Better Physician Life: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career

Doctor Podcast Network, Dr. Michael Hersh
  • 5.0 (15)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Many physicians feel stuck. But what if mid-career medicine didn’t mean burnout, boredom, or being boxed in? Better Physician Life, hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, is the podcast that helps doctors reclaim clarity, joy, and purpose in their careers—without quitting medicine. Through honest solo episodes and transformative guest interviews, Dr. Hersh explores what it really means to design a life in medicine on your own terms. This is where mindset meets reinvention—and where stuck doctors find the tools to get unstuck.

Episodes

  1. Overcoming Fear Of Failure | Ep9

    5D AGO

    Overcoming Fear Of Failure | Ep9

    What stops you from chasing the life or career you truly want?  In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh dives into the fear of failure—a quiet but powerful force that keeps physicians stuck. Reflecting on his own hesitations and coaching experiences, he explores how the pressure to succeed, ingrained through years of medical training, can make any misstep feel like a personal flaw. Dr. Hersh offers actionable tools to break this cycle: reframing failure as a stepping stone, practicing self-compassion to quiet perfectionism, and asking what success truly means to you. With insights on embracing progress over perfection and handling the fear of change, this episode is a guide for physicians ready to move past self-doubt and step boldly toward their goals. Top 3 Takeaways Reframe Failure – View failure as a data point, not a verdict on your worth. Like Thomas Edison’s 10,000 tries, each attempt is progress toward your goal.Practice Self-Compassion – Speak to yourself with the kindness you’d offer a child or colleague, especially when things don’t go as planned, to build resilience.Define Your Success – Reflect on what success means to you beyond titles or accolades, focusing on personal values like presence or purpose to guide your choices.About the Show Created for physicians seeking more than clinical excellence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the white coat. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode tackles the unspoken challenges of medical life, offering tools and insights to live and lead with intention. About the Host Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md 📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching 📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife   The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min
  2. Addicted to Achievement |Ep8

    SEP 22

    Addicted to Achievement |Ep8

    What if the ambition that made you a great physician is now holding you back? In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh explores the hidden cost of "achievement addiction"—a mindset ingrained in physicians from early education through residency. He reflects on how the relentless pursuit of success, from gold stars to board scores, can morph into a treadmill where happiness fades and the finish line keeps moving. Dr. Hersh shares personal insights and practical tools to help physicians step off this treadmill. He introduces strategies like redefining success based on personal values, practicing self-compassion to quiet the inner critic, setting firm boundaries, and reconnecting with the original "why" behind choosing medicine. This episode is a candid guide for doctors feeling trapped by constant striving, offering actionable steps to build a life with more presence, purpose, and balance. Top 3 Takeaways Redefine Success – Reflect on what success means to you beyond titles or metrics, like being present for family or aligning work with personal values, to shift away from external validation.Practice Self-Compassion – Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a colleague, recognizing mistakes as part of growth, not a verdict on your worth.Set Boundaries – Protect your time and energy by saying no to extra tasks, leaving work on time, or disconnecting during family moments to prioritize what truly matters.About the Show Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.  About the host Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md 📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching 📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife     The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min
  3. The Silence We Can’t Keep: A Conversation on Physician Suicide | Ep7

