The Happy Gynecologist
By Amanda Miles M.D.
The stressors we face every day are unique to our field of medicine. As OB/GYN physicians, with the long hours, the middle of the night deliveries, and the potential for bad outcomes, we are especially prone to burnout.
That is exactly why I, Amanda Miles MD, created this podcast. As a certified life coach, burnout expert, and practicing generalist, I know what it takes to help you find your Happy again.
For more free help, visit my website: coach-miles.com or find me on Instagram @CoachMilesMD
The Happy Gynecologist Dec 10, 2020
EP#187: Why Don't We Get a Week?
As an OB/GYN, sometimes we are painfully aware of how much other professions get celebrated. This can lead to feelings of not being appreciated, which can actually play a role in burnout. Let's discuss a new way to think about Nurses' week that doesn't make us feel like dirt.
Join me for my upcoming FREE webinar by registering here: coach-miles.com/money
EP#186: 3 Biggest Time Wasters for OB/GYN's
Times isn't something we have a lot of, so why waste it?
Today, we are looking at the 3 biggest time wasters for OB/GYN's and how to immediately start addressing them, so you can have more time for YOU.
Join me at my upcoming FREE webinar: How to Make More Money as an OB/GYN (without working more) by registering here: https://coach-miles.com/money/
EP#185: Time to Grieve
EP#184: Letter to My Burnt-out Self
Today I am sharing a letter I wrote to my former, burnt-out self.
It is raw and vulnerable, but I think it may help anyone out there that is struggling with burnout.
Your feelings are valid and there is hope.
To secure a spot in the next Happy Gynecologist Group, visit: coach-miles.com/happy
EP#183: Growth Feels Gross
When we take steps to make a big change or try something new, our brains usually only consider how awesome it will be when we have done this new thing. So we get excited.
Then we make the change or try the new thing, and it feels....Gross.
Let's dive into why this happens and why it is important for us as humans to acknowledge.
To grow with the Happy Gynecologist Group coaching program, click here: coach-miles.com/happy
EP#182: No Problems, Just Feelings
Have you ever faced a problem that stuck with you for a bit, that you just couldn't shake?
Maybe you tried all kinds of things to fix it, but you still felt like dirt?
Today, let's talk about what the core of our problems REALLY is (and how to REALLY fix them).
To save your spot in the upcoming Happy Gynecologist Coaching Group, visit my website: coach-miles.com/happy
EP#181: If You Weren't Doing This...
Sometimes we wonder whether we made the right decision becoming an OB/GYN.
And sometimes we question if we even want to do this anymore.
While questioning like this often can be related to burnout, that doesn't mean it can't help you move forward!
In today's episode, I am coaching you through what to do when your brain offers questions like this and how to redirect your brain to be more solutions-focused when considering your answers!
If you are interested in reserving a spot for the May Happy Gynecologist Group coaching program, send me an email at: amanda@coach-miles.com
EP#180: How to Calm O.R. Anxiety
Anxiety surrounding operating or performing procedures is one of the most common things I coach on, and for good reason. There aren't many of us that haven't been affected by a terrible case, and those can stick with you.
Today, I am sharing some new and some trusted tools that you can start using now to calm the anxiety in the O.R.
If this topic resonates, check out EP#116: How to Handle COmplications and Bad Outcomes (Like a Boss)
EP#179: When Being Competitive Hurts Us
I LOVE to win. So much so, I refuse to play certain games or try new things if I know I won't "be good at it" or think I might lose.
This week, I want to examine how this might actually be hold us back when we are competitive, and how it does so.
Also, check out my booklist: coach-miles.com/booklist
EP#178: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Quit
This exercise can help you gain clarity when your brain starts offering it's time for a change.
It can also help you reconnect to your job--even if you are still happy!
These 3 questions are the perfect way to determine what's TRUE, to reconnect to your PURPOSE, and to help bring about positive SOLUTIONS.
