Join Dr. Jennifer Reid as she interviews psychiatrist and writer, Jessi Gold, MD, MS, author of the recently released HOW DO YOU FEEL: One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine.

Together, they reflect on the weight of early decisions and the value of stepping back to question assumptions about what a medical career "should" look like. With gentle wisdom drawn from their own experiences, they explore practical ways to maintain perspective during the demanding years of training, as well as how to cope with burnout and the stress of a life in health care.

This essential conversation challenges the stigma around provider mental health and offers hope through vulnerability. Whether you're a medical professional, trainee, or someone interested in the human side of healthcare, this episode provides a rare glimpse into the minds of those we trust with our mental wellbeing.

Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedIn

Dr. Jessi Gold, MD, MS on IG: @drjessigold, also at drjessigold.com

Dr. Jessi Gold, MD, MS is the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She works clinically as an outpatient Psychiatrist at University Health Services, and writes and is a regular expert in the media on mental health. Dr. Gold has been featured in, among others, The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, PBS NewsHour, The Washington Post, and SELF. Her first book, HOW DO YOU FEEL? One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine, was just released in October 2024 from Simon Element. Dr. Gold is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. and M.S in Anthropology, the Yale School of Medicine, and Stanford University Department of Psychiatry, where she served as Chief Resident.

Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink

Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site. The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies.

Thanks for checking out A Mind of Her Own! This post and all of the podcast episodes are public so feel free to share them!

What happens when the career we “should” love no longer makes sense for us?

Listen and learn with Dr. Reid as she speaks with Dr. Juliette Galbraith, a psychiatrist and life coach in a candid conversation about career transitions, personal growth, and the challenges of redefining success. By combining her medical knowledge with new interests, she’s not only transformed her career to help new moms struggling to adjust, but also prioritized her own mental health.

Whether you're a healthcare professional considering a career change, someone curious about alternative paths, or just looking for motivation to pursue your dreams, this podcast is for you. Let’s discover how to embrace new beginnings and thrive in life with meaning and engagement.

Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd

Physician Life Booster www.physicianlifebooster.com with Dr. Juliette Galbraith, MD and Dr. Tracy Levitt, MD

Juliette Galbraith, MD: www.jgalbraithmd.com

Dr. Juliette Galbraith is a Life Coach and Board-Certified Psychiatrist who is helping mothers thrive and live with intention. Juliette spent over two decades in academic medicine as a consult and emergency psychiatrist. During that time, she served in numerous leadership roles at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, including as the Vice Chair for Clinical Operations for the Department of Psychiatry. Juliette has transitioned to full time Life Coaching. Her niche focuses on helping mothers, especially new mothers, to thrive in their transition to motherhood. Dr. Galbraith is also a wife and mother to two teenage daughters and so has been on the rollercoaster of parenting and working that her clients are experiencing.

Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink

Thanks for listening to The Reflective Mind, the podcast for A Mind of Her Own! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site. The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies.

This post and podcast are public, so feel free to share them with friends and family!

“Fiction offers the best means of understanding people different from oneself, short of experience. Actually, fiction can be lots better than experience, because it’s a manageable size, it’s comprehensible, while experience just steamrollers over you and you understand what happened decades later, if ever. Fiction is terrific at giving factual, psychological and moral understanding.

-Ursula K. Le Guin in Words Are My Matter: Writing on Life and Books

This quote by the brilliant writer, Ursula Le Guin, beautifully highlights the power of fiction to nurture empathy and compassion. I have seen thousands of patients over my career as a psychiatrist, each one teaching me something new about the human condition, but my understanding would lack considerable depth if I hadn’t also spent innumerable hours reading fiction.

Time spent exploring the conversations and, wonderfully, the inner monologue of my favorite characters, not to mention those of the villains and monsters, has been as important, in my opinion, as the facts taught by my instructors during psychiatric residency.

