: https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/workforce/report/aamc-faculty-salary-report
• Connect with Toyosi Onwuemene on LinkedIn (DMs open for physician coaching inquiries): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonwuemene

Call to Action: If you are a physician navigating leadership opportunities, protected time negotiations, or uncompensated administrative roles, subscribe to the podcast and leave a review so more physicians can find these conversations. Share this episode with a colleague who is considering a new leadership role—and pause before saying yes.

Sponsor/Advertising/Monetization Information: This episode is sponsored by VisionaryMD, a leading provider of executive coaching and professional development resources for physician leaders. VisionaryMD is committed to supporting physicians on their leadership journey.

Looking for a coach? Sign up for a coaching discovery call today: https://www.coagcoach.com/service-page/consultation-call-1

This episode invites physicians to step back, clarify who they are as the “passenger,” define their destination, and intentionally choose (or create) the vehicle that will actually take them there.

Key Points Discussed:

• You are the passenger: career journeys only matter once you decide where you’re going.
• Vehicles (institutions, jobs, mentors, systems) are neutral—they simply go where they go.
• Defining your destination narrows your options and exposes misalignment.
• Frustration is not about a “bad” institution; it’s about being on the wrong plane.
• Physicians often try to force vehicles to change direction instead of choosing a better-aligned one.
• Sometimes no vehicle exists—and visionary physicians create a new path.
• Being “closer” to your destination expands options, even if the vehicle isn’t perfect.
• Career peace comes from clarity, not comfort, prestige, or tradition.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• LinkedIn for coaching inquiries

Call to Action: If this episode resonated, subscribe to the Visionary MD Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a physician colleague who may be questioning their current path.

As a physician leader, your words carry extraordinary weight. They can unify a team or divide it. They can encourage in crisis or deepen discouragement. In this episode of VisionaryMD: For Physicians Who Lead, I share seven ways to use your words with clarity, confidence, and vision — so you can lead more effectively and create a culture where people thrive.

A Swiss study of more than 1,500 physicians found that leadership communication — tone, feedback, and information quality — is one of the strongest predictors of physician satisfaction and well-being. That means your words are not just tools — they’re your leadership legacy.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

1. Recognize your words carry power.
2. Learn to use words well.
3. Speak with intention.
4. Encourage in crisis.
5. Set a daily intention.
6. Feed your mind with high-quality material.
7. Listen well to lead well.

By practicing these habits, you can create trust, inspire your team, and shape a culture where people thrive.

📌 Key Takeaway

Your leadership is amplified through your words. When you use them wisely, you shape culture, build trust, and inspire your team to perform at their best.

🔑 Resources & References

• Heuss SC, Datta S. Impact of leadership communication on job satisfaction and well-being of physicians.Discover Global Society. 2023.

🚀 Ready to Grow as a Physician Leader?

If you’re a physician in academic medicine ready to step into leadership with clarity, confidence, and vision, I can help. As an executive coach, I work with physicians to:

• Strengthen communication skills.
• Build cohesive, motivated teams.
• Lead effectively in complex healthcare systems.

👉 Schedule a complimentary coaching consultation here:

💬 Let’s Connect

I’m Toyosi Onwuemene, an executive coach for physicians in academic medicine. If you’d like support on your leadership journey, schedule a virtual consultation or connect with me on LinkedIn.