Your FIT Collective Holiday Update

Hi friends,

As we come down the home stretch of 2025, I’m feeling deeply inspired — and clearer than ever about the impact I want to create with you this year. Behind the scenes, so much growth has been happening, and I’m excited to finally share it.

Here’s a little of what’s been unfolding…

Mark is opening his second practice (yes… things are full over here!).

The FIT Collective® is partnering with physicians nationwide to bring virtual gyms directly to clinical practices — giving patients evidence-based movement support while helping practices generate new revenue streams.

We’re also launching the 10th season of Transform®, which feels surreal and incredibly meaningful.

And… we’ve officially started our sister company, Catalyst for Organizations, where we’re serving healthcare systems and organizations with our pilot ACGME-aligned wellness and training program.

It has been a big year — and we’re just getting started.

December Wellness Event (Inside The Lounge!)

All month long, we’re gathering inside The Lounge for our December Wellness Event.
If you haven’t joined yet, come on in → https://www.skool.com/transform 

Our second live session is Wednesday, Dec 10th at 8pm ET, where we’ll be exploring one of my favorite topics:

How stress types interact in relationships — and how understanding this changes everything.

I would love to have you there.

For My Physicians: Bring a Virtual Gym Into Your Practice

If you’re a physician looking for a strategic, meaningful new revenue stream — this is your moment.

On December 11th at 1pm ET, I’m hosting an info session on how to integrate a virtual gym into your practice.

Replay will absolutely be available.

Join our new community for support and access:
https://www.skool.com/the-fit-collective-strength/about 

This is one of the most powerful clinical tools we’ve ever created, and I cannot wait to show you what’s possible.

Transform® — Enrollment Opens Once This Year

We are enrolling Transform® only once in 2026, and doors open December 18 and close January 3.

We will not reopen until January, 2027.

If Transform® has been on your heart, this is your window.

Learn more about our incredible community here:
https://www.thefitcollective.com/transform 

As always, I’m grateful for this community and the way you continue to grow, evolve, and create impact — not just for yourselves, but for the people you serve.

Here’s to finishing strong, feeling supported, and stepping into 2027 aligned and empowered.

With so much love,
Ali

Dr. Shauna Michelle VanDoren on Awakening Health: The Evolving Journey

In the world of pediatrics, certain clinicians carry a rare blend of depth, compassion, curiosity, and adaptability—qualities that allow them to move seamlessly across specialties while keeping the wellbeing of children at the heart of every choice. Dr. Shauna Michelle VanDoren, DO, FAAP, is one of those physicians. Her professional life has been defined not by a single lane, but by a commitment to meet children and families wherever they need her most—whether in urgent care, hematology/oncology, hospital medicine, primary care, or now, pediatric sleep medicine.

Her career reflects not only her capability, but also her courage: to learn more, to serve differently, and to keep evolving in pursuit of the best possible care for children.

Building the Foundation: Nursing, Medicine, and Early Clinical Leadership

Dr. VanDoren’s journey began long before medical school. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis in 1999. Working as a Bone Marrow Transplant nurse at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she developed the clinical intuition, emotional resilience, and patient-centered focus that would later become the core of her work as a pediatrician.

Her years at St. Jude laid a powerful foundation—exposure to high-acuity care, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the deep humanity of caring for children and families facing life-threatening illness.

She later served as a Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Coordinator at Children’s Mercy Hospital, further expanding her leadership and systems-level understanding of pediatric care.

These early experiences didn’t just prepare her for medicine—they shaped her into a clinician who sees the whole child and the whole family, not just the diagnosis in front of her.

Becoming a Physician: Training at Children’s Mercy Hospital

Dr. VanDoren earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in 2008 from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, then completed her Pediatrics residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital (2008–2011). Her residency years were marked by deep clinical curiosity, a love for teaching, and an early commitment to understanding complex pediatric presentations.

She remained at Children’s Mercy as a Pediatric Hospitalist in Hematology/Oncology and later transitioned into urgent care, where she spent more than a decade supporting families through some of the most stressful moments of childhood illness. Her urgent care work—spanning the Northland, Blue Valley, and multiple independent contractor roles—allowed her to remain closely connected to general pediatrics and the real-world needs of families.

Her ability to manage acute concerns with calm, clarity, and clinical precision made her a trusted physician to countless parents across the region.

Private Practice and Community-Centered Pediatric Care

Between 2015 and 2021, Dr. VanDoren also served as a walk-in pediatrician at Johnson County Pediatrics, an affiliate of Children’s Mercy. This role brought her into the heart of community pediatrics, where she cared for everything from newborn concerns to chronic issues to school-age challenges.

Her commitment to accessibility—meeting families where they are, at the moments they most need guidance—became a defining feature of her practice.

A New Chapter: Sleep Medicine and the Future of Pediatric Wellness

In 2024, Dr. VanDoren began a new professional chapter, returning to Children’s Mercy for a Pediatric Sleep Medicine fellowship. Sleep is foundational to childhood development, behavior, learning, and overall health, and she recognized the growing need for clinicians who understand the nuances of pediatric sleep disorders.

In 2025, she joined the Sleep Medicine faculty at Children’s Mercy Adele Hall, expanding her reach as both a clinician and educator.

Her growing expertise already includes:

• Behavioral sleep issues

• Sleep-disordered breathing

• Neurologically complex sleep challenges

• Obesity-related sleep conditions

• Sleep concerns in genetic and developmental disorders

She also sat for both the sleep medicine and obesity medicine board exams, demonstrating her commitment to understanding the full physiologic landscape of children’s health.

Leading Innovation: The INSPIRE Program for Children With Down Syndrome

One of Dr. VanDoren’s most significant upcoming contributions is the creation of the INSPIRE program, a specialized sleep program designed for pediatric patients with Down Syndrome.

Children with Down Syndrome often face unique sleep-related challenges due to airway differences, hypotonia, and comorbid medical conditions. INSPIRE aims to:

• Provide specialized, multidisciplinary sleep evaluations

• Offer personalized treatment plans

• Improve long-term health, behavior, and development

• Support caregivers with education, resources, and clarity

This initiative reflects Dr. VanDoren’s passion for innovation, equity, and delivering care that truly meets children where they are.

Academic Contributions and Research

Dr. VanDoren is also contributing meaningfully to scholarship and professional education. Her upcoming and recent presentations include:

• Pediatric Sleep Medicine in Urgent Care (2025 Webinar)

• Scoring Large Muscle Movements in Pediatric Sleep Studies (Poster, 2025)

• Macroglossia in Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (Poster, 2025)

• Case-based and teaching presentations dating back to her residency

Her research contributions include a notable publication in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society on antibiotic-associated adverse drug reactions in children (2019), reflecting her dedication to safe antimicrobial stewardship.

She also serves on the University Health Sleep Fellowship Committee, helping shape the training of future sleep specialists.

A Career Rooted in Service

Throughout every stage of her career, Dr. VanDoren has excelled in roles defined by service, adaptability, and compassion:

• Pediatric urgent care

• Hematology/oncology inpatient care

• Community pediatrics

• Sleep medicine

• Program creation and innovation

• Clinical coordination and nursing leadership

This breadth of experience gives her a uniquely comprehensive view of pediatric care—one that considers not only acute illness or chronic disease, but the full developmental, behavioral, and environmental context surrounding each child.

Professional Memberships

Her professional affiliations include:

• American Academy of Pediatrics

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine

These memberships reflect her ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and evidence-based practice.

IMPACT ahead: A Future of Possibility

When asked what comes next, Dr. VanDoren’s answer is simple: “So many things.”
She is a physician who sees both the gaps in the system and the opportunities within them.

Whether shaping innovative sleep programs, expanding obesity and sleep medicine integration, or serving in leadership roles that uplift future clinicians, her future contributions promise to be meaningful, multidimensional, and deeply impactful.

Dr. Shauna Michelle VanDoren represents the best of pediatric medicine: a clinician who evolves, innovates, and continually invests in the wellbeing of children and families. Her career is a testament to commitment, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to rest well, heal fully, and thrive.

Dr. Ashley Sandeen: On Honoring the Layers of Her Work and Purpose

Ashley Sandeen, DO, FAAP
Associate Professor of Pediatrics | Pediatric Intensivist
Associate Program Director, Pediatric Residency
Founder, Kosha Coaching for Physicians

There is a moment familiar to every pediatric intensivist—the brief pause before stepping into a room where a child’s life hangs in balance and a family waits for answers. Dr. Ashley Sandeen has built her career around honoring that moment. It is where her clinical precision, intuition, humanity, and purpose come together.

Her work spans clinical medicine, graduate medical education, quality improvement, and physician coaching, but at its core lies a single intention: to help people feel seen, supported, and empowered to become who they already are beneath the layers.

Who She Serves

Clinically: Supporting the Most Critically Ill Children

Dr. Sandeen is a pediatric intensivist caring for critically ill infants, children, and adolescents facing medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions. In the PICU, she manages complex physiology, life-threatening emergencies, and rapidly evolving clinical situations. She also provides procedural sedation services for pediatric patients requiring diagnostic studies or interventions, ensuring safe, compassionate, developmentally appropriate care.

Families often meet her during the hardest days of their lives. Her presence—steady, grounded, and deeply human—is part of what makes her work meaningful. She holds space for children and their caregivers with a balance of clinical excellence and emotional clarity.

Academically: Developing Physicians Who Lead with Skill and Purpose

As an Associate Professor and Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Residency Program at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Dr. Sandeen is deeply invested in education.

She teaches residents and medical students the essential principles of pediatric critical care, but her work extends far beyond the physiology of shock or mechanical ventilation. She helps trainees understand who they are as physicians—how they respond under pressure, how to navigate burnout, how to define purpose, and how to create sustainable careers in medicine.

Her curriculum work, wellness initiatives, and leadership in resident development reflect her belief that training excellent physicians requires caring for the whole person, not just the clinical mind.

Professionally: Improving Systems to Improve Lives

Dr. Sandeen is a leader in quality improvement within her health system. Her projects have shaped PICU liberation practices, delirium prevention protocols, ventilator weaning tools, rounding structures, and sepsis care pathways.

Her contributions strengthen not only patient outcomes but also the environments in which multidisciplinary teams work. She is known for bridging evidence-based practice with practical, human-centered implementation strategies—ensuring that good ideas become meaningful change.

What She’s Building This Year

Developing a PICU Follow-Up Clinic

One of Dr. Sandeen’s major current initiatives involves assessing the feasibility of establishing a PICU follow-up clinic. Many children experience lasting cognitive, emotional, or physical impacts after critical illness. This clinic would close a longstanding gap—helping families navigate recovery long after discharge.

The idea has strong support, but its full implementation requires data, structure, and cross-disciplinary planning. Dr. Sandeen is leading early development efforts as part of her ongoing commitment to ICU liberation and long-term patient wellbeing.

Strengthening Residency Recruitment & Wellness Programs

In her academic leadership role, she is working to enhance residency recruitment and expand the wellness curriculum for trainees. She strives to create an environment where residents feel valued, grounded, and prepared not only to practice medicine—but to thrive within it.

Advancing Intuition-Based Coaching

Through her business, Kosha Coaching, Dr. Sandeen helps physicians explore the koshas—the layers of self that shape identity, purpose, and connection. She is currently developing an intuition-based coaching framework that empowers physicians to strengthen the internal guidance systems often overshadowed by medical training.

Dr. Sandeen teaches that clarity comes from within, and her guiding mantra reflects this belief:
“I am already what I thought I had to seek.”

She is also engaged in collaboration around DistressRx and other innovative coaching initiatives entering graduate medical education.

Personally: Committing to Authenticity

Outside her professional work, Dr. Sandeen is navigating her own evolution—doing the “hard work” required to build a life aligned with her values, identity, and core desires. Her focus is on raising children who feel loved, safe, and supported, while also honoring her own authenticity and growth.

A Glimpse into the Human Behind the Work

• Favorite colors: black, green, teal

• Bucket-list destinations: Scotland, Greece, South of France, Italy, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Denmark/Sweden/Norway

• Business: kosha-coaching.com | Instagram: @koshacoaching

• Core motivations: helping others feel seen, easing emotional pain, supporting transformation, cultivating connection, and leading with impact and love.

Her unique blend of intensity, insight, humor, grit, and compassion shapes every aspect of her leadership, clinical care, and coaching practice.

Why She Does This Work

Across all her roles, Dr. Sandeen is driven by a deep passion for service.

She supports families in crisis.
She mentors trainees becoming the physicians they hope to be.
She improves systems that impact patient safety and provider wellbeing.
She coaches physicians who are searching for meaning, balance, and alignment.

Her mission is unified:
to create environments where people feel supported, empowered, and whole.

Her Core Beliefs

• Medicine requires both intellect and intuition.

• Sustainable careers depend on true wellbeing—not performative “resilience.”

• Quality improvement is an act of love for patients and teams.

• Recovery matters as much as survival.

• Leadership is about helping others feel seen.

• Healing—personal or professional—happens in layers.

IMPACT

Dr. Ashley Sandeen’s life and work reflect a powerful truth: that the most important transformations come from within. Whether at the bedside of a critically ill child, in the classroom with residents, inside a systems-level meeting, or partnering with physicians through Kosha Coaching, her purpose remains grounded in the same principles:

Impact. Love. Connection. Healing. Truth.

These values guide her through every layer of her professional and personal journey, and they continue to shape the meaningful contribution she brings to medicine, coaching, and the lives she touches.

Choosing Aliveness: A Year of Medicine, Mindfulness, and Red — The Story of Dr. Bridget Godwin

If you met Dr. Bridget Godwin today—pediatric gastroenterologist, researcher, life coach, writer, and mother of three—you might never guess that her earliest dream was to become an actress. Years before she became a clinician at one of the world’s most renowned children’s hospitals, long before she began coaching women in nutrition and life transitions, she mailed her one and only college application to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, hoping to study theater.

When the rejection letter arrived, she was heartbroken. It wasn’t simply the loss of a program—it was the loss of the narrative she thought she was meant to live. But as life often does, it unfolded in ways she could not yet imagine. NYU’s College of Arts and Sciences became her new home instead, where she majored in English and minored in Mathematics and Psychology.

It turns out she was not losing a story—she was beginning a much bigger one.

Three Careers, One Calling

Today, Dr. Godwin’s professional life is a vibrant blend of medicine, research, and coaching. She often says she has “three careers,” but in practice they feel like three interconnected expressions of the same purpose: caring for others with both scientific precision and deep humanity.

The Clinician

At the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Dr. Godwin cares for children facing complex gastrointestinal conditions. Her work requires an ability to steady families through uncertainty, to offer clarity in moments of fear, and to meet each child with the kind of empathy that honors their resilience. Pediatrics may be about tiny patients, but the courage she witnesses is anything but small.

The Researcher

Dr. Godwin extends her clinical expertise into scientific discovery through her research in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at Johnson & Johnson. Here, she investigates ways to improve outcomes for children with chronic conditions that impact their entire lives. Research teaches her to hold questions gently, to persist with curiosity, and to see the long arc of change—qualities that mirror the work she does with families every day.

The Coach

Her third role, and perhaps the one that blends most seamlessly with her personality, is that of life coach. As the lead nutrition coach for the Transform program and one of the featured faculty in Dr. Ali Novitsky’s Nutrition Training Program, she guides women—especially fellow physicians—through challenges around nourishment, identity, burnout, transitions, and aligning daily life with deeper priorities.

What makes her coaching unique is her grounding in mindfulness and present awareness. She helps women ask the most important questions: What do I want? What do I need? What makes me feel alive?

A Year of Balancing Growth and Home

This year, Dr. Godwin has set an intention that is at once simple and profound: to continue building a life of meaning at home while navigating her multiple professional paths. With her husband and their three young children, she is shaping a family rhythm rooted in curiosity, communication, and presence.

Balancing clinic duties, research work, coaching sessions, writing projects, and parenting is not an exercise in perfection—it is an exercise in alignment. She often shares that what keeps her grounded isn’t productivity, but mindfulness: drinking a cup of tea before opening her laptop, taking a breath between tasks, or reminding herself that she doesn’t need to be exceptional in every domain all at once.

Her life is less about “balance” and more about deliberate, compassionate choosing.

Writing: The Creative Thread That Never Left

The actress she once dreamed of becoming never fully disappeared. She simply evolved.

Today, Dr. Godwin channels her creative voice into writing. Her Substack, Tsundoku and Strawberries, is a space where she explores books, motherhood, identity, nourishment, grief, beauty, and the small joys that fill life’s corners. Her essays are reflective and lyrical, rooted in curiosity and honesty—a continuation of the storytelling she has always loved.

Writing gives her a place where titles fall away. She doesn’t have to be Doctor, or Coach, or Researcher. She gets to be Bridget—thoughtful, playful, earnest, and fully herself.

The Color Red: A Symbol of Aliveness

Ask Dr. Godwin her favorite color right now, and she’ll say red—with no hesitation.

Red, to her, symbolizes aliveness. It’s bold, energizing, and impossible to ignore. In a season of life where she is raising children, supporting families, guiding women physicians, and nurturing her own creative practice, red serves as a reminder of the desire at the center of it all:
to feel awake and alive in her life, moment by moment.

A Family Dream: Japan Awaits

On the family bucket list is a long-awaited trip to Japan. Dr. Godwin and her husband share a love of Haruki Murakami’s dreamlike storytelling, and their children adore the enchanted worlds of Hayao Miyazaki. Japan represents beauty, whimsy, introspection, and cultural richness—qualities that resonate deeply with her.

It is a trip they are certain they will take, a promise tucked into the future like a beloved chapter waiting to be read.

Mindfulness as the Thread That Weaves It All Together

In every arena of her life, mindfulness is the thread that holds the tapestry together. She teaches presence not as a perfect meditation practice, but as a way of living with awareness, curiosity, and choice. Whether she is helping a woman clarify her priorities, supporting a new diagnosis in a family, or navigating the complexity of a research initiative, she returns to the same guiding question:

Does this help me feel alive in my life?

Mindfulness allows her to build a life that is not reactive, but intentional. One that does not rely on achievement to feel meaningful. One that celebrates small joys, honest conversations, quiet moments, and the courage to make choices aligned with one’s deepest values.

IMPACT

Dr. Bridget Godwin’s life is a testament to the beauty of nonlinear paths. What began as a dream of acting grew into a career that blends science, compassion, teaching, creativity, and personal growth.

Her story is not about becoming one thing—it is about becoming herself.

And as she cares for children, advances research, coaches women, raises a family, writes her monthly essays, and embraces the color red, she continues to embody her guiding philosophy:
Choose aliveness.

Not perfection.
Not productivity.
Just presence, connection, meaning, and joy—moment by moment, breath by breath, in the life she is intentionally creating.

Dr. Dalal Taha: Advancing Neonatal Medicine Through Innovation, Compassion, and Scientific Leadership

In the high-acuity world of neonatal medicine—where the smallest patients face the greatest challenges—few physicians embody dedication, innovation, and quiet strength as profoundly as Dalal Taha, D.O. Over her decade-long career as a neonatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Taha has emerged as a leader in one of medicine’s most rapidly evolving frontiers: neonatal lymphatic disorders.

Her work bridges clinical excellence, scientific discovery, and unwavering commitment to families navigating the most fragile moments of their lives. Today, as an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Dr. Taha stands at the forefront of neonatology, helping redefine how clinicians understand, diagnose, and treat complex lymphatic and cardiopulmonary disease in newborns.

Early Foundations: A Commitment to Science and Service

Dr. Taha’s journey began at The College of New Jersey, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She continued her medical training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine, where her early promise was recognized through the Alumni Association Scholarship. During residency at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, she distinguished herself again—first as a pediatrics resident, then as Chief Resident, a role reflecting both her leadership and her dedication to medical education.

Her calling crystallized during her neonatology fellowship at Jefferson Medical College, where she again served as Chief Fellow. During these formative years, she received multiple national honors, including awards from the Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, recognition from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the Hemant J. Desai Fellowship Award. These accolades foreshadowed the unique contributions she would go on to make in neonatal medicine.

A Career at CHOP: Expanding the Boundaries of Neonatal Care

In 2014, Dr. Taha joined the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the neonatology division at CHOP—one of the world’s most respected institutions in pediatric innovation. As an attending neonatologist at both CHOP and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, she cares for critically ill infants with conditions ranging from extreme prematurity to complex genetic syndromes, cardiopulmonary instability, and multisystem disease.

Her clinical home also extends to the Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders, where she plays a pivotal role in a multidisciplinary team managing some of the rarest neonatal conditions seen in modern medicine. This work has become one of the defining features of her career.

Pioneering the Field of Neonatal Lymphatic Disorders

Over the past decade, Dr. Taha has helped lead a transformation in how clinicians understand the neonatal lymphatic system—a once overlooked circulation now recognized as central to disorders of fluid balance, chronic lung disease, and inflammatory injury in newborns. Through groundbreaking collaboration with cardiologists, radiologists, surgeons, and lymphatic specialists at CHOP, she has contributed to pioneering investigations that link lymphatic dysfunction to respiratory morbidity, systemic edema, and the pathophysiology of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Her research on lymphatic imaging and interventions, published in Journal of Perinatology in 2020, illuminated how early diagnosis and targeted therapies can dramatically improve outcomes. Her work has since expanded into studies on ventilation-lymphatic interactions, hypereosinophilia in lymphatic flow disorders, and the role of novel surgical approaches such as lymphocutaneous fistula creation in infants with central lymphatic obstruction.

These contributions have positioned Dr. Taha as a national voice in the diagnosis and management of neonatal lymphatic disease—an emerging subspecialty within neonatology. Her expertise has led to invitations to lecture across the U.S. and internationally, from Abu Dhabi to New York, Missouri, Maryland, and multiple academic children’s hospitals nationwide.

An Educator and Mentor Who Shapes the Next Generation

Teaching has always been integral to Dr. Taha’s identity. From her earliest faculty years, she became a trusted lecturer in physiology, neonatal respiratory failure, lymphatic disorders, and complex case management. At CHOP, she has taught residents, fellows, and medical students across multiple curricula and regional boot camps.

She has served on numerous education committees, including the Neonatology Fellows Clinical Competency Committee and the Fellowship Selection Committee, influencing trainee evaluation, mentorship, and academic development for nearly a decade. In 2024, she became a clinical mentor within the Neonatology Fellowship Program—an acknowledgment of her commitment to fostering future leaders in newborn medicine.

Her teaching recognitions, invited professorships, and ability to translate emerging science into bedside care have made her an essential part of the educational fabric at CHOP and Penn.

A Researcher Advancing Evidence-Based Care

Dr. Taha’s scholarly contributions include:

• Peer-reviewed publications in Journal of Pediatrics, Journal of Perinatology, Pediatric Surgery International, J Matern Fetal Neonatal Medicine, and NeoReviews.

• Reviews in Seminars in Pediatric Surgery exploring the neonatologist’s perspective on lymphatic disorders.

• Book chapters for gold-standard pediatric texts, including Avery’s Diseases of the Newborn and the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.

• Multiple abstracts selected for national and international scientific meetings.

Her research has offered new insights into topics such as:

• Early caffeine therapy to prevent BPD

• High-flow nasal cannula and morbidity in extremely low-birth-weight infants

• The lymphatic phenotype in severe BPD

• Effects of ventilation on lymphatic flow

• Innovative treatment strategies for neonatal lymphedema

These investigations inform both clinical practice and emerging research priorities in neonatal-perinatal medicine.

Leadership in Scientific Conferences and Professional Societies

Dr. Taha has served as an abstract reviewer for the Pediatric Academic Societies meetings for nearly a decade and has held key organizational roles, including:

• Director of CHOP’s First and Second Annual Lymphatic Disorders Conferences

• Co-lead of the 2025 Lymphatic Disorders Focus Group for the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium

• Reviewer for the journal Acta Paediatrica

Her national presence extends through her longstanding involvement in the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Philadelphia Perinatal Society, and multiple osteopathic and pediatric organizations.

A Career Rooted in Compassion and Innovation

What sets Dr. Taha apart is not only her scientific rigor but the humanity she brings to every aspect of her work. Neonatology is a specialty defined by uncertainty, emotional intensity, and high stakes. Her research on clinician distress at the frontier of mortality, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, underscores her commitment to supporting not only patients and families but also the clinicians who care for them.

Her work invites a broader understanding of what it means to practice neonatal medicine today: to lead with empathy, to innovate with courage, and to continually ask how outcomes can be improved for the most vulnerable infants.

IMPACT

Dr. Dalal Taha’s career reflects the future of neonatology—interdisciplinary, innovative, and deeply human. Through her clinical expertise, scientific contributions, and unwavering commitment to teaching, she has helped redefine neonatal care at one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals. Her legacy continues to grow, one discovery, one lecture, and one newborn life at a time.

Dr. Jacqueline R. Carrasco: Elevating the Art and Science of Oculoplastic Surgery

In the world of ophthalmology—where precision, artistry, and lifesaving intervention converge—few clinicians embody the field’s full promise the way Jacqueline R. Carrasco, M.D., F.A.C.S. does. For over two decades, Dr. Carrasco has shaped the landscape of oculoplastic and orbital surgery regionally, nationally, and internationally. Her career, defined by innovation, education, and service, reflects a steadfast commitment to patient-centered excellence and the advancement of future generations of surgeons.

Today, she serves as a Clinical Professor of Surgery at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and a Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, roles that allow her to influence the practice of medicine at its foundation—through training, mentorship, and leadership. But her story begins long before these titles, rooted in a lifelong passion for science, learning, and service.

A Foundation Built on Excellence

Dr. Carrasco’s path into medicine began at the University of Miami, where she graduated in the top ten percent of her medical school class, earned membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, and achieved exceptional percentile rankings on all three USMLE exams. Her undergraduate years were equally distinguished—she completed an accelerated Honors BS/MD program, graduated cum laude with a 3.9 GPA, and received national recognition for academic and scientific achievement, including designation as a National Science Scholar by President Bill Clinton.

Even earlier, as valedictorian of Ely High School, she garnered national awards such as the AAU/Mars Milky Way All American Award, the Silver Knight Award in Science, and honors from the International Science and Engineering Fair. These early accomplishments foreshadowed a career defined by curiosity, discipline, and a drive to make a meaningful impact.

Training at the Forefront of Ophthalmic Innovation

After completing a transitional internship at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Dr. Carrasco entered her ophthalmology residency at the world-renowned Wills Eye Hospital, where she later served as Chief Resident. She then pursued an elite fellowship in Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery, sponsored by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS)—a distinction reserved for the most competitive candidates.

Her training reflects not only technical mastery but also a deep respect for the multidisciplinary nature of orbital disease, trauma, reconstruction, and aesthetic rejuvenation.

A Leader Across Institutions

Dr. Carrasco’s influence extends across multiple major health systems. Since 2018, she has served as System Chief of Ophthalmology for Main Line Health, overseeing ophthalmic services across Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr, Paoli, and Riddle Hospitals. She is also Division Chief of Ophthalmology at Lankenau and a long-standing attending surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Her leadership roles have helped guide health-system strategy, elevate surgical quality, expand service lines, and support resident and fellowship training during a time of rapid advancements in the field.

In parallel, she plays a pivotal role in physician education as Residency Site Director for PCOM Ophthalmology, shaping the curriculum, selection processes, and training experiences for the next generation of osteopathic ophthalmologists.

A Surgeon, Innovator, and Academic Trailblazer

As a partner—and now President—of Oculoplastic Surgeons of Philadelphia, Dr. Carrasco practices at the highest level of complexity. Her clinical expertise spans:

• Orbital trauma and fractures

• Thyroid eye disease

• Eyelid and lacrimal disorders

• Orbital tumors

• Cosmetic peri-orbital rejuvenation

• Minimally invasive and advanced reconstructive procedures

Her innovations include contributions to sutureless surgical techniques, advanced ptosis repair methodologies, and multidisciplinary orbital care. She continues to lead the field through invited professorships, national lectures, and her role in shaping ASOPRS surgical education and examination standards.

Scholarly Contributions That Drive the Field Forward

With dozens of peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and clinical investigations, Dr. Carrasco’s research spans topics such as:

• Thyroid eye disease

• Orbital infections and inflammation

• Atypical adnexal tumors

• Novel surgical approaches in aesthetic and functional oculoplastics

• Surgical techniques for ptosis, eyelid reconstruction, and lacrimal disease

She is a chapter editor for multiple editions of The Wills Eye Manual, one of the most widely used ophthalmology references in the world, and contributes regularly to the Wills Eye 5-Minute Ophthalmology Consult Series.

Dr. Carrasco also serves as an invited reviewer for Orbit, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports, helping maintain the rigor and quality of academic publishing.

Commitment to Teaching and Mentorship

Perhaps most remarkable is her investment in teaching. Dr. Carrasco dedicates hundreds of hours each year to residents, medical students, and fellows. She organizes highly sought-after rotations, leads hands-on dissection courses, teaches cosmetic and reconstructive techniques, and mentors trainees pursuing competitive oculoplastics fellowships.

Generations of Wills Eye Hospital residents reflect on her mentorship as formative, citing her clinical wisdom, surgical precision, and humanistic approach to patient care as defining influences.

Recognition and Honors

Her accolades are extensive and span decades:

• Philadelphia Top Doctor (2024–25)

• Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2023–25)

• Castle Connolly Top Woman Physician (2024–25)

• Main Line Today Top Doctor (2010–2024)

• Vitals Compassionate Doctor Award

• Jefferson Dean’s Award for Excellence in Education (2021)

These distinctions underscore her reputation not only as a leading surgeon, but as a clinician who brings compassion, integrity, and excellence to every patient encounter.

A Trusted Voice in Public Education

Beyond academia and the operating room, Dr. Carrasco has become a sought-after voice in public health education. She has been featured in Self Magazine, Philadelphia Style, Ocular Surgery News, and national digital platforms discussing cosmetic safety, eye health, and best practices in oculoplastic care. Her blend of expertise and clarity makes complex topics accessible to the community.

A Legacy of Service

From providing ophthalmic care at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to supporting community organizations like the Haverford School and Fred’s Footsteps, Dr. Carrasco brings her talents and generosity beyond the clinical realm.

Her service reflects her broader philosophy: that medicine is not just a profession, but a lifelong opportunity to uplift individuals, communities, and the future of healthcare.

IMPACT

Dr. Jacqueline R. Carrasco’s career stands as a testament to what is possible when exceptional skill meets unwavering dedication. Surgeon, educator, leader, researcher, and mentor—her work continues to shape the field of oculoplastics and inspire those who follow in her footsteps. As she advances the art and science of orbital and eyelid surgery, her impact resonates far beyond the operating room, leaving a legacy of excellence, compassion, and innovation.

24 Days. $12,000 in Gifts. Are You In?

Our all-inclusive December Wellness Experience starts tomorrow, and I could not be more excited to welcome you in.

We’re celebrating the season with over $12,000 in gifts — including retreats, programs, and the hottest wellness items of 2025–2026. Think Aruba, Miraval, an infrared sauna blanket, and so much more.

Here’s what’s waiting for you inside:

24 Days of Prizes — daily draws featuring luxury wellness items, retreats, and programs
15 High-Yield Live Calls — mindset, metabolism, movement, and more
An Amazing Community — new friends, inspiring conversations, and full support
A Wellness Reset You’ll Actually Look Forward To

This is your invitation to end 2025 feeling grounded, energized, and deeply supported.

Join the December Wellness Experience here:
https://www.thefitcollective.com/december

I can’t wait to see you inside.

With so much love,
Ali

Dr. Jessica Rivera: A Veterinary Neurologist Helping Animals—and Communities—Across the U.S.

When it comes to veterinary neurology, few professionals bring the depth of experience, global perspective, and heartfelt dedication that Dr. Jessica Rivera offers. As a Diplomate of Neurology and Neurosurgery (DACVIM) and a highly sought-after locum veterinary neurologist, Dr. Rivera has built a reputation for delivering exceptional specialty care to pets and their families—no matter where they live.

Her passion for service, her love of learning, and her commitment to personal growth make her a standout not only in veterinary medicine, but as an inspiring example of what it looks like to pursue purpose, movement, and meaning in one’s career.

Who Is Dr. Jessica Rivera?

Dr. Jessica Rivera is a veterinary neurologist and neurosurgeon who provides expert locum support to specialty hospitals across the United States. With advanced training, a decade of clinical experience, and a deep love for animals, she steps into communities that need temporary or long-term neurological coverage—helping pets get access to life-saving care.

A Passion for Serving Communities Nationwide

Locum work allows Dr. Rivera to live her mission: helping as many pets, teams, and families as possible.
Because she travels wherever she’s needed, she has supported veterinary neurology departments in:

• The East Coast

• The West Coast

• The South

• And everywhere in between

Her adaptability, efficiency in high-stress environments, and genuine care for clients have made her an invaluable member of every team she joins.

A Career Rooted in Excellence

Dr. Rivera’s academic and professional path reflects extraordinary dedication. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, ranking 5th in her class, before completing competitive internships and a rigorous residency at the University of California, Davis.

Her career includes Diplomate roles at:

• Bush Veterinary Neurology Services (VA & NY)

• Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group (NY)

• Aurora Veterinary Neurology Services, LLC, where she currently practices as a locum neurologist

Her expertise spans:

• Complex neurosurgery

• Intracranial disease

• Spinal disorders

• Neuromuscular conditions

• Emergency neurologic care

Beyond Medicine: A Multifaceted Leader

One of the most impressive aspects of Dr. Rivera is the dimension she brings to her work. She’s not only a scientist and surgeon—she’s a communicator, educator, creator, and adventurer.

Bilingual Medical Educator (English/Spanish)

Dr. Rivera has presented neurology lectures across the world, including multiple international conferences in Mexico where she delivered Spanish-language lectures.

A major professional milestone:
She translated and delivered complex neurology content entirely in Spanish—despite having learned medicine in English—a challenge requiring precision, mastery, and deep commitment.

Researcher & Author

Her research includes published papers and ongoing manuscripts on:

• Cytogenetics of feline meningiomas

• Biomarkers for intracranial neoplasia

• Neuromuscular disease

• Neonatal physiology

• Clinical neurology outcomes

Her work contributes to advancing veterinary neurology on a global scale.

Her Current Mission: Becoming Her Healthiest, Most Aligned Self

In 2025, Dr. Rivera is investing deeply in her personal evolution.
Her main goals include:

• Becoming the healthiest version of herself

• Exploring new avenues for helping others

• Considering new creative ventures

• Potentially launching an online course, coaching program, or educational platform for veterinary professionals or pet owners

She’s intentionally exploring what’s next—with curiosity, courage, and an open heart.

A Future Business on the Horizon

While Dr. Rivera already operates Aurora Veterinary Neurology Services, LLC, she is actively imagining what her next professional chapter might look like.

Possible Areas She’s Exploring

• Coaching for veterinarians (wellness, career support, or specialty mentorship)

• Veterinary neurology social media education

• Online courses for pet parents or vet students

• Expanding her international work

Her creativity, communication skills, and passion for accessible education position her beautifully for any of these paths.

Current Business Website

🌐 https://avnsllc.wordpress.com

The Personal Side: What Makes Dr. Rivera Truly Unique

Behind the doctor’s coat is someone with a remarkable and vibrant life.

Her Favorite Color

Teal—a color that reflects calm, clarity, and vibrancy.

A Hidden Talent You’d Never Guess

She is a black belt in Isshin Ryu Karate, blending discipline, focus, and physical mastery—traits that mirror her surgical expertise.

Global Traveler & Cultural Explorer

Dr. Rivera has studied abroad in:

• Japan

• Australia

She also speaks:

• Spanish (native/bilingual)

• Japanese (upper beginner)

• American Sign Language (beginner)

Her Dream Travel Bucket List

Her heart is set on Africa, especially:

• Tanzania – to witness the Big Five

• Kenya – to visit Giraffe Manor & Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

• Rwanda – to see wild mountain gorillas

Her love of wildlife and conservation aligns beautifully with her veterinary roots.

