The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

Could locum tenens be the career option that gives you more freedom, flexibility, and renewed purpose in medicine? In this episode, Dr. Trevor Cabrera shares how choosing locums right out of residency opened unexpected doors and helped him rediscover why he became a physician in the first place. In this episode we're talking about: Why Dr. Trevor Cabrera chose locum tenens immediately after residency instead of a traditional physician job Common misconceptions about locum tenens and the realities of working as a locums physician Who is eligible to do locums and important credentialing considerations How to find reputable locums agencies, evaluate recruiters, and choose the right opportunities What to expect with compensation, scheduling flexibility, and contract negotiations The personal and professional benefits of practicing in different communities across the country How locum tenens can provide career clarity, reduce burnout, and create space for future career decisions You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode249 Links for this episode: Dr. Trevor Cabrera's LinkedIn Profile NALTO National Organization of Locum Tenens Organization www.TheNomadicPediatrician.com Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, time management, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you're feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself! And if there's anything we can do to help, feel free to reach out to us at team@doctorscrossing.com. Thank you for listening!

Curious if your EMR frustrations could actually lead to a new career path? This episode might spark something unexpected. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jonathan Komar, a physician who turned his curiosity about improving electronic medical records into a dynamic career in clinical informatics. What started as building templates and optimizing workflows in his own practice evolved into consulting, leadership, and system-wide impact across multiple clinics. Dr. Komar shares how physicians can explore informatics without leaving clinical work, the wide range of roles available, and why your frustrations with inefficient systems might actually be pointing you toward an exciting new direction. In this episode we're talking about: What clinical informatics is and the many directions it can take How to recognize early signs that informatics might be a good fit Simple ways to get involved, including becoming a "super user" How to build experience and credibility without formal certification Different career paths including consulting, training, and product development Opportunities to earn income through side gigs and part-time roles Why physician input is critical in shaping the future of healthcare technology Links for this episode: Dr. Jonathan Komar - LinkedIn Profile Episode #55: How About a Job Improving the EMR? Episode #65: Opportunities in Digital Health – Catch the Wave Episode #88: Find a New Career Direction by Solving a Problem Episode #129: Healthcare Informatics 101: Exciting Roles for Physicians in a Growing Field LinkedIn for Physicians Course - If you'd like to learn how to customize your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out to recruiters, this course walks you through all the steps with short, actionable videos and cheat sheets for each lesson. This course takes the guesswork out of using LinkedIn! Plus Earn up to 3 Category 1 CME credits ⭐ If you would like a sneak peek inside either the course before enrolling or have any questions, just email us at team@doctorscrossing.com. We're happy to give you a closer look. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode247 Thank you for listening!

If you've ever wondered whether physicians can work in artificial intelligence without learning to code, this episode may surprise you. In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Danielle Torres, who stepped away from the traditional residency path to pursue healthcare AI and now serves as Director of Clinical Pathways and Education, helping AI insights translate into real-world patient outcomes. If "AI" makes you think you need years of technical training, think again. Dr. Torres walks through accessible roles where physicians can apply their clinical expertise—from training models to designing products to implementing tools at the point of care. Whether you're exploring a side gig, consulting, or a full career pivot, this is a practical look at how physicians can enter this rapidly growing field without deep technical knowledge. In this episode we're talking about: The three major areas where physicians can work in healthcare AI: model development, product development, and implementation Entry-level roles such as AI annotator and clinical AI trainer How physicians can transition into product manager roles without coding experience Implementation roles that focus on training clinicians and integrating AI into clinical workflows Hybrid leadership opportunities such as medical director, VP of clinical strategy, and startup advisor Typical compensation ranges for part-time consulting and full-time AI roles Practical steps physicians can take to start exploring opportunities in AI today Links for this episode: Episode #178: The hard decision to do residency or not – an MD graduate's success story Dr. Danielle Torres' LinkedIn 🌟When you enroll in LinkedIn for Physicians or The Carpe Diem Resume Kit through The Doctors Crossing, you are not only investing in your next career move, you are also earning valuable CME credits. ✔LinkedIn for Physicians – Earn up to 3 Category 1 CME credits while learning how to build a standout profile, network confidently, and attract the right opportunities. ✔The Carpe Diem Resume Kit – Earn up to 2 Category 1 CME credits as you transform your CV into a polished, compelling resume for nonclinical roles. If you would like a sneak peek inside either the course or the kit before enrolling, just email us at team@doctorscrossing.com. We're happy to give you a closer look. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode245 Thank you for listening!

