The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

Hosted by Heather Fork, MD

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Episodes

259

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Are you a physician who's questioning your career path? If you're at the white coat crossroads, for whatever reason, this podcast is for you. We're going to help you find your best path forward, whether it's to be happier in patient care, transition to a nonclinical career, or do something completely different. In the weekly podcasts, we're bringing you all the good stuff: -Actionable tools and resources to help you start making positive changes. -Interviews with physicians who've found new and fulfilling ways to practice as well as those who've transitioned into nonclinical careers. -Concrete advice for applying to jobs, using LinkedIn, interviewing, negotiating, and much more. Your host, Dr. Heather Fork, is a former board-certified dermatologist who transitioned into full-time career coaching for physicians over 10 years ago. She is a master certified coach who has been helping hundreds of physicians find ways to be happier both in medicine and beyond. Come visit us at www.doctorscrossing.com to learn more!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 4, 2026Episode 25936 min

Episode #259: Student Loans Have Changed: What Physicians Need to Know

If you have medical school loans or are about to take them on, you may be wondering how the recent changes actually affect you. If you're already working toward public service loan forgiveness, you may also be asking what happens if you change jobs or leave clinical medicine. In this episode, I welcome back Joy Sorensen Navarre, founder and president of Navigate. Joy was a financial advisor when one physician's loans led her to save him $100,000, and soon she built an entire company around helping doctors. Together, we explore the new borrowing caps, the new repayment plan, what counts as public service employment, and how to change course without derailing forgiveness. In this episode we're talking about: The new lifetime borrowing caps and how private loans can cover the gap The new Repayment Assistance Plan, the end of SAVE, and why you must choose a plan Joy's unplanned path from financial advisor to student loan expert for physicians Who benefits from public service loan forgiveness and who is better off without it What counts as qualifying employment, from nonprofit hospitals to government, tribal, and NIH roles Nonclinical and hybrid roles that keep you on track How to stop avoiding your loans and find relief by running the numbers Links for this episode: Navigate Student Loans Website Book a Free 15 minute Discovery Session Joy Sorensen Navarre's LinkedIn Profile Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employer Search Episode #37: Hope for your Student Debt with Joy Sorenson Navarre 🎉Share the Podcast — It's Back! One of our most popular contests is back by request. Here's how it works: share an episode of The Doctor's Crossing with three people. Then email us their initials and the episode numbers you shared at team@doctorscrossing.com. That's it — you win a prize. And it's a good one. Really good. Past winners have loved it. So think of three friends or colleagues who'd get something out of the podcast, pass an episode along to each of them, and send us the details. You're a winner!

October 21, 2026Episode 25838 min

Episode #258: Want to Live Abroad? 5 Career Options for Physicians

Have you ever dreamed of living abroad but wondered how you'd make your career work, too? There are more options than you might think. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ashwini Bapat, a palliative care physician and co-founder of Hippocratic Adventures, a community for US-trained physicians exploring life and careers abroad. Dr. Bapat walks us through five different paths physicians are taking to make life abroad work, and what she's learned from helping them get there. Her most important piece of advice? Start with the life you want to build, then find the career that supports it. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode258 In this episode we're talking about: Five career paths physicians can use to make living abroad work The pros and trade-offs of practicing medicine locally in another country How physicians can use telemedicine to continue seeing US patients from abroad Creative ways to combine living abroad with blocks of clinical work in the US Exploring pharma, medical education, consulting, medical writing, and entrepreneurship abroad How a sabbatical can give physicians space to explore a new life or career Four questions to ask yourself before deciding what your career abroad should look like Links for this episode: Hippocratic Adventures: https://www.hippocraticadventures.com/ Hippocratic Adventures Physician Starter Kit: https://www.hippocraticadventures.com/start-your-adventure/ Telemedicine & Beyond: https://www.hippocraticadventures.com/telemedicine-opportunities/ Telepsychiatry From Abroad: https://www.hippocraticadventures.com/telepsychiatryfromabroad/ Hippocratic Adventures Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hippocraticadventures

