Episode #169: Navigating your career with a disability or chronic illness

How do you cope and adapt when your own health becomes a barrier to practicing medicine? This week I’m speaking with Dr. Courtney Barrett, an internal medicine physician, who helps us navigate this pivotal question. Dr. Barrett shares her personal journey and provides insight into managing life and a medical career with significant health challenges. Her story is not just one of resilience, but also a guiding light for physicians who find themselves not by choice on a similar path.

In this episode we’re talking about:

The emotional impact of chronic illness on a physician’s career and identity
How Dr. Barrett continues to find ways to practice while dealing with multiple medical conditions
The complexities of balancing medical practice with personal health challenges
Enhancing patient relationships despite health challenges
Career shift: From hands-on care to telemedicine
Finding strength in physician support networks
Key resources for physicians facing health barriers

Links for this episode:

Physicians For Physicians Facebook Group – This is a private (nonsearchable) Facebook group for physicians dealing with a chronic illness and/or a disability. To inquire about joining this group, please send an email to physiciansforphysicians@gmail.com.

Private 1:1 Consultations – If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, Dr. Heather Fork offers one-hour Zoom consultations. This one-hour coaching session may be all you need to gain clarity and have some concrete steps for moving forward. Dr. Fork also has a 5-month coaching program for those physicians wanting additional assistance (subject to availability). For more information please reach out to Kati at team@doctorscrosing.com.

Episode 77 – A Career-Ending Injury Leads To A New Direction

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Emergency Medicine Physician

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Internal Medicine Physician

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Internal Medicine