Vital Signs: Thriving as a Woman in Medicine

Hosted by Diane Shannon, MD

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Oct 2026

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In healthcare, burnout rates are higher in women. In fact, forty percent of women physicians have cut back or left medicine within 6 years of completing training. Why? Is it added responsibilities at home? Gender bias at work? Invisible work at work? Mom guilt? Too much self-sacrifice and inability to say no? Poor boundaries, lack of time management skills, lack of self-care? In this podcast, we’ll explore the reasons why women in medicine are struggling—and more importantly, what to do about it. We can banish burnout and thrive as women in medicine.

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October 20, 2026Episode 6430 min

Episode 163: Boosting Relational Energy with Dr. Amy Young

Stress and burnout are at epidemic levels in healthcare environments these days. Organizational and systemic changes are essential to reduce the drivers that cause them, but healthcare professionals need a way to cope today. In this episode, my guest, Amy Young, PhD, shares evidence-based practices that all of us can use to boost our happiness and job satisfaction, based on her research on relational energy. Dr. Amy Young is a professor of Business Communication at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Her expertise is leadership communication, positive organizational culture, and workplace well-being. She’s also my sister. Our professional passions have converged, and I’m excited to have her back on Vital Signs to continue exploring what positive organizational scholarship can teach all of us in healthcare. Connect with Dr. Young at LinkedIn or baldwin@umich.edu . There’s information about the book she mentioned here . Check out my TEDx talk! If you’d like time to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, connect with me here or at www.dianeshannon.com . Like what you heard? Help spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC is an internal medicine physician, award-winning writer, and certified coach. She understands the stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and the additional challenges that women face in the profession. Her passion is helping women in medicine create lives where they can thrive. Share your experience and continue the conversation with Diane at www.dianeshannon.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dianewshannon

September 29, 2026Episode 6326 min

Episode 162: Maintaining Joy Over the Span of Your Career with Dr. Sarah Grudberg

Many of us fall into our careers in medicine without a plan for how to maintain our health and our careers over the long haul. As an internist for more than 30 years, Sarah Grudberg, MD, has found some elements to be essential to her career sustainability, including job fit, boundary-setting, and creating community at work. Join us as we examine these and other strategies to “stay in the game.” Dr. Sarah Grudberg is an internist who works as a hospitalist and palliative care consultant at the VA Boston Healthcare System. Connect with me on LinkedIn . If you have a question for Dr. Grudberg, I’ll pass it along. Check out my TEDx talk! If you’d like time to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, connect with me here or at www.dianeshannon.com . Like what you heard? Help spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC is an internal medicine physician, award-winning writer, and certified coach. She understands the stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and the additional challenges that women face in the profession. Her passion is helping women in medicine create lives where they can thrive. Share your experience and continue the conversation with Diane at www.dianeshannon.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dianewshannon

September 10, 2026Episode 6223 min

Episode 161: Seeking Fair Pay with Dr. Amy Gottlieb

Much has been written about the persistent gender pay disparity in medicine. It’s important for academic centers and health systems to address if they want to recruit and retain talented employees. Join me and my guest, Amy Gottlieb, MD, as we delve into the underlying causes of unfairness in pay and what to do about it. Dr. Amy Gottlieb is an internal medicine physician and principal and founder of Grays West Advisors, a boutique advisory firm specializing in strategies that drive fair pay and professional opportunity. She has played a leadership role at the Association of American Medical Colleges for several years, including chair of the AAMC compensation equity advisory committee, which released a report earlier this year with recommendations for attaining and sustaining fair pay in academic medicine. Connect with Dr. Gottlieb at www.grayswestadvisorsllc.com . Check out my TEDx talk! If you’d like time to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, connect with me here or at www.dianeshannon.com . Like what you heard? Help spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC is an internal medicine physician, award-winning writer, and certified coach. She understands the stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and the additional challenges that women face in the profession. Her passion is helping women in medicine create lives where they can thrive. Share your experience and continue the conversation with Diane at www.dianeshannon.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dianewshannon

August 18, 2026Episode 6120 min

Episode 160: The Impact on Healthcare Financing on Physician Well-Being with Dr. Amy Locke

In the past few years, a significant shift has occurred in payment for healthcare services, with fewer being covered. The increase in cost-shifting to patients means they are more frequently unable to afford recommended care. This impacts clinicians as well, and moral distress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout can result. In this episode, my guest, Amy Locke, MD, shares her perspective on the problem and potential solutions. Dr. Amy Locke is a family physician and Chief Wellness Officer and professor of Family and Community Medicine at University of Utah Health. Connect with Dr. Locke on LinkedIn . Check out my TEDx talk! If you’d like time to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, connect with me here or at www.dianeshannon.com . Like what you heard? Help spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC is an internal medicine physician, award-winning writer, and certified coach. She understands the stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and the additional challenges that women face in the profession. Her passion is helping women in medicine create lives where they can thrive. Share your experience and continue the conversation with Diane at www.dianeshannon.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dianewshannon

July 28, 2026Episode 6027 min

Episode 159: Understanding Imposter Phenomenon in Physicians with Dr. Michael Nevarez

Imposter phenomenon results from a mismatch between one’s self concept and their actual achievement. It can cause high-achieving professionals, including physicians, to hold themselves back from growth opportunities and advancement. It can also lead to overwork and burnout from trying to compensate for a sense of inadequacy. In this episode, my guest, Mike Nevarez, MD, MHS, describes the imposter phenomenon cycle, its consequences, and what individuals and organizations can do to address it. Dr. Mike Nevarez is a psychiatrist, leadership coach, team consultant, and researcher. He serves as Medical Director of Colleague Support at South Shore Health in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and is on the faculty at Harvard Medical School. He is also Assistant Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the world’s longest-running studies of adult life, health, and happiness. His work focuses on helping leaders and teams to work in ways that are both more human and more effective. Connect with Dr. Nevarez LinkedIn or at mike.nevarez.md@gmail.com . Check out my TEDx talk! If you’d like time to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, connect with me here or at www.dianeshannon.com . Like what you heard? Help spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC is an internal medicine physician, award-winning writer, and certified coach. She understands the stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and the additional challenges that women face in the profession. Her passion is helping women in medicine create lives where they can thrive. Share your experience and continue the conversation with Diane at www.dianeshannon.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dianewshannon

