Why are so many women physicians walking away from medicine?

In this episode of FEM, MD, host Lauren Umstattd sits down with retinal specialist and physician coach Dr. Shanika Esparaz to discuss the wake-up call that forced her to rethink everything. After experiencing debilitating physical symptoms—including the worst headache of her life—Dr. Esparaz realized that what looked like success on the outside was costing her far more than she realized.

Together, they explore physician burnout, the unique challenges facing women in medicine, the pressure to do it all, and how learning to slow down helped Dr. Esparaz reclaim her career, family life, and sense of self.

Topics discussed include:

• The physical symptoms of physician burnout

• Why women doctors are leaving medicine at alarming rates

• The hidden cost of perfectionism and overachievement

• Building boundaries in clinical practice

• Opening (and later closing) a concierge medical practice

• Autonomy vs. workload in medicine

• How coaching helped redefine success

• Nervous system regulation and burnout recovery

• Why slowing down isn't the same as giving up

• Learning to choose yourself without guilt

If you've ever wondered whether there's a different way to practice medicine—or a different way to live—this conversation is for you.

Host: Dr. Lauren Umstattd

Connect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_md

Guest: Dr. Shanika Esparaz

Connect with Shanika: @shani_esparazmd

Produced by: The Hippocratic Collective

See more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com