Advertise on podcast: Travel Tips and Hacks for Doctors and Healthcare Providers with Prescription to Travel MD

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes sits down with Dr. Weili Gray, a sleep physician, mom of three, and founder of Dare to Dream Compass, to explore identity, burnout, and what it means to design a life that feels expansive—inside and outside of medicine. Dr. Gray shares her journey from idealistic medical student to attending physician who nearly walked away from medicine altogether. She opens up about becoming pregnant during intern year, losing touch with herself amid career and family demands, and the wake-up call that forced her to reevaluate her life. Travel became the catalyst for transformation, helping her reconnect with her values, find her voice, and ultimately create Journey of Becoming, a transformational retreat for women physicians in Botswana. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Burnout and loss of control in medicine Why stepping away can bring clarity and courage Letting go of guilt around time off How travel accelerates personal growth Follow Dr. Weili Gray here: https://www.instagram.com/dreamphysician/?hl=en https://www.daretodreamcompass.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/weili-gray-md/ Use code RXTRAVEL for a special offer on Journey of Becoming: A Southern African Retreat for Women Physicians. https://www.daretodreamcompass.com/retreat-sa-2026 Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes shares how she’s approaching travel in 2026 with more intention, alignment, and strategies that actually fit real life. She explores why travel isn’t about escaping your life, but about supporting it — especially for busy professionals who want meaningful experiences without sacrificing financial goals, time, or peace of mind. Dr. Downes reflects on what worked, what didn’t, and why diversification matters in both travel planning and life.  She also opens up about credit card fatigue, time management, and why chasing maximum value isn’t worth it if it comes at the cost of your peace. Whether you’re deep into points and miles or just beginning to think more intentionally about travel, this episode offers perspective, reassurance, and permission to do things differently. This episode is for you if: You want to travel more without blowing up your finances You’re tired of chasing “perfect” redemptions You want travel to feel supportive, not stressful You’re ready to stop waiting and start living now Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact

In this episode of Prescription to Travel MD, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Chris Stockwell, founder of Scout, a travel app designed to solve one of the biggest frustrations travelers face: figuring out what to actually do once they arrive. Chris shares how years of global travel from backpacking at 17 to working remotely across continents led him to build Scout.  The app curates real, local experiences based on your interests, making it easier to plan trips that feel authentic, meaningful, and stress-free, whether you’re a meticulous planner or booking flights at the last minute. This conversation is especially relevant for busy physicians and healthcare professionals who want memorable travel experiences without spending hours researching. From hidden gems and food finds to AI-powered recommendations and collaborative trip planning, Scout is changing how people explore the world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants meaningful travel without spending hours researching. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact⁠ Follow Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cstockwell/ https://scout.travel/#see-scout https://www.instagram.com/scouttravelapp/

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes talks with Tim Qin, co-founder and CEO of Roame, an award flight and hotel search engine that has become a go to resource for travelers who want to maximize their points. Tim shares how he first began collecting United miles in high school and how that early curiosity eventually led him to build Roame, a tool designed to simplify award travel for everyone.  Dr. Courtney Downes and Tim explore practical and realistic strategies for finding award flights to Asia, which continues to be one of the most challenging regions for travelers. They discuss which loyalty accounts to open first, how to think about timing your award bookings, how families can approach searching for four or more premium seats and when it makes sense to spend more points for convenience.  This episode is packed with guidance for both new and experienced points travelers who want to book high value flights with fewer headaches. Follow Tim here: https://roame.travel/guides/tim-qin https://www.linkedin.com/in/timqin Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Dr. Una, a pediatrician turned entrepreneur and founder of EntreMD, for a transformative discussion on what it really takes for physicians to create both a dream business and a dream life. Dr. Una breaks down the mindset shifts that help doctors step beyond the “one-track career lane,” the power of exposure to possibility, and why delegation is the cornerstone of time freedom. She also shares her nine-category life-planning framework, how she balances multiple businesses while homeschooling four children, and why family travel — from Nigeria to Italy to Dubai — fuels her creativity and vision. This episode will inspire you to rethink your capacity, reclaim your time, and take the first step toward a more intentional and fulfilling life. What You’ll Learn: Why physicians underestimate their ability to become CEOs How immersion in new environments expands your identity Delegation as a skill that must be practiced and strengthened Using the 80/20 rule to focus on high-impact actions How to plan your life holistically using nine life pillars Building resilient, grounded kids through exposure and responsibility Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact Follow Dr. Una here: https://entremd.com https://www.instagram.com/entremds/ https://www.youtube.com/c/DrUnachukwu

