In this episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the past year—what’s unfolded personally and professionally, and what I’ve learned along the way. I share some big milestones, like launching Experiential Anatomy with Jamie Lee Finch, building new communities, navigating complex relationships, and experiencing real growth—financially, emotionally, and creatively.

One of the themes that keeps coming up for me is how essential it is to prioritize self-care, creativity, and emotional well-being—not just as a healthcare professional, but as a human being. I also talk a bit about what’s ahead, including the next round of my course Creating Space, and why I remain committed to this work of exploring what it means to be fully human in the world of healthcare.

Thanks for listening and being part of this journey with me.

Come sing with me in the Canadian Women Physicians Online Choir: https://www.cwpchoir.com/

Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/space

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

I spoke with Dr. Tara Kiran about the insights she gained during her recent sabbatical, where she explored healthcare systems around the world. Together, we explored the financial realities that primary care providers face, the evolving roles of nurses, and innovative systems in countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Spain. This conversation left me inspired by what’s possible when we create space for new ideas—and reminded of how important it is to care for the humans providing care, too.

Check out Tara's podcast here: https://www.primaryfocus.ca/

And fill out the Our Care patient survey here: https://www.ourcare.ca/survey

Sign up for one of the FREE weekly webinars I'm hosting in June and learn how to create space for your humanity in healthcare: http://joanchanmd.com/webinar

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Tyler Beauchamp, a pediatric resident whose path into medicine was shaped by his own experiences as a chronic patient. He shares candidly about how those early encounters with the healthcare system influenced his understanding of what it means to be a physician — and how some of his assumptions were challenged along the way. Together, we explore the intersection of writing, mental health, and medicine — and the essential role of creativity and human connection in clinical care. This conversation is a powerful reminder that the best doctors aren’t just medically skilled — they’re also curious, compassionate, and willing to bring their whole selves to the work. If you’ve ever wondered how to make space for your creative passions in a demanding profession, Tyler’s story might just be the encouragement you need.

Sign up for one of the FREE weekly webinars I'm hosting in June and learn how to create space for your humanity in healthcare: http://joanchanmd.com/webinar

Connect with Tyler:

Buy his book Freeze Frame!

Website https://www.tyler-beauchamp.com/

IG @tylerbeauchampmd

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this episode, I speak with Dr Yelena Chorny about the challenges in healthcare, focusing on burnout, leadership during the pandemic, and the importance of personal growth. Yelena shares her journey from addiction medicine leadership to seeking new opportunities, touching on the emotional complexities of career transitions and the need for systemic change. We discuss the books that shaped her thinking on personal growth and decision-making, and she introduces the concept of 'urgent optimism' as a mindset for navigating change. Yelena encourages listeners to embrace change and recognize that wanting something different is necessary for growth.

Sign up for one of the FREE weekly webinars I'm hosting in June and learn how to create space for your humanity in healthcare: http://joanchanmd.com/webinar

Connect with Yelena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yelenachorny/

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

This episode was recorded live on the scene of my very first restorative medical education retreat! Join me as I give you a tour around my very cosy and beautiful room in the Millcroft Inn & Spa. I wanted to capture my real time reflections and insights from this incredible experience and share them with you. The main message I couldn't stop thinking about was everything that happened that turned this retreat from dream to reality - and how you could do the same with any dream you might have.

Sign up for one of the FREE weekly webinars I'm hosting in June and learn how to create space for your humanity in healthcare: http://joanchanmd.com/webinar

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this episode, Lauren Umstattd, a facial plastic surgeon who shares her journey through medical training, the challenges of surgical residency, and her experience in a toxic fellowship. Lauren emphasizes self-advocacy, respect in educational environments, and the complexities of filing complaints. We also touched on authenticity in professional identity and strategies for managing burnout in healthcare.

Follow Lauren on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_umstattd_md/

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Effective feedback is a pivotal element in fostering growth and development within the healthcare profession, yet it remains a topic that many individuals approach with trepidation. In this episode, I engage in a profound dialogue with Dr. Paul Tran, a pediatric gastroenterologist and esteemed educator, who passionately advocates for the necessity of constructive feedback. Dr. Tran elucidates the significance of establishing mutual goals and expectations, emphasizing that feedback should not only be seen as a critique but rather an opportunity for collaborative growth. Throughout our conversation, we explore practical strategies to diminish the apprehension surrounding feedback, highlighting the importance of kindness and empathy in delivering messages that encourage improvement. Ultimately, we aspire to transform the feedback process into a constructive dialogue that empowers individuals to flourish in their professional journeys.

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocratic-collective.com

Connect with Paul: https://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/paul-tran-md

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alimentaryschool

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alimentaryschool

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Alimentaryschool

In this episode, I reconnect with Dr Frances Mei Hardin, who shares her decision to leave medicine as an ENT surgeon. We talk about the impact of moral injury, the pressures of prestige in the medical field, and the vital role of self-reflection and therapy when facing life-changing choices. Frances Mei opens up about the difficulty of disappointing family and societal expectations, and how she’s now building the Hippocratic Collective to foster a supportive community for physicians. Our conversation highlights the importance of personal freedom and the courage it takes to pursue new opportunities, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Follow Frances Mei on IG: https://www.instagram.com/francesmeimd

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd