The Catalyst: Sparking Creative Transformation in Healthcare

Dr. Lara Salyer
  • 5.0 (8)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Catalyst: Sparking Creative Transformation in Healthcare

Welcome to The Catalyst, the podcast where we explore creative ideas to spark innovation in an unhealthy healthcare system. Join your host Dr. Lara Salyer, a physician and mom of three, who suffered burnout, resigned and is re-imagining the way she practices medicine. After training with the Institute for Functional Medicine and Flow Research Collective, Lara now teaches patients and practitioners how to optimize flow to catalyze their own revolution in healing. Tune in for candid conversations with leading experts in conventional and holistic healthcare, who dare to believe a better future is possible for all of us. We’ll cover topics from organizational efficiency to creative technology to proven methods to think differently about the practice of independent medicine. Life is made up of tiny, catalytic moments of immense impact. When strung together, the transformation is magical. Join us, and let’s color outside the lines!

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    A Physician on a “Rheumission”: Innovative Integrative Rheumatology

    “Everyone’s gut microbiome is different, their genetics are different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all,”    I had the privilege of talking with Dr. Yu, an integrative rheumatologist that incorporates complementary medicine with traditional rheumatology, about his journey with autoimmune disease and how it shaped his unique approach to patient care.   Hearing his story of being diagnosed with gout at 17 and later spondyloarthritis was powerful. His experience pushed him to look beyond conventional medicine. Could diet, lifestyle, and mental health be the missing links in managing these conditions? Dr. Yu found relief through a plant-based diet, which inspired him to dive deeper into integrative and functional medicine—and what he’s learned has the potential to transform how we treat autoimmune conditions.   I loved hearing about his work at Rheumission, a virtual clinic where he and his team address not just the physical symptoms of autoimmune disease but also the emotional and psychological factors. How often do we, as practitioners, ask our patients about trauma or stress? Dr. Yu believes those are essential conversations, and his approach has shown just how impactful they can be.   This episode will get you thinking: What if healing isn’t about finding the perfect medication but about uncovering the right combination of tools for each patient? Dr. Yu’s innovative methods and commitment to personalized care are an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when we reimagine healthcare.   Quotes “Everyone’s gut microbiome is different, their genetics are different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all.” (10:15 | Dr. Micah Yu) “The mind-body medicine piece is so important. Oftentimes, we don’t ask about trauma or what our patient’s upbringing was... These things are very important. There is so much of our mind that controls the pain. We know that in patients with anxiety and depression, there’s higher incidence of autoimmune diseases, and there’s inflammation of the brain that is connected to the systemic inflammation of autoimmunity. So, there’s these things that we overlook, we don’t have time to talk about at a regular doctor’s visit.” (11:22 | Dr. Micah Yu) “Being an autoimmune patient, I understand what it’s like to live with autoimmune disease, especially rheumatic disease, at a very young age as well. Through all the education, diving into rabbit holes, and nonstop learning, I’ve realized there’s no one-size-fits-all. The same goes for diet—there’s no universal solution, as I mentioned earlier. However, there is a theme: a plant-predominant diet rich in phytonutrients can often be helpful. For some, infections might be driving their disease. For others, it could be mental health. You don’t know your true potential for healing unless you keep exploring.” (32:25 | Dr. Micah Yu)   Links Free Micropractice Assessment: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/P56ItjWi?typeform-source=drlarasalyer.com Infographics: https://drlarasalyer.com/shop/#Infographics   Connect with Dr. Micah Yu: www.drlifestyle.org www.rheumission.com www.myautoimmunemd.com https://www.instagram.com/myautoimmunemd https://www.instagram.com/rheumissionhlth   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    35 min

  2. NOV 29

    Staying Inspired: Simple Rituals Every Physician Needs

    What if inspiration didn’t have to arrive in rare, dramatic bursts? Inspired by Mason Currey’s “Daily Rituals: How Artists Work,” I’ve learned that simple routines can nurture creativity in ways we don’t always expect. By creating rituals, we can stay energized, connect more deeply with patients, and prevent burnout.   For me, a daily writing routine became a powerful tool for self-expression and healing during a difficult time. This wasn’t about waiting for the perfect moment to write; it was about showing up consistently and letting creativity flow. I believe rituals help us turn everyday practices into grounding moments that open us up to creative energy. What small, intentional habits could make a difference in your own life? I think they just might, especially in medicine, where creativity is often hidden in the art of patient care and problem-solving.   In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to stay inspired, like finding dedicated workspaces or discovering your best times of day for focused tasks. Whether you’re a physician or simply looking for ways to invite more creativity into your life, I hope my journey reminds you that inspiration can be woven into the fabric of our daily routines through purposeful rituals.   Quotes “I believe that a career in medicine is one of the most creative careers. You see, you’re energetically engaged with a patient. You’re using all five senses, which means you’re putting yourself in flow.”  (01:00 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Routine matters... Structure actually helps creativity. But really, it’s about consistency, and our brain is a predictive machine.” (07:28 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Constraints actually will fuel creativity... the more constraints you apply, your brain works a little harder to be creative.” (20:44 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Persistence over perfection… We need to have a ‘BM’ once a day—one bare minimum daily. Done is better than perfect.” (22:12 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Medicine should be fun. It should be a self-expressive act. It should be a creative act where you’re helping your patient heal.” (23:11 | Dr. Lara Salyer)   Links Free Catalyst Calendar planner: https://healthinnate.activehosted.com/f/49 Take the Archetype quiz to find your ideal play activity: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey: https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Rituals-How-Artists-Work/dp/0307273601 Right Brain Rescue Book: Amazon store front: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B08JCKBWK5/   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    29 min

