Doctors Eyes Only

Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, with Partner and CEO Lauren Oschman CFP®

The Doctors Eyes Only podcast is built for physicians who know that real wealth goes beyond numbers. Hosted by Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, each episode brings timely insight for doctors navigating the intersections of life, medicine, and money. Whether you’re optimizing your career path, building a private practice, or planning for retirement, you’ll hear from fellow physicians and subject matter experts who understand the complexities you face. Join us twice a month for physician-focused conversations that offer practical takeaways and inspire you to create Wealth That Matters®.

  1. 3d ago

    27 Years as a Physician: What I Wish I Knew Earlier | Dr. Shieva Ghofrany

    After 27 years in medicine, Dr. Shieva Ghofrany has a different view of her career than she did when she finished residency. One thing she knows for sure: she doesn’t want to retire in the traditional sense. In this episode of Doctors Eyes Only®, Vestia Partner and CEO Lauren Oschman talks with Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, a board-certified OB-GYN, about what she wishes she had known earlier in her career. They discuss private practice, physician finances, investing during residency, career decisions, the demands of practicing medicine, and how Dr. Shieva Ghofrany has changed the way she works over time. Dr. Shieva Ghofrany grew up as the daughter of two immigrant physicians from Iran, but becoming a physician wasn’t always the plan. She switched majors four times in college before eventually completing her pre-med requirements, attending medical school in Tel Aviv, and returning to the United States for residency. She went on to join an independent private practice with physicians she knew from residency. When Dr. Shieva Ghofrany thinks back to those early years, she remembers having a fairly traditional idea of what a physician career would look like: work, become a partner, contribute to a 401(k), save for her children’s college expenses, and eventually retire. As she tells Lauren, it wasn’t necessarily a plan she consciously chose. It was the default. Today, her career looks different. Dr. Shieva Ghofrany stepped away from full-time office gynecology while continuing to practice obstetrics with her private practice group. She also has a separate telehealth practice focused primarily on perimenopause and menopause. This arrangement allows her more time while continuing to practice medicine. That leads to an important part of Lauren and Dr. Shieva Ghofrany’s conversation: the relationship between financial decisions and career decisions for physicians. Dr. Shieva Ghofrany wishes she had understood more about investing earlier. During residency, no one explained to her that she could contribute to a 403(b). Looking back, she says she could have put away a small amount even on a resident’s salary. She also discusses financial concepts she learned later, including retirement accounts, 529 plans and considerations around 1099 income. Their conversation also turns to lifestyle decisions after residency. After years of delayed earnings, a new attending salary can make it tempting to quickly increase spending on a house, car and other expenses. Dr. Shieva Ghofrany refers to the potential result as “golden handcuffs,” when maintaining a lifestyle begins influencing how much a physician feels they need to work. Her point isn’t that physicians shouldn’t enjoy the money they earn. Dr. Shieva Ghofrany is clear that she does. Instead, she talks about the importance that financial flexibility has had as her own career and priorities have changed. There is also a personal side to the conversation. Dr. Shieva Ghofrany discusses pregnancy loss, challenges involving her children’s health, and being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in her forties. Those experiences changed the way she thinks about the familiar phrase “life is short.” Dr. Shieva Ghofrany’s reframe is: “Life is long.” Rather than seeing that as a reason to work less, Dr. Shieva Ghofrany began thinking more intentionally about how she wanted work to fit into her life. At 56, she doesn’t see herself at the end of her career. She wants to continue working, but she also wants to have more control over what that work looks like. For physicians at different stages of their careers, this episode is a conversation about what can change between finishing training and looking back decades later, and the things Dr. Shieva Ghofrany wishes she had understood sooner about medicine, money, work and time.Learn more about Dr. Shieva Ghofrany at drshievag.com, follow @drshievag on Instagram, or contact Dr. Shieva Ghofrany and her team at info@drshievag.com.

