The PLA Podcast

Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA)
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The Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA) Podcast is a space for physicians seeking meaningful connection, personal growth, and authentic leadership. Through insightful conversations with PLA faculty, alumni, and thought leaders, we explore the inner work of physician leadership—from mindfulness and emotional intelligence to navigating burnout, uncertainty, and change. Hosted by Dr. Stephanie Costa, this podcast offers practical tools, honest reflections, and real stories that inspire physicians to lead with intention—at work, at home, and in their communities. Whether you’re a graduate of the PLA or just beginning your leadership journey, this podcast is here to reconnect you with your values, your purpose, and your community.  🎙️ Produced by the Columbus Medical Association 🌐 Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org 📲 Contact us at physiciansleadershipacademy.org/contact-us

  1. Aug 21

    Ep 14: Letting Go of Being Right: Curiosity, Leadership & Growth with Dr. Mrunal Shah

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa welcomes PLA faculty member, physician leader, and healthcare coach Dr. Mrunal Shah for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, organizational culture, and the evolving challenges facing physicians today. Drawing on years of experience working with physicians across Central Ohio, Dr. Shah shares insights into the changing healthcare landscape, including increasing administrative burdens, shifting employment models, and the growing need for physicians to lead in new ways. Together, they explore why leadership requires a different skill set than clinical excellence, and how qualities such as curiosity, humility, and collaboration can help physicians navigate complexity more effectively. Whether you are leading a team, caring for patients, or simply navigating life's challenges, this conversation offers an invitation to practice curiosity, embrace continuous growth, and discover the relief that comes from leading with openness rather than certainty. Enrollment is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy, which begins in September 2026. Information and the application may be found at https://www.physiciansleadershipacademy.org/placlassof20262027.   Learn more about Dr. Mrunal Shah and Thrive Healthcare Coaching & Consulting: https://thrivehcc.com/ Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

  2. Jul 29

    Ep 13: Finding Shared Purpose: Building Community & Connection in Medicine with Tracy Davidson

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa welcomes Tracy Davidson, CEO of the Columbus Medical Association and Affiliates, for a conversation about physician belonging, leadership, and the importance of community in healthcare. Together, they explore the organization’s new vision, the growing challenges of physician isolation, and why connection, shared purpose, and collaboration are essential for building healthier communities and a stronger future for medicine.  “The Upswing” book by Robert D Putnam: More information. Read with a Doc: The next session August 8, at 2:00pm, Hilliard Library, 4500 Hickory Chase Way. More information.   Doc to Doc: This program is a confidential peer support program that provides access to an empathetic network of physician peers who have been professionally trained to support colleagues in need. Find more information. SAVE THE DATE: Illuminate, the CMA’s annual celebration is on October 22, 2026. Find more information and RSVP today today.  Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

  3. Jun 4

    Ep 12: Facing the End: Purpose, Presence & End-of-Life Coaching with Phil Cass

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa sits down with PLA founder Phil Cass for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about his recent journey into end-of-life coaching. After decades of leadership, coaching, and service to physicians, Phil shares how a silent retreat, personal loss, and his own health scare led him to explore a new purpose: supporting individuals and families as they face death. Now trained as an end-of-life-coach, Phil reflects on the power of presence, listening, and reducing fear at life’s most vulnerable moments. Together, they explore how conversations about death can bring clarity, connection, and even joy, and why so many people already hold deep insight into what a “good death” and a meaningful life look like. Phil also offers practical reflections on preparing for the end, from writing ethical wills to having honest conversations with loved ones, and shares how this work continues to shape his own approach to living fully. Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

  4. May 12

    Ep 11 - Part 2: Tired and Wired: Safe Relational Touch for Nervous System Regulation

    Send us Fan Mail In part two of our conversation with aesthetician, artist, and craniosacral therapy practitioner Amy Linville, host and PLA Director of Alumni Programming Dr. Stephanie Costa continues their conversation focusing on biodynamic craniosacral therapy (CST) and its relevance for healthcare professionals managing chronic stress and trauma. Amy explains how stress can lead to “chronic bracing,” and describes how safe, negotiated relational touch can help the autonomic nervous system soften and regulate beyond simply telling oneself to relax.    Learn more about Amy on her website: https://www.amylinville.com/ Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

  5. Apr 20

    Ep 11 - Part 1: Drawing as a Stillness Practice with Amy Linville

    Send us Fan Mail Host and PLA Director of Alumni Programming Dr. Stephanie Costa speaks with Amy Linville, an aesthetician who also incorporates biodynamic craniosacral therapy, about building a creative life through drawing. In Part 1 of their conversation, they discuss approachable practices such as 10-minute drawing challenges focused on process over product, noticing nervous system regulation and body awareness, and using constraints like time to reduce perfectionism.    Learn more about Amy on her website: https://www.amylinville.com/  Try Amy's drawing game here: https://bit.ly/4cmu6ct Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

  6. Mar 4

    Ep 10: Martial Arts, Mindfulness, and Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Dean Agra

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Stephanie Costa, Director of Alumni Programming at the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA), talks with PLA graduate Dr. Dean Agra, formerly a nephrologist and now a full-time addiction medicine physician, about how martial arts support mindfulness, grounding, and leading as one’s truest self. Dean shares how he first explored martial arts as a child, returned to training in medical school as a physical and mental outlet, and now practices three to five times per week as a “moving meditation” that helps him stay focused and present. He discusses the complementary nature of PLA mindfulness teachings with martial arts, outlines disciplines he’s trained in (including kung fu, ninjitsu, Muay Thai, and tai chi), and offers suggestions for beginners seeking breath work, fitness, or practical self-defense. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

  7. Jan 18

    Ep 9: Dream Coaching, Burnout, and Finding What’s Next

    Send us Fan Mail Amy Marzluff shares her coaching journey and unique approach to helping people rediscover their dreams. This episode explores physician burnout, leadership, retirement, and life transitions—and how reconnecting with purpose can support both personal and professional well-being.  Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

  8. Jan 11

    Ep 8: Healing the Healers: Trauma, Well-Being, and Leadership in Medicine

    Send us Fan Mail Psychiatrist and OhioHealth Medical Director of Provider Well-Being Dr. Carol Chung joins host Stephanie Costa to discuss physician well-being, trauma, and the importance of seeking support in medicine. They explore burnout versus depression, peer support, trauma-informed care, and how EMDR can help clinicians heal and return to work stronger. A thoughtful conversation about leadership, compassion, and changing the culture of medicine from within.  Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

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About

The Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA) Podcast is a space for physicians seeking meaningful connection, personal growth, and authentic leadership. Through insightful conversations with PLA faculty, alumni, and thought leaders, we explore the inner work of physician leadership—from mindfulness and emotional intelligence to navigating burnout, uncertainty, and change. Hosted by Dr. Stephanie Costa, this podcast offers practical tools, honest reflections, and real stories that inspire physicians to lead with intention—at work, at home, and in their communities. Whether you’re a graduate of the PLA or just beginning your leadership journey, this podcast is here to reconnect you with your values, your purpose, and your community.  🎙️ Produced by the Columbus Medical Association 🌐 Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org 📲 Contact us at physiciansleadershipacademy.org/contact-us

Information

  • Creator
    Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA)
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The PLA Podcast
  • Show Website
    The PLA Podcast