I’ve always believed in incremental change. That’s my natural bias—small steps, thoughtful adjustments, learning as we go. It’s also one of the reasons I developed The 8 PRACTICES coaching methodology the way I did: to simplify complex problems.
The coaching mindset is powerful for all of us, but for physicians in particular, it offers something we don’t often give ourselves permission to do: slow down, reflect, and be curious. What’s energizing us? What’s draining us? What’s quietly asking for our attention?
At its core, coaching is about discovery. Sometimes the insights are small and practical; other times, they’re transformative. Whether big or small changes come about, coaching brings clarity, and with clarity comes choice. Maybe the answer is to stay the course. Maybe it’s a subtle lane change. Or maybe it’s time for a proper You Turn.
We recently shared a blog about a mid-career surgeon pauses to reflect on the next stage of their career—not because something is broken, and not because a dramatic change is required, but because fulfillment evolves. Through coaching, this surgeon realizes that what’s needed isn’t a You Turn, but a shift in focus, boundaries, or priorities that brings renewed meaning to work that already matters.
At the other end of the spectrum is the story featured in You Turn, our book club selection. The author shares her journey from counterterrorism work with the U.S. government to becoming an author and coach—a far more dramatic change by any measure. Yet this transition also emerged through coaching, sparked by her experience as a coachee examining her core values and listening carefully to where they were pointing her.
Whether you’re navigating a gentle refinement or contemplating a major shift, the coaching mindset can help create clarity and confidence along the way. And either way, our community is here to support you, with events and resources grounded in that same coaching approach.
Physician Coaching Success Story: Driven Surgeon Assessing Their Career
