Find the full transcript for this episode and more resources for Women Physician Leaders here.

At what point in your doctoring career are you considered a leader? Is it always in the title behind your name? Is it always in the promotion? I'm sure it's a little different for everyone.

In some ways, I’ve been a leader since childhood — ever since someone first called me “bossy.” I’ve always had a tendency to walk at the front of the line. I was the kid who pushed limits, negotiated for more freedom, and declared the future with the bold clarity only youth can offer.

Time and experience may have softened that vision, but the call to lead is still there — it’s just evolved. We lead every day: as advocates for our patients, families, colleagues, profession, and yes — ourselves.

Being a woman physician leader is a uniquely complex and nuanced role. We give so much of ourselves that we often feel like we're standing at the bottom of the pyramid. But in reality, our leadership — our presence — is the foundation that holds everything up.

Dr. Stephanie Yamout helps women physician leaders get their time back, own their value, and command the room as they were born to do. For coaching support, apply for Stephanie's Signature Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you to a call.

Find the full transcript for this episode and more resources for Women Physician Leaders here.

As women physician leaders, we’re used to saying “yes.” Sometimes we don’t even realize we’ve said it — it just slips out automatically. We’re so efficient at getting things done that we barely pause before diving in.

But those invisible yeses? They add up.

They accumulate over years — into jam-packed days, late nights filled with emails, PowerPoint slides, meeting prep, and workflow design. Each yes adds weight. And over time, that weight becomes exhausting.

Eventually, the load is too heavy. And we ask ourselves: How do I start saying no?
Where do I even begin?

Some physicians flip the switch and take a sabbatical — and let’s be honest, that sounds pretty tempting. Others step back from roles to reclaim space.

And some get clear on their values, saying “yes” only when it truly aligns — protecting their limited time and energy for what matters most.

It’s not always easy, but it’s a powerful shift. And it changes everything.

Dr. Stephanie Yamout helps women physician leaders get their time back, own their value, and command the room as they were born to do. For coaching support, apply for Stephanie's Signature Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you to a call.

Welcome to the Women MD Leaders podcast.

I’m your host, Dr. Stephanie Yamout — pediatric hospitalist, coach for women physician leaders, and passionate advocate for building careers that feel powerful and fulfilling.

Here, you'll get practical tips to thrive in demanding clinical and leadership roles — from creating more time, to overcoming perfectionism, managing doubt, and leading with true confidence.

We’ll dive into the unique challenges women face in medicine and leadership, and I’ll share real-world tools and insights to help you grow and succeed.

With 15 years of leadership experience and coaching certification through the Co-Active Training Institute, I bring honest, actionable wisdom to every conversation.

Dr. Stephanie Yamout helps women physician leaders get their time back, own their value, and command the room as they were born to do. For coaching support, apply for Stephanie's Signature Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you to a call.