What if you could turn your credit card points into a passport for better mental health? In this episode of Prescription of Travel MD, host Dr. Courtney chats with Deb Dunman, a licensed clinical social worker who discovered that travel—and the world of points and miles—can be a true form of self-care. Deb shares how she balances the emotional demands of therapy with her love of travel, using points and miles to explore the world without breaking the bank. She opens up about her journey from her first redemption trip to Peru to mastering tools like Gondola to find the best hotel deals. Together, Courtney and Deb break down smart, responsible ways to use credit cards, avoid common travel booking mistakes, and plan dream trips that don’t drain your wallet or your energy. Key Takeaways: - Travel helps fight burnout and keeps her love for her work alive. - Smart tools like Gondola make booking hotels with points simple. - Flexibility and curiosity lead to better redemptions and stress-free trips. - Organization is key—know what points you have and where to use them. - Booking directly can help you keep valuable loyalty perks. Find Deb here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploremoredeb Email: [email protected] Gondola referral link: gondola.ai/referral/exploremoredeb  Consult form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyeJcAABgeQ_pgskgzCz7vwEUv7BourZh-_g9Zq4mTDslIkw/viewform?usp=header Listeners can use the promo code RXtotravelMD for 50% off their first  consult through 2/28/2026. Instagram account mentioned: @aunt.kara  Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact

The holiday season is here and so is one of the best times of the year to earn serious travel rewards. In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes breaks down how to maximize every purchase through shopping portals and stacking strategies so you can turn your everyday spending into your next getaway. Whether you’re an experienced points enthusiast or a minimalist traveler who prefers to keep things simple, these tips will help you shop smarter, not harder, and earn thousands of extra points on purchases you’re already making. Dr. Courtney covers her favorite portals (like Rakuten, Capital One Shopping, and airline/hotel portals), shares practical do’s and don’ts, and explains how tools like CardPointers can take the mental load out of tracking offers.  By the end, you’ll see how a few extra clicks could add up to 100,000 points or more—enough for a round-trip business-class flight to Europe or a week in Hawaii! Key Takeaways You don’t need multiple credit cards to earn big travel rewards, just smarter shopping habits. Always start your online purchases through a portal like Rakuten or an airline’s shopping site. Stack your credit-card offers, portal bonuses, and discounts for maximum value. Keep receipts and screenshots to ensure points are tracked correctly. Be cautious with third-party offers that require deposits or long-term commitments. Every purchase is an opportunity to earn—if you plan ahead. If this episode helped you rethink how you spend and earn, please rate and review the podcast. It helps more travelers discover the podcast! Share this episode with a friend or colleague gearing up for holiday shopping; their next gift might just earn them (and you) your next getaway. To learn more about personalized travel-points strategies, visit www.prescriptiontotravelmd.com or connect with Dr. Courtney Downes on Instagram and Facebook. cardpointers.com/rxmd www.rakuten.com/r/CMT702 Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact⁠