October 7, 2026Episode 25731 min

Episode #257: Onboarding for Success: Your First Year in a Nonclinical Role

So much of the nonclinical job search is about getting to yes — the applications, the interviews, the waiting, and finally the offer. But what happens after you say yes? Depending on the role and the company, you may land in a thoughtful onboarding process, or you may feel like you're drinking from a fire hose. In this episode, I welcome back pediatrician Dr. Erik Lamberth, who spent 18 years in clinical practice, academia, and research before an unexpected hip replacement led him to pivot into the pharmaceutical industry. Together, we explore what onboarding can really look like, what may surprise you during that first year, and how to build the relationships and expectations that set you up to succeed. Although Erik's experience is in pharma, these lessons apply broadly across the nonclinical sector. In this episode we're talking about: Why onboarding into a nonclinical role looks nothing like starting your first attending job Realistic timelines for getting up to speed, and why full fluency can take about two years What the training period involves, including learning an entirely new language of acronyms The culture shift from writing orders to contributing as one expert on a team of experts How to find mentors and build trust with your manager, even a difficult one Why negative feedback is a compliment rather than a verdict on your worth Countering imposter syndrome, and the simple habit that shows you how far you've come You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode257 Links for this episode: Clear Points Advisory Episode #256: Behind the Scenes of Nonclinical Hiring 🎉 Share the Podcast — It's Back! One of our most popular contests is back by request. Here's how it works: share an episode of The Doctor's Crossing with three people. Then email us their initials and the episode numbers you shared at team@doctorscrossing.com . That's it — you win a prize. And it's a good one. Really good. Past winners have loved it. So think of three friends or colleagues who'd get something out of the podcast, pass an episode along to each of them, and send us the details. You're a winner! Thank you for listening!

September 23, 2026Episode 25638 min

Episode #256: Behind the Scenes of Nonclinical Hiring

If you're applying for a nonclinical job, it can feel like everyone else knows the rules and no one has explained them to you. Do you need an internal referral? How much does that first recruiter call really matter? And what are interviewers actually trying to assess once you reach the formal rounds? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Erik Lamberth, a pediatrician who spent 18 years in clinical practice, academia, and research before transitioning into the pharmaceutical industry. Although Erik's experience is in pharma, this conversation is for anyone considering or interviewing for a nonclinical role. Erik has been involved in hiring physicians and mentoring many doctors making nonclinical transitions. Together, we walk through the hiring process from application to recruiter screening to the formal interviews and follow-up, and we look at what employers are really trying to understand about you beyond your credentials. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode256 In this episode we're talking about: Whether you need an internal referral, and why reaching out before you apply matters What a resume should highlight that your CV may not Why targeting the right job descriptions beats sending out hundreds of applications What recruiters are really assessing on that first informal screening call Dr. Erik Lamberth's insider view of the formal interview rounds and what hiring teams look for Salary expectations, pay bands, and why your base salary is king in a negotiation How to follow up, how long to wait, and what to ask even if you don't get the job Links for this episode: https://www.clearpointsadvisory.com/ Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, time management, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you're feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself! Thank you for listening

September 9, 2026Episode 25539 min

Episode #255: From Charting to Clinical Decisions: How AI Is Changing Medicine

AI is already changing how physicians work, and we're still in the early stages. It may be drafting your notes while you stay present with the patient, handling a first pass at the inbox, or simply something your practice has begun to consider. Either way, the questions follow quickly: How reliable are these tools? Where do they fall short? And how do we use them well without creating new problems? For many clinicians, patient care isn't what wears them down. It's everything surrounding it. That's where AI may matter most. My guest today is Dr. Steven Labkoff, an internist, cardiologist, physician executive, and clinical informatics specialist who has built his career at the intersection of medicine, healthcare data, and technology. We discuss where AI is already making a difference, where it may take us next, and what it means for clinical decision-making and patient care, including the skepticism that comes with a shift of this size. In this episode we're talking about: How AI is already being used in clinical practice, from documentation to clinical decision support Why some of the "mundane" AI applications may offer the greatest return for physicians and practices How ambient listening can reduce documentation burden and help physicians focus more fully on patients Whether AI will replace physicians, radiologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals The challenges of AI hallucinations, liability, safety, and algorithmic drift Why physicians need to maintain responsibility for reviewing and verifying AI-generated information How developing AI literacy can help physicians confidently navigate this rapidly changing landscape You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode255 Links for this episode: www.PracticalAIinHealthcare.com Share the Podcast — It's Back! One of our most popular contests is back by request. Here's how it works: share an episode of The Doctor's Crossing with three people. Then email us their initials and the episode numbers you shared at team@doctorscrossing.com. That's it — you win a prize. And it's a good one. Really good. Past winners have loved it. So think of three friends or colleagues who'd get something out of the podcast, pass an episode along to each of them, and send us the details. You're a winner! Thank you for listening!