  2. Aug 2

    The Financial Risks of Cybersecurity Many Physicians Miss

    Click the link below to schedule your free 30 minute call!https://www.vestiaadvisors.com/contact/Cybersecurity is becoming an important part of physician financial planning as AI-driven scams, identity theft, and financial fraud continue to evolve. Protecting your financial accounts and personal information is part of protecting the wealth you’ve worked hard to build.In this episode of the Doctors Eyes Only® podcast, Lauren Oschman discusses why cybersecurity deserves a place in every physician’s financial plan. She explains how phishing attacks, password breaches, identity theft, fraudulent bank accounts, and AI-assisted scams can affect physicians. She also shares practical steps to strengthen your financial security, including using unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, freezing your credit, and preventing unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.Physicians spend years building wealth. Protecting it requires the same level of attention. Taking a few preventative steps can reduce risk and help protect your financial accounts, your credit, and your personal information over time.Investment advisory services offered through Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, Vestia Retirement Plan Consultants, and Vestia Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. Securities offered through Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc., 5187 Utica Ridge Rd, Davenport, IA. 52807 (563)326‐2064. Member FINRA/SIPC. Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, Vestia Retirement Plan Consultants, Vestia Advisors, LLC and Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc. are independently owned and operated.This material should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney or tax advisor.

  3. Jul 19

    Not Every Inheritance Is Taxable: What Physicians Need to Know

    Click the link below to schedule your free 30 minute call!https://www.vestiaadvisors.com/contact/ Most physicians know to ask whether their estate will be subject to estate tax. What often gets less attention is what happens after assets are inherited.We’ve found that two physicians can inherit the same dollar amount from their parents and have very different tax outcomes. The difference usually isn’t how much they inherit. It’s the type of assets they receive.In this episode, Vestia Partner and CEO Lauren Oschman explores why inherited brokerage accounts, real estate, traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and Roth IRAs are each subject to different tax treatment. She also shares planning conversations that illustrate how inherited retirement accounts, the 10-year inherited IRA rules, and the step-up in basis can influence the taxes a family may pay over time.Many physicians are already in one of the highest income tax brackets by the time they inherit assets from their parents. If a significant portion of that inheritance consists of pre-tax retirement accounts, the tax implications may be very different than many families expect. We often find that parents and adult children are making financial decisions independently, without realizing how those decisions could affect the family’s overall tax picture across generations.Whether you’re beginning to think about an inheritance you may receive someday or you’re considering how your own assets may eventually pass to your children, this conversation explores how estate planning, tax planning, and multi-generational financial planning can create opportunities for more informed decision-making.Investment advisory services offered through Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, Vestia Retirement Plan Consultants, and Vestia Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. Securities offered through Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc., 5187 Utica Ridge Rd, Davenport, IA. 52807 (563)326‐2064. Member FINRA/SIPC. Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, Vestia Retirement Plan Consultants, Vestia Advisors, LLC and Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc. are independently owned and operated.This material should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney or tax advisor.

  4. Jun 21

    Building a Career, Raising a Family, Leaving a Legacy

    Father’s Day Special: Fatherhood, Family, and Legacy with Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon Dr. Jason Heisler What does it mean to be a great father while building a demanding medical career? In this special Father’s Day episode of the Doctors Eyes Only® podcast, Vestia Partner and Chief Growth Officer Kameron Helmuth sits down with orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Jason Heisler for a candid conversation about fatherhood, family, medicine, and the legacy we leave behind. Drawing from nearly two decades in practice and his experience raising four sons, Dr. Heisler shares the lessons he has learned about balancing the responsibilities of being a physician with the responsibilities of being a husband and father. Together, Kameron and Dr. Heisler explore how priorities evolve throughout different stages of life, the importance of intentional family time, and why being engaged with your family matters far more than simply being present. The conversation reflects on the influence of fathers, grandfathers, and mentors, the challenges of building a medical career while raising children, and the reality that many physicians face when trying to balance patient care, professional growth, marriage, and family life. Dr. Heisler shares personal stories about creating family traditions, teaching responsibility, encouraging independence, and helping children develop confidence, character, and resilience. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear honest reflections on physician work-life balance, the pressures of medicine, the importance of communication within a family, and the role fathers play in shaping future generations. Kameron and Dr. Heisler also discuss how perspectives on success change over time, moving from professional achievement and career advancement toward deeper fulfillment found in family relationships, shared experiences, and watching children grow into capable and compassionate adults. One of the central themes of this conversation is that legacy is about far more than money. Legacy is found in the values we teach, the example we set, the relationships we nurture, and the memories we create with the people who matter most. For physicians who spend their careers serving others, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that some of life’s most meaningful work happens at home. Whether you are a physician father raising young children, a surgeon balancing family and practice, or a medical professional striving to create a meaningful life both inside and outside of medicine, this conversation offers thoughtful perspective on fatherhood, family, purpose, and what it means to build a lasting legacy. Happy Father’s Day from Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors and Doctors Eyes Only®.

  5. Jun 10

    Physician Value: Navigating Medicine as a Business

    In this episode of Doctors Eyes Only®, Vestia Partner and CEO Lauren Oschman, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Ethan Nkan, a licensed attorney, former hospital executive, and founder of The Physician Agency, formerly known as Rocky Mountain Physician Agency, for a conversation about physician value and what doctors need to understand when navigating medicine as a business. After spending more than a decade working inside hospital systems, Ethan gained firsthand insight into how healthcare organizations evaluate physician productivity, structure compensation models, and determine the economic impact physicians have on a practice or health system. Drawing from that experience, he now helps physicians better understand their market value and navigate contract negotiations with greater confidence. Lauren and Ethan discuss physician compensation, employment contracts, RVUs, compensation benchmarks, contract renewals, work-life balance, practice support, and the role that career decisions play in long-term financial success. They also explore why many physicians struggle to advocate for themselves, how business negotiations differ from patient care conversations, and what doctors should know before accepting an offer, renegotiating a contract, or evaluating a new opportunity. The conversation also addresses important considerations for women physicians, physicians of color, and internationally trained physicians, including the importance of using objective market data when evaluating compensation and career opportunities. Whether you’re reviewing your first attending contract, preparing for a contract renewal, considering a career move, or simply wondering whether your compensation reflects the value you bring to your organization, this episode offers practical insights into physician contract negotiation, physician compensation, physician career development, and financial planning for physicians.

  6. May 29

    It’s 529 Day: Are You Using Your 529 Plan the Right Way?

    Happy 529 Day! In this special 529 Day re-release of the Doctor’s Eyes Only® podcast, Vestia Partner and CEO Lauren Oschman revisits one of the most common questions physician families ask: Are you using your 529 plan the right way? Originally recorded in 2024, this episode remains one of our most popular conversations on college savings and education planning for physicians. Before the episode begins, Lauren shares several important updates reflecting legislative changes that have occurred since the original recording. These updates include an increase in the annual gift tax exclusion amount from $17,000 to $19,000 per person for 2026, expanded 529 plan benefits that increase the amount available for private K-12 education expenses from $10,000 to $20,000 per year, additional qualifying K-12 education expenses in certain situations, and an increase in the annual Roth IRA contribution limit from $7,000 to $7,500 for individuals under age 50. Lauren also discusses the continued availability of the 529-to-Roth IRA rollover provision, which allows eligible beneficiaries to roll up to $35,000 of unused 529 assets into a Roth IRA, subject to applicable rules and annual contribution limits. Many physicians, surgeons, and other high-income medical professionals worry about saving too much into a 529 plan, especially if a child receives scholarships, chooses a less expensive school, or decides not to pursue graduate education. In this episode, Lauren explores how 529 plans have become significantly more flexible than many families realize and why outdated assumptions may be causing some physician parents to miss valuable planning opportunities. You’ll learn how 529 plans work, when they make sense for physician families, how state tax benefits can affect your decision, what happens if your child receives a scholarship, how beneficiary changes work between family members, how 529 funds can be used for certain K-12 education expenses, and how the newer 529-to-Roth IRA rollover rules may create additional flexibility for long-term family wealth planning. Whether you’re an attending physician, surgeon, anesthesiologist, cardiologist, radiologist, dermatologist, emergency medicine physician, pediatrician, OB/GYN, practice owner, or part of a dual-physician household, understanding the evolving rules around 529 plans can help you make more confident decisions about education funding, tax planning, and building wealth for the next generation. At Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, we specialize in financial planning for physicians. Our team helps doctors navigate complex financial decisions involving taxes, retirement planning, practice compensation, college savings, investment strategy, and long-term wealth management so they can focus more of their time and energy on medicine, family, and the life they want to build. If you’re a physician looking for guidance on 529 plans, college funding strategies, retirement planning, tax-efficient wealth building, or comprehensive financial planning, we’d love to connect. myteam@vestia.com Subscribe for more physician-focused financial planning insights from Vestia Partner and CEO Lauren Oschman and the Vestia team. #529Day #529Plan #PhysicianFinance #FinancialPlanningForDoctors #PhysicianFinancialPlanning #CollegeSavings #EducationPlanning #DoctorFinances #WomenPhysicians #Surgeons #MedicalProfessionals #TaxPlanning #WealthManagement #PhysicianParents #HighIncomeProfessionals