What happens when an OB-GYN, mom of three, and business owner decides she’s done doing it all and starts doing it smarter? In this episode, Dr. Heather Bacala, joins Dr. Courtney Downes to share how she’s built a life that blends work, family, and travel without burning out. Dr. Heather shares what it takes to manage a busy medical practice in Las Vegas while still making time for family adventures, from working remotely in Kauai to spontaneously rerouting a Tahiti trip to St. Croix at the airport. She shares the mindset shifts that helped her stop “doing it all,” the freedom that comes from outsourcing, and how she turned everyday business expenses into business-class travel using points and miles. You will learn: - How Dr. Heather built a sustainable OB-GYN practice while prioritizing family time - How to turn business expenses into travel rewards using the right credit cards - Work-life balance strategies for female physicians and entrepreneurs- Why outsourcing and support systems are essential for avoiding burnout- How spontaneity can lead to unforgettable family adventures Whether you’re a doctor, small business owner, or parent looking to reclaim your time, this episode proves that you can have a thriving career and a rich personal life  with the right mindset, systems, and a few travel points. Follow Dr. Heather Bacala here: https://myobgynvegas.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drladybits?igsh=N29sdGJxbmNqYWhw Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact⁠

What does it really mean to be wealthy? For Dr. Manpreet Samra and Dr. Paula, co-founders of Trifecta MD, wealth goes far beyond numbers in a bank account—it’s about creating freedom, legacy, and a life that feels aligned. In this episode, they join Dr. Courtney Downes to share their journey of moving into telemedicine, founding Trifecta MD, and building a community that empowers women physicians and professionals through financial education, angel investing, and curated opportunities. But their work doesn’t stop at finance. They’re equally passionate about helping women prevent burnout and find space to heal. Dr. Manpreet and Dr. Paula open up about why retreats have been life-changing for them and why taking time for yourself is never indulgent—it’s essential. Key Takeaways: Wealth isn’t just money—it’s about designing the life you want. Women often lack access to investment opportunities, and Trifecta MD is changing that. Retreats create space for transformation, connection, and deep self-reflection. Horses have an intuitive ability to reveal inner truths and support healing. Prioritizing rest is not selfish—it’s an act of self-love and future growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or guilty about pressing pause, this conversation will inspire you to see rest, wealth, and healing in a whole new light. Follow Dr. Manpreet & Dr. Paula here: https://trifectamd.com https://www.instagram.com/trifectamd/ https://www.youtube.com/@trifectamd Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact⁠

In this inspiring episode of Prescription to Travel MD, host Dr. Courtney Downes sits down with Dr. Eva Beaulieu—physician, author, content creator, and passionate advocate for representation in medicine. Born and raised in Haiti before moving to the U.S. as a teenager, Dr. Eva shares her journey of adapting to a new culture, building a career in medicine, and creating a life filled with intention. She opens up about balancing her roles as a hospitalist, wife, and mother of three while also carving out time for self-care, travel, and writing. Together, Dr. Courtney and Dr. Eva dive into the importance of living with intention, why travel is more than just a luxury—it’s survival—and how exploring new cultures makes us more empathetic, compassionate, and culturally competent physicians. Dr. Eva also talks about her upcoming group trip to Ghana, why it holds such personal meaning, and what participants can expect from this unforgettable experience. If you’ve ever wondered how to juggle family, career, and personal passions—or you’re looking for that push to start living life by design instead of default—this episode is for you.  What you’ll learn in this episode: Dr. Eva’s story of moving from Haiti to the U.S. at age 15 Her journey into medicine and why representation matters How she balances career, family, content creation, and self-care Why she sees travel as a form of survival, not just luxury Favorite destinations and how they’ve shaped her perspective Details about her upcoming group trip to Ghana This conversation is a reminder that passports open doors, intention shapes our days, and it’s never too late to create the life you truly want. Follow Dr. Eva here: https://www.instagram.com/dr.evab?igsh=cWJkZzB2amVwNTNt Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact⁠