Skills That Set Dr. Rivera Apart

Veterinary Neurology Expertise

• Board-certified (DACVIM)

• Highly skilled neurosurgeon

• Calm and efficient in emergencies

• Leads with empathy and communication

Team-Oriented Leadership

• Gregarious and approachable

• Passionate and enthusiastic

• Dedicated to client education

• Thrives in collaborative environments

Adaptability & Excellence

From busy urban hospitals to international lecture halls, Dr. Rivera brings the same level of precision, compassion, and professionalism everywhere she goes.

What’s Next for Dr. Jessica Rivera?

Dr. Rivera stands at the exciting intersection of expertise and reinvention. She’s honoring the tug toward something new—something that allows her to help animals, veterinary teams, or other professionals in fresh and meaningful ways.

Her next venture may involve:

• Sharing her neurology expertise through digital education

• Supporting veterinary professionals through coaching and mentorship

• Expanding her locum services nationally or internationally

Wherever she goes next, her combination of skill, empathy, and passion ensures she will elevate every space she enters.

IMPACT

Dr. Jessica Rivera is more than a veterinary neurologist—she is a healer, educator, global citizen, and evolving creator.

Her journey reminds us that expertise and reinvention can coexist beautifully. Whether she’s performing neurosurgery, teaching across continents, or imagining her next venture, Dr. Rivera shows what’s possible when you lead with purpose, curiosity, and heart.

Dr. Sara Ayers: A Pediatrician, Mother, and Mindset Mentor Helping Women Thrive

In a world where women physicians often carry the invisible weight of caregiving, leadership, emotional labor, and perfectionism, voices like Dr. Sara Ayers are essential. A dedicated pediatrician and mother of three, Dr. Ayers brings not only clinical experience but also lived wisdom about navigating professional and personal demands with intention, strength, and self-compassion.

A Pediatrician With a Heart for Families—and for Women Who Care for Them

Dr. Sara Ayers has devoted her medical career to pediatrics, a field known not only for its scientific rigor but also for its emotional demands. As a pediatrician, she supports families through moments of uncertainty, triumph, fear, and transformation. Her work requires patience, adaptability, communication, and deep empathy—skills she now brings into her work supporting women as well.

But beyond her role as a physician, Dr. Ayers is also a mom of three, balancing the complexity of raising children with the responsibilities of medical practice. She understands firsthand the daily momentum, mental load, and boundary challenges that so many women juggle.

It is this unique blend—clinician, mother, and mentor—that makes her work so meaningful to the women she now guides.

A Longtime Participant in Dr. Ali Novitsky’s Programs

Coaching as the Catalyst for Personal Transformation

Dr. Ayers shares openly that she has been part of Dr. Ali Novitsky’s coaching programs since nearly the beginning, experiencing their evolution and transformative impact over time.

Her journey began with a simple desire:
to feel better, live better, and show up more fully as both a physician and a mother.

From group coaching sessions to reflective curriculum work, the tools she learned fundamentally reshaped how she approaches:

• Emotional regulation

• Boundaries

• Self-trust

• Burnout prevention

• Body image and self-compassion

• Identity beyond roles

• Leadership and communication

• Navigating overwhelm

• Reclaiming energy and intention

What she discovered was both powerful and deeply personal:
Coaching isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about remembering who you already were before burnout, guilt, and expectations layered over your identity.

This internal shift, built over years of commitment and community, now informs everything she shares with others.

From Participant to Guide: Helping Women Navigate the Journey

Supporting Women Physicians With Real-Life Wisdom

After experiencing the life-altering results of coaching, Dr. Ayers felt called to share what she learned with other women—especially those balancing medicine, motherhood, and self-expectations.

Her mission is simple and heartfelt:

“I hope to share some skills with other women to make the journey a bit easier.”

She brings a rare blend of:

• Medical expertise

• Personal lived experience

• Vulnerability

• Strength

• Practical mindset tools

• A deep understanding of the emotional world of women physicians

Women who work with her often describe her presence as grounding, uplifting, and deeply relatable. She teaches not from theory alone, but from having walked the path herself.

Building Strength—In Body, Mind, and Identity

Physical Strength as a Reflection of Internal Strength

Dr. Ayers is passionate about movement, strength, and the power of physical resilience. Her hobbies reflect a commitment to both discipline and joy:

• Kickboxing

• Weight training

• Orangetheory Fitness

• Knitting (the ultimate mindful reset)

These activities mirror her personal philosophy:

Strength shows up in many forms—and all of them matter.

Kickboxing and weight training build physical and mental grit.
Orangetheory supports endurance, consistency, and community.
Knitting provides restoration, creativity, and mindful quiet.

This blend of powerful and gentle practices reflects her belief that women deserve both strength and softness, structure and rest, progress and presence.

Why Women Connect With Dr. Ayers

A Voice That Feels Real, Honest, and Supportive

Women physicians often feel isolated in their struggles—yet Dr. Ayers offers connection grounded in authenticity. She understands:

• The overwhelm

• The guilt

• The desire to do everything well

• The burnout that creeps in quietly

• The constant caregiving for both patients and family

• The pressure to be strong while craving support

What makes her support unique is that she speaks with the energy of someone who has lived these experiences and built a life with intention on the other side.

A Mentor Who Knows Transformation Is Possible

Her experiences in group coaching with Dr. Ali Novitsky have taught her the tools of:

• Thought awareness

• Emotional processing

• Mind-body regulation

• Grounded goal-setting

• Worthiness and compassion

• Nervous system safety

• Leadership by example

• Identity expansion

Now, she offers these insights with clarity and accessibility, helping women integrate them into real daily life—not just theory.

The Power of Community and Connection

Dr. Ayers knows what many women learn only after years of struggle:
Community heals what isolation harms.

Participating in Dr. Novitsky’s programs gave her a support network of women physicians who understood her experiences without explanation. This was transformative—and now she strives to help other women find that same sense of belonging.

She reminds women that they don’t need to:

• Hold everything alone

• Pretend they’re fine

• Push past exhaustion

• Shrink their needs

• Sacrifice their wellbeing for their roles

Instead, she advocates for community-based growth, where women empower one another through shared vulnerability and collective strength.

A Model of What Is Possible for Women in Medicine

Dr. Ayers is part of a growing movement of women physicians redefining what success and fulfillment look like. She represents:

• A new generation of leaders prioritizing wellbeing

• Mothers who show that rest and ambition can coexist

• Physicians committed to healing patients and themselves

• Women modeling strength without burnout

• Mentors who create safety, support, and transformation

Her journey reflects the truth that women do not need to choose between being exceptional clinicians, engaged mothers, and fulfilled individuals—they can build lives that hold all of it with intention.

IMPACT

Dr. Sara Ayers is more than a pediatrician and mother—she is a guide, a grounded voice, and an inspiring example of growth through coaching and community.

Her long-standing participation in Dr. Ali Novitsky’s programs has allowed her to rewrite her relationship with stress, identity, strength, and possibility. Now, she helps other women do the same—offering wisdom born from real experience and a heartfelt desire to make the journey easier for those who follow.

Her message is powerful and simple:
You don’t have to do this alone—and you are capable of more peace, strength, and joy than you realize.

Dr. Diana Pallin: Transforming Lives Through Modern Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Health

In today’s world—where chronic disease, metabolic dysfunction, and weight-related illnesses are on the rise—the need for compassionate, evidence-based obesity care has never been greater. Dr. Diana Pallin, founder of New Start Medical, stands at the forefront of this movement. With dual board certifications in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, over a decade of specialized experience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of her patients, Dr. Pallin is transforming the way individuals approach weight loss, metabolic health, and long-term wellness.

Learn more at https://www.newstartmedical.com.

A Leader in Evidence-Based Obesity Medicine

Board Certified and Dedicated to Metabolic Health

Dr. Pallin is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Board Certified in Obesity Medicine, giving her the clinical foundation to understand the complex medical, hormonal, psychological, and environmental factors that influence a person’s weight.

Since 2013, she has practiced Obesity Medicine, a rapidly advancing specialty focused not only on weight loss but on the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic disease. She is an active member of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and integrates OMA’s professional guidelines into her patient care.

Her practice is not about dieting. It is about true metabolic change.

Founder of New Start Medical

As the founder of New Start Medical, Dr. Pallin has built a comprehensive metabolic practice designed to help patients achieve sustainable, medically supervised weight loss.

New Start Medical is grounded in:

• Evidence-based obesity medicine guidelines

• Individualized treatment plans

• Comprehensive medical assessments

• Lifestyle-focused metabolic strategies

• Ongoing clinical supervision and support

The practice delivers a structured, patient-centered experience that helps individuals improve their health, reduce chronic disease risk, and build lifelong habits.

Learn more about her programs at https://www.newstartmedical.com.

A Comprehensive Approach to Medically Supervised Weight Management

Addressing the Whole Person, Not Just the Scale

Dr. Pallin’s philosophy centers on two core beliefs:

1. Weight is a medical condition, not a personal failure.

2. Sustainable weight loss requires medical understanding and individualized treatment.

Her practice addresses the multiple dimensions of weight and metabolism:

• Hormonal imbalance

• Insulin resistance

• Genetics

• Inflammation

• Medications

• Stress and sleep patterns

• Nutrition and movement

• Behavioral and emotional health

This whole-person approach helps patients understand the why behind their struggles, which is crucial for long-term success.

Medically Supervised Programs for Safe, Effective Results

New Start Medical delivers comprehensive weight management grounded in clinical science and metabolic physiology. Patients receive:

• Detailed metabolic assessments

• Personalized nutrition guidance

• Lifestyle medicine coaching

• Medication management when appropriate

• Close monitoring of medical conditions

• Support for long-term weight maintenance

Unlike quick-fix diets or commercial plans, Dr. Pallin’s programs are designed for patients who want a safe, structured, medical pathway to lasting health improvements.

Improving Cardiometabolic Health Through Lifestyle Medicine

Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease

One of Dr. Pallin’s greatest passions is the prevention and management of cardio-metabolic conditions, including:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes

• Metabolic syndrome

• Fatty liver disease

• Inflammation-related disorders

Because these conditions are strongly affected by lifestyle, Dr. Pallin incorporates personalized strategies that support:

• Improved glucose regulation

• Reduced cardiovascular risk

• Enhanced metabolic flexibility

• Healthier liver function

• Better long-term outcomes

This integrative approach empowers patients to take charge of conditions that may otherwise progress silently for years.

A Mission Built on Compassion and Empowerment

Supporting Patients Through Every Phase of Their Journey

Dr. Pallin’s patients often describe her approach as supportive, encouraging, and deeply informed. She believes in creating a space where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered—not judged.

Her goal is to:

• Help patients understand their physiology

• Provide effective tools rooted in science

• Build confidence through education

• Foster accountability with compassion

• Celebrate progress, not perfection

This commitment to empathetic care is what makes New Start Medical a trusted partner in weight and metabolic management.

International Roots and Medical Excellence

From Romania to the United States: A Journey in Medicine

Dr. Pallin was born in Romania and attended the prestigious Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj Napoca—one of the top medical schools in Eastern Europe.

Her international background gives her a valuable perspective on:

• Cultural influences on health

• Barriers to care

• Patient diversity and individual needs

• Global approaches to metabolic medicine

Chief Resident and Educator at New Hanover Regional Medical Center

After moving to the United States, Dr. Pallin completed her Internal Medicine residency at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. She distinguished herself as Chief Resident, where she helped design the educational curriculum for Grand Rounds and morning reports.

Her leadership experience strengthened her ability to communicate complex medical topics with clarity—an invaluable skill she brings to her patient care today.

A Life Rooted in Family, Travel, and Nature

Finding Joy Beyond the Clinic

When she is not caring for patients, Dr. Pallin enjoys a rich and fulfilling personal life. She loves:

• Traveling to new places

• Experiencing different cultures

• Spending time in nature

• Creating memories with her family

Her appreciation for new environments and natural beauty resonates with her belief that health is a lifelong journey—one that blends science, lifestyle, personal joy, and connection.

