Episode #194: An Anesthesiologist’s Decision to Follow Her Heart Led to a Rewarding Career Teaching at a Community College
Today we’re diving into a topic that generates a lot of interest in the physician community: teaching. I’m thrilled to have Dr. Melissa Wheeler, an anesthesiologist who transitioned to teaching anatomy and physiology at a community college because she wanted to pursue something that made her happy. Dr. Wheeler will share her journey from clinical practice to academia, the qualifications needed, what a typical week looks like, compensation, and more. Her insights will be invaluable if you’re considering teaching or seeking inspiration to follow your heart.
In this episode we’re talking about:
- Dr. Wheeler’s journey from loving anesthesia in residency to struggling as an attending.
- The challenges and rewards of teaching at a community college
- A typical week for a community college instructor.
- Qualifications needed to teach at a community college.
- Compensation and benefits of teaching roles.
- Advice for physicians considering a transition to teaching.
- The value of asking yourself what would make you happy in your career.
Links for this episode:
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.
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"Heather taught me that 'the truth will set you free'."
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!
Megan Leivant, MD
"Heather’s approach was great! She would listen to me and helped me appreciate who I am."
I remember when she said ‘do your resume before our next meeting’, I was about to push back but she gently nudged me along and I’m glad I did exactly what she wanted me to do. We also did interview prep via Zoom and I was offered a great job in UM. She has continued to follow up even after I was offered this job, helping me with pointers about negotiating. I will totally recommend the Doctors Crossing and Heather to anyone feeling stuck like me and looking for a great coach! Thank you Heather!
- Modupe Oladeinde, MD
“The coaching I have had with you has been life changing."
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What started out as an initial thirty-minute consultation call turned into an amazing four-year journey that transformed my life, personally, spiritually and professionally.
Heather helped me to discover my passions...by doing so, I discovered I still had a calling for medicine but it now came from a place of truth...
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If you are reading this as a “Type A” surgeon who doesn’t think coaching is for you, I would encourage you to give Heather a shot. I’m very glad I did!
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Through our work, I learned to trust myself to make good decisions for my own future – something I hadn’t realized I was struggling with because as an emergency physician, I make life-changing decisions with patients every day.
By feeding my creativity and interests in other realms of my professional life, I’ve found renewed compassion for my patients and myself, making every shift an opportunity to actually care for people. Thank you Heather. I really couldn’t have made these changes without your help!
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From the very first interaction with Heather, it became abundantly clear that she possessed a systematic approach and a methodology firmly rooted in my focusing on my goals and aspirations. Heather's coaching sessions helped me dismantle limiting beliefs and unearth the capable woman, mother, and physician within me. Under Heather's guidance, I began to dream again. I rediscovered my passion for writing, found the courage to share my stories, and even launched my own coaching practice. Today, I specialize in helping others conquer imposter syndrome and overcome burnout, empowering them to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Working with Heather fundamentally shifted my perspective and allowed me to show up authentically in every facet of my life, resulting in a profound sense of fulfillment.
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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Making a career shift can be a lonely time, and Heather was there every step of the way with encouraging words. She helped me gain a better understanding of the breadth of careers available to physicians, as well as giving me the tools to make that leap possible. My life is better than I ever thought possible. I'm happier, healthier and doing work that I love. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner.
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She quickly helped me recognize an area where I was limiting myself and encouraged me to explore new possibilities. Her sound and supportive guidance empowered me to take the next steps in launching my parent coaching services. I’m grateful for her support and highly recommend her expertise!
Reshma Shah MD, MPH
"Heather taught me that 'the truth will set you free'."
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!
Megan Leivant, MD
"Heather’s approach was great! She would listen to me and helped me appreciate who I am."
I remember when she said ‘do your resume before our next meeting’, I was about to push back but she gently nudged me along and I’m glad I did exactly what she wanted me to do. We also did interview prep via Zoom and I was offered a great job in UM. She has continued to follow up even after I was offered this job, helping me with pointers about negotiating. I will totally recommend the Doctors Crossing and Heather to anyone feeling stuck like me and looking for a great coach! Thank you Heather!
- Modupe Oladeinde, MD
Hi Heather,
All of your episodes continue to be so inspiring and enjoyable! This episode with Dr Wheeler is yet another great one. Though it’s been almost 5 years since you worked with me to transition to Non clinical work in UM, I keep learning from you and your guests, thank you!
Modupe! It is always such a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you for your very supportive comments, they are most appreciated. I will pass these on to Dr. Wheeler. I thought she did a great job, just as you did when you joined me on the podcast for episode #3 to share your own transition story!Thank you for being such a dedicated member of the podcastcommunity!
So appreciated hearing this episode. Dr. Wheeler’s story was essentially just like my own some 20 years ago. Thought I was a lone ranger. Still enjoy teaching.
Wow! 20 years ago!? You are an OG!! How wonderful that you are still enjoying teaching Dr. McKay! Thank you so much for sharing your appreciation and taking the time to comment. I will pass along to Dr. Wheeler.