#44| A Veteran Dad’s Guide To Surviving Training Years

#44| A Veteran Dad’s Guide To Surviving Training Years

From Behind The White Coat - Real Talk For Physician Spouses by Amanda

February 16, 2026 · 49 min · Season 1 · Episode 44

About this episode

Ian Wessels shares insights on the challenges and strategies for being a primary parent during a spouse's medical training.

We sit with Ian Wessels, a Navy veteran and work-from-home dad, to explore the unseen labor, identity shifts, and relocations that define life as the primary parent while a spouse trains in cardiothoracic surgery. The talk blends candor, humor, and practical tools for mindset, self care, and community. • military medicine training timeline and family milestones • invisible labor and the emotional load at home • pressures facing female physicians in male-led specialties • strategies for moves...

People in this episode

Guest: Ian Wessels

Topics covered

  • military medicine
  • family dynamics
  • parenting
  • identity shifts
  • self care
  • community support

Keywords

  • cardiothoracic surgery
  • invisible labor
  • emotional load
  • female physicians
  • male-led specialties
  • military family

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