The Physician's Mind

How do you build a thriving private medical practice while caring for patients from newborns to Olympians?In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, Olympic Doctor Dr. Chris Koutures joins Curtis Wilkerson to reveal how he built his pediatric and sports medicine practice, ActiveKid MD, into one of the most respected independent clinics in the country.Dr. Koutures shares real lessons from 25+ years in medicine — from building a private practice, balancing patient care and entrepreneurship, to mentoring young athletes and future doctors. As a dual board-certified pediatrician and sports medicine physician, his journey from residency to the Olympic Games shows what’s possible when you combine passion, purpose, and persistence.🎯 In This Episode:How to start and grow a private medical practiceLessons from treating Olympians and youth athletesThe philosophy of “medicine as coaching”Building patient trust and brand reputationFounding the Orange County Concussion ConsortiumAdvice for medical students and young physicians🔗 Learn More & Connect:🌐 Website – https://thephysiciansmind.com📖 Related Blog Post🎓 Free Networking Mini-Course📸 Instagram📺 YouTube

LEARN TO NETWORK LIKE A CHAMPION:Free Mini-Course → ⁠White Coat Connections: Networking for Future PhysiciansThis episode features premed advice from a medical student answering 9 real questions about how to study, stay motivated, and get into medical school.Curtis Wilkerson, medical student and founder of The Physician’s Mind, mentors David Mankin, an incoming premed at Arizona State University. Study tips for premeds: Deep work, spaced repetition, active recall, Pomodoro methodMCAT strategy: Best prep resources and test-day mindsetMotivation & discipline: How to push through burnout with a strong “why” Med-school application tips: Clinical hours, shadowing, volunteering, and standing out Mindset habits: Journaling, reflection, and long-term consistencyPremeds, college freshmen, and future doctors who want to learn how to get into medical school and build elite study habits from day one.🌐 Website → thephysiciansmind.com📱 Follow Curtis → Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

What separates an elite surgeon from the rest?Yale orthopedic surgeon Dr. Arianna Gianakos shares her journey from All-American athlete to one of the top voices in foot & ankle sports medicine. In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, Curtis Wilkerson uncovers how she uses surgical visualization, builds grit without burning out, and leads through mentorship, women’s leadership, and Speak Up Ortho.👉 If you’re a medical student, resident, or high-performance professional, this episode is packed with the habits, mindset, and strategies you need to reach the next level.What You’ll Learn:- How to visualize surgery step-by-step like a pro- The secrets to grit + resilience in medicine without burning out- Why foot & ankle injuries are the hidden frontier of sports medicine- Leadership lessons from creating Speak Up Ortho- Networking strategies that open real doors in medicine🔗 Full blog recap here🌐 Explore more at our websiteFollow us on Instagram

What does it take to rise from setbacks and self-doubt to leading an entire specialty? In this crossover with DO or Do Not Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sean McMillan, President of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO), to explore the mindset behind becoming elite.In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why orthopedic surgery is one of the most competitive — and rewarding — fields in medicineThe “bulldog mentality” that transforms failure into fuelHow osteopathic training shapes a unique edge in surgery and patient careThe leadership lessons that apply to every physician pursuing excellenceThis isn’t just about orthopedics — it’s about the discipline, resilience, and clarity it takes to become the best in medicine and in life.Explore The Physician's MindExplore D.O. or Do NotOriginal Episode Link This crossover episode of The Physician's Mind was approved for upload by Dr. Ian Storch of the D.O. or Do Not Podcast.

Most doctors and healthcare professionals work harder every year but feel less free. In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, Dr. Alex Schloe (physician, Air Force veteran, and host of Physicians & Properties) shares exactly how he turned his physician salary into financial freedom using real estate investing and house hacking strategies—and how you can do it too.What you’ll learn:-Step-by-step plan to buy your first property even as a med student or resident-How to use physician/VA loans to house hack with 0% down-How to beat analysis paralysis and actually take action-Avoiding lifestyle creep and turning your paycheck into a wealth-building engine-How mentorships, masterminds, and networking speed up success-Why building even a small passive income stream can completely change your career and lifeResources & Links:Physicians & Properties Podcast: https://physiciansandproperties.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/physiciansandproperties/Follow The Physician’s Mind:Website: https://thephysiciansmind.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thephysiciansmind/If you want to buy back your time, gain financial freedom, and make medicine fun again—this episode is your blueprint.

