July 31, 2025

119. Physician Burnout And Hope For Change With Kim Downey

119. Physician Burnout And Hope For Change With Kim Downey

Behind every white coat is a human heart navigating unseen battles. In this powerful episode, we explore the emotional toll of medicine and the ripple effects of compassion, connection, and advocacy. Kim Downey shares her personal story and highlights physician voices working to transform a broken system. Tune in for a raw, hopeful look at what it means to reimagine healthcare one conversation at a time.


Key Takeaways To Listen For

  • How Kim’s personal experience as a patient and provider fuels her advocacy
  • What her anthology reveals about the hidden struggles of physicians
  • Substance use disorder in anesthesiology and the risks many don’t talk about
  • Why “physician advocacy is patient advocacy”
  • How connection, storytelling, and gratitude can drive cultural change in medicine

 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode 

 

About Kim Downey, PT
Kim Downey, founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, is a physical therapist, three-time cancer survivor, and fierce advocate for physician well-being. As an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation and Community Ambassador for Medicine Forward, she brings deep insight into both the clinical and human sides of medicine. Through her Substack and YouTube channel, she amplifies the voices of doctors and patients, addressing challenges like burnout, moral injury, and loss of autonomy. Kim’s mission is to foster connection and advocacy for healthier doctors and a stronger healthcare system.

Connect with Kim

 

Connect With Us
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