The Other Human in the Room

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 cu...

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...

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...

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...

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...

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mel, who shared her journey from being an ENT surgeon to becoming a professional coach. We explore her difficult experiences in childhood and in medical training, and how coaching has helped her reclaim her sense of self-worth and empowerment. Mel introduced the concepts of black swans and red swans, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to recognize the unknowns in a patient encounter in order to be effective

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

Connect with Mel: https://www.melthackercoaching.com/empoweredsurgeon

https://www.instagram...

In this episode, I speak with Hannah and Chris, a married couple navigating the challenges of medical residency and parenthood. They share their journey from meeting during medical training to managing the complexities of Hannah's OB-GYN residency while balancing their relationship and impending parenthood. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, expectation management, and the unique challenges faced by couples in the medical field, especially when pregnancy and parenting are involved. The couple emphasizes the significance of community support, the dehumanization often faced in medicine, and the journey of sharing their story publicly to help others.

Connect...

In this episode, I discuss the detrimental effects of the culture of overworking in healthcare and present alternatives to the notion of 'pushing through.' I share practice strategies, personal experiences and insights on how these alternatives can lead to better recovery and sustainability in the healthcare profession. There's a reason I can't stop talking about the importance of recognizing your limits - it's a deeply humanizing practice for everyone in healthcare!

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

In this episode, I dive into the common fear of being judged by others while on my commute to work. I share some personal stories and tips on how to face and understand these fears. I talk about why it's so important to accept yourself and how being a bit disruptive can actually be a good thing. Through my reflections, I encourage everyone to embrace their flaws and remember that judgment is something we all deal with.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Dr Bryan MacLeod and I discuss the importance of self-compassion in healthcare. Bryan shares his journey from experiencing cauda equina while working rural physician to recognizing the need for self-compassion when facing ongoing health challenges. We explore the three pillars of self-compassion—mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness—and highlight the cultural challenges in healthcare regarding self-care. Bryan emphasizes how self-compassion can improve relationships, mental health, and work environments, and we discuss the need to teach these practices to combat burnout and foster wellness among healthcare professionals.
Connect with Bryan here: https://mscnorth.com/
Connect on Instagram: https://www...

Get ready for a full nerding out in this episode! I discovered the concept "Time Needed to Treat" and NEEDED to share the original article that it came from with all of you fair healthcare humans. It is always so gratifying to learn that others within healthcare are recognizing the need for boundaries around our work in order for us to work sustainably, and even creating academic concepts and math formulas to prove it!
LAST CALL!! Early-bird registration from Creating Space 2025 is opening ONLY for the month of March! Head to⁠ joanchanmd.com/space⁠ to book your connection call...

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr Kristine Woodley, a family physician who has journeyed through several clinical settings to discover her passion for palliative care. Kristine also describes herself as a "woo woo doctor", sharing how her personal exploration into intuition and spirituality have benefited her clinical practice. Make sure you listen to the end, where Kristine shares a simple but powerful grounding practice that has helped her get through some serious health challenges and find her centred in the midst of an overloaded health system.
Early-bird registration from Creating Space 2025 is opening ONLY for the month...

In this episode, I introduce the concept of Spoon Theory, originally articulated by Christine Miserandino, to explore the experiences of individuals living with chronic illness and disability. Through my reflections and the reading of Miserandino's article, I emphasize the importance of understanding personal capacity and the systemic challenges faced by healthcare professionals with disabilities. The conversation advocates for compassion and awareness within the healthcare system, encouraging listeners to recognize their own limits and those of their colleagues.
Early-bird registration from Creating Space 2025 is opening ONLY for the month of March! Head to⁠ joanchanmd.com/space⁠ to book your conn...

In this episode, I'm diving into the importance of transition planning, both in our personal lives and careers. I've been through a lot of transitions myself, and I want to share some of those experiences with you. It's all about being prepared for changes, avoiding burnout during these times, and having a solid succession plan in place. Through practical examples and personal stories, I'll offer insights on how to get ready for various transitions in life, making it easier for you and everyone else involved.
Early-bird registration from Creating Space 2025 is opening ONLY for the month of March...

In this episode of The Other Human in the Room, I speak with Dr Rabia Khan, a lead physician at East Wellington Family Health Team. We discuss Rabia's journey into medicine, the importance of team support in healthcare, her approach to leadership and conflict resolution, and the significance of setting boundaries. Rabia also shares her experiences of bridging communities and fostering dialogue around faith and healthcare, emphasizing the need for safe spaces for meaningful conversations. She shares how her faith guides her service to humanity and the significance of self-care in the medical profession. Our dialogue emphasizes the value...

"But I can't afford to work less". This is one of the most common objections I hear after explaining the benefits of working under your capacity. And because I still have some residual shame socialization around money, it's taken me a while to really solidify why that objection is a thought error, and DEFINITELY an inhuman story. But I'm ready to shout it from the rooftops now - so buckle up! I’m here to describe how it IS possible to work less and make more money, and how good making spacious money can feel.

Early-bird re...

In this episode, Dr Samantha Lavvitt and I delve into the critical issues surrounding disability advocacy in healthcare. Sam shares the challenges she faces as a physician living with disability and chronic illness. We explore the stigma surrounding disability in the medical field, the need for accommodations, and how perceptions of weakness can hinder the careers of disabled physicians. Our conversation highlights the value of lived experiences in patient care and the necessity for flexibility in medical practice to better support all healthcare providers.

If you are an Ontario family physician, consider joining a...

What scares you more - experiencing your own disappointment or someone else's? I have noticed this is a common area of struggle for folks in healthcare, especially if you have tendencies towards people pleasing or perfectionism. Join me, the Only Human in the Van, as I reflect on the inhuman stories we have learned about disappointment and offer my favourite ways of reframing disappointment in a generative way.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

I had such a great chat with Olive Von Topp about her journey from being a 'good girl' to a burlesque performer and empowerment coach. We talked about how society pressures women to be perfect and people-pleasers, which often leads to burnout. Olive shares how to unlearn these habits and reconnect with what makes us happy and feel good in our bodies.
Connect with Olive:
Website: https://www.olivevontopp.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/olivevontopp/
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In my conversation with Dr. Dawn Lim, an emergency doctor and life coach, she opened up about her journey through burnout in the medical field and her exploration of creativity through photography and storytelling. Dawn shared the importance of human connection in medicine, her unique role as a Photographer in Residence, and how she now supports fellow physician mothers through coaching. Our discussion highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, particularly women, in balancing their careers and personal lives, and the need for vulnerability and resilience in overcoming these obstacles.
Connect with Dawn:
Instagram: https://www.instagram...

Have you ever struggled to stay connected with someone who holds a very different belief from your own? Growing up in evangelical Christianity and being trained in the dogmatic culture of medicine, I've often felt the pull to either convert others to my beliefs or go along with theirs to keep the peace. Despite these challenges, I've been practicing how to stay connected, kind, and loving, even when my beliefs differ sharply from those around me. Join me as I share my reflections and practical tips on holding space for differences without feeling the need to convert others or...

The wonderful Pádraig Ó Tuama is on the podcast today! Pádraig shares how his relationship to poetry and theology shaped his work in conflict resolution. We discuss the duality of conflict as both destructive and generative, exploring how conflict can lead to positive outcomes when approached thoughtfully. I share some of the system challenges and ideological conflicts that have emerged in healthcare, and Pádraig offers wisdom and insights in how these can be navigated without causing more harm to one another. I was so nourished by this conversation, and I hope you will be too!Learn more abou...

In this episode, Joan reflects on the concept of power as a central theme for her year. She explores the distinction between external and internal sources of power, discussing how societal structures influence our understanding of power dynamics. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own sources of power and to choose a theme for the year that resonates with them.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this episode, Joan reflects on the concept of continuity of care in healthcare, discussing its implications, challenges, and the need for a redefined approach. She advocates for a collective responsibility in ensuring continuity of care, moving away from the notion that individual clinicians must bear the entire burden. The conversation highlights the systemic issues that contribute to burnout and the need for a supportive healthcare environment.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Joan is the only human in her van for the last time in 2024 and sharing a short and sweet dose of humanity for you on this Christmas holiday week. Wishing you all moments of rest, joy and humanity over this holiday season ❤️ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this episode of The Other Human in the Room, Joan and Dr Dale Guenter explore the themes of human-centered medicine, spirituality, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Dale shares his journey into medicine, his experiences with burnout, and the importance of compassion in patient care. They discuss the role of spirituality in understanding patient suffering and the significance of being present in the moment, utilizing the heart, head, and gut as centers of knowing. Dale shares his journey of navigating spirituality within the medical field and the importance of embracing personal passions outside of work.

<...

In this conversation, Joan and Stephanie explore the application of Agile and Scrum principles in the healthcare sector. They discuss the importance of adapting these frameworks to foster innovation, collaboration, and effective problem-solving in complex environments like healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the need for a shift from traditional industrial approaches to more human-centered, iterative methods that prioritize value delivery and responsiveness to change. Stephanie emphasizes the significance of personal leadership and the human element in utilizing metrics effectively, while Joan reflects on the challenges faced in implementing these concepts in practice.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com...

I went to the Eras Tour and of course I HAD to talk about it!! My dear friend Caroline, with whom I have had many Taylor Swift conversations, volunteered to come on the podcast to talk to me about the show.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

This episode is the 2nd in a series I have been creating on my family full of physicians. This week's conversation feels particularly personal and tender to me - because it's with my dad! All family relationships are complex, including this one, and we explore the inspiring and emotional realities of being both father-daughter and two physicians with differing views on science & society.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Joan explores the pervasive fear of forgetting, particularly in the context of healthcare. She discusses how this fear can lead to anxiety and shame, and emphasizes the importance of understanding memory as a dynamic process rather than a static storage system. Joan shares personal strategies for managing forgetfulness, including the use of external resources and the importance of self-compassion. The conversation highlights the need to shift our perspectives on forgetting and embrace the complexity of our brains.
Book recomendation from the episode: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/books/seven-and-a-half-lessons-about-the-brain/
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Today's episode is the first of what I hope will be a series of conversations where I get personal in a brand new way: by interviewing members of my family! One of the interesting facts about my family, especially the Dobsons (my mom's side), are that there are a LOT of doctors. In this first episode, I start with the most senior living member of this medical lineage, and interview my Great Uncle Jack (aka Dr John Blake Dobson), as well as his daughter Susan Dobson. I hope you find this exploration of medicine through the generations as meaningful...

Joan discusses the importance of the FIFE questions in patient-centered care, emphasizing their role in enhancing communication and understanding between clinicians and patients. She explains the components of the FIFE acronym—Feelings, Ideas, Function, and Expectations—and how they can be effectively integrated into patient encounters to foster better relationships and save time. Joan shares practical tips for applying these questions in clinical practice and highlights the significance of addressing patient emotions and expectations to improve healthcare outcomes.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this conversation, Joan and Catherine explore Catherine's journey through medical school, residency, and her transition into family medicine. They discuss the challenges of maintaining work-life balance, the importance of self-care, and the journey of unlearning old habits. Catherine shares her passion for lifestyle medicine and how it has transformed her practice and patient interactions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community support, mentorship, and the value of taking small steps towards a more fulfilling career in medicine.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

I'm once again driving as the only human in the van, sharing my experiments with asynchronous patient connection. I have been asking myself this central question over the past years: "How can I still connect with patients in meaningful ways, even if we're not seeing each other in person?" Not only for my patients to feel a better sense of connection to me, but for me to feel more freedom and flexibility in how I offer care while still honouring my human capacity.
ALSO listen to the end to hear an exciting announcement: I've recently launched an entire...

In this episode, Joan interviews Sarah Gower, a rural family physician, who shares her journey into medicine and the importance of human connection in healthcare. They discuss the value of embracing imperfection, the impact of personal loss on professional life, and the significance of community support. Sarah emphasizes the need to recognize what is within our control and encourages listeners to live with purpose, reflecting on their priorities and the importance of enjoying life amidst the demands of the medical profession.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Dr. Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist and Chief Wellness Officer, discusses the importance of addressing mental health in healthcare professionals and the pre-med culture. She shares her personal journey of experiencing burnout and the need for self-care. Jessi emphasizes the need for healthcare workers to acknowledge and express their emotions, as well as the importance of creating space for self-reflection and setting boundaries. Jessi also shares her journey of writing a book, which aims to provide relatable stories and information about mental health. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Taylor Swift and the impact of her music (because OBVIOUSLY...

In this solo episode, Joan explores the concept of attention budget and how we spend our attention. She discusses the impact of multitasking and task switching on our mental energy and highlights the importance of focusing on one thing at a time. Joan also examines the role of social media and the internet in consuming our attention and offers strategies for intentional and mindful attention. She applies the concept of attention budget to both leisure activities and patient interactions, emphasizing the need to prioritize what truly brings us joy and connection. Joan encourages listeners to conduct an attention audit...

In this episode, Joan interviews Caitlin Christie, a family physician who shares her journey of realizing she was burnt out and the process of working through it. She discusses the challenges of early practice and the pressure to be perfect. Caitlin also talks about the impact of COVID and becoming a new mother on her burnout. She shares her coaching approach to help physicians find their worth and set boundaries.
Connect with Caitlin:
https://www.instagram.com/coachingbydrcaitlin/
https://www.caitlinchristie.com/
We have a great growing group of healthcare humans that are joining Creating...

In this episode, Joan explores the concept of arguing with reality and how it can lead to unnecessary suffering. She introduces the idea of questioning our thoughts and default stories to determine if they are helpful or true, and applies them to her own experiences in her personal and professional life.
We have a great growing group of healthcare humans that are joining Creating Space, my new coaching program and retreat starting this October! Book a call with me to explore if this program is a good fit for you: joanchanmd.com/space
Connect on Instagram: https...