  3. NOV 22

    Surrender and Acceptance Tour™-- How to Keep Going When Your Heart Is Broken

    How do you show up when your heart is broken?   I’m inviting you into one of my most personal episodes yet. This isn’t about frameworks or takeaways; it’s about showing up when everything feels heavy. I call it my “Surrender and Acceptance Tour™.” After a challenging election and the heartbreak of ending a 20-year marriage, I’m sharing how I’m navigating grief and finding ways to keep moving forward.   Grief and burnout share the same brainwave patterns. That insight hit me hard, reminding me of tools I’ve used before—tools that can help us anchor in our values, notice small wins, and spark creativity. These aren’t quick fixes, but they’re steps that light the way when things feel dark.   How do you process emotions when the world feels overwhelming? Can creativity and self-expression be the key to healing? Tune in to explore what it means to surrender without giving up. Maybe this is just what you need to hear right now.   Quotes “When your heart is broken and you’re sitting in grief, the only thing you need to do is whatever your body says to—whatever you need to do to help move that energy through, because it’s energy that is personal to you. As it filters through your mind and your soul, it’s going to transmute in its own way. But the key is: don’t get stuck wherever you are. Keep it processing.” (11:47 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Creativity is truly, I believe, your intuition. Creativity is medicinal because it’s what you feel deep in your heart, sort of like coming out. It's like self-expressive out of your pores. This is why I absolutely love bringing it into everything I do… if you tap into this creative power, you get so good at decisions, emotional boundaries, confidence, self-efficacy, and time management. It’s like everything falls into place—everything falls into place because you’re making decisions from your pilot light that’s shining.” (22:12 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Keep love at the center. I know the world is hard, dark, and sad, but I really believe and trust that there’s something we just don’t understand at play. And if we can love ourselves first, it’ll then pour out of us into those around us.” (41:20 | Dr. Lara Salyer)   Links Take the Archetype Quiz to find your ideal play activity: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype Catalyst Reclamation: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/reclamation Right Brain Rescue book: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B08JCKBWK5/   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    45 min

  4. NOV 15

    Map Your Unique 6 Step Method

    “When we dive into the complex world of functional and integrative medicine, it can feel overwhelming. And the best asset you have is designing your own unique method that you will bestow to your patients”   In this episode, I’m sharing my six-step roadmap to help you, as a functional or integrative practitioner, build a method that’s structured, personal, and truly impactful. Imagine guiding each patient’s journey with clarity and consistency, while also reigniting your own passion for medicine.   We start with the discovery call, a powerful first touchpoint that often goes underutilized. From there, I’ll walk you through each phase, from the initial visit to long-term support, and show you how small, thoughtful touches can transform the patient experience in a micropractice. Think about it: are you helping patients feel truly seen from that very first interaction? Is the support you’re providing empowering them over time?   By the end, you’ll have fresh ideas for clarifying patient expectations and enhancing outcomes, all while creating a practice that brings you joy and fulfillment. This roadmap is about more than just steps. It’s a guide to building a micropractice rooted in connection, clarity, and compassionate care.   Quotes “The best asset you have is designing your own unique method that you will bestow to your patients.” (00:19 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “You are the face of your business. You are the embodiment of the healing modalities that you are going to use for your patients. The discovery call is a very underutilized method that has such potent power. The discovery call gives that patient an energetic connection to you. And sometimes that’s wordless. It can be just the feeling they get across the Zoom room or on the phone or in your office. No matter how you do the discovery calls, it gives them this assurance that you are their next guide.” (08:33 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “In your healing and treatment phases, what do you offer as a touch point of support? What could you offer? …Patients need to feel that kind of trust and safety. Otherwise, it’s a high ticket for them to implement and execute on all the things that you give them in that visit summary. So think about all the ways that you can encourage them like a cheerleader.” (23:59 | Dr. Lara Salyer)   Links Book a Discovery Call: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery Free Micropractice Assessment: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/P56ItjWi?typeform-source=drlarasalyer.com Purchase the STREAMLINE module from our Catalyst Studio resource library to work on your unique method, as well as streamline other aspects of your work/life masterpiece! https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/streamline   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    36 min

  5. NOV 8

    5 Strategies to Get Started in Functional Medicine

    “We’re always going to be lifelong learners when we get into functional medicine. Curiosity is what brought us here,” says Meg McElroy, a physician assistant with a deep background in integrative medicine. Her journey began as a patient facing her own health struggles, which eventually fueled her passion for managing autoimmune conditions—not just for herself but for others as well. Meg’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, both for patients and practitioners.   In this episode, Meg joins me to explore the world of functional medicine training. Finding the right program can feel overwhelming since there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We share valuable insights on how understanding your learning style and aligning with your professional goals can guide you toward the best choice. We also tackle the practical challenges of practicing functional medicine within insurance models versus cash-pay models.   Tune in for thoughtful reflections and actionable insights that will encourage you to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of integrative medicine with confidence and purpose.   Quotes “So much is built from community, and realizing you’re not alone and having your ability to be self-expressive in the kind of medicine you want to practice and deliver, whether it’s pulling from functional medicine or other holistic lifestyle medicine practices. It’s all a blend for each practitioner to deliver what they want, and finding that community is crucial.” (07:25 | Dr. Lara Salyer)  “Functional medicine is only as impactful as the practitioner can be efficiently and actionable in helping the patient understand.” (07:55 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “When I first got started in functional medicine, I was a part of practice where I’d say it was like test and treat everything. So, people would leave with three to five tests to do and maybe 10 supplements to take without having any data yet. And it works for some, but it’s not for everybody. Methodical is where you start with one thing at a time, even one supplement at a time.” (08:39 | Meg McElroy) “Taking charge of your health does require an investment, but it doesn’t need to be the investment that a lot of people associate with a functional medicine model.” (14:46 | Meg McElroy) “We’re always going to be lifelong learners when we get into functional medicine. Curiosity is what brought us into functional medicine.” (17:38 | Meg McElroy)   Links Free Micropractice Assessment: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/P56ItjWi?typeform-source=drlarasalyer.com   Connect with Meg McElroy: Website: www.megmcelroy.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/functionalmedicinepa Facebook Group: PAs/NPs in Functional/Integrative Medicine https://www.facebook.com/groups/2013000098937843/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megmcelroypa/   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    43 min

  6. NOV 1

    What Kind of Healer Are You? How to Evolve Your Unique Self-Expression

    “The secret to thriving is embracing change, not resisting it.” In this episode, I share how I made the shift from feeling burned out as a physician to finding success as an entrepreneur in functional medicine—all by learning to embrace change instead of fighting it. Being both a mom and a practitioner taught me to adapt and grow in ways I never expected.   To avoid burnout, it’s crucial to design a practice that evolves with you. I offer practical insights on how you can reflect on your values, lean into discomfort, and follow your curiosity to create a career that feels truly aligned and fulfilling. Whether you’re a healer, a business owner, or both, ask yourself—how can you create a professional life that not only supports your passion but also your well-being?    Through my mentorship and membership programs, I guide healthcare professionals to tap into their unique talents and deliver meaningful care without sacrificing themselves in the process.   This episode is for anyone looking to grow as a healer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants to stay curious and evolve—both personally and professionally.   Quotes “The secret to thriving is embracing change, not resisting it.” (00:20 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “The best healers are those that continue to grow. If you remain static in the knowledge that you have, patience would eventually reach the ceiling of that knowledge, and you wouldn’t be serving your community to your best or highest attributes.” (07:23 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Evolution is your strength. If you lean into it and do those three things, where you reflect regularly, you trust the discomfort, and then you lean into what you’re curious about, that can help unlock a different path that could lead to greater things.” (14:57 | Dr. Lara Salyer)  “You need to design a career that evolves with you, that has that flexibility to bend and to expand and contract, one that reflects your unique skills and interests and passions.” (24:15 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “On the other side of change is always something more beautiful than you can ever imagine.” (26:15 | Dr. Lara Salyer)    Links Book a Discovery Call: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery Infographics for purchase: https://drlarasalyer.com/shop/#Infographics   Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    28 min

  7. OCT 25

    The Call Is Coming From Inside the House: 5 Internal Boundaries You’re Neglecting

    “Overcommitting and overworking won’t lead to more popularity or more business success. It just means you’re not discerning your internal boundaries well enough to give yourself that permission for space and time,” I share in this episode of The Catalyst. I’ve seen how neglecting those internal boundaries can fuel burnout and overwhelm, especially in high-pressure environments like healthcare.   When we push ourselves to overcommit and chase perfection, we end up ignoring our personal needs, and that’s actually blocking us from reaching a state of flow—a powerful state where we perform and feel our best. My advice? Set firm, clear boundaries. Embrace “good enough” instead of perfection. And don’t forget to prioritize self-care and creativity. When we’re mindful of these internal boundaries, we reduce stress, find better balance, and create space for flow, leading us to a more fulfilling, productive, and healthier life.   Quotes “When you’re doing something you love, it’s so easy to say yes… And so when we do this and we say yes all the time, we’re on that highway of burnout because as you’ll see with that practitioner I talked about, burnout is three things, depersonalization, low perceived achievement, and emotional exhaustion.” (06:27 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Overcommitting, overworking does not lead to more popularity, to more business success. It just means that you’re not discerning your internal boundaries well enough to give yourself that permission of space and time.” (10:35 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “When you neglect basic needs like snacks, rest, that derails productivity… Your productivity will actually decrease the more you try to squeeze that lemonade out of that lemon. It isn’t going to work. You need to have these routine cadences of breaks for your self-care.” (13:24 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Creativity is part of the divine connection we have. It is the art of medicine. It is the reason we are human beings, not human doings… Creativity isn’t just painting or drawing, writing, or dancing. Creativity is a relationship that you have with yourself. It is exploring what is curious to you.” (18:54 | Dr. Lara Salyer)   Links Book a Discovery Call: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery Free Catalyst Calendar planner: https://healthinnate.activehosted.com/f/49 Past Episode referenced in this podcast: https://drlarasalyer.com/2024/03/01/episode-103-tips-on-turning-gratitude-into-greatfullness   Ads: Shop https://drlarasalyer.com/shop. Catalyst Reclamation Course https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/reclamation   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    25 min

  8. OCT 11

    From Burnout to Breakthrough, Jenn Johnson’s Guide to Nursing Intuition

    “Trust your gut. That was it. That was the whole conversation,” recalls Jenn Johnson, a seasoned ER nurse with over 16 years in the field. Those simple words from her professor shaped how she approaches patient care and the importance of intuition in nursing.   In this episode, Jenn joins Dr. Lara Salyer to share how intuition has been her guiding light throughout her career, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She talks about battling burnout and how creativity and emotional resilience have helped her. Her book, “Nursing Intuition,” encourages healthcare professionals to reconnect with their passion for the field while also recognizing the emotional toll it can take.   Jenn explains how trusting your gut can lead to better assessments, even when the data doesn’t flag any issues. She points out the value of open communication within healthcare teams that will foster collaboration and improve patient outcomes. She also introduces a unique grief journal she created to help healthcare workers manage emotions and combat burnout.    By blending intuition and creativity as essential tools to thrive in the demanding world of nursing, Jenn inspires listeners to tap into their own instincts for resilience and healing.   Quotes “The easiest catalyst moment is obviously COVID. COVID, for all that it did that was negative, I try my very best to look at the silver linings, however small or minute they may be. There’s always a silver lining if you look hard enough.” (03:04 | Jenn Johnson) “Intuition is this great thing where enough of us are doing it, and enough of us have trusted it, that when you go to your physician or your coworkers and say, ‘I just don’t know about X, Y, Z,’ they respond with, ‘Okay, well, let me take a peek at it,’ or ‘What’s really tripping you up? Is there something specific?’ Being able to talk to your support people about that is huge. That’s the big skill. All I’m asking for is that people not only recognize that it’s happening, but also be able to do something about it.” (14:38 | Jenn Johnson)  “Intuition is a very soft skill. How do you teach intuition? Well, it’s one of those things that just takes time, effort, validation, and practice.” (20:50 | Jenn Johnson)   Links Connect with Jenn Johnson: Website: http://www.rxforgrowth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ernurse.jenn/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ernurse.jenn/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-johnson-bscn-rn   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    30 min
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About

Welcome to The Catalyst, the podcast where we explore creative ideas to spark innovation in an unhealthy healthcare system. Join your host Dr. Lara Salyer, a physician and mom of three, who suffered burnout, resigned and is re-imagining the way she practices medicine. After training with the Institute for Functional Medicine and Flow Research Collective, Lara now teaches patients and practitioners how to optimize flow to catalyze their own revolution in healing. Tune in for candid conversations with leading experts in conventional and holistic healthcare, who dare to believe a better future is possible for all of us. We’ll cover topics from organizational efficiency to creative technology to proven methods to think differently about the practice of independent medicine. Life is made up of tiny, catalytic moments of immense impact. When strung together, the transformation is magical. Join us, and let’s color outside the lines!

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