The Vision of New Start Medical: A Better Future for Metabolic Health

Accessible, Evidence-Based Care for All

Dr. Pallin created New Start Medical with a vision to make obesity medicine more accessible, less stigmatized, and more scientifically grounded. Her clinic continues to lead the way in:

• Metabolic evaluation

• Personalized medical weight loss

• Lifestyle education

• Cardiometabolic prevention

• Chronic disease reduction

• Patient empowerment

With more than a decade of obesity medicine experience, she is helping shift the national conversation toward evidence-based, compassionate care.

Visit https://www.newstartmedical.com to explore her programs and begin your own metabolic transformation.

IMPACT

Dr. Diana Pallin is a physician who blends clinical excellence with compassion, evidence-based obesity care, and a deep commitment to improving patient lives. Her work at New Start Medical is transforming how individuals understand their health, navigate metabolic challenges, and achieve sustainable weight management—without shame, judgment, or confusion.

Dr. Brooke Buckley: Transforming Healthcare Leadership With Purpose, Courage, and Compassion

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, few leaders embody both the clinical expertise and human-centered leadership required to reshape organizational culture. Brooke M. Buckley, MD, FACS stands at the forefront of this transformation—a board-certified general surgeon, Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, experienced physician executive, health coach, and national advocate for trauma-informed leadership and workforce well-being.

Dr. Buckley is also the co-founder—along with Drs. Mark and Ali Novitsky—of Catalyst for Organizations, a groundbreaking, human-centered transformation initiative powered by The FIT Collective. This program equips hospitals, practices, and healthcare systems with the frameworks, training, and cultural scaffolding needed to build resilient, values-aligned teams that can thrive in demanding environments.

A Surgeon, Strategist, and Systems Leader

Clinical Excellence and Lifestyle Medicine Expertise

Dr. Brooke Buckley brings decades of experience as a skilled clinician and surgeon. She is:

• Board-Certified in General Surgery

• A Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine

• A long-standing advocate for whole-person care, preventive health, and integrative well-being

Her dual training in high-acuity surgical care and evidence-based lifestyle medicine gives her unique insight into the full continuum of patient health—from emergency intervention to long-term resilience and recovery.

Leadership Training Rooted in Business and Human Behavior

Dr. Buckley earned her MBA from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, equipping her with strategic and operational expertise rarely combined with frontline surgical experience.

This fusion allows her to communicate across the clinical-administrative divide, build effective multidisciplinary teams, and drive sustainable organizational change.

A Career Dedicated to Transforming Healthcare Systems

Dr. Buckley’s leadership experience spans multiple institutions and progressive levels of responsibility.

Current Roles and Responsibilities

She currently serves as:

• System Vice President of Medical Affairs for Henry Ford Health

• Medical Director of the Command Center, stewarding system flow, crisis coordination, and operational readiness

From 2020–2025, she served as Chief Medical Officer of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, guiding clinical strategy through some of the most challenging years in modern healthcare.

Past Leadership Positions

Her prior leadership includes:

• Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Meritus Health

• Associate Chair of Surgery at Anne Arundel Medical Center

• Medical Director for Acute Care Surgery and Wound Center Programs

These roles reflect her breadth of experience leading surgical services, hospital operations, crisis management, and physician culture initiatives.

National Leadership and Advocacy

Championing Clinical Leadership and Policy

Dr. Buckley has been trusted to lead at a national level across multiple influential organizations, including:

• Past Chair of the Committee on Clinical Leadership for the American Hospital Association

• Chair of AMPAC (American Medical Political Action Committee)

• President of the Maryland State Medical Association

She currently serves on the Joint Commission Board, contributing to national conversations on safety, equity, quality, and accreditation.

National Speaker on Burnout, Workforce Wellness, and Trauma-Informed Leadership

Dr. Buckley is widely regarded as a compelling keynote speaker who blends vulnerability, data, and lived experience. Her signature topics include:

• Burnout in medicine

• Trauma-informed leadership

• Workforce mental health

• High-functioning team dynamics

• Crisis leadership

• Creating psychologically safe medical environments

Her workshops and presentations empower leaders to build healthier, more connected, and more sustainable systems.

Co-Founder of Catalyst for Organizations

A Vision Shared With Drs. Mark and Ali Novitsky

Dr. Buckley is the co-founder—alongside Dr. Mark Novitsky and Dr. Ali Novitsky—of Catalyst, an innovative organizational transformation framework for healthcare teams.

Catalyst for Organizations, created through The FIT Collective, brings together trauma-informed leadership, psychological safety, communication training, and cultural transformation strategies designed specifically for stressed, overextended healthcare environments.

Catalyst trains teams to:

• Lead with clarity

• Communicate with emotional intelligence

• Regulate under pressure

• Build cultures that retain people

• Align organizational behavior with mission, values, and humanity

Dr. Buckley brings her executive leadership, operational mindset, and deep understanding of trauma and burnout to this program—making Catalyst one of the most unique, powerful tools available for healthcare organizations today.

A Mission to Support Women in Medicine and Leadership

Helping Women Reconnect With Meaningful Work

At the core of Dr. Buckley’s teaching is a mission:

To help women in medicine reconnect with their purpose, align their work with their values, and create space for both impact and joy.

Through coaching, mentorship, and system-level advocacy, she works with women physicians and leaders to:

• Prevent burnout

• Build self-trust

• Develop boundaries

• Navigate trauma and high-pressure environments

• Reclaim passion for their work

• Lead authentically

Certified Health Coach and CISM-Trained Leader

Her training in Critical Incident Stress Management allows her to support clinicians navigating traumatic events and cumulative stress.

As a certified health coach, she guides individuals in integrating sustainable habits, emotional regulation strategies, and lifestyle practices that support both personal and professional wellbeing.

An Integrated Leadership Philosophy

Where Purpose Meets Performance

Dr. Buckley believes that organizations thrive when humans thrive. Her leadership style is rooted in:

• Courage

• Self-awareness

• Transparent communication

• Trauma-informed decision-making

• Alignment between values and actions

• Respect for the emotional experiences of teams

Her approach bridges the gap between clinical excellence and compassionate leadership.

Leading Through Crisis With Humanity

Dr. Buckley has served in key leadership roles during some of the most turbulent periods in healthcare. Her C-suite experience is supported by:

• Real-time crisis management

• Command center coordination

• Burnout mitigation frameworks

• Support for teams facing moral injury

• Creating space for recovery, communication, and reconnection

Her ability to lead while honoring the emotional weight of the work is one of her most defining strengths.

Education and Early Career

Medical Training

Dr. Buckley graduated from:

• The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health

• Completed her Internship and General Surgery Residency at Fairview Hospital in the Cleveland Clinic Health System

Her surgical roots instilled a deep appreciation for teamwork, precision, and high-stakes decision-making—skills she continues to apply at the system level.

Life Outside of Medicine

Family and Personal Joy

Outside the boardroom and operating room, Dr. Buckley is a dedicated mother to three young sons and lives a joyful, grounded life with her family and her beloved sheepadoodle.

Her personal life reflects the balance, authenticity, and humanity she encourages in leaders and clinicians.

IMPACT

Dr. Brooke Buckley is a rare kind of leader—deeply skilled, deeply human, and deeply committed to transforming healthcare from the inside out. As a surgeon, executive, lifestyle medicine physician, and co-founder of Catalyst for Organizations, she brings clarity, compassion, and courageous leadership to systems in need of healing.

Her mission is clear:
To help clinicians and leaders reconnect with purpose, align with their values, and build lives—and workplaces—where impact and joy can coexist.

Living Fully in the Present: The Mindful Medicine of Dr. Ellen Cooke

In a time when healthcare is rapidly evolving, few physicians embody the true spirit of whole-person healing like Ellen Cooke, MD. A board-certified radiation oncologist in Wichita, Kansas, Dr. Cooke is redefining what it means to care for patients—by blending evidence-based oncology with the transformative power of mindfulness, presence, and compassion.

This story highlights the unique way Dr. Cooke practices medicine, the meaningful work she is doing through the Circle of Hope, and the inspiring life she leads both inside and outside the clinic—all optimized so readers searching for mindful cancer support, meditation resources, or integrative oncology will discover her work.

A Radiation Oncologist Bringing Mind, Body, and Spirit Back Into Medicine

As an experienced radiation oncologist, Dr. Cooke understands cancer care at the deepest level. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to see the whole person in front of her. She takes the time to know her patients beyond their diagnoses—learning their stories, fears, families, values, and sources of strength.

Her approach is rooted in three core principles:

• Presence creates healing.

• Mind-body integration improves resilience.

• Compassion is a powerful clinical tool.

To further elevate her holistic approach, Dr. Cooke completed a fellowship in Contemplative Medicine, adding to her many years as a certified mindfulness instructor. This training allows her to support her patients not only with advanced medical care but also with tools that nurture emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Founder of the Circle of Hope: Mindfulness for Patients, Professionals & Families

Dr. Cooke is the founder of The Circle of Hope, a powerful organization dedicated to teaching mindfulness to:

• Cancer patients

• Caregivers

• Healthcare professionals

• Parents

• Children

The mission is simple and profound: to help people live more fully in the present moment, even in times of uncertainty.

Through the Circle of Hope, she offers:

• Meditation workshops and retreats

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses

• Custom meditation programs (including those designed for coaching and wellbeing programs)

• Weekly guided practices

• Educational speaking events

• Training for medical teams

Her ability to translate complex mindfulness concepts into warm, accessible, real-life tools has made her work widely sought after.

You can join her community at: jointhecircleofhope.com
Subscribe to receive a free guided meditation delivered to your inbox every Monday.

National Presence: Teaching Mindfulness Across the Country

Dr. Cooke has brought mindful living to audiences nationwide. She has:

• Led meditation at multiple national medical conferences

• Been featured on numerous podcasts

• Taught MBSR to clinicians and communities

• Led live meditation clinics

• Created custom meditations for professional coaching programs

One of the achievements she cherishes most is her personally curated meditation series featured exclusively inside Dr. Ali Novitsky’s Transform Program for Women Physicians. These meditations offer emotional grounding, intentionality, and presence to a community of high-performing women physicians navigating burnout, identity, and healing.

Mindfulness as a Way of Living: Dr. Cooke’s Philosophy

At the heart of her work is a belief she repeats often:

“Our greatest power is our ability to live fully in the present moment.”

When we anchor ourselves in presence, she teaches, we access:

• Truth – the clarity to see what truly matters

• Compassion – for ourselves and others

• Love – the foundation for meaningful connection

• Purpose – the inner knowing that guides our lives

This philosophy informs everything she teaches, from mindful parenting to mindful leadership to mindful navigation of illness.

Life Beyond the Clinic: A Family of Adventurers

When she isn’t teaching or caring for patients, Dr. Cooke is exploring the world with her husband and three children. Her family has a remarkable goal: visiting every continent before their oldest (currently 13) graduates from high school.

So far, they’ve visited 4 out of 7 continents, and the upcoming adventures are extraordinary:

• Summer 2026: Australia and New Zealand (with Great Barrier Reef snorkeling!)

• February 2027: Antarctica

• Following year: A safari in Africa to complete all seven continents

This passion for global travel infuses her mindfulness teachings with stories, visuals, and experiences from around the world.

Fun Facts That Make Dr. Cooke Truly One-of-a-Kind

• Favorite Color: Kelly Green — Go Irish!

• Beloved Pets: A dog, cat, turtle, and gecko

• Most Unique Fact:
  She has had her box turtle, Tortilla, since she was 12 years old!

• Social Media:

  • @circleofhope4u on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn

  • @ellencookemd on TikTok (featuring free mindful minutes paired with travel videos!)

• Email: ellencookemd@gmail.com

Why Patients and Professionals Seek Her Out

1. She blends science and soul.

Dr. Cooke respects the rigor of oncology while honoring the human experience of illness.

2. She sees healing as multidimensional.

Her work includes the mind, body, and spirit—not just symptoms.

3. She teaches mindfulness in a way that feels natural and doable.

Her practices are simple, meaningful, and grounded in real life.

