Today we’re addressing a common challenge many of us face—comparison. It’s easy to fall into the “compare and despair” cycle, especially in high-achieving professions like medicine, but you don’t have to stay stuck there. I’m joined by Dr. Jessie Mahoney, a pediatrician, coach, and mindfulness expert who co-hosts the Mindful Healers podcast. Together, we dive into practical strategies for recognizing and breaking free from the comparison trap. Dr. Mahoney shares insights on the roots of comparison in medical training, the harmful effects it can have, and how mindfulness can help you reframe your thinking, find peace, and focus on your unique strengths.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode207

In this episode we’re talking about:

• How the comparison trap can lead to feelings of inadequacy and burnout.
• The ways medical training fosters a habit of comparing ourselves to others.
• Practical steps to shift your mindset and focus on your strengths.
• How to find fulfillment by moving away from comparison and embracing your journey.
• Shifting to a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.
• Mindfulness techniques to help pause, notice, and redirect negative thoughts.

Links for this episode:

LinkedIn for Physicians Course

This fun course shows you how to create a stand-out profile on LinkedIn and use the powerful features to advance your career goals. The short video lessons guide you step-by-step on how to grow your connections, network successfully, and search for and apply to jobs. Included are cheat sheets for each lesson, examples of physician profiles, and a bonus PDF on how to rock your informational interviews.

Today we’re diving into the challenges caregivers face and practical advice on how to care for others while also caring for your well-being. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, an ill spouse, or a child with special needs, being a caregiver often leads to exhaustion and burnout. Joining me is Dr. Delia Chiaramonte, an integrative palliative care physician and host of The Integrative Palliative Podcast. Dr. Chiaramonte shares her personal story and offers strategies for setting boundaries, asking for help, and managing the emotional challenges of caregiving. Whether you're a physician caring for a loved one or know someone in this position, this episode is full of invaluable insights.

• The most common mistakes caregivers make and when to ask for help.
• Dr. Chiaramonte’s personal journey as a caregiver and how it shaped her approach.
• Practical steps for balancing caregiving with self-care.
• The importance of setting boundaries and why it's crucial to get help before reaching burnout.
• Strategies for overcoming guilt, shame, and challenging emotions that may come up around caregiving.
• Examples of how families can navigate caregiving challenges successfully.

www.integrativepalliative.com

www.CopingCourageously.com

Starting November 13th, the Doctor’s Crossing Carpe Diem podcast will be moving to a bi-weekly schedule. There will be no new episode on November 6th, but we’re excited to continue bringing you inspiring and insightful content every other week starting November 13th. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing more episodes with you on this new schedule!

We are diving into an incredibly important conversation around mental health and well-being for physicians, a topic that is too often overshadowed by stigma. Breaking through the silence is essential, and I’m honored to have Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist, mindfulness meditation teacher, and physician coach, join us for this episode. Dr. Fisher is a leader in organizational well-being and resiliency, with a passion for healing both the heart and mind. We explore practical steps that physicians can take to prioritize mental well-being, overcome shame, and break the stigma surrounding mental health in the medical profession.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode205

In this episode we’re talking about:

• Dr. Fisher's personal journey with anxiety, burnout, and finding healing through mindfulness.
• The challenges physicians face in seeking help for mental health and overcoming the stigma.
• Practical steps for physicians to protect their mental health while managing demanding careers.
• Navigating the complexities of disclosing mental health conditions as a physician.
• The broader impact of mental health on personal and professional well-being in medicine.

Links for this episode:

The How of Happiness - mentioned by Dr. Fisher

Lorna Breen Foundation - Advocating For the Mental Health and Well-Being of Healthcare Workers

Book:

Just One Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness

Social Media:

LinkedIn: Jonathan Fisher, MD, FACC

Instagram: happyheartMD

Website:

endingclinicianburnout.com,

www.happyheartMD.com

Sponsor:

PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance.