Advertise on podcast: High Impact Physician

Many physicians are taught that when something isn’t working, the solution is simple: work harder. But what if the real breakthrough comes from recognizing that you’re climbing the wrong mountain? Dr. Sharry Veres reflects on how a failed attempt to make a volleyball team unexpectedly led her to running, a transformative coach, and lessons that continue to shape her leadership today.She shares a pivotal period after college when she felt lost working in a research lab, only to discover through honest feedback that her strengths were rooted in people, connection, and leadership rather than solitary scientific work.The conversation explores why high achievers often default to trying harder instead of questioning whether their effort is aligned with what truly fits.Dr. Veres discusses the challenge of difficult conversations and her realization that avoiding clarity can create more harm for teams than honest feedback delivered with care.She reflects on completing an MBA while leading a department and the humbling experience of confronting her own limits.Leadership isn’t about having more confidence or working harder—it’s about having the courage to face reality, provide clarity, and keep showing up willing to learn, try, and occasionally fail.

Most physicians are trained to lead by knowing the answer—until they step into roles where certainty becomes a liability. Dr. Jeffrey Wolf reflects on how his early identity as a confident surgeon shaped his initial approach to leadership.He shares the disorienting realization, during COVID incident command, that leading a complex health system required something entirely different than directing an operating room.Through observing seasoned operational leaders, he began to shift from command-and-control to deep listening and synthesis.Dr. Wolf explores how imposter syndrome—often seen as a weakness—became a surprising asset by forcing curiosity, humility, and attentiveness.He discusses the discipline of clean agreements, structured schedules, and strong administrative support as essential tools for sustainable leadership.The conversation highlights the tension of switching between being the expert clinician and the facilitator of collective intelligence.Effective physician leadership isn’t about having the right answer—it’s about creating the conditions where the best answer can emerge.

Most parents try to do everything “right.” Sandy discovered that real growth began only when she stopped performing strength—and started telling the truth. Sandy shares how raising Zach, her son with profound disabilities, dismantled her identity as a high achiever and forced her to build an inner world grounded in honesty, imagination, and meaning.She reflects on entering coaching from desperation, not ambition—and the moment she realized there might be a way forward when she learned that people are whole, capable, and resourceful.Early resistance to the disability system wasn’t denial, but a lack of imagination; what she saw felt bureaucratic and limiting, not life-giving.Finding Mosaic marked a turning point—leaders willing to be honest, creative, and experimental, and partners to co-create with rather than comply for.Through trial, proximity, and chemistry, Zach’s world expanded into friendships, woodworking, yoga, card games, and everyday joy.Sandy names the deeper barriers—poverty, burnout, outdated beliefs—and why caregiver growth is non-negotiable for true belonging.This conversation isn’t about disability—it’s about courage, reciprocity, and how ordinary moments become extraordinary when imagination and partnership replace control.

Most physicians assume the only way to lead well is to work harder—until they realize the cost of that belief is far higher than they ever imagined. Dr. Tamara Moores-Todd shares how growing up as the smallest athlete on her team shaped her grit, her leadership instincts, and her belief in the power of setting others up to shine.She describes entering medicine with the assumption that perfection came from relentless effort, even tracking her study hours in a spreadsheet to prove she was “working hard enough.”As an emergency physician, she began seeing the limits of individual heroism and the necessity of well-designed systems—ultimately leading major workflow innovations and large-scale COVID efforts.When she became interim CHIO—with a newborn at home—she found herself sleeping four hours a night and questioning whether she could keep going without losing herself or her family.Through coaching, she discovered that radically caring for herself—starting with tiny habits like a nightly facial routine—transformed her energy, her presence, and her leadership.She learned to delegate deeply, release the hero role, and lead as a “setter,” empowering her team to execute flawlessly without her always being in the room.She reflects on a near-death experience that sharpened her clarity about what truly matters and ignited a commitment to build systems that help people feel alive in their own lives.This conversation reveals why the most effective clinical leaders stop trying to be the hero—and instead lead from wholeness, clarity, and a deep commitment to staying fully alive.

Most physicians imagine leadership as a linear climb. But for Dr. David Marcozzi, the real ascent began when he was stuck—unsure of his path, working as an orderly, and quietly absorbing everything around him. Dr. Marcozzi reflects on his earliest formative role as an orderly, learning that healing is a calling—and leadership can emerge from any level of an organization.A surgeon’s offhand comment about his insight sparked the belief that he could become a physician, igniting a life-changing pursuit.His work at Ground Zero after 9/11 profoundly shaped his sense of purpose, catalyzing a two-decade career in military medicine, federal leadership, and crisis response.Facing initial humiliation in the U.S. Senate (despite elite credentials), he learned that humility and trust-building matter more than titles.During the COVID-19 crisis, he drew on lessons from combat and trauma response to lead through uncertainty, anchoring his team in preparedness and calm.He shares how small pauses, private emotional honesty, and a relentless drive for positive impact keep him grounded amid pressure.This conversation reveals why leadership in healthcare demands both relentless execution and deep personal alignment—and how discomfort can be the clearest sign you’re growing.

