Ending Physician Overwhelm

10 Things I've Learned in 4 Years of Coaching Physicians

Megan Melo, Physician and Life Coach Episode 199

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You're Not Broken. You're Just in a Broken System.
After four years of coaching women physicians, I've noticed patterns; patterns that show up again and again in brilliant, capable doctors who feel like they're barely holding it together.

If you've ever felt like a hot mess inside while everyone thinks you have it all figured out, this episode is for you.


What You'll Discover in This Episode:
1. We all feel like hot messes inside You think it's just you who's struggling to thrive in healthcare. It's not. Every woman physician I've coached feels this way. The problem isn't you; it's the system. But this belief keeps us isolated, thinking we're the only ones falling apart.

2. We're all carrying trauma (even if we don't see it) Migraines. Panic attacks. That third glass of wine. Emotional numbness. These aren't character flaws; they're trauma responses. Our bodies weren't designed to hold this much stress for this long.

3. We think we "should" know how to take care of ourselves. Here's the truth bomb: You were never taught self-care. You were taught self-sacrifice. Stop that sentence in your head that says "I'm a doctor, I should know better." Knowing medical facts doesn't mean you know how to care for yourself.

4. The system doesn't value your unique gifts You have patients who say "I never want to see anyone else." You make a real difference. But the system treats you like a widget. When you don't fit in their box, you internalize the message that you're not valuable. That thought is killing us.

5. We get in our own way "Who I am isn't enough. What I want doesn't matter. I need to be better before I deserve what I want." Sound familiar? This belief is the biggest stumbling block keeping you stuck.

6. We won't set boundaries until we believe in our own value You think you have to prove your worth first, then you'll deserve boundaries. But that day never comes. The system profits from your lack of boundaries. You have to believe in your value NOW to set them.

7. We think there's ONE right way to do everything Medical training taught us to look for the algorithm, the evidence, the one best answer. So we keep searching for the perfect planner, the ideal system, the magic app. Meanwhile, we take no action at all. The best system is the one that works for YOU.

8. Change is uncomfortable—and we hate that You can rewire yourself. You can set boundaries. You can take better care of yourself. But it requires time you don't think you have and attention you don't think you have. Growth feels awkward. That's how you know it's working.

9. The answer isn't out there. It's in here. I know you want a hack, an app, a planner that will fix everything. But no external system will replace doing your own internal work. You need tools and support, yes—but you have to do the work yourself.

10. The doctors crushing it aren't doing it alone They hire help. They delegate. They're in communities. They have support systems you can't see. You only see what they're doing—not all the things they're NOT doing and not the he

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To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: megan@healthierforgood.com

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@MeganMeloMD