174. National Doctors Day: Reconnecting with Your Why in Medicine with Dr. Erin Hurley & Dr. Joanne Sotelo
What keeps physicians going when medicine feels overwhelming? In this National Doctors Day episode, Dr. Erin Hurley and Dr. Joanne Sotelo explore the deeper meaning behind the profession and why being seen, supported, and appreciated matters more than most people realize. Inspired by the story of Eudora Brown Almond, who started the tradition of honoring physicians with handwritten notes in 1933, they reflect on the ripple effects of gratitude, connection, and remembering why we entered medicine in the first place. Press play for an honest conversation about burnout, rediscovering purpose, and simple ways to refill your cup while continuing to serve patients and the community.
Key Takeaways To Listen For
- The surprising origin story behind National Doctors Day and how handwritten gratitude started a national tradition
- Why remembering your “why” in medicine can reconnect you with purpose during difficult seasons
- The role of community, connection, and shared stories in combating physician burnout
- How redefining success and asking better questions can help physicians rediscover fulfillment
- The ripple effect of celebrating what’s good in medicine, even when the system feels challenging
“Here on Create Meaning in Medicine, we don't just want to celebrate what doctors do. We want to talk about what keeps them going, what fills their cup, and why being seen matters.” - Dr. Erin Hurley
“We do not need to suffer in silence, and there's so much that we can do for each other and for ourselves.” - Dr. Joanne Sotelo
Connect With Us
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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-meaning-in-medicine/id1752701820