Academic Medicine Strategy Podcast

Dr. Stacey Ishman
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • Updated Weekly

Academic medicine is designed to reward output, not clarity. The result is physicians who feel overwhelmed and overextended. The Academic Medicine Strategy Podcast breaks down the systems, structures, and expectations that create that experience and how to navigate them strategically. Hosted by Dr. Stacey Ishman, a national leader in academic medicine with over 230 peer-reviewed publications, this podcast is grounded in her experience working with faculty, departments, and institutions to build clearer, more sustainable academic careers. This podcast is for: • Academic physicians across all specialties and career stages • Faculty leaders and program directors responsible for developing others • Departments and institutions focused on retention, promotion, and leadership pipelines Episodes explore the intersection of individual career strategy and institutional design, including: • Promotion pathways and why they often feel unclear • Time, effort, and why productivity is not just personal • Mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development • Retention, burnout, and how departments can better support faculty • How to build a career that is both sustainable and nationally visible You will hear practical frameworks, real coaching insights, and behind-the-scenes thinking drawn from years of work across academic medicine.

  1. Navigating Divisional Leadership Transitions: Building Stability Through Change

    4d ago

    Navigating Divisional Leadership Transitions: Building Stability Through Change

    Leadership transitions are inevitable in academic medicine, but they often create uncertainty, anxiety, and disruption for faculty. In this episode, Dr. Stacey Ishman explores how divisions and departments can move through leadership change intentionally, using structured transition frameworks that strengthen culture, reduce attrition, and create alignment around shared values and vision. No need to take notes—visit the blog for a full summary of key insights. If you're interested in working with Academic Medicine Strategy Group, visit www.amedsg.com to learn more about our programs designed to help you build a clear, strategic path to promotion, research, and career advancement. Key Points Leadership Change Is More Than a Personnel Decision (00:00–05:30)Leadership transitions affect culture, identity, retention, and long-term strategic direction. The first 90 days often shape the trajectory of a division for years to come. Understanding the Difference Between Change and Transition (05:30–12:00)Drawing on the work of William and Susan Bridges, Dr. Ishman explains the distinction between external change and the internal psychological process of transition. The Critical "Neutral Zone" Between Leaders (12:00–19:00)The period between an outgoing leader and a fully established new leader creates uncertainty around priorities, values, and expectations. This phase is often uncomfortable but essential. Why Faculty Attrition Increases During Leadership Transitions (19:00–25:00)Without intentional communication and engagement, faculty may begin questioning whether they belong, whether their values align with the organization's direction, and whether they should seek opportunities elsewhere. Using Values Clarification to Build Alignment (25:00–34:00)A structured values clarification process allows all stakeholders to contribute to defining what the division stands for and where it wants to go, creating shared ownership of the future. The Role of External Facilitation in Transition Success (34:00–43:00)Neutral facilitators can create psychological safety, surface differing viewpoints, gather anonymous feedback, and ensure that all voices are heard during periods of change. Creating Vision, Mission, and Role Clarity for the Future (43:00–52:00)Successful transitions move beyond leadership replacement to helping faculty understand how their individual roles connect to the division's mission, vision, and strategic direction. Summary Leadership transitions are one of the most vulnerable periods for any academic division or department. Organizations that intentionally engage faculty, clarify values, and create structured opportunities for participation are better positioned to retain talent, strengthen culture, and build momentum for future success. For early-career physicians, understanding and participating in these transition processes can help you navigate uncertainty and make informed decisions about your career trajectory.   Please RATE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW the Academic Medicine Strategy Group Podcast on your favorite platform. If you are interested in getting in touch with us or providing topic suggestions, please: ● DM me on Instagram at @sishmancoach● Email me at stacey@amedsg.com● Contact me through the website at www.amedsg.com

    17 min
  2. Promotion Criteria vs. Promotion Strategy: The Gap Nobody Names

    Jun 3

    Promotion Criteria vs. Promotion Strategy: The Gap Nobody Names

    Most academic physicians know their institution's promotion criteria. Far fewer understand how to strategically build a career that actually meets those criteria. In this episode, Dr. Stacey Ishman explores the critical gap between knowing what is required for promotion and understanding how to create a plan that gets you there. For early-career faculty, recognizing this difference can prevent years of frustration, misaligned effort, and missed opportunities. No need to take notes—visit the blog for a full summary of key insights. If you’re interested in working with Academic Medicine Strategy Group, visit www.amedsg.com to learn more about our programs designed to help you build a clear, strategic path to promotion, research, and career advancement. Key Points: [00:00 – 00:01] Knowing the Criteria Is Not the Same as Having a StrategyMany faculty understand their promotion requirements but lack a roadmap for how to meet them effectively. Hard work alone does not guarantee progress toward promotion. [00:01 – 00:03] Why Academic Medicine Has a Hidden Promotion GapPromotion criteria describe the finish line, but they rarely explain how to build the clinical, scholarly, and leadership portfolio needed to get there. [00:02 – 00:04] The Importance of Translating Requirements Into ActionFaculty need guidance on where to focus their time, which opportunities align with advancement, and how to create a cohesive academic narrative. [00:03 – 00:05] Readiness Is Often Based on Unwritten RulesPromotion committees evaluate readiness using institutional norms and expectations that are rarely documented but strongly influence advancement decisions. [00:04 – 00:06] What Promotion Strategy Actually MeansPromotion strategy bridges the gap between criteria and career planning by identifying high-leverage activities, aligning commitments with goals, and focusing effort where it matters most. [00:05 – 00:07] Structured Career Development Improves Retention and SuccessResearch consistently shows that faculty productivity, retention, and promotion outcomes improve when institutions provide structured career planning and mentorship. [00:07 – 00:08] Conduct a Promotion Audit of Your Current WorkReview your promotion criteria, identify your highest-leverage activities, and evaluate whether your current commitments are helping or hindering your advancement. Summary: Promotion criteria tell you what your institution expects, but promotion strategy determines whether you get there. Early-career physicians who understand how to align their time, scholarship, mentorship, and leadership activities with promotion goals are far more likely to advance successfully and build sustainable academic careers. The earlier you develop that strategy, the easier it becomes to create a clear and compelling path forward.   Please RATE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW the Academic Medicine Strategy Group Podcast on your favorite platform. If you are interested in getting in touch with us or providing topic suggestions, please: ● DM me on Instagram at @sishmancoach● Email me at stacey@amedsg.com● Contact me at the website at www.amedsg.com

    10 min
  3. The First 90 Days in Academic Medicine: What Actually Matters

    May 27

    The First 90 Days in Academic Medicine: What Actually Matters

    In this episode of the Academic Medicine Strategy Group Podcast, Stacey Ishman breaks down why the first 90 days of an academic medicine career shape far more than your schedule—they shape your reputation, promotion trajectory, and long-term sustainability. She shares candid lessons from her own early faculty experience and explains how physicians can avoid overcommitment, protect strategic time, and build a career foundation intentionally instead of reactively. For early-career academic physicians, this conversation is a practical guide to creating structure before burnout, misalignment, and endless “yeses” take over your calendar. No need to take notes—visit the blog for a full summary of key insights. If you’re interested in working with Academic Medicine Strategy Group, visit Academic Medicine Strategy Group to learn more about programs designed to help you build a clear, strategic path to promotion, research, and career advancement. Key Points [00:00 – 00:02] Why Saying Yes to Everything Creates Problems Later Dr. Ishman shares how overcommitting early in her career crowded out family time, scholarship, and personal sustainability. The issue was not discipline—it was the absence of structure and strategy. [00:02 – 00:04] Your First 90 Days Set Expectations The habits and boundaries established early become the standard others expect from you. Constant availability may create a reputation that becomes difficult to change later. [00:03 – 00:05] Clinical Credibility Matters—But So Does Protected Time Being clinically excellent is essential, but early faculty should avoid filling every available space with clinical work at the expense of scholarship, research, or curriculum development. [00:05 – 00:06] Build Strategic Relationships Early Identify mentors, collaborators, and advocates who understand promotion criteria and can help guide your long-term academic trajectory. [00:06 – 00:08] Learn Which Opportunities to Decline Not every committee, task force, or institutional request aligns with your goals. Dr. Ishman discusses how to evaluate opportunities strategically and avoid invisible work that does not support advancement. [00:08 – 00:10] Avoid Diluting Your Focus Overcommitting to too many collaborations, committees, or speaking invitations can weaken your academic narrative. Focused work builds stronger momentum and clearer expertise. [00:10 – 00:13] Protect Deep Work Time and Define Your Niche Consistent protected time for scholarship is critical from the beginning. Dr. Ishman explains the importance of developing a clear “one word” or niche that defines your academic identity. [00:13 – 00:14] The Promotion Clock Starts Immediately Promotion preparation begins on day one. A strong first year should include a developing academic story, a focused research direction, and systems that support long-term sustainability. Summary The first year in academic medicine is not simply about surviving clinical demands—it is about intentionally building the foundation for the career you actually want. Early-career physicians who create boundaries, protect strategic work time, and align opportunities with long-term goals are far more likely to advance with clarity, sustainability, and purpose. Please RATE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW the Academic Medicine Strategy Group Podcast on your favorite platform. If you are interested in getting in touch with us or providing topic suggestions, please: DM on Instagram at @sishmancoach Message on LinkedIn at Academic Medicine Strategy Group LinkedIn Email at stacey@amedsg.com Contact through the website at AMEDSG Website

    15 min
  4. How Coaching Prevents Physician Burnout and Improves Faculty Retention in Academic Medicine with Jenny Lee

    May 20

    How Coaching Prevents Physician Burnout and Improves Faculty Retention in Academic Medicine with Jenny Lee

    Early-career academic physicians are often taught how to work harder—but not how to build a sustainable, fulfilling career. In this episode, Dr. Stacey Ishman sits down with Dr. Jenny Lee, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development at Johns Hopkins, to discuss physician burnout, career coaching, faculty retention, and the importance of aligning your work with your values before burnout happens. Together, they explore the hidden structural issues contributing to physician dissatisfaction, why so many faculty members feel undervalued, and how coaching can help physicians make intentional career decisions that support both professional success and personal fulfillment. No need to take notes—visit the blog for a full summary of key insights. If you’re interested in working with Academic Medicine Strategy Group to build a clear, strategic path toward promotion, research productivity, and career advancement, learn more about our coaching and faculty development programs online. Key Points 1. Burnout Is Not a Personal Failure (00:03:20) Dr. Lee discusses her own experience with burnout during the pandemic and emphasizes that burnout is not a sign of weakness or poor career choices. Early recognition and support are critical for long-term career sustainability. 2. Aligning Your Career With Your Values (00:04:15) The conversation explores how physicians often lose touch with their personal values during training. Coaching conversations focused on values can help physicians build careers that feel meaningful and sustainable. 3. Why Physicians Struggle to Say No (00:13:15) Dr. Ishman and Dr. Lee discuss guilt, overcommitment, and the pressure many physicians feel to continually say yes. They introduce practical frameworks like “the power of the pause” and identifying your “no list.” 4. Faculty Often Feel Invisible and Undervalued (00:08:20) One of the biggest gaps in academic medicine is that many physicians feel like “cogs in the wheel.” The episode examines how leadership can create cultures where faculty feel seen, appreciated, and supported. 5. Coaching Is Not Remediation (00:21:55) The discussion reframes coaching as a proactive tool for growth, clarity, leadership development, and career alignment—not something reserved only for struggling faculty members. 6. Faculty Retention Requires Intentional Leadership (00:18:50) Dr. Lee shares one of the most important structural changes departments can make: regular conversations focused on what faculty enjoy, where they want to grow, and what support they need to succeed. 7. Academic Medicine Needs Sustainable Career Design (00:25:00) The episode closes with a broader discussion about why physicians are leaving academic medicine, the rise of locums work, and the growing desire for careers that prioritize fulfillment and joy—not just productivity. Summary This episode is an important reminder that successful academic careers are not built through constant self-sacrifice. Early-career physicians benefit from intentionally designing careers that align with their values, energy, and long-term goals. Coaching, mentorship, and supportive leadership structures can help physicians stay engaged, fulfilled, and successful throughout their careers. Please RATE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW the Academic Medicine Strategy Group Podcast on your favorite platform. If you are interested in getting in touch with us or providing topic suggestions, please: DM Dr. Stacey Ishman on Instagram at @sishmancoach Message us on LinkedIn at Medical Mentor Coaching LinkedIn Email: stacey@amedsg.com Visit Academic Medicine Strategy Group

    25 min
  5. How to Survive an EMR Go-Live Without Burning Out

    May 13

    How to Survive an EMR Go-Live Without Burning Out

    EMR go-live periods are some of the most disruptive and stressful transitions physicians experience, especially early in an academic career when productivity pressures already feel high. In this episode, Dr. Stacey Ishman breaks down what physicians should realistically expect during EMR/Epic implementation, along with practical strategies to reduce documentation burden, protect workflow efficiency, and avoid burnout during the transition. No need to take notes—visit the blog for a full summary of key insights. If you’re interested in working with Academic Medicine Strategy Group, visit Academic Medicine Strategy Group  to learn more about our programs designed to help you build a clear, strategic path to promotion, research, and career advancement. Key Points 1. Expect a Temporary Productivity Drop (00:00–01:00) Dr. Ishman explains that physician productivity commonly decreases by 20–50% during the first 90 days of EMR/Epic implementation, with recovery often taking up to six months. Setting realistic expectations early can reduce frustration and burnout. 2. Build Templates and Smart Phrases Before Go-Live (01:00–02:45) Creating standardized note templates, Epic smart phrases, and reusable workflows ahead of time can dramatically reduce documentation time. Even simple templates built from prior notes can improve efficiency quickly. 3. Protect Your Schedule Before It Gets Filled (02:45–03:45) Once clinic templates are finalized, adjusting patient volume becomes difficult. Dr. Ishman recommends building in buffer slots, urgent visit holds, and flexibility during the first few months of EMR/Epic transition. 4. Use Your EMR Experts Strategically (03:45–04:45) Instead of asking general questions, bring highly specific workflow problems to super users or Epic experts. Optimizing note pulls, flow sheets, and patient data integration can significantly reduce daily friction. 5. Treat Your In-Basket Like a Workflow, Not a Feed (04:45–05:45) Physicians who manage messages intentionally rather than reactively are more likely to maintain efficiency and leave work on time. Scheduled inbox management, task routing, and team delegation are key strategies. 6. Standardize Your Documentation Pattern (05:45–07:00) Consistent documentation workflows outperform constantly changing systems. Dr. Ishman discusses documenting in the room, leading with the assessment and plan, and using repeatable note structures to reduce cognitive load. 7. Give Yourself Grace During the Transition (07:00–08:30) Learning a new EMR or Epic workflow can temporarily make even experienced physicians feel inefficient. Dr. Ishman emphasizes that this learning curve is normal and encourages physicians to build recovery time, lean on templates, and avoid self-criticism. Summary EMR/Epic go-live is not simply a technical transition—it is a major workflow and cognitive adjustment that affects productivity, wellness, and patient care. Early-career academic physicians who proactively create systems, standardize documentation, and protect their schedules are far more likely to navigate the transition successfully without burning out. Please RATE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW the Academic Medicine Strategy Group Podcast on your favorite platform. If you are interested in getting in touch with us or providing topic suggestions, please: DM me on Instagram at @sishmancoach Message me on LinkedIn at Medical Mentor Coaching LinkedIn  Email me at stacey@amedsg.com  Contact me at the website at Academic Medicine Strategy Group

    10 min
  6. Why Women Physicians Don’t Negotiate — And How to Change It

    May 6

    Why Women Physicians Don’t Negotiate — And How to Change It

    Why Women Physicians Don’t Negotiate — And How to Change It In this episode, we’re sharing a full webinar on negotiation—one of the most overlooked skills in academic medicine. For early-career physicians, learning how to advocate for your value can directly impact your salary, time, resources, and long-term career trajectory. If you’re interested in working with Academic Medicine Strategy Group, visit www.amedsg.com to learn more about our programs designed to help you build a clear, strategic path to promotion, research, and career advancement. Key Points: Why Negotiation Matters More Than You Think[00:02:00–00:03:30]Negotiation is a learned skill—not a personality trait—and directly impacts salary, leadership opportunities, and long-term career growth. The Cost of Not Negotiating[00:05:30–00:06:30]Even small differences in salary compound over time, potentially resulting in hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars lost across a career. Gender Gap in Negotiation Behavior[00:03:00–00:04:30]Women are significantly less likely to negotiate initial offers, contributing to persistent pay disparities—even when controlling for role and workload. The “Warmth + Assertiveness” Strategy[00:10:00–00:11:30]Effective negotiation requires leading with relationship-building (warmth) before making clear, confident asks (assertiveness) to avoid backlash and increase success. A Practical Negotiation Framework[00:19:00–00:24:00]Prepare with data, define must-haves vs. nice-to-haves, negotiate with curiosity, and always follow up with clear documentation and next steps. What You Can (and Should) Negotiate[00:06:30–00:07:30]Beyond salary—think protected time, admin support, clinical scope, leadership roles, and resources that directly impact your productivity and promotion. Boundaries, Burnout, and System Problems[00:49:00–00:52:00]Taking on more work to “help” does not fix system issues and often leads to burnout—clear boundaries are part of effective negotiation. Summary: Negotiation is not optional—it’s a core skill for building a sustainable and successful career in academic medicine. Early-career physicians who learn to advocate for their time, resources, and value early will not only improve their own trajectory but also help shift the culture for those who follow. Please RATE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW the Academic Medicine Strategy Podcast on your favorite platform. If you are interested in getting in touch with us or providing topic suggestions, please:● DM me on Instagram at @sishmancoach● Message me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/medical-mentor-coaching● Email me at staceyishmancoach@gmail.com● Contact me at the website at www.amedsg.com

    53 min
  7. Stop Trying to Write Manuscripts at 7pm After a Full Clinic Day

    Apr 29

    Stop Trying to Write Manuscripts at 7pm After a Full Clinic Day

    Stop Trying to Write Manuscripts at 7pm After a Full Clinic Day Your calendar may look efficient, but if your energy is misaligned, your output will suffer. In this episode, Dr. Ishman breaks down why late-night writing sessions fail—and how aligning your work with your brain’s natural rhythms is essential for sustainable academic success. No need to take notes—visit the blog for a full summary of key insights. If you’re interested in working with Academic Medicine Strategy Group, visit www.amedsg.com  to learn more about our programs designed to help you build a clear, strategic path to promotion, research, and career advancement. Key Points: [00:00:00] Time Management Isn’t Enough A well-structured calendar can still fail if it ignores cognitive limits—energy, not time, drives meaningful output. [00:01:00] Your Brain Has Predictable Limits Cognitive performance fluctuates throughout the day, and high-level academic work requires peak executive function—not leftover energy. [00:02:00] Nighttime Work Is Biologically Mismatched Late evening writing sessions clash with your brain’s lowest performance window, leading to slower, lower-quality output. [00:03:00] Chronic Sleep Deprivation Is a Hidden Career Risk Even mild, consistent sleep loss significantly impairs cognition—often without you realizing it. [00:04:00] You Can’t Outwork Cognitive Impairment Sleep-deprived performance declines mirror real-world risks, including increased errors and reduced efficiency. [00:05:00] Match Work to Energy Levels High-demand tasks (writing, research) belong in peak hours; administrative work should be reserved for low-energy periods. [00:06:00] Recovery Is a Strategic Priority Sleep and downtime are not optional—they are essential for sustaining high-quality academic output over time. [00:07:00] Build an Energy-Aware Workflow Track your energy patterns, protect peak hours for deep work, and create intentional recovery to support long-term success. Summary: Your academic success depends on more than discipline—it depends on alignment. When you match high-impact work with peak cognitive capacity and prioritize recovery, you produce better work in less time. For early-career physicians, this shift is not just helpful—it’s career-defining. Please RATE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW the Academic Medicine Strategy Group Podcast on your favorite platform. If you are interested in getting in touch with us or providing topic suggestions, please: ● DM me on Instagram at @sishmancoach ● Message me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/medical-mentor-coaching  ● Email me at staceyishmancoach@gmail.com  ● Contact me at the website at www.amedsg.com

    11 min
  8. If Deep Work Only Happens After Everything Else, It Will Never Happen

    Apr 22

    If Deep Work Only Happens After Everything Else, It Will Never Happen

    If Deep Work Only Happens After Everything Else, It Will Never Happen Early-career academic physicians are often told to “be more productive,” but rarely given a system that actually supports meaningful progress. This episode breaks down why deep work—the kind that drives promotion and career advancement—rarely happens by accident, and how to redesign your schedule to make it possible. No need to take notes—visit the blog for a full summary of key insights. If you’re interested in working with Academic Medicine Strategy Group, visit www.amedsg.com  to learn more about our programs designed to help you build a clear, strategic path to promotion, research, and career advancement. Key Points: 00:00 – Why Deep Work Doesn’t Happen by Default Deep work only happens when it’s intentionally scheduled. If it’s left for “after everything else,” it will consistently get crowded out by reactive demands 00:01 – This Is a Structural Problem, Not a Discipline Problem Lack of progress on manuscripts or grants isn’t about willpower—it’s about a weekly structure that doesn’t protect career-advancing work. 00:03 – Deep Work vs. Shallow Work in Academic Medicine Shallow work (emails, meetings, admin tasks) fills most calendars, while deep work (writing, analysis, curriculum design) is what actually builds a career—but requires uninterrupted focus. 00:04 – Why Fragmented Time Doesn’t Work Switching tasks destroys focus—each interruption can cost up to 10–23 minutes of recovery time, making short, scattered blocks largely ineffective for meaningful work. 00:06 – Busyness Is Not Productivity Academic culture often rewards responsiveness and visibility, but inbox zero and meeting attendance don’t translate into promotion or scholarly output. 00:09 – Two Scheduling Strategies That Actually Work The most practical approaches are: Bimodal: Blocking full or half days for deep work Rhythmic: Building a consistent daily deep work habit Both require intentional time-blocking and protection. 00:11 – Protecting Deep Work Like Clinical Time Deep work must be scheduled, labeled specifically, and treated as non-negotiable—just like clinic or OR time—to prevent it from being taken over by other demands. 00:15 – Audit, Focus, and Measure What Matters Track how your time is actually spent, define your scholarly niche, and measure success by hours of uninterrupted deep work—not just outputs like publications. Summary: Deep work is not about working harder—it’s about working differently. For early-career academic physicians, career advancement depends on intentionally designing a schedule that protects the work that matters most. When you shift from reacting to your calendar to structuring it, your output—and your trajectory—changes. Please RATE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW the Academic Medicine Strategy Group Podcast on your favorite platform. If you are interested in getting in touch with us or providing topic suggestions, please: ● DM me on Instagram at @sishmancoach ● Message me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/medical-mentor-coaching  ● Email me at staceyishmancoach@gmail.com  ● Contact me at the website at www.amedsg.com

    19 min
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Academic medicine is designed to reward output, not clarity. The result is physicians who feel overwhelmed and overextended. The Academic Medicine Strategy Podcast breaks down the systems, structures, and expectations that create that experience and how to navigate them strategically. Hosted by Dr. Stacey Ishman, a national leader in academic medicine with over 230 peer-reviewed publications, this podcast is grounded in her experience working with faculty, departments, and institutions to build clearer, more sustainable academic careers. This podcast is for: • Academic physicians across all specialties and career stages • Faculty leaders and program directors responsible for developing others • Departments and institutions focused on retention, promotion, and leadership pipelines Episodes explore the intersection of individual career strategy and institutional design, including: • Promotion pathways and why they often feel unclear • Time, effort, and why productivity is not just personal • Mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development • Retention, burnout, and how departments can better support faculty • How to build a career that is both sustainable and nationally visible You will hear practical frameworks, real coaching insights, and behind-the-scenes thinking drawn from years of work across academic medicine.

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