Transforming Healthcare Coaching

Creating Community with Dr. Zhen Chan of Grapevyne | Episode 110

What happens when a pediatrician gets tired of doctors feeling alone in medicine? He builds a community. In this episode, host Lillian Liang Emlet sits down with Dr. Zhen Chan — pediatrician, MD MBA, and founder of Grapevyne — to explore physician burnout, professional isolation, and how peer-driven communities can restore physician autonomy and career fulfillment.   Chapters & Time-stamps 0:00 — Intro & Teaser 1:51 — Welcome & Guest Bio 2:52 — Conversation Begins 3:09 — Building Community in Residency 5:07 — The Connector: Phi Delta Epsilon Story 6:58 — Post-Pandemic Isolation & Lost Community 8:59 — The MBA Lens: Seeing Medicine Differently 11:19 — Physician Isolation & Lost Autonomy 12:30 — Financial Literacy Gap in Medical Training 14:13 — What Is Grapevyne & Why It Exists 15:36 — Who Grapevyne Is For 17:37 — Business Culture of Support vs. Medicine 20:43 — Convincing Skeptical Doctors to Join 22:23 — Networking Tips: Always Ask for a Connection 24:43 — Physician Coaching & Grapevyne 26:37 — Community Stories: Real Impact 28:58 — Vision: A Clearinghouse for Physician Education 31:54 — Final Advice: Don't Go Through It Alone 33:20 — How to Find Grapevyne    Topics Covered: Why physician professional isolation drives burnout and loss of autonomy How an MD MBA lens reshapes how doctors see healthcare systems Building Grapevyne: from idea to a global peer-powered physician community Practical networking tips for busy clinicians (once every two months = 6 new connections/year) Why physician coaching is finally becoming normalized in medical education The power of warm introductions and community-driven career transitions    👨‍⚕️ Dr. Zhen Chan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhenmd/] Board-Certified Pediatrician | Founder & CEO, Grapevyne MD MBA, University of Miami; Pediatrics Residency, New York Presbyterian Pediatric venture capital, quality improvement, healthcare advocacy Grapevyne.health [https://www.grapevyne.health/] (free to join) Instagram: @Zhen_MD [https://www.instagram.com/zhen_md/] | TikTok: @ZhenMD [https://www.tiktok.com/@zhenmd] | LinkedIn: Zhen Chan MD [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhenmd/]   Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggsutdy4-3o] Subscribe and Listen on: * Website [https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/podcast/] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3w6I2pkstQdXDEvZQLMy1A] * Spotify  [https://open.spotify.com/show/2Iu6tIZMIf0ZV83sP55iN4?si=3883c27ed37e4fb3] * Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transforming-healthcare-coaching-podcast/id1739876367] Follow us on: * Newsletter [https://medthrive.circle.so/newsletter] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transforminghealthcare.coach] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550898515199] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-liang-emlet-transforming-healthcare-coaching/] For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. [https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/contact/] Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

When the Career Pivots, Gifts Appear with Dr. Krystal Sodaitis | Episode 109

What if the traits you've been hiding your whole career are actually your greatest strengths? Dr. Krystal Sodaitis — board-certified pediatrician turned health plan executive, life coach, and TEDx speaker — unpacks neurodiversity in medicine, physician career pivots, and why the "spiky profile" hiding in plain sight might be your superpower. Chapter and Time-stamps 00:00 Identity Beyond Medicine 02:15 Meet Dr Krystal Sodaitis 02:52 Life in Academic Pediatrics 04:29 Finding Managed Care Roles 06:41 Transferable Skills Mindset 10:03 Leap of Faith Transition 13:47 Fear Failure and Growth 16:45 Spaciousness After Leaving 19:05 Neurodiversity Spiky Profiles 24:02 Masking Burnout Supports 29:29 Practical Tips for Leaders 36:14 AI Scribes Pros Cons 38:26 Key Takeaways and Next Steps 39:40 Where to Find Krystal 40:56 Outro and Listener Call   What You'll Learn - Why physicians "fail in advance" — and how to stop self-throttling your career - What masking costs neurodiverse clinicians daily — and how it fuels burnout - The twice exceptional physician: gifted AND differently wired - How AI ambient scribing helps some — and creates new barriers for others - Concrete steps leaders can take to build neurodiversity-affirming clinical environments - Why career pivots aren't smaller — they're fuller versions of your calling   References Mentioned The Life Coach School — coaching certification & leadership tools Dragon Speak — voice-to-text dictation for clinical notes AI Ambient Scribing — benefits & nuances for neurodiverse clinicians Neuropsychological Evaluation — recommended for complex diagnosis support   Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggsutdy4-3o] Subscribe and Listen on: * Website [https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/podcast/] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3w6I2pkstQdXDEvZQLMy1A] * Spotify  [https://open.spotify.com/show/2Iu6tIZMIf0ZV83sP55iN4?si=3883c27ed37e4fb3] * Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transforming-healthcare-coaching-podcast/id1739876367] Follow us on: * Newsletter [https://medthrive.circle.so/newsletter] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transforminghealthcare.coach] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550898515199] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-liang-emlet-transforming-healthcare-coaching/] For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. [https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/contact/] Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

