Episode #97: It’s Not Uncommon To Have Our Head In The Sand - What’s The Remedy?

Episode #97: It’s Not Uncommon To Have Our Head In The Sand – What’s The Remedy?

Have you ever had an “aha moment” where you suddenly realize there is a significant problem you’ve been avoiding by burying your head in the sand? This is a common behavior, and there are many reasons we may lean on this coping mechanism. But once you’ve admitted there is a problem, what’s the next step? That’s what today’s guest, Dr. Tom Black, is here to discuss. Dr. Black is a Naval veteran and former ER physician, and he’s going to share with us how to take an empowered stance and make informed decisions to achieve the life you want.

In this episode we’re talking about:

Dr. Black’s winding road to a career in medicine
The value of learning from your mistakes
How Tom realized a clinical career was not for him
Assessing whether your current path will take you where you want to go
The importance of asking yourself if you are happy
Understanding the role of finances in making life decisions
Why creating a plan is such a valuable tool

Links for this episode:

Dr. Thomas Black’s LinkedIn

The Passive Income Physician – Surviving a Career Crisis By Expanding Net Worth by Dr. Thomas Black

The Tax Code: Change The Facts of Your Financial Life to Create True Wealth And Peace of Mind by Dr. Thomas Black

Carpe Diem Resume Kit – Converting your CV to a resume helps recruiters better understand why you are a great match for a specific job. My resume kit will guide you through creating a polished resume for your desired job. Templates are included as well as a bonus on writing your cover letter. Give yourself the best chance of getting that interview!

Thank you for listening!

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Colorectal Surgeon

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Emergency Medicine Physician

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Internal Medicine Physician

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Family Medicine

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I had been a practicing Internist for 20 years when I reached a point when I needed to make a serious change in my career path. While I enjoyed seeing patients, I was not satisfied with my life-work balance. My job was taking me away from my family and left me little time and energy to do other things that are important and meaningful to me. I came across Dr. Fork's podcast; The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast, it is such an informative and enjoyable podcast for any physician who wants to do more with their career and life in general. Then I had the pleasure to get career coaching from Heather, it was truly an amazing experience. Heather has broad knowledge of all the different career paths that are available for physicians, she is so insightful and very easy to talk to. She helped me clarify my goals, examine my own mindset and definition of success. Together we developed a clear plan and actionable steps to reach these goals. I eventually made a career transition to a remote non-clinical position that allows me to do meaningful work which aligns with my personal and professional goals and priorities.

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Internal Medicine

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I am deeply grateful that I can continue my work in the emergency department and serve my community as a physician as well as a coach. Working with Heather was a transformative gift that enabled me to rediscover my true self, find clarity in my life's purpose, and unlock my full potential. Through her guidance, I not only reignited the powerful, confident, and bold version of myself I had lost sight of but also realized the boundless possibilities that lay ahead.

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I sought Heather’s guidance after practicing outpatient internal medicine for many years, as it was getting difficult to balance my role as a clinician while meeting my needs and those of my family. After our first consultation, I felt like I was seen and heard for the first time in my career. Working with Heather helped me identify my strengths, weaknesses, fears, and goals, and ultimately guided me to a non-clinical role that better aligned with my needs and aspirations. I am deeply indebted to Heather for the impact she has had on my personal and professional development. She is one of the most influential people in my life and I continue to seek her guidance years after our initial encounter. She once said that “we are happiest and most successful when we are using our skills and abilities at their highest level.” Heather will help you discover your truth. Thank you for your incredible work and friendship!

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Internal Medicine