August 26, 2026Episode 25437 min

Episode #254: Difficult Conversations at the White Coat Crossroads

You know something needs to change in your career, but actually asking for what you need can feel daunting. How do you ask to reduce your hours or take less call without seeming uncommitted? How do you tell your spouse you're thinking about leaving medicine when they're worried about the financial uncertainty? And what do you say when people keep asking "what's next?" and you honestly don't know yet? These conversations at the crossroads can feel so high-stakes that it's tempting to avoid them, soften what you really want, or spend weeks rehearsing the perfect words. In this episode, I'm joined by attorney Heather Hansen to help us navigate them more effectively. Heather spent more than 20 years as a medical malpractice trial attorney defending physicians, has trained thousands of medical residents in communication skills, and now helps healthcare professionals advocate for themselves with clarity, confidence, and compassion. She's also a best-selling author, speaker, mediator, former television anchor, and host of the Elegant Warrior podcast. Together we talk about how to approach the difficult conversations that come with changing your job or career, without becoming defensive, overexplaining, or feeling like you need everyone's approval. In this episode we're talking about: Why conversations at a career crossroads feel so high-stakes, and what makes us avoid them, soften what we want, or over-rehearse How to ask to reduce your hours or take less call without coming across as uncommitted How to tell your spouse you're considering leaving medicine when they're worried about the financial uncertainty What to say when people keep asking "So, what's next?" and you honestly don't know yet How to advocate for yourself with clarity, confidence, and compassion How to navigate high-stakes conversations without becoming defensive, overexplaining, or needing everyone's approval You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode254 Links for this episode: Heather Hansen's LinkedIn Profile H Hansen Group The Elegant Warrior Podcast with Heather Hansen Heather Hansen's Instagram Quiz on Your Style as an Expert Witness by Heather Hansen Private 1:1 Consultations - If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, Dr. Heather Fork offers one-hour paid Zoom consultations. This one-hour coaching session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some concrete steps for moving forward. Dr. Fork also has a 5-month coaching program for those physicians wanting additional assistance (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at team@doctorscrosing.com . Thank you for listening!

August 12, 2026Episode 25343 min

Episode #253: Successful but Still Unfulfilled? Discover Your Zone of Genius

Have you achieved the success you once dreamed of, only to find yourself wondering, "Why doesn't this feel more fulfilling?" If so, you're not alone. In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Gay Hendricks joins me to explore why so many high-achieving physicians find themselves stuck despite doing work they're exceptionally good at. Together, we dive into his powerful concept of the Zone of Genius and how it can serve as a compass for creating a more meaningful, energized, and satisfying career and life. Dr. Gay Hendricks is a bestselling author, psychologist, and pioneer in the field of personal growth. Known for his influential books The Big Leap and The Genius Zone, he has spent decades helping people identify the hidden patterns that keep them from reaching their full potential. In this episode, he shares practical insights and inspiring stories to help physicians recognize when their genius is calling and how to begin answering that call without necessarily leaving medicine behind. In this episode we're talking about: The four zones of functioning: incompetence, competence, excellence, and genius Why physicians often get trapped in the Zone of Excellence Common signs that your Zone of Genius is trying to get your attention How fulfillment differs from success and achievement The role of wonder, curiosity, and commitment in discovering your genius Why you may not need a major career change to experience more meaning and satisfaction Practical ways to spend more time in your Zone of Genius starting today You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode253 Links for this episode: The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks www.hendricks.com www.foundationforconsciousliving.org https://www.facebook.com/relationshipadvice/?sk=app_2392950137#/relationshipadvice https://www.facebook.com/fclconnect https://www.instagram.com/hendrickscommunity https://www.youtube.com/@hendricksinstitute https://www.instagram.com/officialgayhendricks/ Private 1:1 Consultations – If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, I offer an hour-long paid consultation via Zoom. This session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some steps for moving forward. If after this consultation you prefer additional support, there is the option of doing one of my coaching programs (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at team@doctorscrossing.com. Thank you for listening!

July 29, 2026Episode 25239 min

Episode #252: The Surgeon's Crossroads: Is This a Hard Season or Time for a Change?

