Who Are You Becoming? Reclaiming Direction and Joy in Academic Medicine with Dr. Stacey Ishman
Tue Feb 03 2026
Hello, my friend.
If you’re in academic medicine and feeling exhausted, unclear, or quietly frustrated despite working hard, this episode is for you.
I’m joined by Dr. Stacey Ishman, MD, MPH, a former full professor with more than 20 years in academic medicine who now helps physicians build promotable, meaningful careers without sacrificing their lives.
We talk about what happens when effort stops translating into advancement, how invisible work and perfectionism drain energy, and why clarity, values, and intentional choice matter more than simply saying yes.
This is a conversation about alignment, identity, and direction — not doing more, but doing what actually moves you forward.
In this episode, we explore:
Why effort alone doesn’t lead to promotion in academic medicineWhat happens when expectations are unclear and no one teaches you how to vet opportunitiesThe cost of invisible work and perfectionismWhy naming what you want to be known for changes your trajectoryHow values-driven yeses and nos protect both your career and your lifeWhy coaching is support, not remediationA reminder many physicians need: joy is not something to postponeResources & Mentions
Charting with Ease (download) https://dr-chrissie-ott.myflodesk.com/gq7zurcgdqThe Art of Saying No guide for clinicians https://dr-chrissie-ott.myflodesk.com/gq7zurcgdqDr. Stacey Ishman: https://medicalmentorcoaching.comStay Connected
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissieottmd Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast Website & transcripts: https://www.solvingforjoy.com
For Physician Coaches
Physician Coaching Collective: https://www.physiciancoachingcollective.com Physician Coaching Summit: https://www.thephysiciancoachingsummit.com
More
Hello, my friend. If you’re in academic medicine and feeling exhausted, unclear, or quietly frustrated despite working hard, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Dr. Stacey Ishman, MD, MPH, a former full professor with more than 20 years in academic medicine who now helps physicians build promotable, meaningful careers without sacrificing their lives. We talk about what happens when effort stops translating into advancement, how invisible work and perfectionism drain energy, and why clarity, values, and intentional choice matter more than simply saying yes. This is a conversation about alignment, identity, and direction — not doing more, but doing what actually moves you forward. In this episode, we explore: Why effort alone doesn’t lead to promotion in academic medicineWhat happens when expectations are unclear and no one teaches you how to vet opportunitiesThe cost of invisible work and perfectionismWhy naming what you want to be known for changes your trajectoryHow values-driven yeses and nos protect both your career and your lifeWhy coaching is support, not remediationA reminder many physicians need: joy is not something to postponeResources & Mentions Charting with Ease (download) https://dr-chrissie-ott.myflodesk.com/gq7zurcgdqThe Art of Saying No guide for clinicians https://dr-chrissie-ott.myflodesk.com/gq7zurcgdqDr. Stacey Ishman: https://medicalmentorcoaching.comStay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissieottmd Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast Website & transcripts: https://www.solvingforjoy.com For Physician Coaches Physician Coaching Collective: https://www.physiciancoachingcollective.com Physician Coaching Summit: https://www.thephysiciancoachingsummit.com