The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

Heather Fork, MD
  • 4.8 (166)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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!

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode #239: Your Career Doesn't Have to Be One Thing. Hello Portfolio Career!

    What if your career didn't have to be just one thing? In today's episode of the Doctors Crossing Carpe Diem podcast, we explore the idea of a portfolio career—a professional life made up of multiple aligned roles rather than a single, linear path. Using a powerful real-world example, we talk about how physicians can create more fulfillment, connection, and sustainability by thoughtfully diversifying how they work. I'm joined by Dr. Jess Beachkofsky, a psychiatrist who affectionately calls herself The Sunny Psychiatrist. Jess shares her journey from military medicine to telepsychiatry, private practice, and eventually a portfolio career that blends clinical work, nurse practitioner supervision, disability evaluations, teaching, and speaking. Her story is a beautiful example of how clarity often comes from experimentation—not from having it all figured out upfront. Together, we talk honestly about what wasn't working, what was missing, and how small "yeses" opened doors to a career that now feels deeply aligned. We also discuss the practical considerations of portfolio careers, including time management, income variability, benefits, and insurance—so you can explore your options with eyes wide open. If you're feeling stuck, lonely, under-stimulated, or simply curious about what else might be possible, this episode offers both inspiration and grounded guidance. In this episode we're talking about: What a portfolio career really looks like in real life How to recognize what's missing in your current role The emotional and practical benefits of career diversification Physician-friendly portfolio options inside and outside of medicine Nurse practitioner supervision as a meaningful side role The importance of small experiments instead of big leaps Questions to ask before moving away from a traditional W-2 role Links for this episode: Connect with Jessica Beachkofsky Jessica Beachkofsky's LinkedIn Episode #59: Want to Test Drive Your Career Idea? Episode #186: Earn Extra Income, Fire Up Your Brain, and Find A New Direction With Physician Side Gigs Thank you for listening!

    32 min

  2. JAN 14

    Episode #238: Finding Your Zone of Genius: A GPS for Career Alignment

    Have you ever felt like you're doing everything "right" in your career, but something still feels off? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm diving into one of my favorite topics — your Zone of Genius. This is where your natural strengths, passions, and most meaningful contributions come together, and discovering it can bring a whole new sense of clarity, energy, and joy to your work. I'll walk you through the four zones we typically operate in and explain why the Zone of Excellence, while often rewarding, can also leave you feeling stuck or unfulfilled. I'm also sharing real examples from physicians who found compelling new directions by leaning into their Zone of Genius.  If you're at the crossroads, this episode is here to help you start moving toward more purpose and alignment in your next chapter. In this episode we're talking about: What your Zone of Genius is and how to start identifying it The common trap of staying in your Zone of Excellence Why external success doesn't always equal personal fulfillment What intrinsic rewards are and why they matter Inspiring stories from physicians who leaned into their genius A simple framework to help uncover your personality, top skills, and ideal impact Reflective questions to help you reconnect with what energizes you Links for this episode: Book recommendations: The Genius Zone: The Breakthrough Process to End Negative Thinking and Live in True Creativity by Gay Hendricks The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level―A Transformative Guide to Overcoming Fears and False Beliefs for Personal Growth and Success by Gay Hendricks Curious about your Enneagram type? The Enneagram is one of my favorite tools for helping clients better understand their strengths, motivations, and unique patterns — especially when you're exploring your Zone of Genius. I recommend the RHETI test from The Enneagram Institute. It's the most accurate version I've found and the one I use in my own coaching work. The test costs $20 and takes about 40 minutes to complete. If you're ready to gain deeper insight into what truly drives you, you can get started here: www.enneagraminstitute.com/get-started-with-enneagram-tests We're continuing our podcast-sharing contest through January! Just share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before, then email us: the episode(s) you shared, and the initials (or another identifier) of the two people That's it. Email team@doctorscrossing.com, and we'll send your prize. People are loving it because it's customizable and genuinely useful—this really is a contest you can't lose Thank you for listening!

    25 min

  3. 12/31/2025

    Episode #237: The Gratitude Trap - How to Stay Out of It

    We're often told that gratitude is the answer, that if we could just appreciate what we have, everything would feel better. And while gratitude can be grounding and healing, there is a side of it that doesn't get talked about enough. In this solo episode, I explore what happens when gratitude turns into pressure, when "I should be grateful" becomes a way of silencing your truth, minimizing your exhaustion, or staying stuck in a situation that no longer fits. This is what I call the gratitude trap, and it's one many physicians encounter, especially at moments of transition. This episode is an invitation to reclaim gratitude as a source of support rather than self-abandonment. If you've ever questioned your career and then talked yourself out of listening to that inner voice, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we're talking about: The difference between gratitude that expands you and gratitude that shuts you down How "I should be grateful" can quietly keep you stuck Why comparison is not a reason to ignore your own truth What authentic gratitude actually sounds like Signs your energy is contracting vs. expanding in your work How listening to discomfort can point you toward a better fit Using gratitude as support rather than pressure You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode237   Links for this episode: We're continuing our podcast-sharing contest through January 🎁 Just share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before, then email us: the episode(s) you shared, and the initials (or another identifier) of the two people That's it. Email team@doctorscrossing.com, and we'll send your prize. People are loving it because it's customizable and genuinely useful—this really is a contest you can't lose 🌟