What if your real estate expenses could pay for your next luxury vacation? In this episode of Prescription to Travel MD, Dr. Courtney Downes sits down with Jaina Pallasigui to uncover exactly how she turned everyday property expenses into millions of travel points. Jaina shares how she got started in real estate, the lightbulb moment that changed how she approached renovations, and the creative ways she now stacks credit card bonuses to travel the world nearly free. From co-hosting Airbnbs to arranging corporate housing, she reveals the hidden opportunities real estate investors (and business owners) often overlook when it comes to earning points and miles. This episode is equal parts practical and personal. Jaina opens up about her family’s health challenges and how points have allowed her to say “yes” to experiences—like a healing retreat for her sister in Big Sur and a dream trip to Japan for her parents—that money alone might not have made possible. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: The smartest credit card strategies for real estate expenses How to maximize points through renovations, software, and even property taxes Why points aren’t just about free flights but about freedom and flexibility How entrepreneurs can use points to reward teams and boost morale If you’ve ever wondered how to travel better, build wealth smarter, and create memories that last a lifetime, this conversation will change the way you think about both money and travel. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact⁠ Follow Jaina Pallasigui here: https://www.instagram.com/jaina_anne?igsh=cmw0dnpleDF0OGIx

In this episode of The Prescription to Travel Podcast, Dr. Courtney Downes speaks with Dr. Elliott and Nickay McKenzie Wade, a couple who have intentionally integrated travel into their lives alongside demanding professional careers. Dr. Elliot, a physician, and Nickay, an advertising executive, share practical strategies for maximizing points and miles, planning trips with purpose, and balancing professional responsibilities with meaningful personal experiences. The conversation goes beyond logistics, highlighting both the challenges and the rewards that travel can bring. Dr. Elliot recounts the unexpected reality of responding to a medical emergency on a transatlantic flight, while both reflect on the profound impact of spending extended time in Africa. For the Wades, traveling to Ghana and Kenya was not just another destination; it was an opportunity to engage with culture, history, and identity in a way that reshaped their perspective on travel itself. Key Takeaways: How to integrate travel into a demanding professional life without overextension. Using rewards systems to access experiences that might otherwise feel unattainable. The importance of preparation when faced with unexpected travel challenges. The value of cultural immersion as a way to expand personal perspective. Why travel, when done intentionally, can reinforce identity and purpose. Follow the Wades here: https://www.instagram.com/elwademd/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/nikp1014/?hl=en Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact Strategies for prioritizing travel without compromising professional growth.

In this week's episode, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by certified life coach and solo travel expert Lisa Saper-Bloom, founder of 123 Go Solo. Together, they explore what prevents many women from taking trips on their own and how to overcome those internal and external barriers with support, strategy, and intention. Lisa shares how she helps women move through fear, guilt, and uncertainty to confidently plan and embark on solo travel experiences. From practical safety tips to meaningful mindset shifts, this episode is an honest look at the realities and rewards of traveling alone. Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or an international retreat, solo travel can be a powerful opportunity for growth, reflection, and independence. Lisa’s three-session coaching framework is designed to meet you exactly where you are and help you move forward with clarity. Key Takeaways: Solo travel is not selfish—it's restorative. It gives women space to reconnect with themselves without obligation or compromise. Fear is common, but manageable. Lisa’s coaching process helps identify and work through the specific fears holding you back. The “123 Go Solo” method includes three structured coaching sessions designed to help women plan and execute solo travel safely and confidently. Practical safety strategies include staying aware of your surroundings, using the STEP program, and preparing for international travel logistics. Solo doesn’t mean alone. Many solo travelers find community and connection on the road through intentional experiences. Travel can be transformative. Time away from responsibilities can surface deep insights, release stress, and renew purpose. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact Follow Lisa Saper Bloom here: https://www.123gosolo.com https://www.facebook.com/lisa.saperbloom/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-saper-bloom

