Episode 80: in this special episode of Heartline, the tables are turned as Dr. Andrea Austin takes the guest seat to discuss her newly released book, "Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline." Hosted by Dr. Resa E. Lewiss, this conversation delves into the heart of Dr. Austin's transformative journey and the insights she shares in her book. Dr. Austin opens up about the profound impact writing this book has had on her personal growth and professional outlook. She describes it as "the biggest gift to myself," highlighting how the process allowed her to reflect, connect past experiences to the present, and forgive herself for past mistakes. A Unique Approach to Healthcare Challenges What sets "Revitalized" apart from other self-help books is its focus on empathetic individuals in healthcare. Dr. Austin addresses the struggles of those who find themselves compromising their values in a dysfunctional system, offering a path to maintain integrity and compassion without feeling drained. The book incorporates self-reflection questions at the end of each chapter, providing readers with a form of self-coaching. This interactive approach empowers healthcare professionals to harness their agency and navigate the complexities of their field. Exploring Burnout and Moral Injury Dr. Austin dives into the nuances of burnout and moral injury in healthcare. She uses the metaphor of a tree to illustrate how burnout is merely the visible symptom, while the root causes - such as moral injury or gender bias - lie deeper beneath the surface. Personal Stories and Vulnerability Throughout the conversation, Dr. Austin shares personal anecdotes that resonate deeply: Her experience with "living apart together" during a career move The impact of changing institutions on professional growth The significance of her relationship with her hairstylist and other professionals that have contributed to her healing These stories highlight the importance of self-care, breaking cycles of negative self-talk, and finding unexpected sources of support in one's healing journey. Practical Advice for Healing For those beginning their own healing journey, Dr. Austin recommends starting with the book "What Happened to You?" by Oprah and Bruce Perry. She emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma, not only for personal growth but also for becoming a more empathetic healthcare provider. Dr. Austin also discusses the power of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and other somatic approaches in processing trauma, highlighting the limitations of talk therapy alone. A Call to Action As the conversation draws to a close, Dr. Austin expresses her concerns about the current state of societal division and encourages listeners to engage in active listening, connect with others, and use their agency to vote and make a positive impact in their communities and workplaces. This episode offers a heartfelt and insightful look into Dr. Andrea Austin's journey of self-discovery and her mission to help others in healthcare find their path to revitalization. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate the challenges of the healthcare system while maintaining their compassion and integrity. Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline is available on Amazon or order an autographed copy here! After you order your book, request a free journal to go with your book! Listen to Dr. Resa E. Lewiss's podcast, Visible Voices Connect with Andrea on Instagram (@andreaaustinmd) or LinkedIn about the show and more, or visit her website www.andreaaustinmd.com.
