“Good team player” is often code for “do more, say yes, don’t rock the boat.” In this solo episode, I reframe teamwork entirely: the best teammate is rested, resourced, grounded—and only plays games worth winning. I unpack collaboration vs compliance, share a real-life specialist request I partly declined (kindly!), and offer language, mindsets, and boundaries you can use tomorrow.Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode, I sit down with general surgeon, startup advisor, and all-around “human in many hats,” Dr. Duncan Rozario, to talk about purpose, product–market fit in medicine, and why scheduling nothing might be the most sustainable strategy of all. We dig into happiness “proxies” (status, money, likes) vs. the real drivers of meaning, and a humility practice summed up in four words: Could I be wrong? Duncan shares how expanding teams can shorten waitlists while protecting physician wellbeing, and how diversified creative work keeps us curious, generous, and human.Connect with Duncan: https://www.duncanrozario.com/Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode of The Other Human in the Room, I meet Dr. Ryan Montoya—family physician, graphic novelist, and luggage design consultant—joining us from his current post in Russia. Ryan shares how life as a U.S. diplomat’s spouse has taken him around the world, and how embracing planned transitions has actually buffered him from burnout. Ryan also lets us into his creative world: including creating his own graphic novel and, yes, the story of how he cold-pitched a bespoke artist’s trunk to Goyard and ended up consulting on halo pieces in Paris. This episode is an invitation to dust off your Grade 3 dream and take one next step toward it, whether that’s inside or outside medicine.Find Ryan: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ryan_montoya_arthttps://bcphr.org/dr-ryan-montoya/Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
When a much-anticipated Nashville trip collided with a looming airline strike, zero sleep, and a nasty URTI, I leaned on a practice that’s changed my life: enjoying my difficulties. In this solo debrief, I walk through two core buckets—changing my relationship to hard things and building my capacity for joy. From buying a backup flight to taking porch-ukulele breaks mid-summit, this is a practical, honest guide to finding delight when plans go sideways. Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Anne Aspler to explore what it really takes to give yourself permission to create, to heal, and to exist as more than just a doctor. We talk about growing up in fundamentalist religion, finding parallels between dogma in faith and medicine, and the courage it takes to step outside of rigid systems. Anne shares her journey of deconversion, her advocacy for survivors of “private violence,” and how creativity—whether singing, writing, or simply giving yourself space—can be a lifeline. This is an episode about reclaiming humanity, breaking free from productivity dogma, and allowing yourself to do what lights you up.Connect with Anne: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr.anneasplerWebsite: https://www.anneaspler.com/LAST CHANCE to book a call with me to register for Creating Space before we begin in October: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode of The Other Human in the Room, I sit down with Dr Karenna'onwe Karen Hill, a Mohawk Turtle Clan family physician from Six Nations of the Grand River. She shares her remarkable journey into medicine, the concept of two-row medicine—rooted in the Haudenosaunee Two Row Wampum—and how Indigenous and Western healing can travel side by side, guided by peace, power, and a good mind. Together we explore what it means to practice true healing, how colonization has impacted us all, and why bringing our full selves into medicine is essential to reclaiming humanity in healthcare.Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Aditya Nellore, a physician and singer who shares how his hardest “failures” became the very doorway into a more authentic life. From failing out of college to going unmatched in the residency match, Aditya opens up about the stigma he faced—and how those painful moments ultimately reconnected him to music and led him into a specialty that values his whole self. Together we talk about medicine, mental health, creativity, and the power of choosing authenticity over perfection.Connect with Aditya: https://www.instagram.com/drsingsofficial/Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this short summer episode, I share why the real power is in choosing the hard that aligns with your values. From charting to patient scheduling to new projects, I offer practical examples and a fresh mindset: pick your challenge on purpose.Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mitchell Abrams, a radiologist whose personal health crisis and journey through burnout led him on a path of deep transformation—both personally and professionally. We talk about what happens when you start to actually *feel* your emotions, how ancient wisdom intersects with quantum science, and what a healthcare system rooted in coherence and compassion could really look like. Mitch offers both a powerful vision and practical tools for creating more spaciousness—within ourselves and within our systems.Connect with Mitch: https://nexgenhealth.solutions/ https://globalheartsync.org/Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode, I sit down with naturopath Kim Bretz to talk about one of the thorniest issues in healthcare today: medical misinformation. We explore what it means to practice in the messy, often misunderstood middle ground between allopathic and naturopathic medicine. Kim shares her experience as a bridge-builder—between professions, between patients and providers, and between fear and trust. This is a conversation about nuance, empathy, and how we can show up differently in a polarized world.Connect with Kim:Website: https://www.drkimbretznd.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkimbretznd/Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Andy Nguyen to explore where healthcare and creativity meet. We talk about the power of storytelling in medicine, what it’s like to start a creative journey, and how social media can shape the narratives we tell about our work. Andy shares his own experience as a medical Youtube creator and offers insights on authenticity and building community. We also reflect on the ongoing dance between personal and professional responsibilities—and why it's so worth it for healthcare professionals to embrace their creative sides.Connect with Andy:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NDMDInstagram: instagram.com/andy_nguyen9Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode, I dive into the upcoming changes to the FHO funding model for family physicians in Ontario and explore how we respond to changes in ways that feel good to us. I talk about the mindset work that’s helped me navigate uncertainty, especially the importance of separating neutral facts from the thoughts we attach to them. I also share how I approached analyzing the new funding structure, crafting a billing strategy that works for me, and staying grounded in patient care, even when the landscape feels shaky.Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode, I speak with Tony Chin-Quee, an otolaryngologist turned writer, about his journey from medicine to storytelling. We talk about the challenges of professional identity in healthcare, the process of writing a memoir, and lifting the curtain on medical television writing (including what it was like working on Grey's Anatomy!). Tony shares powerful insights on navigating the hidden curriculum of medicine and the emotional toll of training. At the heart of our conversation is the invitation to find the courage to follow what truly excites us.Connect with Tony: https://www.instagram.com/wheyouat/Read his book! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676638/i-cant-save-you-by-anthony-chin-quee/Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this conversation, I speak with Tara and Melissa, two brilliant occupational therapists who open up about the challenges faced by healthcare professionals—especially those navigating the system with ADHD. We talk about the hidden curriculum in medical education, how metrics can distort our sense of self-worth, and the vital role of community support. This conversation is a powerful reminder of why systemic change is so necessary if we want to build a more humane healthcare environment for both professionals and patients.Connect with Melissa and Tara: https://www.mintot.ca/Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Amjed Kadhim-Saleh about his journey as a family physician and the co-founder of Pippen AI — a tool designed to reduce burnout and improve patient care by integrating AI into clinical workflows.We explore the very real challenges we face in medicine, from administrative overload to emotional exhaustion, and how teamwork and smart technology might offer a path forward.Amjed shares how Pippen AI works to streamline the parts of our work that often drain us, so we can show up more fully for the human-to-human moments that matter.We also dive into the barriers that keep AI adoption slow in healthcare, and imagine what it could look like if we embraced it more fully — not as a replacement, but as a support for better decision-making and more sustainable practice.This episode is sponsored by Pippen AI. Try out it out for free: https://app.pippen.ai/signupLearn more about the Canada Health Infoway AI funding program: https://aiscribe.infoway-inforoute.ca/Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the past year—what’s unfolded personally and professionally, and what I’ve learned along the way. I share some big milestones, like launching Experiential Anatomy with Jamie Lee Finch, building new communities, navigating complex relationships, and experiencing real growth—financially, emotionally, and creatively.One of the themes that keeps coming up for me is how essential it is to prioritize self-care, creativity, and emotional well-being—not just as a healthcare professional, but as a human being. I also talk a bit about what’s ahead, including the next round of my course Creating Space, and why I remain committed to this work of exploring what it means to be fully human in the world of healthcare.Thanks for listening and being part of this journey with me.Come sing with me in the Canadian Women Physicians Online Choir: https://www.cwpchoir.com/Book a call with me to register for Creating Space: http://joanchanmd.com/spaceLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
I spoke with Dr. Tara Kiran about the insights she gained during her recent sabbatical, where she explored healthcare systems around the world. Together, we explored the financial realities that primary care providers face, the evolving roles of nurses, and innovative systems in countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Spain. This conversation left me inspired by what’s possible when we create space for new ideas—and reminded of how important it is to care for the humans providing care, too.Check out Tara's podcast here: https://www.primaryfocus.ca/And fill out the Our Care patient survey here: https://www.ourcare.ca/surveySign up for one of the FREE weekly webinars I'm hosting in June and learn how to create space for your humanity in healthcare: http://joanchanmd.com/webinarLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Tyler Beauchamp, a pediatric resident whose path into medicine was shaped by his own experiences as a chronic patient. He shares candidly about how those early encounters with the healthcare system influenced his understanding of what it means to be a physician — and how some of his assumptions were challenged along the way. Together, we explore the intersection of writing, mental health, and medicine — and the essential role of creativity and human connection in clinical care. This conversation is a powerful reminder that the best doctors aren’t just medically skilled — they’re also curious, compassionate, and willing to bring their whole selves to the work. If you’ve ever wondered how to make space for your creative passions in a demanding profession, Tyler’s story might just be the encouragement you need.Sign up for one of the FREE weekly webinars I'm hosting in June and learn how to create space for your humanity in healthcare: http://joanchanmd.com/webinarConnect with Tyler:Buy his book Freeze Frame!Website https://www.tyler-beauchamp.com/IG @tylerbeauchampmdLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
In this episode, I speak with Dr Yelena Chorny about the challenges in healthcare, focusing on burnout, leadership during the pandemic, and the importance of personal growth. Yelena shares her journey from addiction medicine leadership to seeking new opportunities, touching on the emotional complexities of career transitions and the need for systemic change. We discuss the books that shaped her thinking on personal growth and decision-making, and she introduces the concept of 'urgent optimism' as a mindset for navigating change. Yelena encourages listeners to embrace change and recognize that wanting something different is necessary for growth.Sign up for one of the FREE weekly webinars I'm hosting in June and learn how to create space for your humanity in healthcare: http://joanchanmd.com/webinarConnect with Yelena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yelenachorny/Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
This episode was recorded live on the scene of my very first restorative medical education retreat! Join me as I give you a tour around my very cosy and beautiful room in the Millcroft Inn & Spa. I wanted to capture my real time reflections and insights from this incredible experience and share them with you. The main message I couldn't stop thinking about was everything that happened that turned this retreat from dream to reality - and how you could do the same with any dream you might have.Sign up for one of the FREE weekly webinars I'm hosting in June and learn how to create space for your humanity in healthcare: http://joanchanmd.com/webinarLearn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd