As physicians, we’re often the ones holding everything together—our patients, our families, our teams. But have you ever stopped to wonder what’s holding you together?
For many women physicians, the thought of slowing down feels terrifying. We worry about what will fall apart, who will be disappointed, or how it will affect the lives of others. But here’s the real question: What happens to us when we don’t slow down?
In the final episode of the Thriving in 2025 series on my podcast, Thriving as a Physician, I sat down with three incredible women—Dr. Sonia Wright, Dr. Sunny Smith, and Dr. Karen Leitner—to discuss why slowing down is not only essential for our mental health but also critical for living a life of intention and fulfillment.
As I reflect on this conversation, I couldn’t help but think about how the pressure we put on ourselves impacts every aspect of our lives—including how we eat. When we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to feel out of control with food, turning to it for comfort or stress relief. Feeling in control of eating, I’ve found, starts with taking care of yourself and respecting your needs. And that begins with slowing down.
Why Physicians Struggle to Slow Down
As physicians, we’ve been conditioned to believe that doing more equates to being better. More patients, more charts, more responsibilities. But when we live this way, something has to give—and for many of us, that “something” is ourselves.
Dr. Karen Leitner, an internist and life coach for women physicians, shared during our conversation that much of burnout doesn’t just come from the workload but from how we treat ourselves. When you’re caught in a cycle of guilt and perfectionism, slowing down feels impossible.
But the truth is, slowing down isn’t about failing or letting others down. It’s about making space for what truly matters—and that includes your health, your eating habits, and your sense of peace.
Powerful Lessons From Three Inspiring Women Physicians
In this episode, we tackled the challenges physicians face when it comes to rest, self-compassion, and living intentionally. Here are the key takeaways:
- Reclaim Your Time
Dr. Sonia Wright, a radiologist, sex counselor, and life coach, shared how she’s prioritizing rest and self-compassion in 2025. Her decision to focus on herself is a powerful example of why rest is essential—not just for your mental health but for breaking out of stress-driven cycles in every area of your life. - Redefine Success
Dr. Karen Leitner explained how redefining success starts with letting go of the guilt tied to slowing down. Her perspective is a reminder that when you respect your own needs, you’re more likely to feel in control of other aspects of your life, including eating habits. - Embrace the Gift of Time
Dr. Sunny Smith, a family physician and founder of Empowering Women Physicians, shared her reflections on surviving a life-threatening illness. Her story is a reminder that time is our most precious resource. It’s worth slowing down to appreciate what you have, rather than constantly chasing the next thing.
How Slowing Down Can Impact Eating and Weight
When you’re constantly in “go mode,” it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs—whether that’s pausing for a real meal during a busy day or making intentional choices about what and how you eat.
In my own journey and in my work coaching women physicians, I’ve seen time and again how slowing down changes everything. When you give yourself the space to pause, you can:
- Recognize emotional eating triggers before they take over.
- Make thoughtful food choices instead of eating out of stress or exhaustion.
- Approach eating with curiosity and compassion, rather than guilt or judgment.
Feeling in control of eating starts with taking care of yourself and respecting your needs. Slowing down allows you to tune in to what your body is telling you, instead of rushing through your day on autopilot.
Where to Find These Amazing Guests
If you enjoyed hearing from these incredible women, here’s how to connect with their work:
- Dr. Sonia Wright: A radiologist, certified life coach, and sex counselor, Sonia is the founder of The Midlife Sex Coach for Women. Learn more about her coaching and resources at soniawrightmd.com.
- Dr. Sunny Smith: A family physician and founder of Empowering Women Physicians, Sunny offers coaching and resources to support women physicians in thriving. You can find her at empoweringwomenphysicians.com, on Instagram @SunnySmithMD, or in her Facebook group.
- Dr. Karen Leitner: An internist and life coach for women physicians, Karen specializes in helping women create balance and fulfillment. Follow her on Instagram at @KarenLeitnerMD.
Listen to the Episode
This episode of Thriving as a Physician is the perfect way to reflect on what you truly need in 2025. Whether it’s rest, balance, or a healthier relationship with food, the insights shared by these women will inspire you to start small and take that first step.
🎧 Click here to listen to the final episode of the Thriving in 2025 series now.
Final Thoughts
Slowing down might feel scary, but it’s the foundation for making thoughtful, empowered decisions—not just in your schedule but with your eating, too.
What’s one small way you can make space for yourself today? Start there. You deserve this.
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