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The Fit Physician

The Fit Physician

Author: Jake Wright & Dr. Suzanne Rutherford

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Are you a busy woman in medicine looking to take your fitness and nutrition to the next level to thrive in all aspects of your life? Look no further! Welcome to The Fit Physician podcast.

As women in medicine, it’s your nature to care for others, often at the expense of your own physical and mental well-being. This can go on for months, even years. It’s time to put an end to this narrative, for all women physicians! And it starts now, with you, and The Fit Physician podcast!

Hosted by Jake Wright, BSc, a women’s fitness specialist with over 15 years of experience and joining him is, Dr. Suzanne Rutherford, MD, a practicing physician with an undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences. You’d be hard pressed to find two experts more passionate about empowering women physicians to live life to the fullest through prioritizing health and fitness.

Suzanne & Jake have dedicated the past 6 years transforming the lives of 100s of women in medicine such as yourself. Their passion for inspiring physicians shines through every episode, sharing stories, insights, expert advice, and providing actionable steps to prioritize yourself guilt-free.

So, if you're a busy woman physician ready to break free from the constraints of guilt, elevate your health, and become the best version of yourself, join Jake and Suzanne on The Fit Physician podcast. They're not just coaches; they're your partners in this transformative journey towards a life where you thrive, unapologetically.

Dr. Suzanne Rutherford, MD (Instagram: @slmmd1976)

Search the globe and it will be hard to find someone more dedicated to women physicians health & well-being than Suzanne.

A practicing physician, Suzanne combines her medical expertise with a foundation in nutritional sciences from her undergraduate studies.

Her passion lies in evidence-based nutrition and empowering fellow women physicians to embrace strength, health, and confidence in their own skin.

Suzanne doesn’t just talk the talk. After completing medical school and welcoming her second child into the world, she found herself facing personal health and fitness challenges that left her feeling like a stranger within her own body.

Determined to make a change, Suzanne rekindled her knowledge of nutrition while introducing strength training into her weekly routine.

The result? She lost over 30 lbs, has kept it off, and feels better in her 40s than she did in her 20s!

Now she spends the better part of her professional career helping other busy women physicians to achieve similar life-altering results.


Jake Wright, BSc

(Instagram: @thefitphysiciancoach Facebook: Jake Wright Facebook page: The Fit Physician Coach)

Meet Jake, also known as The Fit Physician Coach.

Jake’s experience includes a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, over 15+ years as a women's fitness specialist, along with several advanced certifications in strength and condition, nutrition, and joint health.

For the past 6 years and counting, Jake has spent his career dedicated to inspiring busy women physicians to overcome barriers with time, energy, and the demands of their profession, to build a sustainable fitness routine that delivers life-changing results.

What separates Jake from the pack is not his education or his experience but his compassion.

