Episode #77: She didn’t leave medicine, she found joy in a new path

While many physicians experiencing burnout feel the best path for them is transitioning to a nonclinical job, others realize they have a clinical passion outside of their current specialty that reinvigorates their love for practicing medicine. This is what happened to today’s guest, Dr. Dana Muhlfelder, an EM physician who found joy and balance by pursuing work in the hospice and palliative care field. She’ll share how she realized she needed to explore additional career options, why she loves hospice and palliative care, and what she did to create a career that works for her. We’ll also learn about some steps you can take to explore this expanding and much needed area in medicine. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/77 In this episode we’re talking about: What led Dr. Muhlfelder to search for professional fulfillment outside of the ER Why Dana finds end-of-life care to be so meaningful How she found a fellowship program that fit her needs What it was like completing a fellowship while working as an attending How Dr. Muhlfelder balances her two roles now Why Dana feels finding her new path saved her career How to pursue this career option if it interests you Links for this episode: American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Death Cafe   Book Recommendations ON LIVING by Kerry Egan BEING MORAL by Atul Gawande MORTALITY by Christopher Hitchens WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR by Paul Kalanithi IN SHOCK by Rana Awdish THAT GOOD NIGHT by Sunita Puri A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE END by BJ Miller

Om Podcasten

Are you a physician who’s questioning your career path? If you’re at the white coat crossroads, for whatever reason, this podcast is for you. We’re going to help you find your best path forward, whether it’s to be happier in patient care, transition to a nonclinical career, or do something completely different. In the weekly podcasts, we’re bringing you all the good stuff: -Actionable tools and resources to help you start making positive changes. -Interviews with physicians who’ve found new and fulfilling ways to practice as well as those who’ve transitioned into nonclinical careers. -Concrete advice for applying to jobs, using LinkedIn, interviewing, negotiating, and much more. Your host, Dr. Heather Fork, is a former board-certified dermatologist who transitioned into full-time career coaching for physicians over 10 years ago. She is a master certified coach who has been helping hundreds of physicians find ways to be happier both in medicine and beyond. Come visit us at www.doctorscrossing.com to learn more!