Healing the Healers: Trauma Informed Leadership in Healthcare

In Episode 87, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Byerly, an obstetrical anesthesiologist and certified life coach, to dive deep into how trauma shapes our careers and personal lives. As healthcare providers, we’re trained to care for others—but how often do we address our own wounds?

Dr. Byerly shares her powerful story of overcoming burnout and becoming a passionate advocate for physician wellness. We unpack the often-missed link between childhood experiences and our medical careers, discussing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) score and its surprising relevance to healthcare professionals.

In this episode, we explore:

• The real definition of trauma and how it impacts our nervous systems
• Trauma-informed care and its potential to transform patient interactions
• The unique challenges faced by women and people of color in the medical field
• Actionable tips for bringing trauma-informed leadership into healthcare settings

Dr. Byerly’s insights offer a fresh perspective on self-compassion, navigating tough patient interactions, and fostering a culture of psychological safety in healthcare. Her message is clear: "Hurt people hurt people, but healing people heal people."

This episode is a must for healthcare professionals looking to understand how trauma influences both their work and personal lives. Dr. Byerly’s wisdom provides a pathway toward creating more compassionate and effective healthcare environments—starting with ourselves.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the ACEs score and its relevance to healthcare careers
• Practical tips for de-escalating tense patient interactions
• The importance of cultural humility in providing trauma-informed care
• Strategies for implementing trauma-informed leadership in healthcare settings
• The power of self-compassion and personal growth in healing ourselves and our patients

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Stephanie Byerly's website
• National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM)
• Book: "The Body Keeps the Score" by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
• Lodestar Executive Coaching

Join us as we explore the intersection of trauma, healing, and healthcare, and discover how addressing our own wounds can lead to more compassionate, effective patient care.