July 7, 2026Episode 5926 min

Episode 158: Finding Belonging with Dr. Rani Nandiwada

What is belonging and why does it matter? According to my guest, Rani Nandiwada, MD, MSEd, belonging is a sense that you can be your whole authentic self and be embraced and valued for it. When we don’t feel we belong at work and hold ourselves back, it can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, self-doubt, and the stifling of new, innovative ideas. In this episode, you’ll learn how to step into being your own version of a “sparkly cheeseball.” Dr. Rani Nandiwada is a practicing internist, University of Pennsylvania primary care residency Program Director, and president of the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Society of General Internal Medicine. Her passion and expertise is coaching for excellence in medical education. Connect with Dr. Nandiwada at rani.nandiwada@pennmedicine.upenn.edu . Check out my TEDx talk! If you’d like time to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, connect with me here or at www.dianeshannon.com . Like what you heard? Help spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC is an internal medicine physician, award-winning writer, and certified coach. She understands the stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and the additional challenges that women face in the profession. Her passion is helping women in medicine create lives where they can thrive. Share your experience and continue the conversation with Diane at www.dianeshannon.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dianewshannon

June 16, 2026Episode 5824 min

Episode 157: Creating Intentional Community for Physicians with Dr. Dami Babaniji

When you’re really busy or experiencing burnout, it can feel isolating. It’s easy to believe you’re the only one struggling to get through the work day. In this episode, my guest, Dami Babaniji, MD, shares her personal experience with burnout–and the initiatives she’s undertaken at her organization to address burnout and create supportive communities for physicians. Tip: she shares some great ideas you can take back to your leadership! Dr. Dami Babaniji is an academic hospitalist physician and Medical Director of Clinician Wellbeing at a healthcare organization in Dallas, Texas. Her passion is healing healers. Connect with Dr. Babaniji on LinkedIn . Check out my TEDx talk! If you’d like time to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, connect with me here or at www.dianeshannon.com . Like what you heard? Help spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC is an internal medicine physician, award-winning writer, and certified coach. She understands the stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and the additional challenges that women face in the profession. Her passion is helping women in medicine create lives where they can thrive. Share your experience and continue the conversation with Diane at www.dianeshannon.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dianewshannon

May 26, 2026Episode 5722 min

Episode 156: Finding influence at work with Dr. Christine Sinsky

Over the past decade, more physicians have moved to employed positions and experienced less autonomy and control over their work than previously. The erosion of influence has adversely affected professional satisfaction. My guest, Christine Sinsky, shares her expert opinion on steps physicians can take to find more agency and enjoy their work again. Dr. Christine Sinsky is a retired internist who practiced for 32 years and past Vice President of Professional Satisfaction at the American Medical Association. Her career is about working to create the conditions where joy, purpose, and meaning in work are possible for physicians and their teams. Check out my TEDx talk! If you’d like time to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, connect with me here or at www.dianeshannon.com . Like what you heard? Help spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC is an internal medicine physician, award-winning writer, and certified coach. She understands the stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and the additional challenges that women face in the profession. Her passion is helping women in medicine create lives where they can thrive. Share your experience and continue the conversation with Diane at www.dianeshannon.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dianewshannon

May 5, 2026Episode 5624 min

Episode 155: Saying Yes, Even When…with Dr. Grace Perez-Lirio

Capable women physicians may hesitate to step into leadership roles and other opportunities for a host of reasons. Feeling not quite ready, concern about work overload, discomfort with managing peers. My guest, Grace Perez-Lirio, MD, FACP, shares her not-so-straightforward journey to leadership and an important message for women physicians who have held back. Dr. Grace Perez-Lirio is a primary care physician and Regional Medical Director at Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care Needham. Her passion is helping physicians find solutions to their work challenges. Connect with me at www.dianeshannon.com . If you’d like time to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, the next step is a conversation. More info here about how to do that. Don’t stay stuck; it’s not worth it! Like what you heard? Help spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC is an internal medicine physician, award-winning writer, and certified coach. She understands the stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and the additional challenges that women face in the profession. Her passion is helping women in medicine create lives where they can thrive. Share your experience and continue the conversation with Diane at www.dianeshannon.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dianewshannon

April 14, 2026Episode 5523 min

Episode 154: Seeking Sustainable Options for Primary Care Physicians with Dr. Diane London

Primary care physicians are stretched thin these days, and many have found the work simply not sustainable. Patients are feeling the effects, with long wait times for appointments and difficulty finding a new PCP. Join me and my guest, Diane London, MD, as she shares her wisdom gleaned over several decades, on options for “staying in the game” as a primary care physician. Dr. Diane London is a primary care internist and Director for Medical Education at a suburban community hospital outside of Boston. Her passion and expertise is complex patient care. Connect with me at www.dianeshannon.com . If you’d like time to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, the next step is a conversation. More info here about how to do that. Don’t stay stuck; it’s not worth it! Like what you heard? Help spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC is an internal medicine physician, award-winning writer, and certified coach. She understands the stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and the additional challenges that women face in the profession. Her passion is helping women in medicine create lives where they can thrive. Share your experience and continue the conversation with Diane at www.dianeshannon.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dianewshannon