What happens when a high-achieving OB-GYN realizes that checking every box on the “successful woman” checklist still doesn’t make her feel fulfilled? In this powerful episode, Dr. Priyanka Venugopal joins Dr. Courtney Downes to share her journey from accomplished physician to transformational coach and founder of The Unstoppable Mom Brain. As a stress and weight loss coach for professional women (many of them physicians), Priyanka opens up about the “arrival fallacy” that keeps so many high performers stuck, believing that if they just push a little harder or accomplish one more thing, then they’ll finally feel better. Spoiler: that moment never comes… until you choose to prioritize you. They dive into: What led Priyanka to step off the never-ending treadmill of overwork and perfectionism The mindset shifts that helped her lose 60 pounds and discover so much more than a smaller number on the scale Why burnout isn’t just about doing too much, but about disconnecting from what you really want Her motivation behind creating her upcoming retreat in Cabo for professional women The truth about "mom brain" and how she’s flipping the narrative to celebrate it as a superpower Her tips on leveraging credit card points to travel in luxury without guilt (hello, first-class Emirates to India!) How in-person retreats and post-event coaching can transform not just your mindset, but your life back at home Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact Whether you’re a doctor, a working mom, or a woman trying to juggle it all, this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and ask: Where did I go in all of this? If you’re ready to stop living for vacation and start living with intention every day, this episode is your wake-up call. Dr. Priyanka Venugopal is a board-certified Ob/Gyn turned Stress + Weight Loss Coach who helps high-achieving professional women lose weight without burnout while feeling better as busy professional women. She knows the struggle firsthand—after years of overworking as a busy physician and coping with stress through snacking and scrolling, she found herself feeling anything but well, despite being an expert in women’s health. That turning point sparked her transformation and led her to develop a science-informed process to overcome perfectionism, procrastination, and the endless weight loss struggle—for good. Through her signature coaching program, The Unstoppable Group, and her podcast, Burn Stress, Lose Weight, Dr. Venugopal teaches practical, science-backed strategies to help women reclaim time, feel more present, and feel amazing in their bodies—without sacrificing their careers or joy. This year she is bringing her audience a CME-accredited all inclusive retreat in Cabo, Mexico and you're invited to attend!!! She’s a coffee lover, mom of two, and firm believer that your body goals should feel like real freedom—not another job. Follow Dr. Venugopal here: Podcast: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/blog  The Retreat: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/retreat The Coaching Program: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burnstressloseweight/

In this episode of the Prescription to Travel MD Podcast, Dr. Courtney Downes sits down with Dr. Devon Gimbel—a physician, travel expert, and founder of Point Me to First Class. Dr. Devon shares how her path from financially anxious resident to points-and-miles pro completely transformed her life, enabling luxury travel experiences she never thought were possible. From her first Lufthansa First Class flight to booking suite stays in the Maldives using points, Devon gives listeners a masterclass in how to make every dollar spent work harder, especially for physicians and business owners with high expenses. Whether you're curious about leveraging credit card rewards, want to know how to get started in the points world, or are trying to wrap your head around Hyatt’s Globalist status, this episode is filled with actionable insights and inspiring travel stories. Key Takeaways: - Credit card points and miles can be part of a smart financial strategy—not just for free travel. - Everyday expenses are an opportunity to earn valuable rewards if you're intentional. - Credit cards aren't inherently bad; they can be powerful tools when used responsibly. - You don’t need to spend more. Just spend smarter to earn travel perks. - Points can help you save cash on flights, hotels, and even luxury travel experiences. - Hotel points are often easier to redeem than airline miles, especially for beginners. - The World of Hyatt program offers great value, especially for family travelers. - Hyatt makes it possible to book suites with points—saving thousands of dollars. - Having elite hotel status can lead to major perks like free breakfast, parking, and upgrades. - Business owners can turn large expenses into award travel through credit card strategy. - Using points can expand your travel budget without compromising financial goals. - Courses and community support can make learning about points and miles easier. Timestamps: 02:00 – Exploring the Origins of a Points and Miles Journey06:00 – Shifting the Narrative Around Credit Cards 10:00 – Leveraging Everyday Expenses for Travel Benefits15:00 – Educating High Earners on Award Travel Strategy20:00 – An In-Depth Look at the World of Hyatt Program25:00 – Enhancing Family Travel Through Smart Redemptions 35:00 – Highlighting Memorable Redemptions and Travel Wins45:00 – Understanding Hyatt Globalist Status and How to Achieve It55:00 – Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways Follow Dr. Devon Gimbel here: https://www.instagram.com/pointmeto_firstclass/?hl=en https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/point-me-to-first-class/id1676984700 https://pointmetofirstclass.com/ Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact