Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

Rob Orman, MD
Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

Do you work in medicine and love patient care but feel like parts of the job don’t measure up? Stimulus equips you with tools, mindset shifts, and strategies they didn’t teach you in training—so you can practice medicine like a boss, flourish in your career, and not let it crush your soul. Emergency physician and executive coach Rob Orman, MD, goes in-depth with thought leaders on how to avoid burnout, improve communication, lead without drama, and stay calm amidst the storm. Don’t just suck it up, think differently.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    What's It Like To Be A Transgender Physician?

    It started in medical school, when I witnessed the stark reality of the hidden curriculum: a transgender patient referred to as "it" by an attending physician. Over the years, I saw more subtle but no less harmful behaviors—snickers, misused pronouns, quiet biases. I often felt lost in how to respond. Today, transgender identity feels more politically charged than ever. But beyond the politics, what’s it like simply to be transgender? What challenges do transgender patients face—physically, medically, socially, and emotionally? And how do you navigate a world that sees you differently after transitioning? In this episode, Dr. Jailyn Avila shares her story. We cover the deeply personal aspects of transition, from conversations with her wife and kids to navigating professional dynamics as an internationally recognized expert. Dr. Avila offers candid insights into her experience as a physician presenting as both male and female, practical advice for providing better care for transgender patients, and strategies for addressing pronouns and mistakes with grace. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest bio:  Jailyn Avila is a board-certified emergency medicine physician,  transgender woman,  wife, and mother of three. She has been heavily involved in medical education with an emphasis on bedside ultrasound and runs Core Ultrasound, delivering online educational content. In 2021, Jailyn began her gender transition and “completed” said transition in 2023. Jailyn is currently Core Faculty for the UHS SoCal MEC Emergency Medicine Residency in Temecula, California where she also functions as the Associate Ultrasound Director and the Director of Faculty Development.  Coming Out to Her WifeNavigating External Frictions and Gender IdentityBalancing Personal and Professional IdentityThe Gradual Process of TransitionWork and Social DynamicsExperiences as Both a Male and Female PhysicianManaging Emotions: The RAIN MethodCaring for Transgender Patients in the Emergency DepartmentImpact of Jailyn's Transition on Her Family and ChildrenUnderstanding Gender and Biological Variations Mentioned in this episode: Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025 Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

    49 min
  2. DEC 2

    Regression to the Mean Isn’t as Boring as it Sounds

    Why do our minds seek explanations for everyday patterns, even attributing a cause where none may exist? "Regression to the mean" offers a statistical lens on why extreme experiences naturally revert to the norm. In medicine, this concept reveals why critical observations and repeated assessments are essential to avoid overreactions to abnormal results. In this episode, we explore the nuances of regression to the mean, breaking down its impact on medical decision-making, patient assessments, and even how we view high-stakes scenarios in healthcare. Finally, we delve into how understanding this principle can enhance clinical judgment and reduce unnecessary interventions. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest bio:  Josh Russel, MD, is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine and is double board-certified in Palliative Care and Emergency Medicine. Apart from his clinical practice, he is a writer, educator, entrepreneur, and trivia enthusiast. We Discuss:Superstitions in the Emergency DepartmentUnderstanding Regression to the MeanIs It a Good Idea to Chastise Fighter Pilots?Blood Pressure Lives on a Bell CurveThe Importance of Control GroupsPediatric Visits For FeverNatural History of Disease Processes: Some Are OutliersThe Test of TimeBalancing Urgency with Thoughtful Testing Thresholds Mentioned in this episode: 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025

    39 min
  3. NOV 18

    Five Ways to Connect With Patients

    Being a patient can feel like a lonely experience, especially when you sense your doctor is disconnected. A rushed or disengaged interaction can leave patients feeling unheard and uncared for, no matter how clinically skilled the physician is. At the same time, doctors struggle with overwhelming workloads, which can lead to unintentional detachment from those they treat.  In this episode, we explore five ways to build connection in the exam room quickly, why small gestures matter, and how intentional preparation can change the entire dynamic. Finally, we dive into the emotional complexities of patient care and the essential role of listening and presence in preventing burnout. Our conversation centers around the ‘Presence 5 Practices’ from this article.  💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest Bio: Clay Smith, MD, is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Vanderbilt University. He is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Pediatrics and the founder of JournalFeed, which provides concise, daily summaries of top medical journal articles. We Discuss:The Disconnect Between Patients and PhysiciansWhy Genuine Doctor-Patient Connections Matter More Than You ThinkEasing Patient Anxiety and ShameThe Impact of Preparation and Focus on Patient CareListening Intently and CompletelyAligning Care with Patient PrioritiesBuilding Trust by Connecting with the Patient's StoryUnderstanding Emotional CuesThe Delicate Balance of Antibiotic StewardshipUnderstanding Fear Behind Patient Anger Mentioned in this episode: Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter

    53 min
  4. OCT 21

    The Fine Print of Crushing It | Small actions for big impact

    It's often not the big power moves that change our lives; it's the small, intentional actions. By focusing on micro-skills, even the most ambitious goals become achievable. In this episode, we talk with Drs. Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss about their new book, MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact.  We explore how financial literacy, self-presentation, concise communication, and allyship can be developed as essential micro-skills for a successful career. We also navigate workplace dynamics, including recognizing and addressing issues like mansplaining and bropropriating. Finally, we discuss the nuances of learning when to say “yes” or “no,” and the art of timely, respectful communication. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest Bios:  ADAIRA LANDRY, MD, MEd, is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School who studied and trained at University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles; New York University; and Harvard with almost a decade of experience mentoring students and early-career professionals. She is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and award winning mentor. She co-founded Writing in Color, a nonprofit that teaches the craft of writing. RESA E LEWISS MD is a professor of emergency medicine, TEDMED speaker, TimesUp Healthcare founder, designer, entrepreneur, and award winning educator, mentor, and point-of-care ultrasound specialist. She studied at Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the NIH Howard Hughes Research Scholars Program, Harvard Emergency Medicine, and Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Roosevelt. She hosts the Visible Voices Podcast, amplifying content in the healthcare, equity, and current trends spaces. They have written for CNBC, Fast Company, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Nature, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Science, Slate, STAT News, Teen Vogue, VOGUE, and USA Today. We Discuss: The Concept of Micro-SkillsFinancial Literacy and Debt ManagementPerforming a Debt Inventory to Understand the Landscape of Your DebtAppearance Matters and Personal Hygiene is a Skill That Doesn't Always Come NaturallyTiming and Context are Critical When Checking In or Providing FeedbackWe’re Trained to be Cumbersome in Communication When What We Need is to be SuccinctDon't Bury The LeadRole-Playing to Improve CommunicationLearning from Experience and Modeling. Do we Leave Too Much Up to Chance?Micro-Skills for Self-Care and Burnout Prevention: The Art of Saying NoResponding to Emails Promptly and Respecting Deadlines are Force MultipliersAddressing Mansplaining and BropropriatingThe Power of AllyshipRecommended Books Mentioned in this episode: 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025 Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like...

    59 min
  5. OCT 7

    How to be a Good Boss and Navigate a Bad One

    It’s hard to be a good boss and even harder to work under a bad one. This episode breaks down how to begin as a new leader with little to no experience, the critical errors leaders often make, and what to do when your boss is suboptimal. We explore how quick fixes, lack of empathy, and poor communication can alienate teams and stifle growth. Leaders who ignore the importance of relationships, skip proper onboarding, or impose their own agendas without collaboration set themselves up for failure. We also discuss how future writing can help leaders clarify their vision and avoid these pitfalls. Finally, we offer strategies to recognize and correct these missteps, creating a more effective and cohesive leadership style. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest Bio:  Karl Pister is president and founder of The Coaching Group, with over 34 years of experience in executive coaching, conflict management, and leadership development. He’s also the host of the Healthcare Leadership Podcast, which focuses on leadership, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence. We Discuss: The Practice of Future WritingThe Logic Behind Future WritingDaily Writing Routine and Its ImpactPremeditation Malorum | Best vs. Worst Case Scenario VisualizationMaladaptive vs. Adaptive PerfectionismWhat Daily Future Writing Looks Like—Doesn’t It Get Repetitive?Write for the Future in the Present TenseHow to Be a Successful New Leader With an Underperforming TeamTom Peters' Top 5 of Excellent LeadershipYour Team Knows What Action Needs To HappenHow Do You Know When You Have Enough Information To Start Taking Action?Identify Your InfluencersHandling Someone Else’s Emergencies as a New LeaderDay One as a New Physician Leader, You’re Prodded From Multiple Sides About a Pressing Issue. What Do You Do?Dealing with Difficult BossesBuilding Positive Relationships With a Bad LeaderA Bad Leader Is Often Insecure. Becoming an Asset to Them Rather Than an Opponent Can Make Your Job a Lot Better Books mentioned in this episode: The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim GallowayAtomic Habits by James ClearThe Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry PosnerWhat Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall GoldsmithGetting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William UryPossible by William UryNegotiating the Non-Negotiable by Daniel ShapiroThe First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded by Michael D. Watkins Mentioned in this episode: 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! a...

    49 min
  6. SEP 23

    Tax Secrets Every Doctor Should Know

    Navigating the complexities of taxes can be daunting, especially for medical professionals with unique financial situations. From maximizing retirement contributions to understanding the benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), strategic tax planning is essential. In this episode, we explore various tax strategies that physicians can leverage to optimize their financial outcomes. Finally, we delve into practical tips for managing multiple income streams and setting up your business on the right side of the IRS. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest Bio: Alexis E. Gallati is the founder and Lead Tax Strategist at Cerebral Tax Advisors, Cerebral Wealth Academy, and the author of the book Advanced Tax Planning for Medical Professionals. She has over 20 years of experience in high-level strategic tax planning and multi-state tax preparation and has trained at the highest level, holding two master’s degrees. Alexis grew up in a family of physicians and is married to a private practice physician. That’s why she understands how hard medical professionals work to get where they are and why she provides simple and accessible tax solutions tailored to busy physicians. We Discuss: Maximizing Retirement ContributionsUnderstanding 403b and 457b PlansWhy Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are Tax Advantageous Compared with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Immediate vs. Deferred Medical Expense PaymentsHow to Make Smart HSA ChoicesTurboTax: When to DIY and When to Go ProA Primer on LLCs and S-Corps for PhysiciansBalancing Multiple Income StreamsThe Benefits of 1099 IncomeRetirement Plans for 1099 IncomeSEP IRA vs. Backdoor RothRenting Your House to Your BusinessCan I Write Off My Vacation?Starting a Business on the Right Side of the IRS Mentioned in this episode: Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025 Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link

    55 min
4.9
out of 5
111 Ratings

About

Do you work in medicine and love patient care but feel like parts of the job don’t measure up? Stimulus equips you with tools, mindset shifts, and strategies they didn’t teach you in training—so you can practice medicine like a boss, flourish in your career, and not let it crush your soul. Emergency physician and executive coach Rob Orman, MD, goes in-depth with thought leaders on how to avoid burnout, improve communication, lead without drama, and stay calm amidst the storm. Don’t just suck it up, think differently.

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