Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare

By: Andrea Austin MD
  • Summary

  • Welcome to "Heartline," a podcast dedicated to exploring the inspiring journeys and impactful work of healthcare changemakers leading the charge in transforming healthcare. Despite the United States spending more on healthcare than any other developed nation, key quality outcomes like life expectancy and maternal mortality lag behind. With over half of American physicians experiencing burnout, the challenges within the system are clear. Join us as we delve into the stories of patients, medical professionals, and other experts who defy the status quo. We’ll uncover the unique characteristics and experiences that propel them to be effective changemakers and the organizational factors that support change. Dr. Austin, host of the podcast, is an emergency physician with real-world experience with the dysfunction in the system. Along with working in the emergency department, she is a medical educator focusing on healthcare worker well-being and how innovative approaches like simulation can improve healthcare. In addition, she researches how we can accelerate changemakers in healthcare. Dr. Austin also uses coaching-informed thinking to unlock the potential of healthcare changemakers, and she will guide you through these narratives with insightful commentary and expert analyses. Through in-depth interviews and real-world examples, this podcast aims to inspire and equip the next generation to drive meaningful change in healthcare. Whether you're a physician, a medical student, or simply passionate about the future of healthcare, "Heartline" will offer valuable perspectives and actionable ideas to help you thrive in a challenging environment and contribute to improving our healthcare system. Seasons 1-4 focused on gender bias in the medical system and shared the uplifting stories of women and allies who stay true to their values, boundaries, and priorities, improving their career fulfillment and increasing their impact on healthcare. Season 5 will expand the guests beyond physicians and tackle issues beyond gender bias that impact healthcare. Tune in to the "Hearline" for a deep dive into healthcare transformation and be inspired by the changemakers making a real difference.
    © 2024 Heartline
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Episodes
  • Radical Recovery: The Path to Sustainable Careers in Healthcare
    Apr 8 2025
    In this Heartline Echo Episode, we revisit a powerful conversation about recovery in healthcare. As part of a three-part series, this episode focuses on macro recoveries - extended breaks that go beyond standard vacations. I share my personal experience of taking a three-month sabbatical from clinical work, which led to a transformative shift in my approach to emergency medicine. Joined by Dr. Cheryl Martin and Dr. Dan Dworkis, we explore the importance of long-term recovery for healthcare professionals. Key insights from our discussion include: The changing landscape of emergency medicine and the increased challenges faced by healthcare workers The value of extended breaks in regaining clarity, creativity, and passion for one's work Strategies for maintaining clinical skills during periods of reduced shifts or extended time off The importance of aligning one's career with personal values and priorities Discover how to: Recognize when you need more than just a vacation to recover from burnout Navigate guilt and shame associated with taking extended breaks from clinical work Create a sustainable career path that includes periods of rest and rejuvenation Leverage insights from other high-performance fields to improve recovery practices in healthcare This episode offers invaluable perspectives for healthcare professionals at all stages of their careers, especially those grappling with burnout or questioning their long-term sustainability in the field. We challenge the notion that full-time clinical work is the only path to success and explore alternative models for fulfilling medical careers. "You are worth it. You are worth your recovery... You are 100% worth it. And you're worth that vacation and you're worth taking a sabbatical if you need it." Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that advocates for "radical recovery" in healthcare. Learn how embracing extended periods of rest and reflection can lead to more sustainable, fulfilling careers and ultimately improve patient care. This episode is part of a three-part series on recovery in healthcare. Don't miss the companion episodes on micro and meso recoveries, which are available on The Emergency Mind, episode 65 on YouTube or Apple and The Mindful Medic podcasts, respectively. 🎧 Thanks for tuning into Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare! Ready to take the next step in your journey as a healthcare changemaker? Dr. Andrea Austin offers personalized coaching to empower healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers and rediscover their passion for medicine. Whether you're seeking clarity, balance, or strategies to overcome burnout, coaching with Dr. Austin can help you achieve your goals. 🌟 Learn more and book a free discovery call today at andreaaustinmd.com/coaching. Stay connected and keep making a difference: ✅ Subscribe to the Heartline newsletter for insights into reclaiming your well-being as a healthcare professional, improving teams around you, and transforming the system. 📱 Follow us on social: Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube 📚 Discover Dr. Austin’s book Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline on Amazon or Ingram. Follow Your Heartline and transform healthcare today!
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    41 mins
  • From Emergency Room to Entrepreneurship: One Doctor's Mission to Transform Palliative Care
    Apr 1 2025
