MD Coaches LLC

10/07/2026

On the latest Life Changing Moments, host Dr. Dale Waxman talks with Dr. Mark Greenawald—professor, physician leader, and coach—about one of medicine's most loaded words: autonomy.

They break down:
➡️ Why "autonomy" is a trigger word for administrators (and the equivalent of telling a doctor to "be more resilient").
➡️ The six domains of autonomy: clinical, operational, ethical, economic, policy, and interpersonal.
➡️ Why autonomy lives on a continuum—and why more of it means more risk and responsibility.
➡️ How your "sweet spot" changes across seasons of your career and life.
➡️ The developmental arc of a physician: survival → identity → independence → interdependence.
➡️ The paradox of autonomy: by giving some up, you often gain more influence.
➡️ "Treat me like an adult": why physicians need to hear the why, not just the what.
➡️ Dr. Greenawald's coaching tool for when you feel stuck: Pause. Turn down the volume. Get curious.

If you've ever felt your autonomy slipping away—or wondered what it really means—this conversation will reframe everything.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode: https://mymdcoaches.com/podcast

08/31/2026

On the latest Rx for Success, Dr. Randy Cook talks with Dr. Stuart Slavin—pediatrician, educator, and author of The Success Trap—about how the relentless pursuit of achievement is harming our young people and what we can do about it.

They explore:
➡️ The pivotal moment Dr. Slavin realized medical school was causing profound harm to students.
➡️ How transforming the curriculum at St. Louis University reduced depression and anxiety by 80%—while improving academic performance.
➡️ Why school-related pressures—not social media—are the top drivers of stress for today's teens.
➡️ The "success trap": how extrinsic motivation and constant measuring are stealing childhood.
➡️ The wisdom of Viktor Frankl: "Success cannot be pursued. It must ensue from dedication to a cause greater than oneself."
➡️ Finding "little M" meaning in everyday moments of connection.

If you're a parent, educator, physician, or anyone who cares about the next generation—this conversation is for you.

📖 The Success Trap is available now wherever books are sold.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode: https://mymdcoaches.com/podcast

07/24/2026

In the latest episode of Life Changing Moments, host Dr. Dael Waxman engages with Dr. Sachiko Kaizuka, a family physician, EMR super user, and researcher, to discuss the critical connection between workflow tools and physician well-being.

Key topics include:
➡️ The limitations of resilience and mindfulness in addressing burnout.
➡️ The idea of cognitive energy as a limited resource, akin to a battery that depletes over time.
➡️ The application of human factors ergonomics from aviation to enhance healthcare practices.
➡️ The disparity in tool adaptation among clinicians and the role of coaching in facilitating effective usage.
➡️ The importance of reframing expectations: "Is completing a perfect note a week later more beneficial than documenting today's activities?"
➡️ The impact of coaching on clinicians' efficiency in note closure, reducing after-hours EMR obligations, and maintaining well-being.

For those who have experienced fatigue from EMR systems, inbox overload, or questioned the variability in tool effectiveness—this discussion is essential.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode: https://mymdcoaches.com/podcast

07/13/2026

On the latest Life Changing Moments, host Dr. Dael Waxman talks with Dr. Sachiko Kaizuka—family physician, EMR super user, and researcher—about the missing link between workflow tools and physician well-being.

They explore:
➡️ Why resilience and mindfulness alone aren't enough to fix burnout.
➡️ The concept of cognitive energy as a finite resource (like a battery that drains).
➡️ How human factors ergonomics (from aviation!) applies to healthcare.
➡️ Why some clinicians thrive with new tools while others struggle—and what coaching can do.
➡️ The power of reframing: "Is the perfect note done a week later better than documenting what you did today?"
➡️ How coaching helped clinicians improve note closure, reduce after-hours EMR work, and sustain well-being gains.

If you've ever felt exhausted by the EMR, frustrated by inbox overload, or wondered why some tools work for others but not for you—this conversation is for you.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode: https://mymdcoaches.com/podcast

07/07/2026

06/10/2026

On the latest Rx for Success, Dr. Randy Cook talks with Dr. George Nowacek—OBGYN, academic physician, and newest coach at MD Coaches—about a career shaped by resilience, hard decisions, and reinvention.

They explore:
➡️ Choosing OBGYN because "I don't like to do one thing—I like to do lots of things."
➡️ The reality of residency in the pre-duty hour era: survival mode, doubt, and learning on the fly.
➡️ How a bad obstetrical outcome and crushing malpractice premiums led to a difficult pivot away from obstetrics.
➡️ The "quantum jump" from trainee to the person in charge (spoiler: it's emotional, not technical).
➡️ Discovering coaching and why "sometimes I feel like I've gotten more out of it than the coachee."
➡️ His three prescriptions for success: define success for YOURSELF, cultivate relationships, and find what charges your battery.

This is a conversation about what it really means to build a sustainable, meaningful career in medicine.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode: https://mymdcoaches.com/podcast

06/08/2026

On the latest Rx for Success, Dr. Randy Cook talks with Dr. George Nowacek—OBGYN, academic physician, and newest coach at MD Coaches—about a career shaped by resilience, hard decisions, and reinvention.

They explore:
➡️ Choosing OBGYN because "I don't like to do one thing—I like to do lots of things."
➡️ The reality of residency in the pre-duty hour era: survival mode, doubt, and learning on the fly.
➡️ How a bad obstetrical outcome and crushing malpractice premiums led to a difficult pivot away from obstetrics.
➡️ The "quantum jump" from trainee to the person in charge (spoiler: it's emotional, not technical).
➡️ Discovering coaching and why "sometimes I feel like I've gotten more out of it than the coachee."
➡️ His three prescriptions for success: define success for YOURSELF, cultivate relationships, and find what charges your battery.

This is a conversation about what it really means to build a sustainable, meaningful career in medicine.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode: https://mymdcoaches.com/podcast

05/25/2026

Today we remember and honor all the men, women, and animals who gave their lives so that we can live the life we have today. We are grateful and we will always remember.