    16 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Episode #236: A Trauma Surgeon's Unexpected Journey Into Patient Advocacy and Navigation

    Have you ever found yourself helping a loved one through a confusing medical situation and thought, "I wish I could do this full-time"? You're not alone. Many physicians are naturally drawn to patient advocacy and navigation, even if they don't yet realize it has a name or a career path. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Angie Ingraham, a former trauma surgeon and critical care physician who made a powerful career transition after her father's diagnosis with glioblastoma. Experiencing the healthcare system from the other side opened her eyes to the gaps patients and families face. That journey led her to launch True North Patient Advocates, where she now supports others through complex medical situations with clarity and compassion. Whether you've thought about becoming a patient advocate and navigator — or are simply curious about what this work actually involves — Angie shares the real-life steps she took to create a fulfilling and sustainable new path.   In this episode we're talking about: How a personal family crisis led Dr. Ingraham to explore patient navigation The surprising barriers patients face, even with medical connections What professional patient advocates and navigators actually do and how physicians are uniquely qualified How she built her business without formal business training The variety of clients and services in her day-to-day work Financial considerations and typical rates for advocates Steps you can take to explore this path for yourself You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode236 Links for this episode: Dr. Angie Ingram — True North Patient Advocates Greater National Advocates Directory Alliance of Professional Health Advocates - Offers a Boot Camp and 100-day program for business startup Health Advocate X Patient Advocate Certification Board National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Work Episode #68: Being a Patient Advocate is a Real Option Episode #156: How To Start A Side Gig Or Business As A Patient Navigator   🎉Exciting News: Earn CME Credit with Our Career Tools! We're thrilled to share that both the LinkedIn Course for Physicians and the Carpe Diem Resume Kit are now approved for CME credit. If you have funds to use before the end of the year or need additional hours, this is a perfect opportunity to invest in your career growth while fulfilling CME requirements. LinkedIn Course – 3 CME hours Resume Kit – 2 CME hours You can find both resources under the Products tab or click here for direct access. If you have any questions or would like a sneak peek, just email us at team@doctorscrossing.com and we'd be happy to help! 🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it! We've got a special prize waiting for you, and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at team@doctorscrossing.com and we'll send you your prize!

    31 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    Episode #235: Taming the Charting Beast: From Overwhelm to Ease with Charting Coach Dr. Sarah Smith

    Do you ever feel like your workday follows you home — in the form of unfinished charts, inbox messages, and nagging guilt about what's still left to do? You're not alone. For many physicians, charting is the part of the job that never seems to end — and it can leave you feeling exhausted, behind, and questioning whether you'll ever catch up. Today's guest, Dr. Sarah Smith, knows that struggle firsthand. As a rural family physician, she spent years buried under a mountain of paperwork until she discovered a way to completely transform her workday. Now, as the founder of Charting Coach, she's helped hundreds of physicians learn to finish their notes on time — and reclaim their evenings, weekends, and peace of mind. In this empowering conversation, Dr. Smith and I dive into the mindset and systems that help physicians finally get ahead of their charts. You'll learn why this isn't just about efficiency, but about freedom — the freedom to leave work at work and enjoy the rest of your life again. In this episode we're talking about: The moment Dr. Smith realized she couldn't keep living in "charting chaos" How noticing — rather than judging — your patterns is the first step toward change How perfectionism and impostor syndrome impact charting Practical strategies for charting in real time and managing your day more intentionally How to set boundaries, reduce interruptions, and get notes done before the next patient What "good enough" documentation can look like — and why it's more than enough Some tips for using AI to help with charting You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode235 Links for this episode: Connect with Dr. Smith: Website: https://www.chartingcoach.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChartingCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechartingcoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-smith-999101200 🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it! We've got a special prize waiting for you, and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at team@doctorscrossing.com and we'll send you your prize!

    38 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    Episode #234: Taking Back the Reins: How Two OB-GYNs Built a Nationwide Telemedicine Company on Their Own Terms