Every physician faces difficult seasons. But how do you know when it's time to push through and when it's time to consider a different path? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Melinda Thacker, an ENT surgeon, master coach, TEDx speaker, and host of the Surgeons on Purpose podcast. After experiencing severe anxiety, insomnia, and panic attacks in the operating room, Dr. Thacker embarked on a journey of healing that transformed both her life and her career. Together, we explore how surgeons and clinicians can navigate self-doubt, complications, shame, and career uncertainty with greater clarity, compassion, and purpose. In this episode we're talking about: Dr. Melinda Thacker's personal journey through anxiety, burnout, and rediscovering purpose How to tell the difference between imposter syndrome, a difficult season, and a true calling for change Why childhood experiences and old emotional patterns can influence career struggles today Practical ways to work through shame, complications, mistakes, and difficult patient outcomes How self-compassion, coaching, and trusted support can help physicians regain confidence The importance of diversifying your professional identity beyond being "just a doctor" Why protecting yourself as your most valuable asset ultimately allows you to better care for your patients. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode252 Links for this episode: https://www.melthackercoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/the_ surgeon_coach You can browse our episodes under the Podcast tab on the website. And if you're looking for something specific, or have a topic you'd love us to cover, just reach out at team@doctorscrossing.com. We'd be happy to hear from you! Thank you for listening!

July 15, 2026Episode 25137 min

Episode #251: Regulatory Writing: An Overlooked Career Path for Detail-Oriented Physicians

Curious about a flexible, high-paying nonclinical career that still uses your medical expertise? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Keagen Hadley, an occupational therapist who built a successful career in regulatory medical writing without ever stepping into clinical practice. Dr. Hadley shares how he discovered this little-known field while working in clinical research, the persistence it took to break in, and why regulatory writing can be such an appealing option for physicians seeking flexibility, meaningful work, and strong earning potential. We also explore what regulatory writers actually do, who tends to thrive in this role, how AI is impacting the profession, and practical strategies for getting started. If you enjoy structure, attention to detail, and helping bring new therapies to patients, this conversation may open your eyes to an exciting career path you hadn't considered. In this episode we're talking about: What regulatory medical writing is and its role in drug, biologic, and device development The personality traits and skills that help people succeed in regulatory writing Dr. Keagen Hadley's unconventional path from occupational therapy to a thriving writing career How physicians can break into the field through networking, recruiters, and strategic positioning Compensation, flexibility, and career growth opportunities in regulatory writing How AI is influencing regulatory writing and why human expertise remains essential Resources, training recommendations, and practical advice for exploring this career path You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode251 Links for this episode: The Clinician's Guide to Regulatory Writing | Keagen Hadley | Substack Keagen Hadley | LinkedIn Targeted Regulatory Writing Techniques: Clinical Documents for Drugs and Biologics by Wood and Foote 6 Month Road Map to Becoming a Regulatory Writer by Keagen Hadley Regulatory Medical Writing Masterclass Medical Writing Resource Guide – This 11-page guide gives you an introduction to medical writing as well as links for courses, books, websites, and tips for exploring this diverse area. Includes steps you can take whether you want to do medical writing as a side gig, or work full-time as a freelancer or an employee. Land Your Dream Job With LinkedIn : 5 Steps To Get Started – Following these 5 tips will help you optimize your profile, connect and network with others, and have success applying to jobs on LinkedIn! Thank you for listening!

July 2, 2026Episode 25037 min

Episode #250: Two Physicians, One Mission: Building a Nonclinical Career Conference

What happens when two physicians take their own career crossroads experiences and turn them into a mission to help others? In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Mandy Armitage and Dr. Morgan Leafe share how their individual transitions from clinical medicine led to the creation of the Nonclinical Physicians Network and their first in-person conference for physicians exploring careers beyond traditional practice, taking place October 17–18, 2026, in Philadelphia. In this episode we're talking about: Dr. Armitage's and Dr. Leafe's journeys from clinical medicine into medical writing and consulting How a shared passion for helping physicians navigate career transitions led to the creation of the Nonclinical Physicians Network Why in-person networking and community can be transformational for physicians exploring nonclinical careers What attendees can expect from the Nonclinical Physicians Network Conference, October 17–18, 2026, in Philadelphia Common fears and misconceptions that keep physicians stuck in careers that no longer fit The importance of networking, accountability, and building connections outside of medicine Encouragement and practical advice for physicians considering a career change but unsure where to start You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode250 Links for this episode: Nonclinicalphysiciansnetwork.com Nonclinical Careers Conference : October 17–18, 2026, Philadelphia. Early bird pricing expires July 15, 2026. From Clinical Practice to Medical Writing Guide Episode #16 – 5 Steps to Becoming a Medical Writer with Dr. Mandy Armitage Episode #128 – No Residency Needed – Opportunities for Physicians in CME Writing with Dr. Morgan Leafe Thank you for listening!