    SEP 15

    The Silence We Can’t Keep: A Conversation on Physician Suicide | Ep7

    Physician and medical student suicide is a silent epidemic, claiming the lives of an estimated 300–400 U.S. doctors each year.  In this episode, Dr. Michael Hersh welcomes John and Michele Dietl, parents of Dr. Kevin Dietl. Together, they remember Kevin’s journey, reflect on the pressures and isolation that can come with medical training, and share their advocacy work to break the stigma surrounding mental health. From the creation of Missouri’s Show Me Compassion Act to their involvement with CHADS Coalition for Mental Health, John and Michelle offer hope, tangible prevention strategies, and a heartfelt reminder: seeking help is not weakness—it is courage. Dr. Hersh also shares the HEART acronym for recognizing warning signs, resources for physicians in crisis, and the urgent need for systemic change so healthcare workers can seek mental health care without fear of career repercussions. This episode is both a tribute and a call to action: to speak up, to check in, and to believe that no one should face their struggles alone. Top 3 Takeaways: Your Life Matters – To your patients, loved ones, colleagues, and most importantly, to you. Seeking help is an act of strength, not weakness.  Break the Silence – Speak openly about mental health, watch for warning signs in yourself and others, and don’t hesitate to start a conversation.  Systemic Change is Essential – Licensing and credentialing practices must eliminate stigmatizing questions to allow healthcare workers to access care without fear.If you or someone you know is in crisis: 📞 Call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org (Free, 24/7, confidential) 📞 Physician Support Line: 1-888-409-0141 📞 NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264  About the Show: Better Physician Life is for doctors who want more than clinical competence—it’s about reclaiming purpose, balance, and fulfillment beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode blends honest reflection with practical strategies to help physicians live and lead with intention. About the Guest:  John and Michele Dietl are the parents of Dr. Kevin Dietl, a fourth-year medical student remembered for his brilliance, kindness, humor, and deep commitment to medicine. Kevin tragically died by suicide just months before graduation, leaving behind a legacy of determination, compassion, and an enduring reminder of the urgent need to address physician and medical student mental health. Their advocacy was instrumental in passing Missouri’s Show Me Compassion Act, a law requiring the state’s medical schools to meet regularly to address student mental health. They also supported legislation creating the Assistant Physician role, enabling medical graduates without residency placements to serve in underserved areas under supervision. In addition, John and Michelle work closely with CHADS Coalition for Mental Health, an organization providing suicide prevention, anti-bullying, and emotional wellness programs to tens of thousands of students annually. Through speaking engagements, policy change, and community outreach, the Dietls honor Kevin’s memory by working to break stigma, eliminate barriers to care, and remind others—especially physicians and trainees—that seeking help is an act of courage, not weakness. About the Host: Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md 📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching 📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife   The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

    35 min
  4. I Didn't Go Into Medicine To Become This | Ep6

    SEP 8

    I Didn't Go Into Medicine To Become This | Ep6

    “I didn’t go into medicine to become this.”  It’s a quiet thought. But most of us have had it at some point in our careers. We start with purpose, with energy, with an eagerness to help. And then… the years add up. Patient after patient. Room after room. The tragedies and the hard conversations. The exhaustion of being everything for everyone else. We hold it together with a thin veneer—until it cracks. And somewhere along the way, we notice we’ve become someone we barely recognize. The snapping. The shutting down. The quiet retreat inside ourselves. In this episode, host Dr. Michael Hersh and guest Dr. Kemia Sarraf, dive into the unseen toll of medical training and practice. Reflecting on their shared journey through residency, they discuss how unprocessed stress compounds into burnout and disillusionment. Dr. Sarraf introduces powerful tools like co-regulation—how connection with colleagues disrupts trauma—and the importance of "resourcing" to prevent embodiment of harm. This episode blends personal storytelling with actionable strategies, offering physicians a path to heal, reconnect with their purpose, and lead with compassion in their demanding roles. Top 3 Takeaways Acknowledge and Name Trauma – Recognize that trauma in medicine is not a personal failure but a systemic issue; naming it opens the path to healing.Practice Co-Regulation – Build connections with colleagues to disrupt traumatic stress; shared experiences and support are powerful tools for resilience.Prioritize Resourcing – Identify and access what you need (e.g., time, community, self-compassion) to prevent stress from becoming embodied trauma.About the Show Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention. About the Guest:  Dr. Kemia Sarraf is a board-certified internal medicine physician, founder, and CEO of Lodestar Consulting and Executive Coaching. With over two decades of experience in medicine, public health, nonprofit leadership, and trauma mitigation, she brings a unique perspective to supporting high-performing professionals. Her trauma-responsive coaching approach, informed by her clinical background and personal commitment to healing, helps physicians and others navigate chronic stress and burnout. Dr. Sarraf completed her Medical Degree and Master of Public Health at the University of Utah School of Medicine and her residency in Internal Medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Dr. Sarraf lives on a farm in Central Illinois with her husband, four sons, and numerous animals. Connect with Dr. Sarraf: 🌐 Website: www.lodestarpc.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkemia📸 Instagram: @drkemia📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KemiaSAbout the Host Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website:  www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗 LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md  📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching 📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.