Elite racehorses face the same pressures as professional human athletes—and the medicine behind their performance holds powerful lessons for us all. In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, we explore equine sports medicine at the highest level, uncovering what it teaches about resilience, high-pressure decision-making, and long-term performance.We dive into cutting-edge research on osteoarthritis and metabolic disease, the parallels between horse and human health, and the mindset that separates top students and clinicians from the rest. Whether you’re in medicine, athletics, or simply chasing excellence, this conversation will sharpen how you think about performance and success.Key Takeaways:Elite equine sports medicine mirrors the demands of human athletics.Research in horses is advancing precision medicine for humans.Visualization and preparation under pressure drive consistent results.Active learning and grit define student and professional success.Follow TPM On Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thephysiciansmind/Learn More Here:www.thephysiciansmind.com

What does it really take to be a college football team physician? In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, host Curtis Wilkerson sits down with Michigan State’s team doctor to explore the lessons of medicine, sports, and leadership.From treating Division I athletes under stadium lights to building systems that improve care for thousands, this conversation goes deep into resilience, preparation, and balance. You’ll hear stories from the sidelines, insights into osteopathic sports medicine, and how leadership in healthcare extends far beyond the exam room.What you’ll take away:- How team physicians prepare for chaos on game day- The mindset shifts required to move from doctor to leader- How elite athletes model resilience and preparation for doctors-in-training- Why excellence isn’t perfection - it’s continuous improvementWhether you’re a medical student, physician, athlete, or leader, this episode pulls back the curtain on the high-pressure world of college football sports medicine.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with high-performing physicians at The Physician’s Mind.Follow TPM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thephysiciansmind/

In this episode of The Physician’s Mind Podcast, Curtis Wilkerson sits down with Dr. Buck Parker, MD, FACS — a board-certified trauma and acute care surgeon whose journey goes far beyond the operating room.Dr. Parker trained in one of the most demanding surgical specialties, saved countless lives in trauma surgery, and later built multi-million-dollar businesses, mined Bitcoin before it was mainstream, and even survived 30 days on a deserted island with Bear Grylls. His story is raw, unconventional, and packed with lessons on resilience, financial freedom, and building a life on your own terms.We dive into:- The brutal reality of surgical training and how to survive it- Breaking stigma as a Caribbean medical school graduate- Building a seven-figure e-commerce business during residency- Bitcoin mining, entrepreneurship, and financial freedom for physicians- Life lessons from The Island with Bear Grylls- How to think independently and build a career beyond medicine- This is not just a story about medicine — it’s about what it really takes to succeed when the odds are stacked against you.🔗 Connect with Dr. Buck ParkerInstagram: @drbuckparkerWebsite: studyhackers.com🌐 Connect with The Physician’s MindInstagram: @thephysiciansmindWebsite: thephysiciansmind.com⭐ If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a 5-star review and share this episode. It helps us grow and bring more incredible guests to the show.

Dr. Michael Collins — orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic and bestselling author of Hot Lights, Cold Steel— joins me on The Physician’s Mind Podcast to share his journey from construction worker to surgeon. We discuss the struggles of medical school, the mental and emotional toll of residency, raising a family during training, and the lessons of failure, faith, and resilience that shaped his career.This conversation is valuable for medical students, residents, and young physicians who want to understand what it truly takes to succeed in medicine — not just the academics, but the mindset, discipline, and strength required to thrive as a physician.📲 Follow The Physician’s Mind on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thephysiciansmind/ for more conversations, insights, and tools to help you excel in medicine and in life.

Dr. Brian Williams is a trauma surgeon, Air Force veteran, bestselling author, and former congressional candidate whose career has spanned engineering, military service, frontline trauma care, healthcare advocacy, and public policy. He was the trauma surgeon on call during the 2016 Dallas police shooting — a moment that shaped his views on resilience, leadership, and the role of medicine in society.In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, host Curtis Wilkerson explores Dr. Williams’ journey from the Air Force Academy to the trauma bay to the campaign trail. They discuss the emotional toll of trauma surgery, the military mindset in high-pressure decision-making, the importance of authenticity in medicine, and lessons learned from running for Congress. You’ll also hear Dr. Williams’ perspective on healthcare advocacy, gun violence prevention, public health policy, and personal growth.What you’ll learn:How military values shape decision-making in trauma surgeryThe emotional resilience required to lead in life-and-death situationsWhy healthcare professionals should engage in community and policy workHow to stay grounded through journaling and presenceLessons on authenticity for young physiciansInsights from running for Congress and shaping public health policyKeywords: trauma surgery, healthcare advocacy, resilience, military influence, gun violence prevention, public health policy, personal growth, medical education, community engagement, emotional intelligence🔗 Learn more:The Physician’s Mind – https://www.thephysiciansmind.comDr. Brian Williams – https://www.brianwilliamsmd.com