Links mentioned in the show:
- Click here for more free help from me: coach-miles.com/freeresources
- Click here to listen to EP#40: What's Your Calling
EP#177: It All Starts With Our Thoughts
One of the biggest lessons that I continue to return to on this burnout journey is this: It ALL starts with our thoughts.
The way I experience life at home and at work, ALL starts with my thoughts.
My frustrations, resentments, shame, and feelings of failure: ALL start with my thoughts.
To stay out of burnout, I return to this lesson constantly. Today, I am walking you through a couple examples of how I apply this work in my daily life to stay out of burnout.
For more free help from me, check out my website: coach-miles.com/freeresources
EP#176: Am I the Asshole? (#1)
Am I the Asshole?
The answer will probably always be no coming from me, unless you need some real talk. However, unlike other podcasts that answer this question, I am also going to coach you through what you are facing.
Join me today for the first in our series of "Am I The Asshole?" episodes, where we will work through your practical OB/GYN struggles together.
If you would like to submit an anonymous question to a future episode, send an email to amanda@coach-miles.com labeled "AITAH?"
EP#175: HOMICIDE.
This week, we are talking about tools to help you process and move forward in the setting of a terrible case concerning an OB/GYN in the media.
Even if you aren't familiar with this case, I will be discussing tools that are helpful in any circumstance to help you decrease burnout.
If you are struggling with processing this case, be sure to revisit EP#149: Hey Doc, You Ok?
EP#174: 5 Secrets to Coaching Yourself
Today I am sharing trade secrets for how to coach yourself, and do it effectively.
These 5 Secrets will lead you through the steps that I take regularly to process my stress in a healthy way, which is essential for preventing burnout.
For more free help from me, visit my website:
EP#173: If you are a "Fixer"
Have you ever considered yourself a Fixer? A Helper? A Carer?
These identities are often who we are in medicine. However, they can lead to burnout in more ways than one.
Today, we are discussing ways to protect yoruself from burnout when it comes to being a Fixer.
EP#172: Quality vs. Quantity
Have you ever felt pressured to give up Quality in the name of Quantity?
With how Medicine is set up, many of us will feel this at some point. BUT, it doesn't have to be something that sets you back anymore.
Today, I am helping you navigate this problem, no matter how you practice.
Mentioned in today's episode, you can get the free checklist here: CALM CALL CHECKLIST.
EP#171: Red Flags
EP#170: Courage (and how it can help burnout)
Courage is my word of the year for 2024. And it is a powerful tool to help with burnout.
Today, I am teaching you how to utilize courage in a way that decreases burnout.
You know what helps increase courage? The Calm Call Checklist!
- Get your free copy here: coach-miles.com/checklist
EP#169: How to Find Your Word of the Year
A word of the year can be like having a North Star throughout the year, helping you reach your goals for growth.
Last year, my Word (Alignment) helped me truly commit to loving my job. With every decision that needed to be made, I would ask myself "Is this in 'Alignment' with my goals and values?"
By revisiting my word, I was able to guide my life to be completely in Alignment with my goals and values. I moved my family closer to my job. Loved my patients and coworkers more. And finally allowed this job to be one I loved, every day. (Even when it sucks.)
And I know if I can do that, you can too.
Listen in today as I walk you through the process of finding your Word of the Year.
At the end of this episode you will have learned how to:
- Reflect on last year in a positive way
- Determine which areas of life you'd like to grow in 2024
- Determine what words may help you achieve that growth
- Choose Your Word
I'd love to hear what you choose! Find me on Facebook and Instagram: @CoachMilesMD
EP#168: What is Trust?
What exactly is trust?
Is it a feeling? An action? Something that must be earned?
Today, I am diving in to what trust is, and how to foster it to allow for more growth in your life.
Homework Questions:
- Where do you have a hard time giving trust? Why?
- Are you trustworthy? Is it possible to be trustworthy and not be trusted?
- How are safety and trust related?
EP#167: 3 Shit Show Lessons
A Shit Show is any case that sticks with you. It can be a complication, a bad outcome, or a traumatic case.
After going through a Shit Show recently, I am reflecting on the 3 biggest lessons I learned and how they helped me.
Links mentioned:
- Also check out EP#36: How to Handle the Shit Show
- To grab the last spot in the January 2024 Happy Gynecologist Group, visit: coach-miles.com/happy
EP#166: The Way Forward is Through
When we reflect on where we are and where we would like to be, we sometimes find ourselves stuck in patterns of frustration and burnout.
We often get stuck by avoiding the uncomfortable parts. We avoid going Through, and instead skirt around the perimeter, often in effort to feel less uncomfortable.
The trouble is, this rarely results is less discomfort and it limits our growth and forward momentum.
Join me to learn why this is true and what to do about it.
EP#165: The Pep Talk You Need
Today, it's time for some Real talk Friend. And it may not all be comfortable to hear.
I am bringing the real talk that I know you need today and I am calling you out on your shit. From a place of love, of course.
Enrollment is open for the Happy Gynecologist Group. To learn more, visit: coach-miles.com/happy
EP#164: When Leaving is Hard
When faced with ANY decision, including leaving your job, things can feel really hard. Today I will walk you through the process that I recommend for anyone that is faced with leaving (or making any big decision in their life).
Links:
- Find me on Instagram!
- Find me on Facebook!
- Email me at: amanda@coach-miles.com
- Visit my website: Coach-Miles.com
EP#163: 3 Ways to Stop the Year-End Hustle
The Year-End Hustle can be exhausting, and we as OB/GYN's need tools to get through the end of the year without sacrificing our well-being.
Instead of enjoying the holidays, many of us feel overwhelmed and exhausted. And it's hard to like your job when you feel that way.
Today, I am giving 3 ways to avoid the hustle all together.
Links mentioned in today's episode:
EP#162: How to Regain Control of Your Life as an OB/GYN
Today, I am sharing a special webinar I did a few months ago about CONTROL.
As a recovering control enthusiast, I have always taught that we should aim for acceptance, which I have strived to do as well.
However, the existing research regarding our sense of control suggests that it is a basic human need!
Listen in on this in-depth webinar to learn the reasons we feel out of control as OB/GYN's, how to regain our sense of control, and how this can make a huge difference in our lives.
EP#161: The Rest of Your Story
Isn't it amazing how one tiny bit of information can shift your entire perspective sometimes?
I was recently reminded of this after listening to an old episode of Paul Harvey's "The Rest of The Story, " which got me thinking: how can we intentionally utilize The Rest of Our Story to help us grow and move forward?
In today's episode, I will walk you through how to apply this concept to your life and utilize The Rest of Your Story to help you move forward.
For more help from me, visit my website: coach-miles.com/freeresources
EP#160: 4 Lies You're Telling Yourself That Keep You Stuck in Burnout
Sometimes we have thoughts that aren't true. The problem is, these thoughts often feel VERY true and they may be keeping us stuck in burnout.
Today, I go through the 4 most common, how they keep us stuck and how to avoid them.
EP#159: Do You Give 200%?
We are used to giving 200% of ourselves. That's what we do. We've worked hard to get here, but perhaps we should re-evaluate this unsustainable tendency we have. Is there a better way? Let's explore this question together!
Dreading call? Click here to get my FREE Calm Call Checklist: coach-miles.com/checklist
EP#158: How to Better Handle Bureaucratic B.S.
Bureaucratic Tasks are the leading cause of burnout, so let's see if we can handle them better. Do I wish that these tasks didn't exist? Of course! But for now, they do, meaning we have to find ways we can handle them better for ourselves.
Today I am taking you through my tips and tricks for better handling of: prior authorizations, renewals of licenses/memberships, required trainings, committee meetings, and CME/MOC.
If call is something that you dread as well, be sure to sign up to get my Calm Call Checklist for free, here: coach-miles.com/checklist
EP#157: How to Turn Off Work at Night
As OB/GYN's, we often have a hard time "shutting down our brains" at night. We find ourselves thinking about work, long after the work day has ended. This leads to decreased enjoyment when we have downtime and more burnout. To get out of this cycle of mentally working every night, we must learn to set better boundaries with our brains. In today's episode, I will teach you what you need to know to set boundaries with your brain, how to utilize "Work-Mode" and "Home-Mode" to retrain your brain when it's ok to work, and my tricks for leaving work at work.
Thinking about call can also contribute to mental work at home. Stop thinking about your upcoming call shift by getting my free "Calm Call Checklist" here: coach-miles.com/checklist
EP#156: Listener Q&A (What if I don't have feelings? How do I start processing feelings? What to do if you're freaking out?)
In this episode, I am answering your questions, including:
- What if I don't feel anything? Like I don't have feelings?
- How do you start processing your feelings?
- What do you do if you're freaking out?
- How do you send safety signals to your brain?
In this episode, I am giving you the exact actions and steps you need to start working on these topics and more.
If you'd like your question answered on the podcast, send an email to: amanda@coach-miles.com
EP#155: Creating Evidence for Yourself
Have you ever had a complication and then your brain showed you all the ways that you're failing after that?
Our brains are used to seeking out evidence to support our negative thoughts and beliefs.
This is often why it is so hard to operate after having a big complication, which can lead to a lot of worrying and anxiety.
To combat this, we need to learn to offer our brains evidence for how we are doing a good job, by creating more evidence for our brain to see.
Today, I am walking you through an exercise to start creating the evidence your brain needs to recognize that you are doing a great job as an OB/GYN, in the OR, on L&D, and beyond!
EP#154: Perfect vs. Ideal
EP#153: Behind the Scenes
Today I am sharing some of the exciting things happening behind the scenes at The Happy Gynecologist Headquarters, and some of the lessons I am learning along the way. (You'll definitely want to hear about what I learned when it comes to worrying FOR my kids). Also, did you know I get to MEET some of you soon???
In today's episode, I am looking for your feedback--I wanna hear from you, so send me an email at: amanda@coach-miles.com
For more free help from me, don't forget to check out my website: coach-miles.com
EP#152: The 3 Mistakes I Made Hiring a Scribe
I've made a lot of mistakes in my life.
Today, I am sharing with you the 3 Big Mistakes that I know you can learn from, whether you are hiring someone at work, at home or working within any hierarchy.
These can happen anywhere and I am going to teach you what I've learned from these mistakes so you don't find yourself in an uncomfortable situation like I did.
I am also showing you EXACTLY how I am setting the expectations now, moving forward. CLICK HERE to get a copy of my New Hire Expectations so you will be prepared if you face something similar in the future.
EP#151: Let Yourself Be a Learner
Where do you avoid trying new things? Where is perfectionism causing you to avoid embarrassment or appearing silly?
The antidote to this is letting yourself be a learner. This is GREAT news because we are AWESOME at learning!
Today we are working through how deciding to be a learner can help you grow so you can stop limiting yourself.
Get my Calm Call Checklist HERE so you can have a better call shift this week!
EP#150: Normal or OB/GYN Normal?
Have you ever paused to think what is normal to us as OB/GYN's? It usually looks very different from "Normal-normal." Today I am talking about some things to consider and how we, as a field, are going to have to change what "OB/GYN Normal" means to us.
Join me in The Happy Gynecologist Group: coach-miles.com/happy
EP#149: Hey Doc, You OK?
Hey Doc, You OK? (And you better not say "I'm good." or "Everything's fine.")
There's a lot going on in our world right now, and I want to make sure you know that I am always here if you ever need support.
Today, I am talking about a variety of topics as they relate to a triggering article about an OB/GYN today. I'm telling you how I am processing it and how I am using this article to effect positive change in my life. And I invite you to do the same.
Don't forget to join me this Sunday, 8/20/23 at 7:30pm CST for an exclusive workshop: "How to Regain Control of Your Life as an OB/GYN" by registering here:https://coach-miles.com/regaincontrol/
EP#148: How to Be a Happy Gynecologist
I get asked all the time "What does that mean, Happy Gynecologist?" It is more than being Happy. And you don't even have to be a Gynecologist. Today, I am telling you EXACTLY what you need to do to be a Happy Gynecologist, including the first step to take.