    45 min
  5. You Don't Know What You Don't Know | Ep5

    SEP 1

    You Don't Know What You Don't Know | Ep5

    Can awareness transform your medical practice and personal life? Host Dr. Michael Hersh dives into the deceptively simple concept of “you don’t know what you don’t know” on Better Physician Life. Reflecting on his own shift from coasting on autopilot to embracing intentional awareness, he shares how physicians’ ingrained need to “have all the answers” can create invisible mental ruts.  Drawing on his own experiences, Dr. Hersh introduces practical tools, like the “thought download”—a no-filter brain dump to separate facts from stories—and “habit anchoring,” which ties mindset check-ins to daily routines like showering or bedtime.  He addresses the brain’s negativity bias, offering strategies to pause, question unhelpful thoughts, and celebrate small wins to build resilience. This episode weaves personal storytelling with actionable advice, providing physicians with tools to break free from mental tire tracks, reduce burnout, and rediscover choice in their demanding routines. Top 3 TakeawaysPractice Thought Downloads – Write down all thoughts without judgment, then separate facts from stories to challenge unhelpful assumptions and gain clarity.Use Habit Anchoring – Tie mindset check-ins to routines (e.g., showering, bedtime) by asking, “What am I thankful for?” or “What went well today?” to build awareness.Celebrate Small Wins – Log three daily successes, even minor ones, to retrain your brain to see beyond problems and foster mental resilience.About the Show Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention. About the HostDr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md 📸Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching 📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife   The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  6. A Good Doctor Doesn't Do That | Ep4

    AUG 25

    A Good Doctor Doesn't Do That | Ep4

    Dr. Michael Hersh gets honest about the silent rules many physicians live by: always be available, always stay clinical, never stray from the traditional path. But what happens when those rules begin to feel like a cage rather than a calling? Through personal stories, reflective exercises, and heartfelt insight, Dr. Hersh invites listeners to examine the story they've inherited about what it means to be a “good doctor.” He explores how fear, guilt, and outdated expectations can stifle creativity and authenticity and how shifting that story opens the door to purpose, possibility, and a more human version of success. Whether you’ve felt hesitant to try something new, questioned your worth outside of clinical practice, or are simply wondering what else might be possible, this episode offers a compassionate, courageous starting point. Top 3 TakeawaysName the Rules – Write out the “I am” and “I’m not” statements that shape your identity as a physician. Then swap the “I” for “you” to see whose voice you're really following.Challenge the Narrative – Ask yourself: Who gave me this definition of a good doctor? Is it still serving me, or just keeping me safe?Take One Small Step – You don’t need to reinvent your life—just take one small, curious step toward something that lights you up.About the ShowCreated for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention. About the HostDr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md 📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching  📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife   The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min
  7. The Myth Of Work-Life Balance | Ep3

    AUG 18

    The Myth Of Work-Life Balance | Ep3

    Balance isn’t about managing your time perfectly. It’s about giving yourself permission to live fully. Dr. Michael Hersh gets real about the myth of work-life balance and why it often falls short of reality. With honesty and insight, he explains how medicine seeps into every corner of life, making separation nearly impossible. Rather than trying to extract “life” from an already blended identity, Dr. Hersh offers a refreshing reframe: stop chasing balance and start embracing alignment. He walks us through how guilt, outdated definitions of success, and rigid expectations create a cycle of self-criticism and how small, intentional shifts can begin to reverse that. Through stories, metaphors (yes, including chocolate milk), and questions for reflection, this episode reminds listeners that you don’t need perfect boundaries or flawless systems. You need grace, presence, and values-based choices. Whether you’re managing inboxes on vacation or struggling with missing moments at home, this episode offers a compassionate, real-world roadmap to redefining what balance actually means. Top 3 TakeawaysShrink the Goal – If sweeping lifestyle changes feel impossible, start smaller. Even five minutes of intentional space can rebuild trust with yourself.Focus on Alignment, Not Perfection – Balance isn’t about equal time for everything. It’s about giving what matters most your best attention in that moment.Reclaim Grace – You don’t need to earn rest or joy. Show yourself the same compassion you give your patients and your family.  About the Show:Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention. About the HostDr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md 📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching TikTok: @betterphysicianlife The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min
  8. Physician Reinvention: It's Time To Create Your Next Chapter | Ep2

