Physician Coaching That Addresses Burnout and Maximizes Wellbeing

Are you feeling emotionally, physically, and/or mentally exhausted in your current role? Are you having persistent feelings of cynicism, negativity and/or loss of career purpose? If so, it’s quite possible you may be experiencing burnout.

James McKenna provides physicians with the support they need, so that they, in turn, can provide the best possible care for their patients. Inherent in that goal is helping physicians reconnect to the joy and meaning in their work that will help them remain whole and well, in order to do their great work.

James McKenna & Dr. Mike Valentine

Expand Your Professional Capacity and Reach Your Goals

Having a depth and breadth of experience from the private sector and public sectors, I help individuals maximize performance. My coaching model uses a results-focused, self-directed learning model informed by research, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, change principles, and adult learning theory. The process is collaborative; you and I will get to know each other and discover what’s most meaningful for you and how it will help you achieve the results you desire.

Pictured: Dr. Mike Valentine, Prof. Medicine, UVA; Past President, American College of Cardiology

Physician Coaching Can Help You

Enhance Leadership Skills

Improve your leadership capacity, such as decision-making, communication, and team building.

Improve Work-Life Balance

Learn effective strategies for managing stress and maintaining a positive work-life balance.

Address Burnout

Build resilience, wellness and wellbeing for yourself, your staff and organization.

Advance Your Career

Obtain a better understanding how to identify and pursue important career goals and achieve them.

Better Manage Stress

Learn to balance your work and life priorities to avoid burnout and other serious risks.

Increase Patient Satisfaction

Gain a deeper understanding of your inner strengths, weaknesses, and potential, and how to activate growth.

What Leaders Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions

A physician coach is a specialized type of coach who focuses on supporting the professional and personal growth of physicians. They are typically trained in coaching methodologies, but also have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and stressors faced by healthcare professionals.

Key roles and responsibilities of a physician coach include:

  • Providing guidance and support: Helping physicians navigate career decisions, work-life balance, and personal challenges.
  • Coaching for resilience: Assisting physicians in developing coping mechanisms to manage stress and burnout.
  • Facilitating personal and professional growth: Supporting physicians in identifying their goals and developing strategies to achieve them.
  • Improving communication and leadership skills: Helping physicians enhance their interpersonal relationships and leadership abilities.

In essence, a physician coach acts as a trusted advisor and mentor, helping physicians reach their full potential and thrive in their careers.

You might consider a physician coach if you’re experiencing:

  • Career dissatisfaction or burnout: Feeling unfulfilled or overwhelmed in your medical career.
  • Work-life balance challenges: Struggling to manage the demands of your job with personal commitments.
  • Leadership or communication difficulties: Facing challenges in managing teams or interacting with patients and colleagues.
  • Personal or professional transitions: Going through a significant change, such as starting a new job, relocating, or dealing with a major life event.
  • Goal setting and achievement: Needing guidance in setting and achieving personal or professional goals.
  • Stress management or resilience building: Looking for strategies to cope with stress and build resilience.

A physician coach can offer personalized support and guidance to help you address these challenges and achieve your goals.

Choosing the right physician coach is essential for ensuring you get the most out of the coaching experience. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Credentials and Experience: Look for a coach with a proven track record in working with healthcare professionals. They should have relevant certifications or training in coaching methodologies.
  • Specialization: Consider whether the coach specializes in areas that align with your specific needs, such as career coaching, burnout prevention, or leadership development.
  • Compatibility: Schedule a consultation to assess if you feel comfortable and connected with the coach. Effective coaching requires a strong rapport and trust between the coach and client.
  • Coaching Approach: Different coaches have different styles and approaches. Consider whether their approach resonates with your preferences and learning style.
  • References and Testimonials: Ask for references or testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of the coach’s effectiveness and the quality of their services.

Remember, a good physician coach will tailor their approach to your individual needs and goals. Take the time to find a coach who you feel confident and comfortable working with.

Any physician who is seeking personal or professional growth can benefit from coaching. Here are some specific examples:

  • New graduates or residents: Coaching can help new physicians transition smoothly into their careers and develop essential skills.
  • Mid-career physicians: Coaching can provide guidance on career advancement, work-life balance, and leadership development.
  • Physicians facing challenges: Coaching can support physicians who are dealing with burnout, stress, or personal challenges.
  • Physicians interested in leadership: Coaching can help physicians develop their leadership skills and advance their careers.
  • Physicians seeking career change: Coaching can provide guidance on exploring new career paths or transitioning to a different specialty.

Ultimately, coaching can be valuable for any physician who wants to improve their well-being, enhance their career, or achieve their personal goals.

Coaching offers a wide range of benefits for physicians, including:

  • Improved well-being: Coaching can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve work-life balance.
  • Enhanced career satisfaction: Coaching can help physicians identify and achieve their career goals, leading to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment.
  • Increased resilience: Coaching can help physicians develop coping mechanisms to manage challenges and build resilience.
  • Improved communication and leadership skills: Coaching can help physicians enhance their interpersonal relationships and leadership abilities.
  • Enhanced decision-making: Coaching can help physicians make informed decisions about their careers and personal lives.
  • Increased self-awareness: Coaching can help physicians gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Greater work-life balance: Coaching can help physicians develop strategies to manage the demands of their jobs with personal commitments.
  • Improved patient care: By improving their well-being and communication skills, physicians can provide better care to their patients.

Overall, coaching can have a significant positive impact on the professional and personal lives of physicians.

Latest Insights

Stay up-to-date with leading resources in healthcare leadership, physician wellness, and productivity, produced by James and his team.