Transforming Healthcare: Mom Leaders Dialogues | Episode 108

Can you be a promoted healthcare leader and a great mom? Recorded live from Sedona, Arizona, host Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet and Gillian Faith celebrate Mother's Day with an honest, unfiltered conversation about the myths, struggles, and strategies of being a mom in medicine. No fluff — just real talk from two women who've lived it. 00:57 Mothers Day In Sedona 01:46 The Juggle Of Roles 03:27 Building Your Support System 05:57 Brave Asks And Mom Friends 09:27 Drop The Supermom Myth 11:10 Perfectionism And Good Mom Stories 15:19 Grace And Repair With Kids 17:41 Making Work Better For Women 20:00 Grounding Habits And Fitness 23:21 Closing Mothers Day Message   References & People Mentioned Shonda Rhimes — commencement speech on success vs. "failing" at home Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein [https://www.themedlifematrix.com/site/about] — MEDLIFE Matrix; nurturing primary relationships Mel Robbins [https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-high-5-habit/] — High Five Habit & self-compassion framework Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggsutdy4-3o] Subscribe and Listen on: * Website [https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/podcast/] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3w6I2pkstQdXDEvZQLMy1A] * Spotify  [https://open.spotify.com/show/2Iu6tIZMIf0ZV83sP55iN4?si=3883c27ed37e4fb3] * Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transforming-healthcare-coaching-podcast/id1739876367] Follow us on: * Newsletter [https://medthrive.circle.so/newsletter] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transforminghealthcare.coach] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550898515199] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-liang-emlet-transforming-healthcare-coaching/] For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. [https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/contact/] Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

Mastering Difficult Conversations in Healthcare with Dr. R. Lee Sharma | Episode 107

Silence in medicine isn't protection — it's the source of burnout. Host Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet sits down with Dr. R. Lee Sharma, OBGYN, trained mediator, and conflict analyst, to reframe how healthcare professionals think about conflict. Learn why conflict is a vital sign, not a failure — and what to do about it.   Episode Chapters 00:00 Silence Fuels Burnout  01:22 Meet Dr. Lee Sharma 02:05 Why Conflict Matters 04:35 The Hidden Cost of Silence 09:07 Conflict as a Vital Sign 10:20 Why She Got Trained 14:47 SPARC Rapid Framework 20:33 Designing Safer Systems 30:10 Alignment Over Compromise 31:20 Starting Hard Conversations 34:51 Where to Find Dr. Sharma 36:46 Final Takeaways & Outro   Guest: Dr. R. Lee Sharma 🔬 OBGYN | Mediator | Conflict Analyst | Speaker | Podcast Host 🎙️ Scalpel and Sword Podcast 🌐 rleesharma.com | 💼 LinkedIn: Dr. R. Lee Sharma 📩 Residency workshops, faculty & organizational consulting   References Mentioned Dr. Jessica Bunin — All Levels Leadership; Civil Discourse framework Haavi Moreim - JD, PhD Professor at University of Tennessee Health Science Center ;  "Guardian of the Process" Atul Gawande — surgical peer observation & debriefing VitalTalk — end-of-life communication training   #HealthcareLeadership #PhysicianBurnout #ConflictResolution #MedicalPodcast   Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggsutdy4-3o] Subscribe and Listen on: * Website [https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/podcast/] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3w6I2pkstQdXDEvZQLMy1A] * Spotify  [https://open.spotify.com/show/2Iu6tIZMIf0ZV83sP55iN4?si=3883c27ed37e4fb3] * Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transforming-healthcare-coaching-podcast/id1739876367] Follow us on: * Newsletter [https://medthrive.circle.so/newsletter] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transforminghealthcare.coach] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550898515199] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-liang-emlet-transforming-healthcare-coaching/] For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. [https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/contact/] Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

Balancing Motherhood and Medicine with Dr. Cindy Van Praag | Episode 106

Dr. Cindy Van Praag — anesthesiologist, wellness coach, and founder of Inspired Moms MD — joins Lillian Liang Emlet to unpack why so many accomplished physician mothers still feel like they're not enough, and what to do about it. From the masks we wear in different roles, to the hidden energy leaks sabotaging your day, to the power of standing firm in your values, this conversation is a candid guide to thriving — not just surviving — in medicine and motherhood. If you're a woman physician ready to stop running on autopilot and start living with intention, this episode is for you. Chapters: 1:02 – Introducing Dr. Cindy Van Praag 4:12 – The Masks We Wear: Appearance vs. Reality 7:14 – Integrity, Boundaries & Saying No Without Explanation 10:19 – "Am I Enough?" — The Question Every Physician Is Asking 13:41 – It's Not a Time Problem — It's an Energy Problem 17:15 – Mindset Shifts & Small Steps That Actually Work 20:47 – You Already Have the Answers Within You 22:07 – How to Connect with Dr. Cindy Van Praag Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggsutdy4-3o] Subscribe and Listen on: * Website [https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/podcast/] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3w6I2pkstQdXDEvZQLMy1A] * Spotify  [https://open.spotify.com/show/2Iu6tIZMIf0ZV83sP55iN4?si=3883c27ed37e4fb3] * Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transforming-healthcare-coaching-podcast/id1739876367] Follow us on: * Newsletter [https://medthrive.circle.so/newsletter] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transforminghealthcare.coach] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550898515199] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-liang-emlet-transforming-healthcare-coaching/] For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. [https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/contact/] Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.