Doctors make great money—but most never build real wealth. Why?In this episode of The Physician’s Mind Podcast, host Curtis Wilkerson sits down with Gary Kaufman, founder of Dynasty Wealth Partners, to uncover the real financial strategies doctors need to know—but were never taught.Whether you're in med school, residency, or already practicing, this conversation will help you avoid the most common money mistakes physicians make and show you how to start building wealth today.💡 What You’ll Learn:The 3 financial stages every medical professional goes through—and how to win in eachHow to invest smarter using Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and HSAsWhy most high-income physicians still feel brokeTax hacks, budgeting strategies, and financial literacy tips that actually workHow to find the right financial mentor and avoid financial burnout💬 Memorable Quotes:"Wealth isn't built by income—it's built by habits.""Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on your own financial goals."📘 Mentioned in the Episode:The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel:https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosakihttps://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194Learn more: https://dynastywp.com/🎯 This Episode Is For You If:You're overwhelmed by debt or financial confusionYou're tired of feeling behind, despite a high incomeYou want a clear plan to build financial freedom in medicineSubscribe for more unfiltered conversations at the intersection of medicine, mindset, and mastery.www.thephysiciansmind.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/thephysiciansmind/#PhysiciansMind #DoctorFinance #WealthForDoctors #GaryKaufman #FinancialFreedom #PhysicianMoney #MedSchoolDebt #ResidencyLife #DynastyWealth

From the jungles of Vietnam to 25 groundbreaking years at NASA, and then becoming a doctor at 62—this episode of The Physicians Mind Podcast is the ultimate story of resilience, grit, and reinvention. Host Curtis Wilkerson dives deep into how a Vietnam veteran and former NASA engineer turned his passion for biomechanics into a medical career, pioneering research on chronic low back pain and the sacroiliac joint. This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone chasing a second (or third) act in life.Relevant Research Mentioned in This Episode:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365854432_Revisiting_chronic_low_back_pain_evidence_that_it_is_not_non-specificConnect & Learn More:Website: www.thephysiciansmind.comPrevious Episode:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuhsuGcoPTc&t=2s

In this powerful episode of The Physician’s Mind, we sit down with Dr. Jordan Frey, a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of The Prudent Plastic Surgeon, to unpack the financial blueprint that took him from burnout and a negative net worth to complete financial freedom.Dr. Frey shares the exact strategies that helped him and his wife pay off debt fast, achieve a 50–60% savings rate as new attendings, and build long-term wealth — all without sacrificing their happiness or family life. We discuss budgeting, real estate investing, intentional goal-setting, and the mindset shift required to escape the rat race of modern medicine.Whether you're a med student drowning in loans, a resident feeling stuck, or an early-career physician searching for autonomy and peace, this episode delivers the financial education you never got in medical school — but desperately need.🔗 Explore more from Dr. Frey at: https://prudentplasticsurgeon.comFollow The Physician's Mind on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thephysiciansmind/Check Out Our websitewww.thephysiciansmind.com🎯 Top Takeaways:A negative net worth doesn’t have to define your future.Financial well-being fuels career satisfaction and prevents burnout.Physicians can hit a 50%+ savings rate — with a plan.Real estate is a powerful wealth-building tool for doctors.Defining your version of success is key to long-term happiness.Leave a like and review if you enjoyed!

In this powerful episode of The Physician’s Mind, Dr. Nkem Ezeamama shares how she went from the high-pressure world of emergency medicine to building wealth through real estate investing. We dive into how physicians can reclaim their agency, manage time wisely, build generational wealth, and use business as a vehicle for community empowerment.Dr. Ezeamama shares hard-won lessons from early investing mistakes, how she built Phoenix Capital, and why healthcare professionals must challenge the scarcity mindset to truly succeed.🌐 Learn more about Dr. Nkem Ezeamama and Pheenyx Capital: www.pchinvest.comFollow Us On Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thephysiciansmind/🧠 Discover more from The Physician’s Mind: https://www.thephysiciansmind.com

What does it really take to become a neurologist?In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, neurology resident Dr. Taylor Reardon opens up about the pressure of med school, the grind of residency, and the mindset that keeps him going. He shares how mentorship, curiosity, and real patient moments shaped his path and how future doctors can stay focused, resilient, and ready.This one’s for the thinkers, the doers, and anyone drawn to the complexity of the brain.🎧 Dive deeper at: https://www.thephysiciansmind.com