Navigating a career in medicine can be a challenging journey, and sometimes, physicians face injustices and workplace conflicts that are isolating and overwhelming. In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon, we sit down with Dr. Pringl Miller and Dr. Andrea Merrill, the founders of Physicians Just Equity (PJE), to discuss their mission to support physicians and surgeons in the United States who experience workplace conflict.

Dr. Miller, a board-certified general surgeon, hospice and palliative care medicine, and Dr. Merrill, a board-certified general surgeon and surgical oncologist, practicing breast surgeon, share their personal experiences with workplace injustices and how those challenges inspired them to create PJE. They explain how the organization provides peer support, education, research, and advocacy to help physicians navigate difficult situations without suffering reputational harm or career setbacks.

Featured in this Episode:

• The Hidden Struggle: Discover why so many physicians, despite their training and competence, feel isolated and overwhelmed when faced with workplace conflict. Dr. Miller explains how PJE's mission is to provide a safe space and peer support for those who feel like they're "the frog in the boiling water."
• Recognizing the Red Flags: Learn to identify the warning signs that indicate you might need help. Dr. Merrill shares key indicators, such as a surprise meeting, a sudden decrease in referrals, or being placed on a performance improvement plan, and offers actionable advice on how to respond.
• A Guide to Getting Help: Understand the process of reaching out to Physicians Just Equity. Dr. Miller details how the organization provides one-on-one team peer support, Q&A sessions, and a comprehensive intake process to ensure a safe and confidential environment.
• The Power of Data: Hear how PJE is collecting crucial data on physician injustices to inform advocacy and drive institutional change. The guests discuss alarming trends, including an increase in unjustified dismissals of trainees, and how this impacts the future of the healthcare workforce.
• Stories of Success: Be inspired by powerful success stories, including that of a cardiothoracic surgery resident who overcame multiple dismissals to complete her training.

About the Guests:

• Dr. Pringl Miller: A board-certified general surgeon, hospice and palliative care medicine with fellowship training in clinical medical ethics. She is the founder of the Surgical Palliative Care Society and Physicians Just Equity.
• Dr. Andrea Merrill: A board-certified general surgeon and surgical oncologist, practicing breast surgeon, serving as a peer supporter for Physicians Just Equity.