Written by Rhonda Crowe, BSN, MBA

If you take one look at my credentials, you’ll see I am not a doctor. But let me tell you, I have worked with many doctors for over 30 years. From the bedside to the boardroom, I’ve stood in front, behind, and alongside countless physicians.

When I began my career, I dove headfirst into nursing. I got my associate’s degree so I could get into clinical practice faster. Then, I went to get my bachelor’s. But the more I practiced, the more I realized medicine is not just clinical. It is a growing, thriving, evolving business. And I wanted to know more about the business side of medicine.

So back to school I went. After earning my Master of Business, I found my way to a corporate role in medicine. As I sat on the administrative side of healthcare, I made a few earth-shattering discoveries. For example, in my last corporate role, I recruited, interviewed, hired, credentialed, and trained physicians in clinics across the country. It was a great way to make a significant impact, but ultimately, the impact was made on me.

I trained a variety of physicians who were from all different disciplines and specialty areas to know how to properly do wound care. I’d say about 20% of those physicians really liked wound care. The remaining 80% were less enthused. That 80% lost their spark, their inner light, their joy for medicine.

This was a huge problem. A problem of epidemic proportions. And it wasn’t unique to wound care. This problem occurred across all specialties.

Physicians were burning out, with nowhere to turn for support or coaching. Admitting a “problem” existed is foreign to caregivers and physicians. Showing an ounce of vulnerability could cost them their professional credibility, career prospects, referrals, and other professional interactions. At least that is what history has demonstrated in the past. Our physicians are hardwired to think, feel, and internalize this unwritten professional rule. Vulnerability is self-perceived as a sign of weakness, even though it is anything but.

Where do physicians go when they need someone to talk to? Family members? Friends? Peers?

Or no one at all.

I found myself at a crossroads. I could either reestablish myself into my nursing profession, or I could take everything I learned on both sides of practice and administration and change it. I wanted to do something to spearhead a global transition to wellbeing and… well…joy.

With this vision in mind, I set to work, and MD Coaches was born. I created an organization dedicated to having physicians help other physicians work through those very specific challenges. I provided a resource for physicians to utilize to be a good physician leader. Today, MD Coaches is preparing, presenting, and providing thoughtful and expert resources to help physicians in need. I always wanted to have a greater impact on healthcare in general. I just never imagined it would unfold in this manner. But I will admit, I am very grateful that it did. ☤

To learn more about Rhonda Crowe, BSN, MBA, go to https://www.mymdcoaches.com/rhonda/rhonda-crowe