    Have you ever dreamed of practicing medicine in a way that actually fits your life? Where you're not racing through 15-minute visits, drowning in charts, or missing your kid's birthday because of another call weekend? Then this episode is for you. I'm joined by Dr. Diana Kumar and Dr. Teresa Walsh, two board-certified OB-GYNs who opted out of the grind of a big healthcare system to co-found GLISS Wellness, a nationwide telemedicine practice for women's health and menopause care. In just eight months, they turned an idea from their "burn book" into a real, thriving business. No perfect plan. No waiting for permission. They just got to work and made it happen. We're diving into what it really takes to launch your own practice, how they got licensed in all 50 states, and why telemedicine has given them the freedom and flexibility they craved. This is a story about guts, innovation, and rewriting the rules to build a career that finally fits. In this episode we're talking about: How a trip abroad sparked a new business idea Why they chose telemedicine over a brick-and-mortar practice The unexpected perks of telehealth for women's care How AIR (All In Remote) Academy helped them launch fast and legally Why having a partner made all the difference, and what to look for if you're considering teaming up How they stacked multiple income streams to stay financially secure during the transition The emotional and mindset hurdles of leaving traditional medicine, and how they pushed through the fear Links for this episode: GLISS WELLNESS: The Company Founded by Dr. Diana Kumar and Dr. Teresa Walsh Gliss Wellness Newsletter: https://substack.com/@glisswellness @glisswellness and @GlissSpot  To learn more about AIR (All-In-Remote) Physician Academy, sign up for one of their information sessions at airphysicianacademy.com. Don't forget to mention that you heard about the program through Doctor's Crossing! *Please note: I'm an affiliate for AIR Physician Academy, which means if you sign up through my link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend programs I truly believe in, and this one is a great fit for physicians exploring non-clinical opportunities. Episode #210: 5 Ways To Increase Your Income and Find Great Opportunities in Telemedicine - with Dr. Takashi Nakamura- cofounder of AIR Academy Telemedicine Companies - If you're interested in using your clinical skills, making money, and being able to work from home, the beach, or a mountain cabin, telemedicine is worth considering. This FREE resource guide includes a list of over 40 telemedicine companies to choose from.

    32 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    Episode #233: From an Everyday ER Problem to Medical Innovation: A Roadmap for Physicians Who Want to Create Change

    Have you ever been deep in a seemingly small, repetitive problem at work and thought, "There's got to be a better way"? Today's guest didn't just have that thought—she ran with it, all the way from the ER to the shelves of Amazon. In this episode, Dr. Liz Clayborne, emergency physician and founder and CEO of Nasaclip, shares how a common clinical nuisance sparked a full blown medical innovation. What started as a passing thought during residency turned into a patented, market-ready device that's now helping people everywhere from Disney cruises to school nurse's offices. Liz opens up about how she went from taping tongue depressors together to launching a product online. She breaks down the roadmap she followed which included bumps, doubts, funding stress and all—and shows you what's possible when you stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem. Whether your big idea is a device, an app, or just a smarter way to do the thing everyone hates, this conversation will give you the tools (and courage) to start. In this episode we're talking about: How a single ER shift inspired Dr. Liz to design a new medical device What you should do first when you have an idea (spoiler: it's not building a prototype) How to deal with imposter syndrome when you're stepping into unfamiliar territory The realities of fundraising—and why being a physician can actually be your superpower A step-by-step roadmap to go from idea to market The surprising ways her invention has made an impact beyond the ER Why betting on yourself isn't just brave—it's necessary Links for this episode: Dr. Liz Clayborne: Contact: eclayborne@nasaclip.com   Instagram: @drelizpc   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethpclayborne/ Nasalip: Website: nasaclip.com Nasaclip Instagram: @nasaclip 🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it! We've got a special prize waiting for you — and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at team@doctorscrossing.com and we'll send you your prize!

    38 min

  8. 10/29/2025

    Episode #232: You Don't Need the Perfect Plan: How Trying Things Out Can Lead to a Better Career

    Have you ever felt the soul of your workplace—the sense of connection, purpose, and community—start to fade? That's exactly what happened to Dr. Sonia Millan, a board-certified family medicine physician with additional certifications in sports and lifestyle medicine. When her autonomy dwindled and joy disappeared, she knew it was time to make a change. Instead of leaping into the unknown with one perfect plan, Sonia earned what she calls her "honorary master's in pivotry." She experimented, explored, and stayed curious—trying everything from chart review and patient advocacy to IRB work and prison-system audits. Some paths fit, others didn't, but each step brought her closer to a career she truly loves. And here's the twist: the job she once thought she'd never enjoy is now her 10-out-of-10 dream role. Her journey is a powerful reminder that clarity doesn't come from waiting for the perfect plan—it comes from moving, experimenting, and letting go of what's not for you. In this episode we're talking about: How losing autonomy in clinical practice led Sonia to explore new possibilities The mindset shift that helped her turn uncertainty into opportunity Unexpected lessons she learned from eight years as a white-water rafting guide How she tested different nonclinical paths (and what she learned from each one) What changed her mind about her current role and why she now loves it How curiosity, intuition, and her "lunch litmus test" helped her find her ideal fit The spiritual practice that keeps her grounded. Links for this episode: 🌟 Private 1:1 Consultations - If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, I offer an hour-long paid consultation via Zoom. This session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some steps for moving forward. If after this consultation you prefer additional support, there is the option of doing one of my coaching programs (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at team@doctorscrossing.com.

    34 min
See All (240)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
166 Ratings

About

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!

Information

You Might Also Like