Jake's gift is guiding women to discover strength they never thought possible. In turn, helping them to build confidence in the gym, in their bodies, and in every other aspect of their life.
80 Episodes
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In this episode, Suzanne shares a refreshingly realistic approach to travel, vacations, and staying grounded in your health without sacrificing joy. She breaks down how to approach fitness, nutrition, and mindset while traveling—whether for work or rest—through the lens of sustainability, self-compassion, and long-term consistency. She offers practical, physician-proof strategies for staying energized on the road, enjoying food without guilt, and most importantly, mastering the “comeback” after vacation so a few days away don’t turn into weeks off track. If you’re a woman doctor who wants to travel, rest, and live fully without derailing your health goals, this episode is for you!--👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
After 20+ years coaching busy women physicians, Jake pulls back the curtain on exercise programming and shares a no-BS breakdown of five popular exercises he’ll never use—and five he almost always programs for strength, longevity, and real-world confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn why some “hardcore” movements come with more risk than reward, how trendy exercises can quietly derail progress, and which fundamentals consistently deliver results without wrecking your body. If you’ve ever wondered whether your workouts are actually helping—or just leaving you sore, tired, and spinning your wheels—this episode will completely change how you think about training.---👉 Click Here To Download Jake's Top 10 Hall Of Fame Exercises👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
Every year, we’re promised a new shortcut to health. A new supplement. A new rule. A new device that claims to change everything. And yet, most people feel more confused, more guilty, and further away from real results than ever. In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Rutherford and Jake Wright cut through the chaos of the modern wellness industry and explain why the obsession with optimisation is quietly sabotaging your health. From vibration plates and hormone hype to overthinking nutrition, cardio, and strength training, they reveal what actually works, why the basics are so hard to stick to, and how high-performing professionals can rebuild a simple, sustainable approach to fitness that lasts. If you’re exhausted by contradictory advice and ready to stop chasing hacks and start building habits that hold up in real life, this conversation will change how you think about health in 2026.---Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coach
In this episode of the Fit Physician Podcast, Jake breaks down how busy women physicians can build real, lasting strength—the Fit Physician way. Drawing from a live workshop, he explains why strength training is one of the most powerful investments you can make not just for fat loss or confidence today, but for bone density, longevity, resilience, and quality of life for decades to come. You’ll learn the biggest mistakes that hold women back, why “exercise” isn’t the same as training, how progressive overload actually works, and how even 20–30 minute workouts a few times per week can create extraordinary results when done with intention. Packed with real member case studies and practical takeaways, this episode will change how you think about strength—and show you what’s possible when you follow a plan designed for the realities of physician life.--Click here to join the 5-Day Kickstart Challenge 👇https://www.thefitphysician.com/thefitphysician5daykickstart
In this powerful masterclass episode, world-renowned spine biomechanist Dr. Stuart McGill joins Jake and Dr. Suzanne to break down how the spine truly works, why most back pain isn’t “mysterious,” and how understanding tissue tolerance, load management, movement patterns, and assessment can completely change outcomes for patients and clinicians alike. He explains common injury mechanisms, why activities like heavy deadlifting can both build strength or create damage depending on context, how to identify specific pain generators instead of labeling symptoms as “non-specific back pain,” and the importance of personalized strategies over generic rehab advice.--Click here for all Stu McGill resources including books, certifications and more
Get ready for one of the most insightful conversations we’ve ever had on The Fit Physician Podcast. We’re joined by Dr. Spencer Nadolsky—one of the most trusted, respected, and sought-after voices in obesity and metabolic medicine—where he deep dives into all things GLP-1 medications: what they do, who they help, and what’s hype. Spencer talks about the evidence and why these drugs have become so popular, the brain-level impact on “food noise,” why they are changing the way we understand obesity as a disease, and what physicians and patients actually need to know about safety, side effects, micro-dosing debates, metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, perimenopause/menopause considerations, and long-term use. --Follow @drnadalsky on Instagram here Check out the Docs Who Lift Podcast hereLearn more about Vineyard here
The holidays are meant to be joyful—but for many busy women physicians, they also bring stress, overwhelm, food guilt, and totally derailed fitness routines. In this special holiday edition of The Fit Physician Podcast, Jake Wright and Dr. Suzanne Rutherford break down how to stay healthy, present, and grounded through the busiest season of the year—without perfectionism or burnout. You’ll learn practical strategies for navigating holiday eating, social events, alcohol, hospital snack traps, and disrupted workout schedules—while keeping your progress intact.--👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
In this episode, we sit down with alcohol-free lifestyle coach and author Amanda Kuda for a deeply honest conversation about the “gray area” of drinking so many high-achieving women silently navigate. Amanda shares her journey to becoming alcohol-free, the subtle signs alcohol may be pulling you away from your clarity, confidence, and potential, and the surprising ways removing it can transform your emotional resilience, health, and self-trust. Together, they explore identity, values, social pressure, and the inner dialogue that keeps women stuck—plus the tools, practices, and mindset shifts that make real change possible. Whether you’re sober-curious or simply questioning your current habits, this episode offers an empowering, judgment-free look at what life can feel like when you reclaim your energy and align your choices with who you truly want to become.--👉 Click here to check out Amanda's website👉 Click here to follow her on Instagram
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Katie Suleta—an epidemiologist and science communicator—to tackle the growing wave of health misinformation facing today’s physicians. From predatory journals and supplement loopholes to influencer “experts” and unregulated health coaching, Katie breaks down how to separate credible science from cleverly marketed noise. We dive into real-world examples, red flags to watch for, and practical strategies to help physicians confidently guide patients in an era where Google, AI, and social media often speak louder than medical training. This episode is validation for every doctor who feels exhausted by misinformation—and a roadmap for staying grounded in evidence.---Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
In this episode, Jake walks you through a powerful exercise we use with every new member—Unlocking Your Fit Physician Identity. Discover how to visualize your future self, define the habits that will get you there, and create the confidence, strength, and lifestyle you want as a busy woman in medicine. Download the workbook and follow along!--Click here to download the workbook
This episode features a live recording from our Fall Fitness Retreat, with the most pressing questions about health & fitness asked from fellow busy women physician attendees— such as how quickly to expect fat loss, tracking without obsessing, what to do when you hit a plateau, the truth on protein powders, collagen, and cycle-syncing, plus practical fixes for grip strength and more. It’s evidence made simple, mindset made doable, and dozens of “use this today” takeaways for your own health & fitness journey.--If you're a high-achieving women doctor who is stuck and struggling with fitness, nutrition, and body confidence.👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
In this episode of The Fit Physician Podcast, Coach Jake and Dr. Suzanne Rutherford dive into the evidence-based lifestyle interventions that protect and optimize bone health—especially for women in midlife and beyond. Drawing from discussions at their recent women’s wellness retreat, they explore how strength training, nutrition, and mindset can profoundly influence longevity, independence, and quality of life. Suzanne breaks down the real statistics behind osteoporosis and the key exercise and nutrition strategies proven to support bone density, while Jake shares inspiring stories from clients who’ve built strength and confidence through resistance training. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to age strong, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to future-proof their health.--If you're a high-achieving women doctor who is stuck and struggling with fitness, nutrition, and body confidence.👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
In episode, Suzanne breaks down the recent headlines claiming that most protein powders contain dangerously high levels of lead. She explains where the misleading information came from, what the research actually shows, and why you can breathe easy if you consume protein supplements — especially when choosing reputable, third-party tested brands. Tune in for peace of mind and practical guidance you can trust.--If you're a high-achieving women doctor who is stuck and struggling with fitness, nutrition, and body confidence.👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
In this episode, emergency physician and advocate Dr. Shazma Mithani joins us to talk about leading with impact, building real connections, and advocating with confidence—without burning out. We dig into how she uses her platform to combat misinformation online and practical skills physicians can use to navigate trolls, tough conversations, and hospital or government decision-makers.Shazma also shares boundary-setting, time-blocking, and “personal board of directors” strategies to protect your energy, plus med-legal must-knows before you start educating or advocating on social media.--Follow Shazma on Instagram @drshazmamithaniCheck out the DocTalk Podcast hereLearn more about The Fit Physician here
An honest, hopeful conversation with Dr. Ilana Coetzee—ER physician and mom of two—on breaking free from decades of body image pressure and “earn your food” rules. Ilana shares how a six-year-old’s first selfie-judgment spiraled into binge–restrict cycles, coffee diet pills, and chasing aesthetics through bodybuilding… and how a ski injury—and later, The Fit Physician—shifted everything toward strength, freedom, and longevity. We talk PRs (hello, bodyweight back squat and ~300-lb hip thrusts), ditching macro obsession for protein + fiber focus, injury-proof running, and the mindset that lets you keep up with your kids (and joy) at 46 and beyond. If you’ve ever felt “I should have this figured out by now,” this episode reminds you: you’re not broken, you’re not alone—and you can rewrite the story starting today.--Join us for the Stronger Through Menopause Masterclass👉 Click here to learn more
In this episode of the Fit Physician Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Caitlin Christie—family physician and coach for women doctors—to unpack burnout, moral injury, and the post-COVID realities of practicing medicine. Caitlin shares her “fall-to-your-knees” moment, how motherhood and system pressures collided, and the inside-out framework she now teaches: clarifying your personal standard of excellence, setting boundaries without guilt, dropping people-pleasing, and focusing on what’s truly in your control. You’ll hear practical tools for navigating charged patient encounters, rebuilding fulfillment, and making small (or big) career tweaks that restore joy—so you can keep serving at a high level without sacrificing yourself. Tune in for honest stories, evidence-informed strategies, and a hopeful path forward.--Visit Caitlin's website here: caitlinchristie.comYou can find her on Instagram here: @coachingbydrcaitlinSign up for her newsletter here: https://caitlinchristie.com/newsletterGet a copy of my guide on How to Return from Vacation as a Woman Physician with Less Overwhelm and More Ease:https://caitlinchristie.com/vacation-reset-guide
In this episode of The Fit Physician Podcast, Suzanne sits down with Dr. Sandra Landolt—Royal College–certified dermatologist and internist, OMA Dermatology Section Chair, and founder of @the_silver_dermatologist—to cut through skincare misinformation with clear, evidence-based guidance. They cover what truly matters at every age: simple routines for tweens/teens (gentle cleansing, the right moisturizers, acne care that protects the skin barrier, and daily sunscreen), smart prevention in our 20s–30s (why SPF is the top anti-aging “product,” where antioxidants fit, and the truth about chemical vs. mineral sunscreens), and midlife must-dos (training onto prescription retinoids, estriol cream nuances, melasma cautions, red-light therapy’s real use cases, collagen’s limits, and avoiding “perception drift” with aesthetics). Suzanne also shares her melanoma story and why “skin health” beats aesthetics alone, while Sandra champions an age-positive approach that models healthy habits for our daughters and patients. Tune in for practical takeaways you can use—and prescribe—tomorrow.--The Fit Physician Quiz: Click Below To Get Your Personalized Fit Physician Formula👉 Start Here
In this inspiring episode of The Fit Physician Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Beckie McGinn, a 54-year-old hospitalist and mother of four, to hear her powerful transformation story. Beckie opens up about decades of starting and stopping fitness programs, battling sleep disruption, demanding call schedules, and the “all-or-nothing” mindset that left her feeling stuck and uncomfortable in her own skin. She shares what finally pushed her to reach out for help, how personalized coaching and strength training have changed not only her body composition but also her confidence, energy, and mindset, and why she’s now focused on building a strong, sustainable foundation for longevity. From overcoming injuries to setting an example for her family and colleagues, Beckie’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when busy women in medicine decide they’re ready for lasting change.--The Fit Physician Quiz: Click Below To Get Your Personalized Fit Physician Formula👉 Start Here
In this episode, Jake shares 15 lessons from 15 years as a women’s fitness specialist. From becoming stronger than you thought possible, why self-take and perfectionism hold you back, and how basics (not trends) + short, focused workouts can drive lasting change for busy women physicians. He unpacks motivation (action first, results fuel motivation), the power of community and accountability, matching nutrition effort to training, and building a deep “why” to stay consistent through real life. Jake makes the case that transformation can happen in 4–12 months with a smart plan and steady reps—and that the endgame is intuitive training and eating that simply becomes who you are.--The Fit Physician Quiz: Click Below To Get Your Personalized Fit Physician Formula👉 Start Here
In this heartfelt solo episode, Suzanne opens up about the raw and beautiful journey of becoming an empty nester. From dropping her son off at university in Nova Scotia to reflecting on the bittersweet emotions of launching both her children into adulthood, she shares the mix of pride, joy, sadness, and gratitude that comes with this season of life. Whether you’re sending a little one off to kindergarten, welcoming a grandchild, or navigating your own empty nest, this conversation is a reminder that every goodbye holds the promise of a new beginning.---The Fit Physician Quiz: Click Below To Get Your Personalized Fit Physician Formula👉 Start Here
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