Most physicians avoid hard conversations to stay kind—until they realize kindness without courage can cause more harm than good. Dr. Cara Beatty shares two pivotal moments that changed her:  Watching a mentor avoid a terminal diagnosis discussion and hearing Dr. Berwick speak about radical equity in care. She reveals how her view of leadership evolved—from giving orders to building trust, asking better questions, and empowering others. Coaching became central—not as a fix, but as a framework for listening deeply, challenging assumptions, and growing with intention. She opens up about battling her inner critic and how practicing courage daily (and naming that process out loud) transformed her team’s culture. Her biggest shift? Letting go of control and leaning into psychological safety, which paradoxically accelerated results in retention, productivity, and engagement. This episode explores why true leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about creating the space where others can think, risk, and thrive. Dr. Cara Beatty is the PCN Chief Executive of the Providence Medical Group Central Division.

Many physicians believe performance means constant motion—until they realize that slowing down might be the most powerful leadership move of all. Dr. Amit Vashist reflects on how his early years as a patient with a seizure disorder shaped his humanistic approach to healthcare. Navigating a cross-cultural medical journey, he discovered that humility could be misunderstood—and that leadership meant learning to speak up and be seen. Initially resistant to coaching, Amit shares how he came to see it not as fixing what’s broken but as refining his leadership “serve”—like a tennis coach does for an athlete. Through journaling, presence, and visualizing his future self, he shifted from urgency to clarity and from performance to purpose. A pivotal insight: “Slowing down is not a threat to performance—it’s a gateway to better outcomes.” His decision to start posting vulnerably on LinkedIn became both a reflection tool and a leadership practice. He explores the profound difference between being driven by the inner critic and guided by the inner mentor. Amit’s ultimate goal: leadership that is sustainable, relational, and grounded in deep human presence. This conversation explores why leadership clarity doesn’t come from doing more, but from aligning more deeply with who you are becoming. Dr. Amit Vashist is Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Ballad Health— and is dual board‑certified in internal medicine and psychiatry.

Most physicians are trained to stay in control, to know the answers, and to solve problems quickly. But what happens when the real power lies in letting go, asking better questions—and even playing a little?  Dr. David Wild shares his early roots in a rural community and how family business and medicine shaped his leadership foundation. A passion for anesthesia and systems-level change led to roles in performance improvement and health system leadership. Coaching became pivotal—not for answers, but for asking the right questions and unlocking inner wisdom. He describes the profound difference between “giving advice” and helping someone “find their own path.” The conversation explores how play, creativity, and even AI tools became essential practices for restoring energy and insight. A powerful story emerges: evacuating a hospital rooftop during a hurricane, revealing the raw humanity and resilience of community care. David reflects on how redefining identity, staying open, and questioning deeply held beliefs unlocked new clarity. This episode explores how releasing control, embracing play, and asking powerful questions can transform not only leadership—but who you are becoming. Dr. Wild currently serves as Chief Medical Officer at Ballad Health and is a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Most physicians rise through their careers believing that self-reliance is the key to success — until the moment it no longer works.  In this candid conversation, Dr. McNamara recounts: The rejection that forced her to confront her fear of asking for help.How mentorship transformed her belief about what makes a strong leader.The emotional cost of compartmentalization — and the freedom she found in integration.Why building genuine relationships, not perfection, is what inspires lasting leadership.The two tools that reshaped her leadership mindset: “above the line” thinking and “who, not how.”This episode reveals the hidden truth: real leadership starts when you stop pretending you can do it all alone. Dr. Erin McNamara, a pediatric urologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, shares how early academic success created an identity rooted in self-sufficiency — and how her first major failure shattered that illusion.

Dr. Jeffrey Albert had all the traditional markers of success—multiple leadership roles, decades of experience, and a deep commitment to healthcare. But beneath the surface, he felt stuck, disillusioned, and quietly burned out. In this episode: Dr. Albert reflects on how leadership began to feel hollow, even as he rose in influence and responsibility.He describes the creeping realization that knowing more wasn’t solving the deeper sense of powerlessness.A pivotal moment came when he recognized how often he defaulted to “fixing” others, while avoiding his own internal work.Through a powerful coaching engagement, he uncovered how he had been playing out old patterns—chasing external success to avoid inner discomfort.He shares how slowing down, getting quiet, and tolerating uncertainty helped him begin leading from a place of presence, not performance.The episode dives into how true integration—not information—created a sustainable, fulfilling shift in how he shows up as a leader.Today, Jeff is an executive leader committed to growing others in deeply authentic ways.

Most physicians assume that success in medicine means working harder—but what if that’s the very mindset keeping them stuck? Dr. Nneka Unachukwu (Dr. Una) shares her incredible journey from a shy, introverted physician to a thriving entrepreneur and business leader. She opens up about the deep shame and imposter syndrome she faced when launching her business school, the fear of marketing as a new private practice owner, and the key mindset shifts that helped her break through. In this episode, Dr. Una and Sandy Scott dive into: The moment Dr. Una realized her fear wasn’t a stop sign—it was a sign of growth.How she overcame the belief that doctors aren’t “business people.”Why building a dream business isn’t about talent—it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people.The underestimated power of gratitude, long walks, and faith in sustaining high performance.This conversation is a must-listen for any physician who’s ever felt stuck, uncertain, or hesitant to take their next big step. Dr. Una proves that success isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about taking messy, imperfect action anyway.Dr. Una, pediatrician, serial entrepreneur, founder of the EntreMD Business School. If you want to connect: https://entremd.com/

For years, Dr. Ben Reinking believed that working harder was the key to success—until it nearly broke him. In a career defined by relentless productivity, he found himself questioning whether he was truly fulfilled or just surviving. In this episode we discuss: Early Leadership Struggles: How growing up as the oldest of seven children shaped his natural leadership, but his quiet nature often made him feel overlooked in traditional leadership settings.The Hidden Cost of Burnout: A sudden staffing crisis in his division forced him into survival mode, leading to overwhelming exhaustion and a wake-up call that something had to change.The Turning Point: A single conversation during a COPE session helped him realize he wasn’t okay—and that he needed to redefine his relationship with work and leadership.From Burnout to Coaching: His personal journey led him to physician coaching, where he helps others navigate their own career crossroads and rediscover their purpose.Redefining Leadership: Instead of forcing himself to fit the mold of an extroverted, authoritative leader, he embraced a more intentional, relationship-driven leadership style.Leadership and success in medicine aren’t about working harder—they’re about aligning with your purpose, leading in your own way, and allowing yourself to grow beyond the traditional expectations of the field. How to connect: https://thedevelopingdoctor.com/about/

What if your biggest setback turned into your greatest opportunity? Dr. Cameron Roth never expected to be rejected from medical school. He had a clear plan—until life forced him to find another way. That detour led him to rural Central America, where he immersed himself in teaching and public health, an experience that reshaped his perspective on service, adaptability, and leadership. In this conversation, Cameron shares: How missing out on medical school the first time taught him resilienceThe stark reality of transitioning from med school to residency—and why charisma isn’t enoughThe ongoing battle with imposter syndrome, even as a fully trained surgeonHis vision for breaking down the walls between doctors and patients through transparency and accessibilityIf you've ever faced uncertainty in your career or questioned your own expertise, Cameron’s journey will challenge you to rethink failure, embrace discomfort, and see growth in the unexpected.

In this honest conversation, Sandy talks with Dr. Jon King, a seasoned surgeon who’s spent over three decades navigating the highs and lows of private practice. Dr. King opens up about the internal battles he faced with burnout, self-criticism, and the pressures of modern healthcare—and how he’s rewriting the script on leadership, purpose, and joy in medicine. Together, they dive into: Why Dr. King says most surgeons lose touch with their “why”—and how reconnecting with it transformed how he leads his team and himself.Dr. King opens up about his tendency to ruminate over surgeries and why most surgeons are their own worst enemy.How creating a personal North Star gave him the power to turn down opportunities that don’t align with his core mission—and why he feels more liberated because of it.How acknowledging a colleague in the moment creates ripple effects for morale and patient care.Dr. King challenges the belief that healthcare is broken beyond repair, sharing why he believes in the next generation of surgeons and the power of reinvention.This episode is an unfiltered look at what it takes to stay human in a system that often feels dehumanizing. Dr. King’s story is about reclaiming joy, leading boldly, and finding freedom in the work that matters most.

In this raw and reflective conversation, Sandy’s connecting with Dr. Jacob Anderson, a family physician and program director, who opens up about the highs and lows of stepping into a leadership role in medicine. Together, they explore: The realization of becoming “the powers that be,” and what it’s like to confront the very structures he once resisted.How curiosity—and even discomfort—can transform moments of defensiveness into powerful growth moments.The push and pull of healthcare’s “us vs. them” culture, and why Dr. Anderson believes embracing complexity is essential for creating meaningful change.Practical insights on avoiding emotional burnout by resisting the lure of quick judgment and finding more sustainable ways to lead with clarity.This episode challenges traditional views of healthcare leadership, showing that true strength lies in the willingness to look inward, question assumptions, and embrace the hard and important work of personal transformation. Dr. Anderson’s perspective offers a thought-provoking shift from typical narratives, making this conversation extra compelling.