  7. May 24

    How Physicians Can Declutter Their Life and Reduce Stress

    Physician burnout, digital overload, inbox stress, and after-hours charting are challenges many doctors face while balancing clinical work, administrative responsibilities, and life outside of medicine. In this episode of the Doctors Eyes Only podcast, Lauren Oschman, CFP®, CDFA®, speaks with Dr. Melinda Rathkopf, board-certified allergist and immunologist and co-founder of Declutter Docs, about how organization, productivity systems, and intentional workflows can help physicians reduce stress and create more sustainable routines. They discuss: • How physical and digital clutter affect stress and mental load • Why many physicians struggle with “pajama time” charting • Inbox management and notification strategies for doctors • Productivity systems for busy physicians and working parents • Time management and energy management for physicians • How workflows and organization impact physician wellbeing • Practical ways to reduce overwhelm at home and at work • Using systems and routines to support focus and efficiency • Creating more space for what matters most Dr. Rathkopf shares insights from her experience as both a practicing physician and the co-founder of Declutter Docs, an organizing and productivity consulting firm that helps professionals build sustainable systems for work and life. Doctors Eyes Only® is presented by Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm specializing in financial planning for physicians. Learn more about Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors: https://www.vestiapersonalwealth.com Learn more about Declutter Docs: https://www.declutterdocs.com Follow Vestia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vestiapwa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vestia-personal-wealth-advisors Follow Declutter Docs: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declutterdocs References Mentioned in This Episode The following books, podcasts, tools, and concepts were referenced during this conversation for educational purposes only: • Getting Things Done by David Allen • Inbox Zero methodology and email management systems • Mel Robbins podcast discussions on time management and productivity • Carey Nieuwhof’s work on productivity and energy management • The “Big Rocks” time management illustration using rocks, sand, and a jar • Ambient AI documentation tools used within electronic medical record systems • Google Calendar and digital family calendar systems • Montessori organizational and educational approaches • AI-assisted productivity tools for meal planning and workflow support Disclosure References to books, podcasts, tools, software platforms, productivity systems, or third-party resources are provided for informational and educational purposes only. Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors and Doctors Eyes Only® do not receive compensation from, endorse, or have a financial relationship with the individuals, companies, products, or services mentioned in this episode unless explicitly stated otherwise. Viewers and listeners should evaluate any resource independently based on their own needs and circumstances. #PhysicianBurnout #WomenPhysicians #PhysicianWellbeing #DoctorsEyesOnly #ProductivityForDoctors #FinancialPlanningForPhysicians #MedicalProfessionals #WomenInMedicine #PhysicianLife #DeclutterYourLife

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

The Doctors Eyes Only podcast is built for physicians who know that real wealth goes beyond numbers. Hosted by Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, each episode brings timely insight for doctors navigating the intersections of life, medicine, and money. Whether you’re optimizing your career path, building a private practice, or planning for retirement, you’ll hear from fellow physicians and subject matter experts who understand the complexities you face. Join us twice a month for physician-focused conversations that offer practical takeaways and inspire you to create Wealth That Matters®.

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