    In this Heartline Echo Episode, I sit down with Dr. Arian Nachat, an emergency medicine and palliative care physician who's making waves in healthcare. We explore her multifaceted career and the innovative platform she's created to address critical gaps in palliative care access. Dr. Nachat shares her journey from emergency medicine to palliative care, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. We discuss the challenges facing healthcare today, including the corporatization of medicine and its impact on patient-doctor relationships. Our conversation delves into the heart of what it means to provide compassionate care, especially for those facing serious illnesses. Dr. Nachat's insights on the importance of truly listening to patients and understanding their values are both inspiring and practical. Key insights from our discussion include: The evolution of emergency medicine and the need for a more patient-centered approach The critical role of palliative care in modern healthcare and why it's often misunderstood How technology can bridge the gap in palliative care access, especially in rural areas The importance of having difficult conversations about end-of-life care and advanced directives Balancing a medical career with motherhood and personal well-being Discover how to: Navigate career transitions in medicine while staying true to your values Incorporate a more holistic approach to patient care in high-stress environments Use technology to improve healthcare access and patient outcomes Find your voice as a healthcare professional and advocate for change Balance the demands of a medical career with personal life and family responsibilities This episode offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals at all stages of their careers, as well as anyone interested in the human side of medicine. Dr. Nachat's journey from the emergency room to founding a palliative care platform demonstrates the diverse paths available within the medical field. "Talking to me isn't about talking about dying. It's actually talking about how you want to live because your values and what brings meaning to you and how you define those things determines how you're going to live." - Dr. Arian Nachat Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between medical expertise and human experience, offering a rare glimpse into the world of emergency medicine, palliative care, and the evolving landscape of healthcare. Connect with Dr. Arian Nachat: LinkedIn: Arian Nachat MD Website: https://pallity.com/ 🎧 Thanks for tuning into Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare! Ready to take the next step in your journey as a healthcare changemaker? Dr. Andrea Austin offers personalized coaching to empower healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers and rediscover their passion for medicine. Whether you're seeking clarity, balance, or strategies to overcome burnout, coaching with Dr. Austin can help you achieve your goals. 🌟 Learn more and book a free discovery call today at andreaaustinmd.com/coaching. Stay connected and keep making a difference: ✅ Subscribe to the Heartline newsletter for insights into reclaiming your well-being as a healthcare professional, improving teams around you, and transforming the system. 📱 Follow us on social: Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube 📚 Discover Dr. Austin’s book Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline on Amazon or Ingram. Follow Your Heartline and transform healthcare today!
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    1 hr
  • Shattering Glass Ceilings One Surgery at a Time
    Mar 25 2025
    In this Heartline Echo Episode, I sit down with Dr. JoAn Monaco, a trailblazing plastic surgeon who has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for women in surgery. As we celebrate Women's History Month, Dr. Monaco's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead for women in medicine. Dr. Monaco shares her fascinating path to plastic surgery, from an 18-hour jaw reconstruction case that ignited her passion to becoming the first female graduate of her prestigious integrated plastic surgery residency. Her story is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in a male-dominated field. In this enlightening conversation, we explore: The diverse world of plastic surgery and how Dr. Monaco found her niche Balancing a thriving solo practice with family life and personal pursuits Navigating pregnancy and motherhood during surgical training The evolving landscape for women in surgery and medical education Essential advice for aspiring surgeons on business acumen and practice management Dr. Monaco's experiences offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in surgery, including the lack of maternity leave and the pressure to hide pregnancies. Her candid reflections on these experiences highlight the importance of continued progress in supporting women in medical careers. Key takeaways from our discussion include: The critical need for business education in medical training Strategies for creating a positive work culture and retaining quality staff Adapting to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City The importance of flexibility and self-care in managing a demanding career "Hard work gets you places. And so it's exactly the same way in the surgical disciplines. Hard work will get you whatever it is you are trying to achieve either as a female or as a male." Dr. Monaco's story is not just about personal triumph; it's a call to action for continued support and mentorship of women in medicine. Her work with female medical students across the country demonstrates her commitment to nurturing the next generation of surgeons. This episode offers invaluable guidance for medical students, residents, and established physicians alike. Whether you're considering a career in surgery, looking to start your own practice, or seeking inspiration to overcome professional challenges, Dr. Monaco's journey will resonate and motivate. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that celebrates the achievements of women in surgery while addressing the ongoing need for equity and support in the medical field. Connect with Dr. JoAn Monaco: Instagram: @dr.joanmonaco_nyc and @monacoPlasticsurgerynyc Website: www.drjoanmonaco.com TikTok: @drjoanmonaco 🎧 Thanks for tuning into Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare! Ready to take the next step in your journey as a healthcare changemaker? Dr. Andrea Austin offers personalized coaching to empower healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers and rediscover their passion for medicine. Whether you're seeking clarity, balance, or strategies to overcome burnout, coaching with Dr. Austin can help you achieve your goals. 🌟 Learn more and book a free discovery call today at andreaaustinmd.com/coaching. Stay connected and keep making a difference: ✅ Subscribe to the Heartline newsletter for insights into reclaiming your well-being as a healthcare professional, improving teams around you, and transforming the system. 📱 Follow us on social: Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube 📚 Discover Dr. Austin’s book Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline on Amazon or Ingram. Follow Your Heartline and transform healthcare today!
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    30 mins

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