This is one reason why I’m so disturbed by the surge of book bans around the country, promoted by those who believe they are “protecting” our children by shielding them from topics they may find confusing or upsetting. Humanizing individuals different from ourselves, whether by race, culture, religion, sexual orientation or other beliefs, allows us to create a healthier future where we recognize all bodies deserve care. Hatred saps our energy through division and discord, while understanding and empathy supercharge our collective power, and allow us to grow in knowledge, particularly our important healers.

The world would have seemed smaller, more confusing, and definitely lonelier if, as a child, I hadn’t had the constant companionship and illumination of books. I am blessed with a loving family and have many wonderful people in my life, but reading is my oldest friend. Books have been there for me as I’ve faced uncertainty, grief, and anxiety. Stories of individuals living with courage and hope have propped me up through some of the darkest times, and continue to inspire me to keep going, even when our collective future seems to be veering off course. I would hate to think the young men and women seeking their own support network would be unable to find comfort in books.

We must not prevent children from reading. There are no protective bubbles thick enough to shield them from the truth, and stumbling onto these topics on social media or from a poorly informed peer can cause true pain and confusion.

I will continue to read banned books. My children are allowed to read banned books. I welcome their questions, and try to answer them honestly and without bias, or as close to this as I can manage. If I am preparing them to survive in the outside world, I hope they can learn to view books as dear friends, and try to face the unknown, whether people, places or ideas, with curiosity and compassion, and know they are never alone.

Thank you for reading Our Reflective Minds. This post is public so feel free to share it.

We all have stress. It’s a part of an active, engaged life. However, we simply didn’t evolve to face chronic, toxic stress, and our bodies are certainly keeping score. Listen and learn with Dr. Reid in this fascinating conversation with Dr. Lawson Wulsin, a professor of psychiatry and family medicine. He is not only an expert on the relationship between our minds and bodies, but also the author of the illuminating Toxic Stress: How Stress is Making Us Ill and What We Can Do About It.

We discuss some key questions, including:

* What is the difference between acute and chronic stress, and why should we care?

* How do we know if we are at risk for the long-term health effects of toxic stress?

* Why do some communities, referred to as “blue zones” demonstrate remarkable longevity? (Hint: it has to do with activity, diet, and community involvement)

Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd

Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink

Thank you for reading Our Reflective Minds. This post is public so feel free to share it!

Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site. The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies.

Thanks for reading Our Reflective Minds! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Sometimes, we are lucky enough to encounter teachers who can gently guide us toward a better version of ourselves, quietly helping us move forward through even the most difficult times. Dr. James Griffith, in this conversation on bolstering hope based on his work with the medically ill, provides just this kind of reassuring voice. Quoting Viktor Frankl and Friedrich Nietzsche, he shares his message of relief from demoralization, highlighting four key categories we may rely on for building resilience.

Do you cope with increased goal-directed behavior, or are you a relational coper, reaching out to important people in your life? Maybe you activate a core identity to move forward, or practice emotional regulation through meditation or other techniques?

Listen as Dr. Jennifer Reid speaks to Dr. James Griffith, and learn not just about his work, but also gain a deeper understanding of your past and your most important strengths. Times can be dark, but we can fight back against demoralization and find a path forward.

Thanks for reading Our Reflective Minds! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and share my work.

**Episode briefly mentions suicide.

Dr. James Griffith is Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Vice-Chair for Education in the GW Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. He served as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry from 2011 to 2021.

As a psychiatric educator, Dr. Griffith helped develop psychiatric training at GW that has become distinguished for its curriculum in cultural psychiatry, global mental health, psychotherapy training, psychosocial care for medically-ill patients, and building resilience to adversity. Since 1998, Dr. Griffith has provided training for mental health professionals in the care of immigrants, refugees, and survivors of political torture at Northern Virginia Family Services, for which he has received national recognition.

Jennifer Reid, MD on Instagram: @JenReidMD

Thank you for joining me on Our Reflective Minds. These posts and podcast episodes are public, so feel free to share them with anyone who might benefit!

Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink

Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site. The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies.