Many physicians enter medicine because they care deeply. At what point does that strength become a vulnerability, and what can we do about it?

In this episode of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, we're joined by two physicians who will be part of our inaugural Physician Retreat this October.

Together, they explore how both personal patterns and healthcare culture shape the physician experience and what it will take to create a more sustainable future for medicine.

🔹 Dr. Randie Schacter is an Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and Health & Wellness Coach at Silver Spaces, helping physicians better understand the relationship between personal well-being and professional fulfillment.

🔹 Dr. Gigi Abdel-Samed is an emergency physician with more than 30 years of experience who developed a framework to help health systems recognize the early drivers of physician disengagement and create healthier workplace cultures.

Medicine attracts compassionate, dedicated people. Yet the very qualities that make physicians exceptional can also leave them carrying more than anyone should.

How do identity, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-sacrifice intersect with workplace culture, leadership, and organizational expectations? And what changes, both personally and systemically, help physicians build sustainable careers?

Caring for others should never require losing yourself.

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/T_I-Tod5qBQ

🔗 Connect with our guests:

Dr. Randie Schacter

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/randie-schacter-do/

🌐 http://www.silverspaces.org/

Dr. Gigi Abdel-Samed

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gigi-abdel-samed-md/

🌐 https://www.drgigisamed.com/

If today's conversation resonated with you, you'll find more powerful stories like this in our White Coats book series, created to humanize medicine and amplify physician voices:

https://standupfordoctors.org/books/

These conversations don't end with the podcast.

Join us at the Stand Up (for) Doctors! Inaugural Physician Retreat, where meaningful discussions are paired with science-based activities that give equal weight to personal well-being. It's a unique experience designed to help physicians reconnect with themselves and one another.

Physicians from 15 specialties, representing 18 states, along with colleagues from Australia and the U.K., have already registered. We'd love to have you join us.

📍 Windrose on Hudson, Ossining, NY

🗓 October 9–12, 2026

🔗 https://standupfordoctors.org/events/

Only 10 spots available.

📩 To learn more about sponsorship opportunities: standupfordoctors@gmail.com

#StandUpForDoctors #PhysicianWellBeing #Leadership #CultureInMedicine #HumanConnection #FutureOfMedicine #Episode166

Many doctors tell me they still love caring for patients, but wouldn't recommend medicine to their own children.

What has to change so physicians would enthusiastically encourage the next generation to enter medicine?

In this episode of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, we're exploring the future of medicine through the eyes of two physicians who believe today's choices will shape tomorrow's profession.

🔹 Dr. Tudor Francu is the Chief Anesthesiologist at Global Anesthesia Service, podcast host, and real estate investor with a passion for leadership and personal growth.

🔹 Dr. Scott Miller is a board-certified plastic surgeon, founder of Miller Cosmetic Surgery, and the father of a son currently in medical school, giving him a unique perspective on the future of medicine.

Medicine has always been a calling. But if we want the next generation to answer that call, we have to build a profession worth inheriting.

What responsibility do today's physicians have to create the kind of culture they would want their own children to enter? And how much influence do individuals have, even when they can't control the entire system?

The future of medicine won't be shaped by one generation alone. It will be built by those who discover ways to leave the profession better than they found it.

🔗 Connect with our guests:

Dr. Tudor Francu
🎙️ https://www.stellarsuccesspodcast.com/
🌐 https://stellarmultifamily.com/
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@StellarSuccessPodcast

Dr. Scott Miller
🌐 www.millercosmeticsurgery.com
🌐 https://www.millercosmeticfacelift.com/
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrmillermdfacs/
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@ScottMillerMD
This episode is sponsored by a gracious member of the Stand Up for Doctors community.
Their generous support helps sustain this work and keeps these important conversations going.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please reach out: 📩 standupfordoctors@gmail.com

If today’s conversation resonated with you, you’ll find more powerful stories like this in our White Coats book series — created to humanize medicine and amplify physician voices: https://standupfordoctors.org/books/

And if you’re ready to go deeper…
🌿 Join us at the Stand Up (for) Doctors! Inaugural Physician Retreat
📍 Windrose on Hudson
🗓 October 9–12, 2026
🔗 https://standupfordoctors.org/events/

🤝 Sign up with a friend by July 15th, and you’ll each receive $150 off registration using the coupon code: VIP150

#StandUpForDoctors #PhysicianWellness #Leadership #FutureOfMedicine #DoctorSupport #HealingHealthcare #Episode165

One of the strongest predictors of physician well-being isn't talked about nearly enough. The quality of the relationships surrounding a doctor.

In this episode of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, we're exploring how relationships at home, at work, and within healthcare teams shape physician well-being and long-term success.

🔹 Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD is a Medical Marriage and Physician Burnout Strategist with a PhD in Health Psychology. She is a speaker, author, podcast host, and creator of the MedLife Matrix™, helping medical families thrive through the unique challenges of medicine.

🔹 LynAnn Weaver, CHPC is a High Performance HealthCARE Coach, Executive and Physician Leadership Coach, speaker, and growth consultant dedicated to helping physicians and healthcare leaders perform at their highest level.

Dissatisfaction isn't shaped by workload alone. The strength of our relationships, our support systems, and our workplace culture all play a critical role.

Why are relationships so often overlooked when we talk about physician well-being? And what becomes possible when we intentionally strengthen them?

The quality of care physicians provide is deeply connected to the quality of the relationships that sustain them.

🔗 Connect with our guests:

Lisa Muehlenbein

🌐 themedlifematrix.com

🎙️ The MedLife Support Podcast

LynAnn Weaver

🌐 healthcareelevation.com

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynannweaver/

🌐 www.vitalneuro.com (Discount code: HEP for $100 off)

If today’s conversation resonated with you, you’ll find more powerful stories like this in our White Coats book series — created to humanize medicine and amplify physician voices: https://standupfordoctors.org/books/

And if you’re ready to go deeper…

🌿 Join us at the Stand Up (for) Doctors! Inaugural Physician Retreat

📍 Windrose on Hudson

🗓 October 9–12, 2026

🔗 https://standupfordoctors.org/events/

🤝 Sign up with a friend by July 15th, and you’ll each receive $150 off registration using the coupon code: VIP150

Interested in sponsoring an episode or supporting this movement?

📩 standupfordoctors@gmail.com

Because when doctors reclaim joy, everyone benefits.

#StandUpForDoctors #PhysicianWellness #MedicalMarriage #Leadership #DoctorSupport #HealingHealthcare #Episode164

What have you stayed silent about in medicine because you worried what others might think?That's what we're talking about today.In this episode of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, we're exploring what it means to be fully human in a profession that has long rewarded stoicism over vulnerability.🔹 Dr. David Lawson is a hematology-oncology physician with decades of clinical experience and a deep commitment to supporting the people behind the profession.🔹 Dr. Kathryn Lawson is a licensed clinical psychologist whose work focuses on the mental health needs of healthcare professionals and creating healthier cultures in medicine.Medicine has become more willing to talk about physician well-being. But has it become safer for physicians to ask for help?What beliefs about strength, success, and vulnerability no longer serve the profession? And what would medicine look like if physicians felt as comfortable receiving support as they do providing it?Real strength isn't pretending you're unaffected. It's having the courage to be human.🔗 Connect with our guests:Dr. David Lawson📧 dlawson@emory.eduDr. Kathryn Lawson🌐https://restoringhealthtohealthcare.com/🌐https://emotionalppe.org/mission-and-impact/

This episode is sponsored by Brian Case, Certified Financial Planner® and Direct Wealth Care, providing conflict-free tools and resources that help physicians address the financial stress not talked about in medicine. https://lnkd.in/gwmSATDv

If today’s conversation resonated with you, you’ll find more powerful stories like this in our White Coats book series — created to humanize medicine and amplify physician voices: https://standupfordoctors.org/books/And if you’re ready to go deeper… 🌿 Join us at the Stand Up (for) Doctors! Inaugural Physician Retreat📍 Windrose on Hudson🗓 October 9–12, 2026🔗 https://standupfordoctors.org/events/🤝 Sign up with a friend by July 15th, and you’ll each receive $150 off registration using the coupon code: VIP150Interested in sponsoring an episode or supporting this movement?

📩 standupfordoctors@gmail.comBecause when doctors reclaim joy, everyone benefits.#StandUpForDoctors #PhysicianWellness #MentalHealth #PsychologicalSafety #DoctorSupport #HealingHealthcare #Episode163

What becomes possible when a health system decides physician well-being is a strategic priority rather than a personal responsibility?

That's what we're talking about today.

In this episode of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, we're exploring what healthcare can look like when physician well-being is built into the system instead of squeezed into personal time.

🔹 Dr. Jillian Bybee is a pediatric ICU physician who believes professional success shouldn't come at the cost of well-being. She collaborates with Graduate Medical Education and organizational wellness teams to design programs that support healthcare professionals.

🔹 Dr. Kristin Jacob is an Internal Medicine-Pediatrics physician and healthcare leader focused on advancing physician and APP well-being at a systems level, helping organizations move beyond individual resilience toward meaningful change.

For years, physicians have been offered resilience training, mindfulness programs, and self-care strategies. Yet burnout and moral injury continue to rise.

Why?

Because physician burnout isn't primarily a resilience problem. It's a systems problem.

The future of healthcare depends not only on caring for patients, but on creating systems that care for the people providing that care.

🔗 Connect with our guests:

Dr. Jillian Bybee

🌐 https://www.jillianbybeemd.com

📰 https://humansleading.substack.com

🎙️ https://humansleading.buzzsprout.com

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-bybee-md-065335166

Dr. Kristin Jacob

🔗 www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-jacob-md-facp-b54a84ba

This episode is sponsored by Brian Case and Direct Wealth Care, providing conflict-free tools and resources that help physicians address the financial stress not talked about in medicine. https://directwealthcare.com/If today’s conversation resonated with you, you’ll find more powerful stories like this in our White Coats book series — created to humanize medicine and amplify physician voices: https://standupfordoctors.org/books/

And if you’re ready to go deeper…

🌿 Join us at the Stand Up (for) Doctors! Inaugural Physician Retreat

📍 Windrose on Hudson

🗓 October 9–12, 2026

🔗 https://standupfordoctors.org/events/

Interested in sponsoring an episode or supporting this movement?

📩 standupfordoctors@gmail.com

Because when doctors reclaim joy, everyone benefits.

#StandUpForDoctors #PhysicianWellness #HealthcareLeadership #BurnoutPrevention #MoralInjury #HealingHealthcare #Episode162

What becomes possible when physicians stop hiding their gifts and start sharing their voices?

In this episode of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, we're talking about courage. Not the kind required in an emergency, but the kind it takes to create, write, speak up, and share your story with the world.

🔹 Dr. Rebecca Thompson is a physician, community builder, and author committed to helping others find connection through authentic storytelling.

🔹 Susan Hart Gaines is a life and leadership coach, workshop creator, facilitator, and author who helps people lead with courage and purpose.

Both guests have recently put books out into the world. That takes vulnerability. It takes conviction. And it takes a willingness to be seen.

Many physicians are taught to keep their heads down, work hard, and avoid drawing attention to themselves. But what happens when they discover their voice matters?

The greatest risk may not be being judged. It may be never sharing what only you can offer.

🔗 Connect with our guests:

Dr. Rebecca Thompson🌐 www.rebeccanthompson.com🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-thompson-md-msc-99458a65/

Susan Hart Gaines🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanhartgaines/🌐 https://substack.com/@wildhartdispatch🌐 https://www.instagram.com/wildhartcoaching

This episode is sponsored by Brian Case and Direct Wealth Care, providing conflict-free tools and resources that help physicians address the financial stress not talked about in medicine. https://directwealthcare.com/If today’s conversation resonated with you, you’ll find more powerful stories like this in our White Coats book series — created to humanize medicine and amplify physician voices: https://standupfordoctors.org/books/

And if you’re ready to go deeper…🌿

Join us at the Stand Up (for) Doctors! Inaugural Physician Retreat

📍 Windrose on Hudson

🗓 October 9–12, 2026

🔗https://standupfordoctors.org/events/

CME Credits Available:
• 11 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
• 11 AOA Category 2-A CME Credits

Interested in sponsoring an episode or supporting this movement?📩 standupfordoctors@gmail.com

Because when doctors reclaim joy, everyone benefits.

#StandUpForDoctors #PhysicianWellness #StorytellingInMedicine #Leadership #DoctorSupport #HealingHealthcare #Episode161

Last time, they shared how they survived. Today, a doctor and a lawyer share what it takes to truly live in recovery.

In this episode of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, we continue an important conversation about substance use disorder, identity, and the lifelong journey of recovery.

🔹 Dr. Sean Fogler is an anesthesiologist by training and CEO of Elevyst, working at the intersection of public health and public safety to build healthier communities.

🔹 Kevin Hyer is a lawyer and CEO of The Hyer Calling Foundation, supporting recovery-friendly workplaces and career repair.

Substance use disorder affects an estimated 10–15% of physicians, though many experts believe the true number is higher due to stigma and fear of professional consequences. Yet physicians who participate in specialized recovery programs often achieve recovery success rates of 75–90%.

Nine months after their first conversation, Sean and Kevin return to discuss what comes after survival.

What still felt unsaid? How has recovery changed their relationship with achievement, identity, and success? What did they have to let go of to move forward?

Together, we explore:

• What life looks like beyond the first steps of recovery

• How recovery reshapes identity and purpose

• The ongoing tensions that remain, even years later

• Why vulnerability is essential to healing

• What they want others struggling in silence to hear today

Recovery is not just about getting your life back. It's about discovering a life worth living.

🔗 Connect with our guests:

Dr. Sean Fogler

🌐 www.elevyst.com

🌐 www.seanfogler.com

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-fogler-md-emba-2602aa12b/

Kevin Hyer

🌐 HyerCalling.org

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhyeresq/

This episode is sponsored by Brian Case and Direct Wealth Care, providing conflict-free tools and resources that help physicians address the financial stress not talked about in medicine. https://directwealthcare.com/

If today’s conversation resonated with you, you’ll find more powerful stories like this in our White Coats book series — created to humanize medicine and amplify physician voices: https://standupfordoctors.org/books/

And if you’re ready to go deeper…

🌿 Join us at the Stand Up (for) Doctors! Inaugural Physician Retreat

📍 Windrose on Hudson

🗓 October 9–12, 2026

🔗 https://standupfordoctors.org/events/

CME Credits Available:

• 11 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

• 11 AOA Category 2-A CME Credits

Interested in sponsoring an episode or supporting this movement?

📩 standupfordoctors@gmail.com

Because when doctors reclaim joy, everyone benefits.

#StandUpForDoctors #PhysicianWellness #Recovery #AddictionMedicine #DoctorSupport #HealingHealthcare #Episode160

Doctors can be surrounded by people all day, yet still feel lonely.

In this episode of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, we're talking about something every physician needs but too few receive: community.

🔹 Dr. Lulu is a Nigerian-born pediatrician, author, speaker, and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Her work centers on helping people feel seen, valued, and connected.

🔹 Dr. Nicole Perrotte is board-certified in Internal Medicine and as a Health & Wellness Coach, with more than 20 years of experience in Internal, Lifestyle, and Obesity Medicine.

Medicine can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be isolating. Long hours, professional expectations, and the culture of self-sacrifice often leave physicians feeling disconnected from others and even from themselves.

What happens when doctors find genuine community? What role does connection play in resilience, wellbeing, and professional fulfillment?

Together, we explore why meaningful relationships are not a luxury in medicine. They're essential.

The strongest doctors aren't the ones who carry everything themselves. They're the ones who know how to stay connected.

🔗 Connect with our guests:

Dr. Lulu

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlulu/

Dr. Nicole Perrotte

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/nperrotte/

This episode is sponsored by Brian Case and Direct Wealth Care, providing conflict-free tools and resources that help physicians address the financial stress not talked about in medicine. https://directwealthcare.com/

If today’s conversation resonated with you, you’ll find more powerful stories like this in our White Coats book series — created to humanize medicine and amplify physician voices: https://standupfordoctors.org/books/

And if you’re ready to go deeper…

🌿 Join us at the Stand Up (for) Doctors! Inaugural Physician Retreat

📍 Windrose on Hudson

🗓 October 9–12, 2026

🔗 https://standupfordoctors.org/events/

Interested in sponsoring an episode or supporting this movement?

📩 standupfordoctors@gmail.com

Because when doctors reclaim joy, everyone benefits.

#StandUpForDoctors #PhysicianWellness #CommunityInMedicine #DoctorSupport #ConnectionMatters #HealingHealthcare #Episode159