Have you ever done everything "right" on paper, matched into your specialty, landed your first attending job, checked all the boxes, only to lie awake wondering why it still feels so hard? If you've felt stretched thin, questioned your identity in medicine, or sensed that your purpose might be unfolding before the path is clear, this episode will truly resonate. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Yuri Shindo, an academic hospitalist at UC San Diego who is board-certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine. Dr. Shindo shares her journey from feeling overwhelmed in primary care to stepping into an unexpected calling that began with a reluctant yes to helping her mother's nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment program. This conversation is about courage, values, experimentation, and trusting the quiet inner voice that guides you forward. In this episode we're talking about: The overwhelm and identity shifts that can come with becoming a new attending What happens when your values feel misaligned with the system you're working in How burnout and self-doubt can become catalysts for growth The power of experimentation and giving yourself permission to pivot Saying yes to unexpected opportunities and discovering a calling Building a mission-driven project inside a hospital system without funding Why following joy can lead to meaningful impact Links for this episode: When you enroll in LinkedIn for Physicians or The Carpe Diem Resume Kit through The Doctors Crossing, you are not only investing in your next career move, you are also earning valuable CME credits. LinkedIn for Physicians – Earn up to 3 Category 1 CME credits while learning how to build a standout profile, network confidently, and attract the right opportunities. The Carpe Diem Resume Kit – Earn up to 2 Category 1 CME credits as you transform your CV into a polished, compelling resume for nonclinical roles. If you would like a sneak peek inside either the course or the kit before enrolling, just email us at team@doctorscrossing.com. We're happy to give you a closer look. Thank you for listening!

What would you do if you opened your mail and saw a letter from the medical board? For many physicians, that moment triggers fear, shame, and a flood of worst-case scenarios. Even a single patient complaint can feel like your entire career is suddenly on the line. And because most of us were never trained on how medical board investigations actually work, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. In today's episode, I'm joined by Guillermo Beades, Esq., a seasoned healthcare attorney and partner at Friar Levitt, who works closely with physicians facing medical board investigations, licensing issues, audits, and administrative actions. Guillermo pulls back the curtain on a process that often feels mysterious, intimidating, and isolating—and explains what physicians really need to know to protect themselves and their careers. We talk honestly about why board investigations happen, what not to do if you're contacted, and how small missteps early on can snowball into much bigger problems. Most importantly, Guillermo shares a grounded, hopeful message: one investigation does not have to define your career. In this episode we're talking about: Common triggers for medical board investigations, including patient complaints, audits, and reports from other clinicians What different types of board notices mean, and how to "triage" them appropriately Why responding incorrectly (or not responding at all) can escalate a situation fast The risks of surrendering a license or DEA/CDS registration without legal guidance What consent orders are, and why they matter more than many physicians realize How investigations become public and what gets reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank Why fear and shame can push physicians to leave medicine prematurely, and why you don't have to Links for this episode: Frier Levitt - Professional Board Actions: https://www.frierlevitt.com/what-we-do/healthcare-law/professional-board-actions 🌟When you enroll in LinkedIn for Physicians or The Carpe Diem Resume Kit through The Doctors Crossing, you are not only investing in your next career move, you are also earning valuable CME credits. ✔ LinkedIn for Physicians – Earn up to 3 Category 1 CME credits while learning how to build a standout profile, network confidently, and attract the right opportunities. ✔ The Carpe Diem Resume Kit – Earn up to 2 Category 1 CME credits as you transform your CV into a polished, compelling resume for nonclinical roles. If you would like a sneak peek inside either the course or the kit before enrolling, just email us at team@doctorscrossing.com. We're happy to give you a closer look. 🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it! We've got a special prize waiting for you, and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at team@doctorscrossing.com and we'll send you your prize! Thank you for listening!

What if your career didn't have to be just one thing? In today's episode of the Doctors Crossing Carpe Diem podcast, we explore the idea of a portfolio career—a professional life made up of multiple aligned roles rather than a single, linear path. Using a powerful real-world example, we talk about how physicians can create more fulfillment, connection, and sustainability by thoughtfully diversifying how they work. I'm joined by Dr. Jess Beachkofsky, a psychiatrist who affectionately calls herself The Sunny Psychiatrist. Jess shares her journey from military medicine to telepsychiatry, private practice, and eventually a portfolio career that blends clinical work, nurse practitioner supervision, disability evaluations, teaching, and speaking. Her story is a beautiful example of how clarity often comes from experimentation—not from having it all figured out upfront. Together, we talk honestly about what wasn't working, what was missing, and how small "yeses" opened doors to a career that now feels deeply aligned. We also discuss the practical considerations of portfolio careers, including time management, income variability, benefits, and insurance—so you can explore your options with eyes wide open. If you're feeling stuck, lonely, under-stimulated, or simply curious about what else might be possible, this episode offers both inspiration and grounded guidance. In this episode we're talking about: What a portfolio career really looks like in real life How to recognize what's missing in your current role The emotional and practical benefits of career diversification Physician-friendly portfolio options inside and outside of medicine Nurse practitioner supervision as a meaningful side role The importance of small experiments instead of big leaps Questions to ask before moving away from a traditional W-2 role Links for this episode: Connect with Jessica Beachkofsky Jessica Beachkofsky's LinkedIn Episode #59: Want to Test Drive Your Career Idea? Episode #186: Earn Extra Income, Fire Up Your Brain, and Find A New Direction With Physician Side Gigs Thank you for listening!

We're often told that gratitude is the answer, that if we could just appreciate what we have, everything would feel better. And while gratitude can be grounding and healing, there is a side of it that doesn't get talked about enough. In this solo episode, I explore what happens when gratitude turns into pressure, when "I should be grateful" becomes a way of silencing your truth, minimizing your exhaustion, or staying stuck in a situation that no longer fits. This is what I call the gratitude trap, and it's one many physicians encounter, especially at moments of transition. This episode is an invitation to reclaim gratitude as a source of support rather than self-abandonment. If you've ever questioned your career and then talked yourself out of listening to that inner voice, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we're talking about: The difference between gratitude that expands you and gratitude that shuts you down How "I should be grateful" can quietly keep you stuck Why comparison is not a reason to ignore your own truth What authentic gratitude actually sounds like Signs your energy is contracting vs. expanding in your work How listening to discomfort can point you toward a better fit Using gratitude as support rather than pressure You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode237 Links for this episode: We're continuing our podcast-sharing contest through January 🎁 Just share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before, then email us: the episode(s) you shared, and the initials (or another identifier) of the two people That's it. Email team@doctorscrossing.com, and we'll send your prize. People are loving it because it's customizable and genuinely useful—this really is a contest you can't lose 🌟

Do you ever feel like your workday follows you home — in the form of unfinished charts, inbox messages, and nagging guilt about what's still left to do? You're not alone. For many physicians, charting is the part of the job that never seems to end — and it can leave you feeling exhausted, behind, and questioning whether you'll ever catch up. Today's guest, Dr. Sarah Smith, knows that struggle firsthand. As a rural family physician, she spent years buried under a mountain of paperwork until she discovered a way to completely transform her workday. Now, as the founder of Charting Coach, she's helped hundreds of physicians learn to finish their notes on time — and reclaim their evenings, weekends, and peace of mind. In this empowering conversation, Dr. Smith and I dive into the mindset and systems that help physicians finally get ahead of their charts. You'll learn why this isn't just about efficiency, but about freedom — the freedom to leave work at work and enjoy the rest of your life again. In this episode we're talking about: The moment Dr. Smith realized she couldn't keep living in "charting chaos" How noticing — rather than judging — your patterns is the first step toward change How perfectionism and impostor syndrome impact charting Practical strategies for charting in real time and managing your day more intentionally How to set boundaries, reduce interruptions, and get notes done before the next patient What "good enough" documentation can look like — and why it's more than enough Some tips for using AI to help with charting You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode235 Links for this episode: Connect with Dr. Smith: Website: https://www.chartingcoach.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChartingCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechartingcoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-smith-999101200 🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it! We've got a special prize waiting for you, and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at team@doctorscrossing.com and we'll send you your prize!

Have you ever been deep in a seemingly small, repetitive problem at work and thought, "There's got to be a better way"? Today's guest didn't just have that thought—she ran with it, all the way from the ER to the shelves of Amazon. In this episode, Dr. Liz Clayborne, emergency physician and founder and CEO of Nasaclip, shares how a common clinical nuisance sparked a full blown medical innovation. What started as a passing thought during residency turned into a patented, market-ready device that's now helping people everywhere from Disney cruises to school nurse's offices. Liz opens up about how she went from taping tongue depressors together to launching a product online. She breaks down the roadmap she followed which included bumps, doubts, funding stress and all—and shows you what's possible when you stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem. Whether your big idea is a device, an app, or just a smarter way to do the thing everyone hates, this conversation will give you the tools (and courage) to start. In this episode we're talking about: How a single ER shift inspired Dr. Liz to design a new medical device What you should do first when you have an idea (spoiler: it's not building a prototype) How to deal with imposter syndrome when you're stepping into unfamiliar territory The realities of fundraising—and why being a physician can actually be your superpower A step-by-step roadmap to go from idea to market The surprising ways her invention has made an impact beyond the ER Why betting on yourself isn't just brave—it's necessary Links for this episode: Dr. Liz Clayborne: Contact: eclayborne@nasaclip.com Instagram: @drelizpc Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethpclayborne/ Nasalip: Website: nasaclip.com Nasaclip Instagram: @nasaclip 🌟Because we really want to keep spreading the word and growing the Podcast, we're doing a little something fun! We've created a new contest, and this one's super easy to win. All you need to do is share the podcast with two people you haven't shared it with before. Then just email us the episode you shared and the initials (or another way to identify) the two people you shared it with. That's it! We've got a special prize waiting for you — and you have until the end of 2025 to enter. So if you've been meaning to tell a friend or colleague about the podcast, now's the perfect time. Just send us your email at team@doctorscrossing.com and we'll send you your prize!

If you've been in the interview process for a nonclinical job and suddenly find yourself in a holding pattern—no updates, no emails, and no clarity—you're not alone. Delays, ghosting, and rejection can be confusing and discouraging, especially when everything seemed to be going well. In this episode, Heather shares why these frustrating pauses happen, what might be going on behind the scenes, and most importantly, how to respond so you stay confident, empowered, and ready for the next opportunity. You'll learn practical strategies to follow up respectfully, gain insight from your interview experience, and reframe rejection as redirection toward the right role for you. Whether you're waiting for a recruiter to reply, feeling ghosted after multiple rounds, or processing a painful "no," this episode offers both empathy and actionable guidance to help you keep moving forward with faith and self-assurance. In this episode we're talking about: Why delays, ghosting, and rejection happen in nonclinical job searches What might be happening behind the silence from recruiters and hiring teams When and how to follow up without overdoing it The "three P's" of handling rejection Why rejection is often redirection—and how to stay open to what's next How to learn and grow from every interview experience, no matter the outcome Links for this episode: Episode #154: Top Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Nonclinical Job Interviews – Part 1 Episode #155: Top Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Nonclinical Job Interviews – Part 2 Episode #230: Nail That Recruiter Interview: Build Your Bridge to the Next Round

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pivot into a completely new career—especially when you don't fit the traditional mold? In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Michelle Mudge-Riley, a physician who took a bold leap from career coaching into the pharmaceutical world. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to follow your curiosity and explore what else is possible. We pull back the curtain on her transition, what it felt like to leave a successful business behind, and how she broke into pharma despite not being the typical candidate. Whether you're just beginning to question your current path or actively exploring nonclinical options, Michelle's story offers honesty, encouragement, and practical tools for the journey ahead. She shares what really happens behind the scenes—from failed interviews and self-doubt to finally landing the right role. In this episode we're talking about: What it's like to make a bold pivot when you don't fit the "traditional" candidate mold. How Michelle handled rejection (including one painful interview setback) and kept going. Why informational interviews were a game-changer (even when some flopped). The mindset shift that helped her overcome fear and finally hit "send" on those messages. How she reframed her background to land roles — even without the "right" experience. Why she loves her new career in pharma, and why she's glad she made the leap. The unexpected part of her new job that brought back joy and connection. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode229 Links for this episode: Episode #17: 9 Top Nonclinical Side Gigs with Michelle Mudge-Riley 🎁 Share & Win! Want to win a prize? It's simple—share The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast with five people, then email us at team@doctorscrossing.com with their initials (or another easy way to validate). We'd love to thank you with a prize for helping us grow our listener family!

Wound care is one of those paths that many physicians overlook—until they discover how meaningful, hands-on, and flexible it can be. In this conversation with board‑certified general surgeon, Dr. Scott Covington, we pull back the curtain on what wound care really looks like day to day, the many ways physicians can enter the field, and why it can be a great fit at different stages of your career. From outpatient centers to post‑acute facilities and even hyperbarics, you'll hear how physicians across a wide range of backgrounds find challenge, purpose, and balance in this niche. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode227 In this episode we're talking about: Why wound care is open to many specialties and has a low barrier to entry. What wound care roles actually look like in daily practice The different settings where physicians can work The kind of training needed to get started, including typical course requirements How compensation is structured and what physicians can expect to earn Which types of physicians tend to thrive in wound care Additional insights and considerations for exploring this career path Links for this episode: 🌟 LinkedIn for Physicians Course – If you'd like to learn how to customize your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out to recruiters, this course walks you through all the steps with short, actionable videos and cheat sheets for each lesson. This course takes the guesswork out of using LinkedIn! Use this link to get 35% off until August 31st, 2025!

In this episode, we discuss the importance of stepping back to gain clarity when facing career crossroads in medicine. I'll share my personal experiences and offer practical strategies for physicians to reflect on their careers, make room for self-discovery, and envision a more fulfilling future. You'll learn how to get to the root of what's prompting your desire for change, so you can make decisions from clarity—not fear. This episode encourages you to reconnect with what truly matters and make aligned choices that support both your career and your well-being. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode225 In this episode we're talking about: Taking a step back to identify the root of your unhappiness. Avoiding impulsive decisions during stressful times. Creating physical distance to gain perspective on your career. Using tools like the Wheel of Life to assess life balance. Personal retreats as a means for deeper introspection. Visualizing your ideal life and career in the future. How to acknowledge and address fears that arise during change. Links for this episode: Physician Transition Starter Kit A "must have" when you're questioning your career path. This 25-page guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started. The Wheel of Life - Download the Wheel of Life to quickly visualize and rank key areas like career, health, finances, and relationships—so you can get clear on what needs your attention most right now.