Navigating Grief and Growth When Transitioning From Clinical Medicine to Leadership

Women Physicians Lead: Leadership tips and work-life strategies for women physicians

In this episode of the Women Physicians Lead podcast, Dr. Lisa Herbert explores the emotional journey of physicians transitioning from clinical practice to leadership roles. She discusses the stages of grief that can accompany this change, including denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance. Dr. Herbert shares her personal experiences, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she used to cope with the transition. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's motivations, seeking support, and engaging in self-care. Additionally, she highlights the growth and development opportunities in leadership and encourages physicians to embrace the change.

Grief and Growth (00:01:13) Discussion on fears, hopes, and expectations when transitioning from clinical medicine to leadership.

Stages of grief (00:02:36) Exploration of the stages of grief when leaving clinical medicine for a leadership role.

Personal experience (00:04:53) Dr. Lisa Herbert shares her personal experience and emotional challenges when transitioning from clinical medicine to leadership.

Coping strategies (00:06:17) Strategies for coping with grief and sadness when transitioning out of clinical medicine to leadership.

Fulfillment in leadership (00:09:07) Discussion on the fulfillment and satisfaction found in leadership roles for physicians.

Conclusion and action item (00:11:46) Encouragement to start a journal and reflect on the transition, as well as a call to action for personal and professional development.

Are you ready to take on that charge? Is leadership. Your calling. Are you ready to change the status quo? Are you ready to shift your talents to leading teams and driving change? If this is you, then I invite you to download the Leadership Assessment Scorecard to see what skills you need to develop to transition from clinical medicine to get your next best leadership role.