    AUG 18

    Physician Reinvention: It's Time To Create Your Next Chapter | Ep2

    What happens when the white coat no longer feels like the right fit?In this episode, Dr. Michael Hersh dives into the real-world journey of physician reinvention not as a dramatic overhaul, but as an intentional, grounded shift toward meaning and alignment. He shares why mid-career restlessness isn’t a crisis but a clue, and why the question “Is this it?” may be the beginning of a more honest, fulfilling chapter. Dr. Hersh explains how the strict path of medical training can leave doctors feeling stuck—and how taking small, brave steps like creating space, asking questions, and exploring new options can lead to real change. If you’re tired of living by old definitions of success, this episode can help you start fresh with clarity and confidence. He also shares a free guide: “The 5 Essential Steps Every Physician Needs to Figure Out What’s Next” at betterphysicianlife.com/whatsnext. Three Actionable Takeaways:Create White Space – Step away from the noise. Give yourself the time and silence to hear what your intuition has been trying to say.  Get Curious – Explore what energizes you and what drains you. Rediscover the parts of you that have been buried under clinical obligations.  Test, Don’t Overthink – Start small. Try something new (a side project, a committee, a walk without your phone). Clarity comes from movement, not perfection.  About the Show Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention. About the HostDr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md 📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching TikTok: @betterphysicianlife    The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    18 min
  9. How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career | Ep1

    AUG 18

    How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career | Ep1

    What if success doesn’t feel like it should? In this premiere episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh opens up about his own experience feeling stuck in what looked like a successful career. He describes the slow, persistent whisper that told him something was missing, despite having checked all the boxes of traditional medical achievement. Rather than treating that restlessness as a failure, Dr. Hersh reframes it as a sign of readiness for growth and evolution. Through thoughtful storytelling and honest reflection, he introduces key themes the podcast will explore: reinvention, belonging, courage, creativity, and aligning with your current self, not just the one who wrote a med school personal statement 15 years ago. If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing a version of success that no longer fits, this episode offers you permission to pause, reflect, and begin your own journey toward a more fulfilling physician life. Top 3 Takeaways 1. Pay Attention to the Whisper – That low-level hum of restlessness is not a problem to fix. It’s a signal that you may be ready to evolve beyond what once worked for you. 2. Redefine Success – The version of success you’ve been living may have run its course. That’s not failure, it’s growth. 3. Reconnect with Your Whole Self – Joy, rest, and creativity don’t make you less of a doctor. They make you more of a human, and that makes you a better doctor. About the ShowCreated for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention. About the HostDr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md 📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching TikTok: @betterphysicianlife       The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    13 min
  10. You’re Not Stuck, You’re Just Ready for More | Ep0

    JUL 23

    You’re Not Stuck, You’re Just Ready for More | Ep0

    What if the life you built wasn’t wrong… it just no longer fits? In this introductory episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh shares the deeply personal story of how outward success slowly gave way to quiet disconnection. From leading in clinical practice to missing bedtime stories and laughter in the next room, he walks us through the subtle unraveling that so many physicians silently experience—but never talk about. This isn’t a show about burnout. It’s a show about reconnection—to your values, your family, and yourself. Dr. Hersh introduces the themes that will guide the podcast: emotional clarity, time freedom, reinvention, and redefining success on your terms. You don’t have to leave medicine to feel whole again—but you do have to stop pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. This episode is your green light to explore what’s next, with honesty, courage, and intention. Top 3 Takeaways You’re Not Alone – Feeling disconnected isn’t a flaw—it’s a signal.You Don’t Have to Burn it All Down – Reinvention doesn’t require quitting medicine. It starts with small, honest shifts.Success is Not Static – You are allowed to evolve beyond the identity you built years ago.About the ShowCreated for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training—offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention. About the HostDr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home—and less overwhelmed at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career—and life—they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success could look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md 📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    8 min
  • 10 Episodes

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Many physicians feel stuck. But what if mid-career medicine didn’t mean burnout, boredom, or being boxed in? Better Physician Life, hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, is the podcast that helps doctors reclaim clarity, joy, and purpose in their careers—without quitting medicine. Through honest solo episodes and transformative guest interviews, Dr. Hersh explores what it really means to design a life in medicine on your own terms. This is where mindset meets reinvention—and where stuck doctors find the tools to get unstuck.

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