Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Physician Coach do?

I coach physicians who are seeking to create balance, experiencing burnout, going through professional or life transitions, or need assistance with time management. Sometimes it’s all of the above. Clients who enroll with me are often searching for a way to create a happy and sustainable work-life integration. My "Focus, Shift, Balance, Fly" program is a process of in-depth inquiry and discovery. I incorporate a range of well-designed coaching tools, as well as mindful exploration of the issues that matter to you.

Through our work together, you will develop attainable goals that align with your values. As a result, you will create a tangible path forward that is personally and professionally meaningful and fulfilling.

Sessions generally take place by Zoom, but if you live or work near me, in-person meetings are an option.

What are the benefits of physician coaching?

Burnout is a common reason that physicians seek out a coach. In a recent survey, nearly two thirds of physicians reported burnout, compared to about 25 percent in 2000. The fallout from the COVID pandemic is partially to blame, but so are systemic changes in healthcare, including less autonomy and greater documentation demands.

Time management, goal setting, and burnout are closely connected. When medical practice, or life in general, feels overwhelming, it’s often a result of feeling a pressure to do more with less time. We can’t always fit everything into 24 hours, but there are ways to optimize the way we use time.

Life changes and professional transitions are another reason to choose coaching. Through coaching, you will be guided towards personal discovery, setting goals and creating opportunities that align with your personal values.

Some physicians may also want to work with a coach to develop a plan and accountability for a healthier lifestyle. As a cardiologist, a registered yoga teacher, a certified mindfulness coach, and the author of four books focused on heart health and lifestyle, I am uniquely positioned to work with physicians who want to achieve optimal well-being.

How much does physician coaching cost?

My coaching program is typically 6 months long, although I also offer a 3 month shorter exploration. The cost of the 6 month program is currently $3600, which includes 12 sessions, email access, and specialized coaching tools. The 3 month short-arc program is $2000. Although the specified duration is recommended in order to maintain momentum, the package is good for 24 months, and you can use your sessions (along with email access) within this time frame. Single 50-minute sessions are available to existing clients on a limited basis and cost $400.

If unexpected circumstances prevent you from completing all of your purchased sessions, then you may request a refund up to 3 months or 6 months following your purchase (depending on your package) for the amount pertaining to the remaining sessions, minus a 10% transaction fee from the total of the initial purchase. Refunds will not be provided without a written request.

Can I use CME funds for coaching?

Coaching is generally considered eligible for AMA PRA Category 2 Credit. Your healthcare system may allow you to use CME or Wellness funds for coaching. Mindful Physician Coaching does not make any claims in this regard, so it’s important to check with your organization to find out if that is an option for you.

What’s the difference between coaching and mentoring?

That’s a great question. I’ve written a brief article that about coaching versus mentoring. You can find it here. But the main difference is this: A mentor generally acts as an advisor. Since they usually have seniority and deeper experience in your area of interest, it is assumed that they know the right path to take. A coach does not give you the answers, but will collaborate with you to help you find and follow your own path.

Why should healthcare systems support coaching?

Coaching can help physicians to thrive, improving career satisfaction and physician retention.

A study from the Mayo Clinic found that after 6 coaching sessions by credentialed coaches, the rate of burnout decreased by over 17 percent. In the control group, burnout actually increased by nearly 5%. And rates of emotional exhaustion dropped by nearly 20% in the coached group but increased 10% in controls.

Working through time management practices may help physicians stay more organized and reduce wasted time. This in turn can improve quality of life as well as foster patient engagement, staff satisfaction and timeliness of medical records.

Burned out physicians are more likely to leave healthcare, which is expensive and disruptive for the system. According to the American Medical Association, it may cost anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million to replace one physician.

And burned-out physicians may increase healthcare costs and decrease patient satisfaction. Ultimately this results in lost revenue and loss of social currency. More importantly, quality of care may also suffer. So supporting coaching is a great use of resources for hospital systems.

Do you offer a guarantee?

Coaching is a collaboration, but your success ultimately depends on you. As your coach, I will partner with you to develop a set of meaningful goals and plans that align with your values. I want to see you succeed. We all define success differently, and your goals may change and grow over time. I will work hard for you, support you, and guide you to discover the insights, tools and strategies that will help you to achieve the personal and professional balance that is right for you. But the work of bringing these commitments to life is up to you. That’s why there is no guarantee.

Coaching is designed to be transformative, and many people find that it opens doors to new insights and opportunities that they never expected. If at any time during the process you want to pause the coaching, you are free to do so. The programs are designed to be 3 or 6 months, but your package can be used for up to 2 years from the date of purchase.

Do you use mindfulness techniques in your coaching?

I am both a Master Certified Physician Development Coach and a certified Mindfulness Coach and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. I also have certification in time management coaching. Mindfulness is an aspect of coaching that I offer, but not every client needs or wants to incorporate these practices into our sessions. During the discovery phase of our coaching program, I will discuss the option of using specific mindfulness exercises in our sessions together, but that choice is completely up to you. I am also happy to provide some helpful resources that you may want to explore on your own, separate from our sessions.