We were lucky to catch up with Pamela Buchanan Md recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Pamela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

One defining moment that changed the trajectory of my career happened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was working over 80 hours a week in the ER, exhausted, burned out, and completely depleted. I had always been the doctor who took care of everyone else—patients, colleagues, family—but during that time, I was running on empty. I started experiencing depression and even had suicidal thoughts. The breaking point came when a fellow physician, someone I deeply respected, took his own life. That moment shook me to my core.

I realized that if I didn’t prioritize my own health and well-being, I wouldn’t be around to help anyone else. That’s when I committed to not only changing my own life but also helping other physicians and professionals avoid the same fate. I pivoted from just practicing medicine to actively speaking, coaching, and creating programs that help high-achieving professionals recover from burnout, rediscover their purpose, and take care of themselves first.

The biggest lesson from that experience? Self-care is not optional—it’s survival. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and no amount of dedication to your work is worth sacrificing your life. Now, my mission is clear: to teach others how to put themselves first so they can thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Pamela , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a dedicated physician and certified burnout coach specializing in helping high-achieving professionals overcome burnout and rediscover their passion for their careers. My journey into this field began during the COVID-19 pandemic when I experienced severe burnout while working extensive hours in the emergency room. This personal struggle led me to recognize the critical importance of self-care and mental health among professionals, inspiring me to transition from traditional medical practice to coaching and advocacy.

Services Offered:

• Personalized Coaching: I provide one-on-one sessions tailored to individual needs, focusing on strategies to manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and achieve a sustainable work-life balance.
• Keynote speaker Workshops and Seminars: I conduct group sessions for organizations aiming to foster a culture of well-being, resilience, and support among their teams.
• Resource Development: I create and share tools, such as guides and online courses, to equip professionals with practical skills to navigate and prevent burnout.

Problems Addressed:

• Burnout Recovery: Assisting clients in recognizing and overcoming the physical and emotional exhaustion associated with burnout.
• Stress Management: Offering techniques to effectively manage stressors in high-pressure environments.
• Work-Life Integration: Guiding clients to harmonize their professional responsibilities with personal well-being.

What Sets Me Apart:

• Firsthand Experience: Having personally navigated the challenges of burnout, I bring empathy and practical insights to my coaching practice.
• Medical Expertise: My background as a physician provides a deep understanding of the healthcare industry’s unique stressors, enabling me to offer specialized support to medical professionals.
• Holistic Approach: I emphasize a comprehensive strategy that addresses mental, emotional, and physical health aspects, ensuring sustainable recovery and growth.

Proudest Achievements:

• Client Transformations: Witnessing clients regain their enthusiasm for their professions and achieve a balanced lifestyle brings me immense satisfaction.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Contributing to the broader conversation on professional burnout and mental health through speaking engagements and publications.

Key Messages:

• Prioritize Self-Care: Emphasizing that taking care of oneself is essential, not optional, for sustained success and well-being

Purpose as a prescription for burnout.
• Seek Support: Encouraging professionals to reach out for help and utilize available resources to navigate challenges.
• Empowerment Through Coaching: Highlighting that with the right guidance and tools, it is possible to overcome burnout and thrive both personally and professionally.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A pivotal lesson I had to unlearn is that overworking is not a badge of honor. For years, I equated relentless dedication to my profession with success, often at the expense of my health. This mindset led to chronic stress, which I later discovered was a significant trigger for my autoimmune condition.

The turning point came when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This diagnosis forced me to reevaluate my lifestyle and recognize the profound impact of stress on my health. Studies have shown that chronic stress can suppress immune function and may contribute to the development or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. 

Embracing this new understanding, I prioritized self-care, stress management, and work-life balance. This shift not only improved my health but also enhanced my effectiveness in my profession. I now advocate for others to recognize that true success includes maintaining one’s health and well-being.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Absolutely, I would choose the same profession again. Becoming a doctor has been my lifelong calling, and I am deeply committed to the medical field. Despite the challenges, such as the burnout I experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, my passion for patient care and advancing healthcare has only strengthened. These experiences have also led me to support fellow professionals in navigating similar challenges. I firmly believe that the medical profession is where I am meant to be, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact in this field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Drbstrong.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongmedstl/profilecard/?igsh=MWJrYnQxaHh5eWxvdg==
• Linkedin: ://linkedin.com/in/pamela-buchanan-md-61ba5562
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/ctKPY7JAsIA?feature=shared

Image Credits

None pixels