Physicians are taught that the way to achieve our goals and dreams is through self-sacrifice. Â We essentially hand over our 20s to higher medical education.Â
Self-sacrifice is so ingrained in us, that we actually believe it is serving us.Â
Over time though, it takes its toll.Â
We may soon find ourselves overwhelmed. No matter how many tasks we accomplish throughout the day, we frequently head to bed feeling like so much was left undone.
The EMR In-Basket. Doing homework with our children. Family dinner. Where’s the balance? Our profession becomes our whole identity.
We think, “Something needs to change, but I don’t know what.”
If you are ready for a change, come join me and find the way to a Better Physician Life.
WELCOME
I'm Michael Hersh, MD
Gastroenterologist, husband, dad and physician coach
Like you, I spent the first 30 years of my life dedicated to medicine and becoming the best doctor I could be. My world expanded when I got married and had children, but I couldn’t figure out how to balance it all. I spent so much time cultivating a relationship with medicine that I had trouble creating an identity that didn’t include being a physician.Â
It felt like I was always saying yes to work and no to my family. I started to resent work. Financial independence seemed like the obvious solution, but it didn’t fix the problem. It actually created another one. I was working so hard to achieve financial independence that burnout became inevitable. Something had to change, but I had no idea where to start.Â
Through physician coaching, I learned how to empower myself. I discovered that "work-life balance" was a fallacy, and what I really needed to create was life-life balance. Being a physician is an integral part of who I am. I needed to embrace that, not marginalize it. Through physician coaching, I learned how to live more intentionally. I learned how to prioritize the people and things that are most important to me, and to stop sacrificing my time for things I didn’t value.
By exploring my thoughts and beliefs, I was able to create the life I had always dreamed about. When I saw all of the amazing changes that were happening in my life, I knew that I wanted to help other doctors do the same thing.
When was the last time you stopped to think about what you want in life?
Feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure of how to move forward in your career?
The 5 Essential Steps Every Physician Needs To Figure Out “What’s Next?” offers practical, actionable steps to get out of overwhelm and take control, helping you to set clear goals, and make consistent progress toward a fulfilling & balanced life. Best of all, it is FREE!
Your privacy is important. We will never sell or share your information.
The Power of Coaching
Defeat Overwhelm
Find Balance
Live Life with Intention
Why Physician Coaching?
We have about 40,000-60,000 thoughts per day. Most of them cross through our minds without us even being aware of them. Many people don’t realize how powerful each one of those thoughts can be.
One of the primary drivers of physician burnout and moral injury is how physicians perceive themselves, their work, and their relationships. Our thoughts may lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety (amongst other things), and can also lead to decreased satisfaction at work and at home.
DO + MD coaching is an evidence-based intervention designed to promote physician wellness. Physician coaches are familiar with all the nuances and complexities that accompany a career in medicine because we have all undergone the same rigorous training and have experienced many of the same challenges. Â
We understand the trials and tribulations of caring for patients in an ever-burdensome healthcare environment that places increasing demands on physicians. Physician coaching helps doctors delve into their thoughts to achieve their ultimate life goals. It helps physicians to live life on their own terms while making them more of who they’ve always been. Â
Does all of this sound too “woo?” Â
Here is some evidence-based medicine to back up the power of physician coaching:
Better Physician LifeÂ
PODCAST
Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, Better Physician Life is where physicians come to rediscover purpose, reclaim their joy, and reimagine what life in medicine can look like.
Each episode features honest conversations with doctors who have made bold changes, such as shifting careers, setting new boundaries, or simply learning how to be more present at work and at home.
Â
Explore All EpisodesFeatured EpisodesÂ
EPISODE 10
The Hidden Cost of Perfectionism in Medicine
Discover how the pursuit of flawlessness can lead to burnout and disconnection, and learn practical strategies like cultivating self-compassion, embracing awareness, and seeking support...
EPISODE 9
Overcoming Fear of Failure
Discover how perfectionism fuels hesitation and learn practical strategies to reframe failure, embrace progress, and take courageous steps toward a life that feels authentic...
EPISODE 8
Addicted to Achievement
Learn practical strategies like redefining success, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion to break free, reclaim balance, and rediscover meaning beyond the next win...
EPISODE 7
The Silence We Can't Keep: A Conversation on Physician Suicide
Dr. Michael Hersh sits down with John and Michele Dietl to honor the life of their son, Dr. Kevin Dietl, a fourth-year medical student who died by suicide...
EPISODE 6
I Didn't Go Into Medicine To Become This
It’s a quiet thought. But most of us have had it at some point in our careers. We start with purpose, with energy, with an eagerness to help. And then…
EPISODE 5
You Don't Know What You Don't Know
Can awareness transform your medical practice and personal life? Host Dr. Michael Hersh dives into the deceptively simple concept of “you don’t know what you don’t know”...
Watch
Find me on these featured YouTube Channels:
Listen
I'm honored to have been a guest on the following podcasts:Â
Succeed In Medicine Podcast:
Escape Physician Career Rut With These Simple Strategies with Dr. Michael Hersh | Ep 479
The Dr. Moe Show: Freedom To Shift
What a Good Doctor Really Does with Dr. Michael Hersh
BOSS Business of Surgery Series
The Unique Struggle of Male Physicians with Dr. Michael Hersh