The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

You know something needs to change in your career, but actually asking for what you need can feel daunting. How do you ask to reduce your hours or take less call without seeming uncommitted? How do you tell your spouse you're thinking about leaving medicine when they're worried about the financial uncertainty? And what do you say when people keep asking "what's next?" and you honestly don't know yet? These conversations at the crossroads can feel so high-stakes that it's tempting to avoid them, soften what you really want, or spend weeks rehearsing the perfect words.
In this episode, I'm joined by attorney Heather Hansen to help us navigate them more effectively. Heather spent more than 20 years as a medical malpractice trial attorney defending physicians, has trained thousands of medical residents in communication skills, and now helps healthcare professionals advocate for themselves with clarity, confidence, and compassion. She's also a best-selling author, speaker, mediator, former television anchor, and host of the Elegant Warrior podcast. Together we talk about how to approach the difficult conversations that come with changing your job or career, without becoming defensive, overexplaining, or feeling like you need everyone's approval.
In this episode we're talking about:
Why conversations at a career crossroads feel so high-stakes, and what makes us avoid them, soften what we want, or over-rehearse
How to ask to reduce your hours or take less call without coming across as uncommitted
How to tell your spouse you're considering leaving medicine when they're worried about the financial uncertainty
What to say when people keep asking "So, what's next?" and you honestly don't know yet
How to advocate for yourself with clarity, confidence, and compassion
How to navigate high-stakes conversations without becoming defensive, overexplaining, or needing everyone's approval
You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:
www.doctorscrossing.com/episode254
 

Links for this episode:

 
Heather Hansen's LinkedIn Profile
H Hansen Group
The Elegant Warrior Podcast with Heather Hansen 
Heather Hansen's Instagram
Quiz on Your Style as an Expert Witness by Heather Hansen

Private 1:1 Consultations - If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, Dr. Heather Fork offers one-hour paid  Zoom consultations. This one-hour coaching session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some concrete steps for moving forward. Dr. Fork also has a 5-month coaching program for those physicians wanting additional assistance (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at team@doctorscrosing.com.

Thank you for listening!

Have you achieved the success you once dreamed of, only to find yourself wondering, "Why doesn't this feel more fulfilling?" If so, you're not alone. In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Gay Hendricks joins me to explore why so many high-achieving physicians find themselves stuck despite doing work they're exceptionally good at. Together, we dive into his powerful concept of the Zone of Genius and how it can serve as a compass for creating a more meaningful, energized, and satisfying career and life.
Dr. Gay Hendricks is a bestselling author, psychologist, and pioneer in the field of personal growth. Known for his influential books The Big Leap and The Genius Zone, he has spent decades helping people identify the hidden patterns that keep them from reaching their full potential. In this episode, he shares practical insights and inspiring stories to help physicians recognize when their genius is calling and how to begin answering that call without necessarily leaving medicine behind.
In this episode we're talking about:
The four zones of functioning: incompetence, competence, excellence, and genius
Why physicians often get trapped in the Zone of Excellence
Common signs that your Zone of Genius is trying to get your attention
How fulfillment differs from success and achievement
The role of wonder, curiosity, and commitment in discovering your genius
Why you may not need a major career change to experience more meaning and satisfaction
Practical ways to spend more time in your Zone of Genius starting today
You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:
www.doctorscrossing.com/episode253
Links for this episode:
The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks
www.hendricks.com
www.foundationforconsciousliving.org
https://www.facebook.com/relationshipadvice/?sk=app_2392950137#/relationshipadvice
https://www.facebook.com/fclconnect
https://www.instagram.com/hendrickscommunity
https://www.youtube.com/@hendricksinstitute
https://www.instagram.com/officialgayhendricks/
Private 1:1 Consultations – If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, I offer an hour-long paid consultation via Zoom. This session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some steps for moving forward. If after this consultation you prefer additional support, there is the option of doing one of my coaching programs (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at team@doctorscrossing.com.
 
Thank you for listening!

Every physician faces difficult seasons. But how do you know when it's time to push through and when it's time to consider a different path?
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Melinda Thacker, an ENT surgeon, master coach, TEDx speaker, and host of the Surgeons on Purpose podcast. After experiencing severe anxiety, insomnia, and panic attacks in the operating room, Dr. Thacker embarked on a journey of healing that transformed both her life and her career. Together, we explore how surgeons and clinicians can navigate self-doubt, complications, shame, and career uncertainty with greater clarity, compassion, and purpose.
In this episode we're talking about:
Dr. Melinda Thacker's personal journey through anxiety, burnout, and rediscovering purpose
How to tell the difference between imposter syndrome, a difficult season, and a true calling for change
Why childhood experiences and old emotional patterns can influence career struggles today
Practical ways to work through shame, complications, mistakes, and difficult patient outcomes
How self-compassion, coaching, and trusted support can help physicians regain confidence
The importance of diversifying your professional identity beyond being "just a doctor"
Why protecting yourself as your most valuable asset ultimately allows you to better care for your patients.
You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:
www.doctorscrossing.com/episode252
Links for this episode:
https://www.melthackercoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/the_surgeon_coach
You can browse our episodes under the Podcast tab on the website. And if you're looking for something specific, or have a topic you'd love us to cover, just reach out at team@doctorscrossing.com. We'd be happy to hear from you!
Thank you for listening!

Curious about a flexible, high-paying nonclinical career that still uses your medical expertise? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Keagen Hadley, an occupational therapist who built a successful career in regulatory medical writing without ever stepping into clinical practice. Dr. Hadley shares how he discovered this little-known field while working in clinical research, the persistence it took to break in, and why regulatory writing can be such an appealing option for physicians seeking flexibility, meaningful work, and strong earning potential. We also explore what regulatory writers actually do, who tends to thrive in this role, how AI is impacting the profession, and practical strategies for getting started. If you enjoy structure, attention to detail, and helping bring new therapies to patients, this conversation may open your eyes to an exciting career path you hadn't considered.
In this episode we're talking about:
What regulatory medical writing is and its role in drug, biologic, and device development
The personality traits and skills that help people succeed in regulatory writing
Dr. Keagen Hadley's unconventional path from occupational therapy to a thriving writing career
How physicians can break into the field through networking, recruiters, and strategic positioning
Compensation, flexibility, and career growth opportunities in regulatory writing
How AI is influencing regulatory writing and why human expertise remains essential
Resources, training recommendations, and practical advice for exploring this career path
You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:
www.doctorscrossing.com/episode251
Links for this episode:
The Clinician's Guide to Regulatory Writing | Keagen Hadley | Substack 
Keagen Hadley | LinkedIn 
Targeted Regulatory Writing Techniques: Clinical Documents for Drugs and Biologics by Wood and Foote
6 Month Road Map to Becoming a Regulatory Writer by Keagen Hadley
Regulatory Medical Writing Masterclass 
Medical Writing Resource Guide – This 11-page guide gives you an introduction to medical writing as well as links for courses, books, websites, and tips for exploring this diverse area. Includes steps you can take whether you want to do medical writing as a side gig, or work full-time as a freelancer or an employee.
Land Your Dream Job With LinkedIn: 5 Steps To Get Started – Following these 5 tips will help you optimize your profile, connect and network with others, and have success applying to jobs on LinkedIn!
Thank you for listening!

What happens when two physicians take their own career crossroads experiences and turn them into a mission to help others? In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Mandy Armitage and Dr. Morgan Leafe share how their individual transitions from clinical medicine led to the creation of the Nonclinical Physicians Network and their first in-person conference for physicians exploring careers beyond traditional practice, taking place October 17–18, 2026, in Philadelphia.
In this episode we're talking about:
Dr. Armitage's and Dr. Leafe's journeys from clinical medicine into medical writing and consulting
How a shared passion for helping physicians navigate career transitions led to the creation of the Nonclinical Physicians Network
Why in-person networking and community can be transformational for physicians exploring nonclinical careers
What attendees can expect from the Nonclinical Physicians Network Conference, October 17–18, 2026, in Philadelphia
Common fears and misconceptions that keep physicians stuck in careers that no longer fit
The importance of networking, accountability, and building connections outside of medicine
Encouragement and practical advice for physicians considering a career change but unsure where to start
You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:
www.doctorscrossing.com/episode250
Links for this episode:
Nonclinicalphysiciansnetwork.com
Nonclinical Careers Conference: October 17–18, 2026, Philadelphia. Early bird pricing expires July 15, 2026.
From Clinical Practice to Medical Writing Guide
Episode #16 – 5 Steps to Becoming a Medical Writer with Dr. Mandy Armitage
Episode #128 – No Residency Needed – Opportunities for Physicians in CME Writing with Dr. Morgan Leafe
Thank you for listening!