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The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

Heather Fork, MD 249 episodes Latest Jun 3, 2026

This podcast is for physicians questioning their career path, offering actionable tools, resources, and interviews with doctors who have found new fulfilling ways to practice or transitioned to nonclinical careers. Hosted by Dr. Heather Fork, a former dermatologist turned career coach, it provides concrete advice on job applications, LinkedIn, interviewing, and negotiation. The goal is to help physicians find happiness in medicine or beyond.

Episodes

Episode #248: The Unexpected Career Path That Started with Moonlighting Jun 3, 2026 34:30 If you've been looking for a way to use your clinical skills, stay patient-facing, and make an impact—without the full weight of traditional practice—this episode may open a door you didn't know existed. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Purvi Mehra, who shares her unexpected path from fellowship into clinical research and ultimately building and selling a thriving research company. We explore what the
Episode #247: What if Your EMR Frustration Is a Career Clue? Exploring Clinical Informatics May 20, 2026 34:34 Curious if your EMR frustrations could actually lead to a new career path? This episode might spark something unexpected. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jonathan Komar, a physician who turned his curiosity about improving electronic medical records into a dynamic career in clinical informatics. What started as building templates and optimizing workflows in his own practice evolved into cons
Episode #246: Exploring Leadership as a Physician: Where to Begin May 6, 2026 35:55 Have you been thinking about stepping into leadership but aren't sure where to begin? In this episode, Heather is joined by Dr. Leo Spector, an orthopedic spine surgeon and CEO, who shares his journey into physician leadership and what it really takes to grow into these roles. From early experiences and mentorship to navigating challenges and finding your voice, Dr. Spector offers practical insigh
Episode #245: AI Roles for Physicians (No Tech Background Required) Apr 22, 2026 40:46 If you've ever wondered whether physicians can work in artificial intelligence without learning to code, this episode may surprise you. In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Danielle Torres, who stepped away from the traditional residency path to pursue healthcare AI and now serves as Director of Clinical Pathways and Education, helping AI insights translate into real-world patient outcomes. If "AI"
Episode #244: Thriving After a 12-Year Malpractice Lawsuit: An Emergency Physician's Story Apr 8, 2026 35:13 Have you ever thought, "If I got sued, I don't think I could survive it?" Malpractice litigation is one of medicine's unspoken fears. We know it's possible — but we rarely talk about the shame, isolation, sleepless nights, and identity-shaking stress that can come with it. In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Dr. Gita Pensa — emergency physician, coach, and podcast host of Doctors and Litigatio
Episode #243: How a Reluctant "Yes" Led to an Unexpected New Path Mar 25, 2026 29:43 Have you ever done everything "right" on paper, matched into your specialty, landed your first attending job, checked all the boxes, only to lie awake wondering why it still feels so hard? If you've felt stretched thin, questioned your identity in medicine, or sensed that your purpose might be unfolding before the path is clear, this episode will truly resonate. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Yuri Shind
Episode #242: Negative Google Reviews: How to Respond and Be Proactive Mar 11, 2026 36:16 Have you ever had a negative online review stick with you far longer than it should? Even when you know you provided excellent care, one harsh comment can feel deeply personal and unfair. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jeffrey Segal, a neurosurgeon, attorney, and founder of Medical Justice. Dr. Segal shares practical, real-world guidance on how physicians can respond to negative reviews, prote
Episode #241: Medical Board Investigations: Common Triggers and Smart First Steps Feb 25, 2026 35:46 What would you do if you opened your mail and saw a letter from the medical board? For many physicians, that moment triggers fear, shame, and a flood of worst-case scenarios. Even a single patient complaint can feel like your entire career is suddenly on the line. And because most of us were never trained on how medical board investigations actually work, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. In
Episode #240 - How to Get Paid Consulting for Startups and Venture Firms. Feb 11, 2026 30:14 If you've ever looked around your workplace and thought, "There has to be a better way to do this," you're not alone. Many physicians see inefficiencies, gaps in care, and systems that don't truly serve patients—but feel powerless to change them from the inside. In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome back Dr. Alison Curfman, pediatric emergency medicine physician, co-founder of Imagine Pediat
Episode #239: Your Career Doesn't Have to Be One Thing. Hello Portfolio Career! Jan 28, 2026 32:20 What if your career didn't have to be just one thing? In today's episode of the Doctors Crossing Carpe Diem podcast, we explore the idea of a portfolio career—a professional life made up of multiple aligned roles rather than a single, linear path. Using a powerful real-world example, we talk about how physicians can create more fulfillment, connection, and sustainability by thoughtfully diversifyi
Episode #238: Finding Your Zone of Genius: A GPS for Career Alignment Jan 14, 2026 24:43 Have you ever felt like you're doing everything "right" in your career, but something still feels off? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm diving into one of my favorite topics — your Zone of Genius. This is where your natural strengths, passions, and most meaningful contributions come together, and discovering it can bring a whole new sense of clarity, energy, and joy to your work. I'll walk y
Episode #237: The Gratitude Trap - How to Stay Out of It Dec 31, 2025 15:35 We're often told that gratitude is the answer, that if we could just appreciate what we have, everything would feel better. And while gratitude can be grounding and healing, there is a side of it that doesn't get talked about enough. In this solo episode, I explore what happens when gratitude turns into pressure, when "I should be grateful" becomes a way of silencing your truth, minimizing your ex

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