Come work with me at my upcoming FREE workshop, "How to Regain Control of Your Life as an OB/GYN." To register visit: coach-miles.com/regaincontrol
EP#147: Own Your Happiness
To Regain Control of Your Life as an OB/GYN, register for my upcoming workshop by visiting: coach-miles.com/regaincontrol
Once you Own Your Happiness, you decide how you want to feel, giving you more control over your life as an OB/GYN.
When you Own Your Happiness, you get to decide what thoughts are helping you and what thoughts aren't.
You get to decide if something bothers you, or whether you don't want to waste the energy of getting upset about it.
EP#146: My #1 Rule for Thriving
When I was frustrated at work and angry at medicine, I made a rule for myself that I have continued to follow to this day. This rule has helped me overcome many of the ways I was conditioned to go "above and beyond" at the expense of myself, and I think it will help you too.
EP#145: 9 Signs You Have Good Doctor Syndrome
Good Doctor Syndrome stems from the expectations that Medicine, as a society, has for us. It expects us to sacrifice our own needs and wants for others. Today, I am talking about EXACTLY how that can show up for us as OB/GYN's, with the 9 signs that you might recognize Good Doctor Syndrome in yourself.
If you haven't downloaded your Calm Call Checklist yet, click here: coach-miles.com/checklist
EP#144: How to Have a Calm Call Shift
Feeling anxious before call is one of the most common topics I coach on. It comes from a mix of mindset and Survival Mode, both of which have to be addressed to decrease the stress off call. Today, I am walking you through my process for creating a calm call shift with my Calm Call Checklist. You can download your free copy here: coach-miles.com/checklist
EP#143: Why Vacation May Not Help Burnout (and why it might)
I've long held the stance that vacation doesn't solve burnout, especially when you just want to escape The Hell that is work.
Today I am telling you why I believe that, and reversing that stance slightly as I tell you how you can intentionally beat burnout with your vacation time.
Check out my free summer booklist here: coach-miles.com/booklist
EP#142: How Self-Compassion Fights Burnout
Self-compassion is more than just "loving yourself." It is having your own back. It is supporting yourself. It is being kind to yourself.
And without self-compassion, we have a hard time staying out of burnout.
Today, I'm talking about the connection between self-compassion and burnout, as well as ways to start cultivating it.
To get my booklist, 20 Books to Transform Your Life as an OB/GYN, visit: coach-miles.com/booklist
EP#141: 3 Things You Need to Know About Online Reviews
Online reviews, social media posts and internet trolling is here to stay. So how do we kick ass despite that fact?
Today, I am teaching you 3 things you need to know about online reviews, as I recently learned them with an experience at my own office.
To get my free summer booklist visit: coach-miles.com/booklist
EP#140: My Secret Weapon Against Burnout
Today I am sharing my Secret Weapon against burnout, which I use every single day at work. This Secret Weapon isn't what you'd expect, but it is highly effective at activating your prefrontal cortex, avoiding your brain's negativity bias, increasing your intentionality, increasing your fulfillment and creating connection. And it helps us feel empowered and confident! Listen-in now to learn my Secret Weapon and how to start using it.
To download of my free, summer-reading, booklist "20 Books to Transform Your Life as an OB/GYN" visit: coach-miles.com/booklist
(Personal-pan Pizza highly encouraged, but not included.)
EP#139: Are You Focusing on the Wrong Things?
When people ask me questions or advice about getting out of burnout, I often see that they are focusing on the wrong thing. We all do it, unintentionally of course. Today, I want to help guide you to focusing on the right things so you can feel better.
If you would like more free help from me, visit: coach-miles.com/freeresources
EP#138: When you'd rather deal with HELLP than ask for Help
After being faced with some unusual circumstances and having to ask for help recently, I found myself struggling unexpectedly.
What I found was surprising to me, and opened an awareness to whole set of beliefs that I didn't know I had.
Today, I am going to reflect on how these beliefs were showing up for me every day and affecting my home life, work life and relationships.