What happens when a high-producing physician decides to walk away from a successful 25-year medical career? Dr. Susan Baumgartel shares her transformative journey from traditional internal medicine to patient advocacy and authorship in this candid conversation about finding meaning beyond metrics.
Dr. Baumgartel's story begins with a familiar scenario—working nonstop, taking minimal vacation, and feeling the mounting pressure of productivity demands. Yet amid the chaos, she found ways to maintain her humanity by incorporating her passion for art into patient care. The paintings by her late mother that adorned her office walls created unexpected healing connections with patients, illustrating how medicine and creativity can intersect powerfully.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Dr. Baumgartel explains her preference for the term “moral injury” over “Burnout.” While burnout can affect professionals across various industries, moral injury refers to the violation of a physician's ethical code when corporate interests overshadow patient care. This distinction resonates deeply with doctors who struggle to reconcile their calling with the administrative demands of modern healthcare.
Now as an MD Advocate, Dr. Baumgartel has created a unique model that supports rather than competes with traditional medical care. She helps patients navigate complex systems while providing physicians with the backup they need for thorough discussions that today's time constraints often do not allow. Her book, “The Menopause Menu,” further extends this mission, providing accessible, evidence-based information structured like a meal—appetizer, entrée, palate cleanser, and dessert.
Perhaps most inspiring is her commitment to daily walking—3 to 5 miles regardless of weather—where she solves problems, connects with neighbors, and maintains mental Clarity. This simple practice embodies her philosophy that self-care is not selfish, but essential for physicians who want to provide compassionate care without sacrificing themselves.
Whether you're questioning your medical career path or simply seeking to reconnect with your purpose, Dr. Baumgartel's parting Wisdom rings true: “Listen to yourself, listen to your soul, listen to your passion.” Your authentic journey in medicine may look different than you imagined, and that might be exactly what you—and your patients—need.
Listen
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Though I am a physician, this is not medical advice. This is only a tool that physicians can use to get ideas on how to deal with burnout and/or know they are not alone. If you are in need of medical assistance talk to your physician.
Learn more about female physicians' journey through burnout to thriving!
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