4. She creates safe spaces.

Patients and participants feel supported, seen, and deeply understood.

5. She embodies the present moment.

Her calm presence is a reminder of what mindful medicine looks like in action.

Want to Experience Mindfulness With Dr. Cooke?

To join her community and receive a free guided meditation every Monday, visit:

👉 https://jointhecircleofhope.com

And follow her travel-infused mindful content:
👉 @circleofhope4u (FB, Insta, X, LinkedIn)
👉 @ellencookemd on TikTok

Dr. Candace Good: A Psychiatrist Redefining Mental Wellness Through Mindfulness, Community, and Compassion

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, the emotional well-being of physicians and high-performing professionals has never been more important. Burnout, chronic stress, and compassion fatigue continue to rise — yet stigma still prevents clinicians from seeking the help they need. Within this landscape, leaders who combine clinical expertise with deep humanity are essential. Dr. Candace Good is one of those leaders: a psychiatrist whose work beautifully integrates mental health care, mindfulness, professional evaluations, and community-centered wellness.

Dr. Good is not only a clinician — she is an author, educator, consultant, and mentor. Her career reflects a rare blend of rigor, creativity, and compassion. Through her work, she supports individuals managing serious mental illness, helps healthcare professionals protect their careers, and empowers others to build their own wellness-centered practices.

A Foundation Rooted in Comprehensive Psychiatric Care

Training Across General and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Dr. Good’s medical journey began with extensive training in both general psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. This dual specialization allows her to support individuals across the full spectrum of mental health — from developmental challenges to complex adult psychiatric conditions.

Experience Across Diverse Clinical Settings

Throughout her career, she has practiced in a variety of environments, including:

• Inpatient psychiatry

• Academic medical centers

• Community psychiatry programs

• College mental health

• Integrated behavioral health teams

This breadth of experience gives her a unique lens into mental illness, resilience, and the systems required for long-term healing.

Commitment to Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

One of the pillars of her work is providing care to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness through Assertive Community Treatment (ACT). These patients often require wrap-around, interdisciplinary support — and Dr. Good’s involvement demonstrates her dedication to providing high-touch, high-compassion psychiatric care.

Supporting Physicians and Healthcare Professionals

Compassionate Care for Clinicians Facing Mental Health Challenges

A signature element of Dr. Good’s work is her commitment to supporting physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals navigating emotional or psychiatric struggles. Clinicians often fear stigma, licensure implications, and career disruption — making it difficult to seek help.

Fitness-for-Duty & Clinical Competency Assessments

Dr. Good provides fitness-for-duty evaluations and clinical competency assessments that are structured, fair, and deeply compassionate. Her assessments are:

• Trauma-informed

• Clinically rigorous

• Supportive of patient safety

• Grounded in human dignity

These evaluations aren’t simply administrative processes — they serve as pathways to clarity, support, and professional restoration.

Whether a clinician is experiencing burnout, recovering from a traumatic event, or managing depression or anxiety, Dr. Good offers a grounded, empathetic process that helps them feel seen as human beings — not as problems to solve.

Helping Veterans Navigate PTSD and Trauma

Trauma-Informed Psychiatric Evaluations for Veterans

Another significant area of Dr. Good’s practice is conducting psychiatric evaluations for veterans with PTSD and trauma-related conditions, including supporting VA disability claims.

Veterans benefit from her ability to provide:

• Clear, evidence-based clinical evaluations

• Validation of lived trauma experiences

• Guidance through the complexities of disability documentation

Her work combines clinical excellence with deep respect for the service and sacrifices of the individuals she evaluates.

A Mindfulness Author With a Powerful, Accessible Message

Own Your Present: A Psychiatrist’s Guide to Mindful Meditation

During the pandemic — a time marked by global uncertainty and overwhelm — Dr. Good published Own Your Present, a mindfulness-based guide grounded in psychiatry, compassion, and conscious living.

Her book blends:

• Personal narratives

• Science-based mindfulness strategies

• Stress physiology education

• Simple meditation techniques

• Approachable lifestyle practices

Dr. Good’s writing resonates because it is honest, accessible, and centered on humanity. She presents mindfulness not as perfection, but as presence — a daily practice rooted in curiosity and compassion.

A Mentor and Champion for Women in Wellness

Empowering Women to Launch Wellness-Focused Businesses

Beyond her clinical, evaluation, and author roles, Dr. Good has helped seven women entrepreneurs launch wellness-centered practices by offering:

• Office space

• Mentorship

• Encouragement

• Business development support

This behind-the-scenes leadership reflects her belief that the wellness ecosystem grows stronger through collaboration, shared resources, and community.

Her mentorship has created ripple effects that strengthen entire communities and expand access to holistic care.

A Philosophy Grounded in Presence, Humanity, and Compassion

Across every facet of her work, Dr. Candace Good embodies a simple but profound philosophy:

Healing begins when people feel seen, supported, and empowered to live consciously.

Her integrative approach blends psychiatry with mindfulness, evidence-based evaluation with empathy, and individual healing with community impact. Whether supporting a clinician in crisis, guiding someone through trauma, or teaching mindful presence, she brings steadiness and clarity to every encounter.

Why Dr. Good’s Work Matters Now

We are living in a time marked by:

• Rising burnout

• Increased emotional strain

• Disconnection and compassion fatigue

• Heightened pressure on healthcare professionals

Dr. Good’s work represents an invitation back to presence, self-care, and conscious living. Her career models what is possible when psychiatry expands beyond symptom management and evolves into a practice grounded in mindfulness, empowerment, and human connection.

Dr. Candace Good: https://www.candacegoodmd.com

Finding Courage, Clarity, and Community: The Story Behind Dr. Erica Howe’s Mission to Transform Women’s Wellness

When you meet someone who embodies both strength and heart, you feel it immediately. That’s the experience many women have when they encounter Erica Howe, MD—a board-certified hospitalist, nationally recognized educator, conflict-management expert, and mother of three spirited, beautifully chaotic kids. Dr. Howe is the kind of leader who doesn’t just talk about wellness in medicine—she lives it, breathes it, and shares it boldly. Her life’s work is guided by a simple and transformational belief:

Women are stronger together.

For years, Dr. Howe watched women across high-intensity careers pour their time, energy, and emotional labor into everyone else. She saw the symptoms of imbalance everywhere—burnout, perfectionism, isolation, and a deep sense of lost purpose. She also saw brilliance, courage, humor, and connection waiting to be reignited. Long before “wellness” became a buzzword, she believed in the power of community. She knew women needed protected space—space to learn, collaborate, and feel supported without judgment.

That seed of an idea became a movement.

The Birth of the Women Physicians Wellness Conference (WPW)

How a Vision for Physician Wellness Became a Global Experience

In 2019—before wellness conferences were mainstream—Dr. Howe launched the very first Women Physicians Wellness Conference (WPW). And she chose Grand Cayman for the inaugural event, because women physicians deserve more than a beige ballroom with stale coffee. They deserve sunshine, salty breezes, and a place where their nervous systems can exhale.

From its beginning, WPW broke every mold. It wasn’t a 12-hour lecture marathon or an exhausting networking gauntlet. Instead, it was:

• Evidence-based education

• Real conversations about conflict, boundaries, and burnout

• Coaching and leadership development

• Laughter, friendship, and genuine connection

• Space for reflection and rest

Dr. Howe intentionally selected restorative destinations like Aruba, Grand Cayman, and Amelia Island because the location itself becomes part of the healing. Women physicians needed a space not just filled with information, but filled with oxygen.

The conference quickly grew into a community. Hundreds of women physicians return each year, calling it:

• “Life-changing.”

• “The first time I felt truly seen.”

• “Exactly what my soul needed.”

WPW became more than a conference—it became a sanctuary. A recharge station. A place where women could drop their armor and talk openly about leadership, emotional labor, gender inequity, and the dreams they had set aside.

Expanding the Vision: The Women Professionals Wellness Conference (WPWC)

A Wellness Conference for All Women in High-Demand Professions

By 2024, Dr. Howe recognized something powerful: women in medicine didn’t have a monopoly on burnout. Women in law, business, finance, tech, entrepreneurship, government, education, and countless other demanding fields were struggling with the same patterns—success without support, ambition without rest, and constant responsibility without relief.

So she expanded her mission.

She launched the Women Professionals Wellness Conference (WPWC)—a three-day transformational wellness conference held every January in the Bahamas.

The vision is simple and bold:

• Bring women from high-stakes professions together.

• Normalize the struggles.

• Share strategies and tools that actually work.

• Create community, confidence, and clarity.

The Bahamas backdrop was intentional. It reflects Dr. Howe’s love for turquoise and orange—colors that embody vibrancy, optimism, and joy. WPWC mirrors her personality: warm, uplifting, and refreshingly authentic.

And, of course, every great leader has quirks. Dr. Howe loves spicy food—deeply loves it—but after an intense jerk chicken experience in Jamaica, she learned she is allergic to ghost peppers. Even her allergies have stories.

Why Dr. Howe’s Work Matters Now More Than Ever

Women Professionals Are Carrying More Than Ever Before

Across every industry, women are navigating increasing complexity in their jobs, relationships, and roles. They lead teams, households, organizations, and communities. Expectations rise while support systems lag behind.

Women hear the same messages on repeat:

• Be strong.

• Keep going.

• Handle the emotional labor alone.

• Take care of others first.

And yet—especially in high-pressure careers—women cannot sustainably thrive without intentional support.

Dr. Howe’s national and international speaking work focuses on the skills we rarely learn in training but desperately need:

• Conflict management

• Communication and negotiation

• Boundary setting

• Emotional intelligence

• Leadership development

• Whole-person wellness

Through WPW and WPWC, she blends education, coaching, and community in a way that feels human and deeply accessible. She gives women permission to stop performing and start being.

Most importantly, she reminds women that community is not a luxury—it is a survival skill.

A Leader Who Leads With Heart

What makes Dr. Howe’s impact so profound is not just what she teaches—it’s how she lives.

She is:

• Warm

• Hilarious

• Grounded

• Candid

• Compassionate

• Authentic

She speaks openly about raising three energetic children while navigating a demanding medical career. She acknowledges the messy, imperfect, deeply human side of being a woman in leadership. She listens deeply. She sees potential where others see exhaustion. She champions women who feel undervalued, unseen, or overwhelmed.

She teaches that:

• Courage grows in community

• Clarity comes when we stop chasing someone else’s version of success

• Wellness is essential—not indulgent

• When women gather, the world changes

What’s Next for Dr. Howe

Her bucket-list destination? The Maldives—a perfect match for a woman who builds worlds where women rise.

Her movement continues to expand, creating a global sisterhood of high-achieving women reclaiming their health, boundaries, leadership, and voice.

If you’re ready to experience Dr. Howe’s transformational work, here’s where to connect:

Websites

• Women Physicians Wellness Conference: www.womenphysicianswellness.com

• Women Professionals Wellness Conference: www.womenprofessionalswellness.com

Social Media

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WPWconference

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wpwconference/

Email

ehowe@themedicaleducator.com

Why I Create Safe Spaces for Women Doctors: The Story of Dr. Luisa and the Power of Celebrating Authenticity

The best part of my work will always be elevating women doctors who deserve to be celebrated—not criticized. Every single day, I witness the courage, brilliance, and dedication of women in medicine, and I am reminded how deeply important it is that we have places where we can be fully ourselves.

Today, I want to share a story that shook me, humbled me, and reaffirmed my mission more clearly than ever. This is about my dear client, Dr. Luisa—a physician whose integrity, intelligence, and heart deserve to be elevated loudly and without hesitation.

Meet Dr. Luisa: A Truly Exceptional Physician

If you don’t yet know Dr. Luisa, you should. She is one of the most gifted and multidimensional physicians I have ever met. She speaks multiple languages. She holds FOUR board certifications—a level of training and commitment that most people cannot even imagine. She is compassionate, ethical, and deeply invested in patient care.

And beyond all of that, she is simply a beautiful human being.

Her presence is warm.
Her story is powerful.
Her accent is a reflection of a journey rich with courage, culture, and resilience.

This is a woman whose career has been built on excellence and service.
This is a woman who should be lifted up—not torn down.

When Brilliance Meets Bullying: What Happened to Dr. Luisa Online

Recently, something happened that stopped me in my tracks:
She was bullied on social media because of her accent.

The Heartbreaking Reality of Accent Discrimination

Let me say that again:

A multilingual, four-board-certified physician—a woman who has dedicated her life to healing others—was mocked, insulted, and disrespected… not for her work, not for her ethics, but for the sound of her voice.

Her accent.

The very thing that represents her heritage, her identity, and her journey through multiple cultures and languages.
The very thing that symbolizes her global perspective and depth of experience.
The very thing that makes her, her.

Accent discrimination is not harmless. It is a form of bullying that aims to diminish identity, credibility, and confidence. It hits at the core of who a person is. And when this kind of attack is directed at women doctors—who already navigate gender bias, emotional labor, and unrealistic expectations—it becomes even more damaging.

When I watched her video responding to the bullying, I felt my heart crack open. It was deeply humbling. I felt protective. I felt angry. And I felt crystal clear about why my work exists.

Why Safe Spaces for Women Doctors Are Not Optional—They Are Essential

Witnessing what happened to Dr. Luisa illuminated something critical:
We need more safe spaces for women physicians, not fewer.

We need spaces where a woman doctor does not have to perform, defend, justify, or shrink.
Spaces where identity is celebrated.
Where stories are honored.
Where accents, lived experiences, and cultural backgrounds are recognized as strengths—not weaknesses.

Women doctors carry extraordinary emotional and professional weight. Many of them are the first in their families to pursue medicine. Many speak multiple languages. Many have crossed borders, systems, and barriers to get where they are today.

To belittle a woman doctor for her accent is to attack everything she has sacrificed and earned.

5 Reasons I Create Safe Spaces for Women Physicians

1. To Honor Authenticity

Your accent, your story, your culture—these are not liabilities.
They are superpowers.
Safe spaces allow women doctors to be fully themselves without fear of criticism.

2. To Protect Against Noise and Online Bullying

The world is loud.
Social media can be vicious.
Women need places where they can rest, reset, and be surrounded by people who respect them deeply.

3. To Prevent Burnout and Emotional Exhaustion

Psychological safety is one of the strongest predictors of wellbeing.
When women doctors feel supported, they practice better medicine and experience healthier lives.

4. To Create Community, Not Competition

Women physicians thrive when they are connected to one another—when they witness each other’s brilliance and feel witnessed in return.

5. To Elevate Voices That Deserve to Be Heard

Women doctors are often silenced or second-guessed.
Safe spaces amplify their voices, ideas, and leadership.

Watching what happened to Dr. Luisa reminded me that these spaces are not optional—they are a necessity.

What Dr. Luisa Represents for Women in Medicine

When I look at Dr. Luisa, I see excellence personified.
I see resilience.
I see a healer who serves with integrity.
I see a woman whose presence makes the world better.

Her accent is not something to mock.
It is something to admire.

Truly?
I want her accent.
It’s beautiful—just like her spirit.

If you want to support a physician who is making a meaningful difference, please follow her and elevate her work:

🌟 Website: Endo-Well.com
🌟 IG/Facebook/TikTok: @DraLuisaEndoWell

Women doctors like her deserve not just to be respected—they deserve to be celebrated.

The Work I Do—And Why Stories Like This Fuel Me

The painful truth is that stories like Dr. Luisa’s are not rare.
Bias, bullying, and belittling happen far too often, especially to women physicians who are immigrants, multilingual, or from underrepresented backgrounds.

This is why I’ve built a career centered on empowerment, psychological safety, stress management, and community for women doctors. This is why I created spaces like the Women Doctor’s Reset Lounge—spaces where you are supported, protected, and surrounded by people who genuinely want you to feel good.

My Mission Is Simple

To honor women doctors fully.
To uplift your brilliance.
To make sure the world sees what I see in you.

And when I see women like Dr. Luisa being targeted for something as beautiful as their accent, it only strengthens my commitment.

A Final Reflection

You need to watch her video. Watch HERE.
You need to hear her voice.
You need to witness how gracefully she handled something so hurtful.

Her story humbled me. It reminded me why this work matters. And it reminded me that women doctors deserve communities that defend their humanity—not attack it.

Please support this extraordinary woman.
She is an angel on this planet.
And her accent?
A masterpiece.

We hope that you will join us in our new FREE online space, The Women Doctor’s Lounge. You can meet Dr. Luisa and so many other incredible docs. Join HERE.

Two Incredible Free Offerings — Just for Being Here

Hi Friends,

As we move into this season of reflection, celebration, and (let’s be honest) a bit of overwhelm… I wanted to give you two amazing free offerings — no matter who you are, or what you do.

Whether you take care of humans, furry friends, or teeth… or whether you're simply someone who wants to feel better in your body and mind, I have something special for you.

1. For Women Doctors: The Reset Lounge

If you’re a woman doctor caring for people, pets, teeth, or anything in between… I’ve created something I know you’ll love.

The Reset Lounge is your soft landing space in a time when there are far too few.

A free community.
A new platform.
A place to breathe.
And a way for us to support you deeply — with zero requirement to be a paid member.

Come join us here:
 http://thefitcollective.com/lounge

And don’t miss our Advent Event!

Starting December 1st, I’m giving away one incredible gift every day for 24 days.

Why? For fun. We need more fun.

When you invite a friend, you get entered to win; just forward this email!

2. For Everyone - Docs & Non-docs: The Holiday Reset (FREE)

If you’re not a doctor, or if you are a doctor and want something for BOTH your brain and your nervous system… we’ve created an incredible Holiday Reset.

It features our DistressRx™ Framework and will help you reset your energy, emotions, and habits going into the new year.

It’s free to join, and it’s going to be amazing

Register here:
https://www.thefitcollective.com/holiday-reset

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for being part of this community.

We love giving value, support, and joy to everyone on this journey.

Sending you all the love,
xo- Ali

P.S. Our lounge is completely off of social media. You are going to love the platform. It is a high-vibe, special space.

If Strength Training Came in a Pill, Everyone Would Take It…

Hi Friends,

There’s one thing almost every expert in medicine, longevity, and metabolic health can agree on:

If we could put all the benefits of strength training into a pill, every single person would take it.

Strength training improves metabolism, preserves muscle, protects bone density, balances blood sugar, boosts mental health, enhances mobility, and slows aging. It is the closest thing we have to a true longevity prescription.

But… life happens.

We all know the obstacles:

“I don’t have time.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“I don’t have equipment.”
“I have a bad knee.”
“I can’t stay consistent.”

And that’s exactly why this next part of the story is so important.

How It Started

About 18 months ago, Dr. Diana Pallin — who runs an outstanding obesity medicine practice in Pennsylvania, called New Start Medical — approached me with a vision.

She said, “Ali, I want to bring a sustainable strength training program into my practice. Can we partner?”

Before my brain even formed the words “absolutely,” my gut already said yes.

I knew exactly what I wanted to create:

A baseline, minimum-effective-dose strength program that ANYONE could do.

• 10 minutes

• 3 days per week

• 3 progressive levels

I designed it this way because I wanted to eliminate every obstacle.

Removing Every Barrier

Here’s what people usually say:

Obstacle #1: “I don’t have time.”
If you have 10 minutes, you can do this.

Obstacle #2: “10 minutes won’t make a difference.”
We now have data that proves it does.

Obstacle #3: “I don’t have equipment.”
Great — you don’t need any.

Obstacle #4: “I have a bad knee or limited mobility.”
Level 1 is done entirely seated in a chair.

Obstacle #5: “I don’t know where to start.”
We tell you exactly where to start — every time.

And something beautiful starts to happen.

Participants begin to realize that the only real obstacles…
are their thoughts.

Mindset + Muscle = Transformation

Each of the nearly 500 unique workouts features me training right alongside participants, while also coaching a mindset topic in real time.

And for anyone wondering about the quality:

Every workout is professionally filmed in a studio with high-end camera and sound equipment. This is not a DIY Zoom workout — this is a polished, clinical-grade product built for practices.

The Next Obstacle: Getting It Into Practices

Here’s the truth:

The #1 reason practices don’t adopt strength programs is funding.

So I decided to do something big.

Huge.

Not only are we offering practices the ability to bring this program into their clinic — just like Dr. Pallin did — but we’re providing it in bundle formats with very minimal upfront investment.

And even better:

We teach you exactly how to retail the program so your practice makes a return on investment.

We know how expensive it is to run a practice.

We know you don’t get reimbursed for this type of care.

So this is a partnership — a revenue-generating product that supports your patients and supports your business.

What the ROI Could Look Like

This is one of the rare clinical resources that pays for itself — quickly.

• Investment: $1,250

• Recommended retail price: $199–$399 per year

• Potential revenue: Up to $5,000 per bundle

• ROI: 300%–600%

And once you purchase a bundle, you have one full year to sell or distribute the seats.

I created this because the more people who have access to sustainable strength training, the bigger the impact we can make together.

You can check out all the details here.

If you’ve been looking for a simple, scalable, evidence-based lifestyle offering for your patients — this is it.

Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

Together, we’re helping people build strength, confidence, and longevity — 10 minutes at a time.

With so much love,
Ali

Perimenopause & Weight Gain: Why It Happens and How to Reverse It With Strength Training, Protein, and Hormone Support

Perimenopause brings a series of physical and emotional changes that can feel confusing, frustrating, and sometimes overwhelming. Yet this transitional phase is also a powerful window of opportunity—a time when understanding your hormones, improving your metabolism, adjusting your mindset, and refining your approach to nutrition and fitness can create lasting, measurable change. This comprehensive guide brings together the most essential, science-backed insights on how to navigate perimenopause, including perimenopausal weight gain, metabolism shifts, emotional resilience, and exercise modifications designed for longevity, muscle maintenance, and confidence.

Along the way, I’ll share personal reflections, real strategies, and a compassionate path forward for women stepping into this transformative season of life—especially those searching for clarity about how to manage perimenopause naturally, how to lose weight in midlife, and how to stay strong through hormonal change.

A Personal Reflection to Begin

Recently, I’ve been reminded of the joy of slowing down and grounding myself in the moment—something deeply important during perimenopause, when stress management and nervous system regulation become essential for hormonal balance. Over Christmas, my family spent a cozy day in pajamas, eating sushi alongside our traditional holiday dishes, and watching my daughters build their new Barbie Dreamhouse. It was one of those rare moments where I felt fully present—deeply connected to my family and grateful for the balance between rest and joy.

Another moment of reflection came during a family trip to Greece, where I led workouts for our group while navigating a knee injury that taught me lessons about patience, recovery, and the importance of smart, intentional movement. These personal experiences reminded me just how essential it is to honor your changing body during perimenopause, rather than pushing yourself the way you used to.

Perimenopause demands that we slow down enough to truly listen to ourselves. And when we do, everything shifts.

Understanding Perimenopause: Weight Gain, Metabolism & Your Changing Body

One of the most common concerns women share during perimenopause is unexpected weight gain, especially around the midsection. Even women who have never struggled with their weight suddenly feel like their bodies are working against them. You may find yourself wondering why everything feels different—even though your habits haven't changed.

There’s a reason. And it is not your fault.

Women often search for answers like:

• Why is it so hard to lose weight during perimenopause?

• Why am I gaining belly fat in perimenopause?

• How do hormones affect metabolism in midlife?

Here’s what the research shows.

Hormonal Shifts That Influence Perimenopausal Metabolism

During perimenopause, your hormones begin a gradual but powerful transition:

• Estrogen decreases, which changes fat distribution and increases abdominal fat.

• Testosterone decreases, contributing to lower energy, slowed recovery, and faster muscle loss.

• Insulin sensitivity decreases, making the body more prone to storing fat.

• Inflammation increases, especially when sleep quality drops.

These changes cause your basal metabolic rate to decline — meaning you burn fewer calories at rest than you used to. This is why even small losses in muscle mass can dramatically impact metabolism and energy levels.

I have personally felt the effects of these shifts. When my testosterone levels dropped, the fatigue was profound—even with excellent nutrition and consistent strength training. What surprised me most wasn’t the tiredness, but how much harder my body had to work to maintain muscle. It was a powerful reminder that even with the “perfect routine,” midlife physiology still changes.

But here’s the truth:

With strength, strategy, and support, you can optimize your metabolism, maintain muscle, and feel stronger than ever during perimenopause.

Key Strategies for Weight Management During Perimenopause

These evidence-based strategies help reverse metabolic slowdown, reduce body-fat gain, and support long-term hormonal health.

1. Commit to Strength Training — Even 10 Minutes Counts

Strength training is the most effective tool for:

• boosting metabolism

• preserving muscle mass

• stabilizing blood sugar

• lowering visceral fat

• improving longevity

A simple, effective routine:

• 10 minutes

• 3 days a week

• Progressive strength training

Your body responds to stimulus—not punishment. Short, consistent workouts are far more effective than occasional long ones.

2. Eat Enough Protein (Most Women Aren’t)

During perimenopause, protein becomes essential for:

• muscle maintenance

• blood sugar regulation

• appetite control

• recovery

• metabolic health

Aim for three servings of high-quality protein daily, or roughly 25–35 grams per meal.

3. Manage Stress and Prioritize Sleep

Stress and sleep disruptions are two of the biggest metabolic disruptors in perimenopause. High cortisol levels can override even the best nutrition and fitness habits.

To support hormonal balance, focus on:

• a calming nighttime routine

• magnesium or sleep-supporting nutrients (if appropriate)

• creating boundaries around nighttime stimulation

• gentle morning movement to reset cortisol

This combination helps regulate inflammation, hunger hormones, and blood sugar.

4. Track What Actually Matters

The scale fluctuates during perimenopause—and it’s normal.

Instead, track:

• body composition

• strength performance

• energy levels

• sleep quality

• how your clothes fit

• your emotional experience

This is the data that reflects real metabolic health—not the number on the scale.

Mindset Shifts: The Emotional Landscape of Perimenopause

Perimenopause is not just a physical transition—it's an emotional and psychological one.

Mindset is one of the most underappreciated tools for:

• reducing stress

• improving sleep

• supporting healthy habits

• navigating body changes

• increasing long-term resilience

These mindset shifts help women move from frustration to empowerment.

Meet Yourself Where You Are

Your body is in a new season. Your old strategies may no longer apply. And that doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong. It simply means you have entered a new chapter that requires new tools.

Adjust your:

• fitness habits

• recovery needs

• expectations

• self-talk

Meeting yourself where you are is one of the most compassionate — and powerful — choices you can make.

Ask for Help & Build Community

Women who navigate perimenopause successfully almost always rely on support.

Community enhances:

• emotional wellbeing

• longevity

• accountability

• resilience

You are not meant to figure this out alone.

It’s Never Too Late

One of the biggest myths about perimenopause is that strength, fitness, and metabolism inevitably decline.

They don’t.

Women begin strength training in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond — and build muscle, lose fat, gain confidence, and improve longevity.

You have not missed your window.

Nothing Has Gone Wrong

Weight gain, fatigue, mood changes, and shifting fitness capacity are not failures — they are physiology.

Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?”
Try asking, “What is my body asking for right now?”

This approach shifts frustration into empowerment.

Make Decisions from Your Core Desires

Instead of overthinking every choice, lead with how you want to feel:

• more free

• more joyful

• more energized

• more balanced

Let this guide your boundaries, your nutrition, your movement, and your self-care.

Fitness Adaptations: Training Smart in Perimenopause

As hormones shift, your training needs shift too. Not harder — smarter.

Here are the most important fitness adaptations for midlife women.

1. Prioritize Core and Floor Strength

A strong foundation protects you from injury and improves your movement patterns.

Focus weekly on:

• core stability

• pelvic floor engagement

• spinal alignment

• glute and hip activation

These foundations support everything from lifting weights to carrying groceries.

2. Less Is More

During perimenopause, overly intense training can increase:

• cortisol

• inflammation

• injuries

• burnout

Your sweet spot is:

• 10–20 minutes

• 3 days per week

• strength + functional movement + flexibility

Consistency is more powerful than intensity.

3. Recovery Is Essential

Your body’s ability to recover changes during perimenopause.

You need more:

• rest

• sleep

• nutrient support

• stress reduction

Recovery is a metabolic tool — not a luxury.

4. Modify Movements to Protect Your Joints

Midlife joints need support.

Small modifications make big differences:

• switch lunges → split squats

• slow your tempo

• strengthen accessory muscles

• reduce impact when needed

Modifications are a sign of intelligence, not weakness.

5. Work With Qualified Professionals

A movement specialist, physical therapist, or strength coach can help you:

• diagnose imbalances

• improve alignment

• strengthen safely

• prevent injuries

Support accelerates progress.

A Sample Weekly Workout Structure for Perimenopause

Day 1 — HIIT
Short, effective intervals for heart health & insulin sensitivity

Day 2 — Endurance Strength
Moderate weights, controlled tempo, higher reps

Day 3 — Max Strength
Heavier weights, fewer reps, compound movements

This combination supports metabolism, muscle mass, and long-term health.

A Final Word: Perimenopause Is a Beginning

Perimenopause is not a decline — it’s a recalibration.

It is a chance to:

• build strength

• reclaim energy

• redefine your mindset

• strengthen your relationships

• step confidently into the next chapter

You are not behind.
You are just getting started.

This phase is rich with potential and possibility. When you combine metabolic awareness, emotional resilience, and intelligent fitness strategies, you create a powerful foundation for lifelong strength — physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Conclusion:
Perimenopause can be navigated with clarity, compassion, and confidence. By embracing your changing metabolism, shifting your mindset toward growth, and adapting your fitness with intention, you can move through this season feeling more empowered than ever.

Don’t Drop the Cookie — Drop the Cortisol

Have you been hearing about DistressRx™ and wondering what the buzz is about?

This holiday season, I’ve created something special just for you — a chance to laugh, regulate, and actually enjoy the holidays again.

Don’t Drop the Cookie — Drop the Cortisol

A 3-Part DistressRx™ Mind-Body Reset Series 

Three live sessions designed to help you move through the season with humor, grace, and evidence-based stress relief.

Because let’s be honest, cortisol doesn’t take holidays off (and neither do family dynamics).
Whether it’s unsolicited advice, too many gifts, or the dog stealing the cookies, your nervous system deserves a reset — not a meltdown.

You’ll:

• Learn why the holidays spike your cortisol (and how to calm it fast)

• Discover your unique DistressRx™ stress subtype

• Build micro-habits to enter 2026 in regulation, not recovery

It’s not another webinar. It’s your cortisol-calming, connection-filled reset.

[Save My Seat (and My Sanity) — Includes the DistressRx™ Quiz]

Drop the cortisol. Keep the cookie.

Let’s make this the year you actually enjoy the holidays.

See you there!!

Xoxo Ali

6 Subtle Signs of Stress Overload Every Woman Doctor Should Know

If there’s one thing we all think we know how to do, it’s handle stress.
As women physicians, we’ve built careers on navigating pressure — long shifts, complex cases, demanding patients, emotional labor, leadership roles, and family responsibilities that don’t pause when the pager goes off.

We’re experts at staying composed under chaos.
Until… we’re not.

Here’s the truth: stress doesn’t always show up as panic or tears or exhaustion.
Sometimes, it whispers.
Sometimes, it hides in your daily habits — the ones that seem harmless until they quietly erode your energy, focus, and joy.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I just tired, or am I truly stressed out?” — this is for you.
Let’s look at six subtle, often-overlooked signs that you may be experiencing stress overload, and how recognizing them early can help you regulate before burnout takes hold.

1. No Motivation to Work Out (Even Though You Know It Helps)

You know the science: exercise reduces cortisol, boosts endorphins, and improves mood. You’ve told patients the same thing a thousand times.
But lately, even the idea of moving feels heavy.

That inner dialogue starts:

“I should go for a run.”
“I’ll do it tomorrow.”
“What’s the point anyway?”

This isn’t laziness — it’s energy depletion. Chronic stress triggers your body’s survival mechanisms, prioritizing short-term safety over long-term vitality. When your nervous system is in “protect” mode, even positive actions like working out can feel like too much.

You’re not losing discipline. You’re losing access to your body’s natural motivation because it’s busy surviving. The key here is compassion, not correction. Try gentle movement — a walk, stretching, or breathwork — to signal safety back to your body.

2. Craving Processed Food Over Whole Food

You used to crave colorful salads and crisp veggies. Now? Chips, crackers, chocolate, anything quick.
You’re not “failing your diet.” You’re feeding your stress response.

When cortisol levels stay high, the body seeks fast energy. Sugar and processed carbohydrates deliver quick dopamine hits, momentary calm, and a sense of control. It’s the nervous system’s version of a hug — fleeting, but powerful.

These cravings are often a biological message, not a willpower problem. The goal isn’t to judge the craving but to understand the communication. When your body asks for comfort, what it really needs is restoration.

Try this reframing question:

“What would feel nourishing — not just satisfying — right now?”

Often, what we need isn’t food. It’s space. It’s safety. It’s softness.

3. Extending Bedtime Further and Further While Scrolling

You know you’re tired. You even say you’re tired.
And yet, there you are — an hour past bedtime, eyes half-closed, still scrolling.

This behavior isn’t just about distraction. It’s revenge bedtime procrastination, a phenomenon that occurs when your brain tries to reclaim autonomy after a day of constant demands.

When every waking hour feels spoken for, that extra hour of late-night scrolling becomes your only perceived “freedom.” The irony is that it deepens fatigue and dysregulation, but in the moment, it feels like control.

Recognize this not as a failure of discipline but a signal of imbalance. Your nervous system is craving restoration, not rebellion.
Ask yourself:

“What am I really seeking right now — rest or relief?”

If it’s relief, find it consciously: a calming playlist, a guided meditation, or simply putting the phone down and taking three slow breaths.

4. Feeling Restless When You Try to Relax

You finally have a night off. You sit down to watch a movie, but you can’t seem to stay still. You fidget. You check your phone. You think of laundry. You feel… uncomfortable.

This is a subtle but powerful sign of nervous system dysregulation.
When you’ve been in high-alert mode for too long, your body forgets how to feel safe in stillness. Peace can feel foreign. Rest can feel wrong.

Many women physicians mistake this restlessness for personality — “I’m just not good at relaxing.”
But this isn’t who you are; it’s how stress rewires your physiology. Your brain has equated stillness with threat.

The antidote? Practice small doses of calm.
Start with two minutes of doing nothing — no phone, no task, no purpose. Let your system learn that stillness can be safe again.

5. Meeting with Soul-Filling Friends Feels Like a Chore

You love your friends. You know how good it feels to connect.
But lately, even the thought of scheduling lunch or a call feels like another obligation.

This isn’t introversion. It’s social fatigue — a sign your emotional bandwidth is maxed out.
When stress is high, your brain prioritizes survival over connection, even though connection is exactly what helps you heal.

It’s not that you’ve lost interest in people. You’ve lost capacity. Your system is saying, “I can’t hold one more thing — even the good stuff.”

Here’s the paradox: isolation amplifies stress, while gentle connection helps regulate it. Try smaller, more intentional interactions — a voice note, a walk, or a five-minute check-in. Authentic connection heals far more than social performance.

6. Perseverating on Fear of “Not Having Enough”

You might notice an internal hum of fear — not loud enough to call panic, but always present.

“What if I don’t have enough time?”
“Enough energy?”
“Enough money?”
“Enough support?”

This scarcity mindset often emerges when we’ve been stretched too thin for too long. It’s your stress response narrowing your focus to survival: conserve, control, prepare.

The emotional cost? You stop feeling abundant, creative, and hopeful — even when your life is objectively full.

Recognize this thought pattern for what it is: a physiological echo of stress, not an accurate reflection of reality.
One simple practice that helps: name three forms of “enough” each morning.

“I have enough to get through today.”
“I am enough as I am.”
“I have enough love, support, and wisdom available to me.”

Over time, this shifts the nervous system from scarcity to safety — and safety is the foundation of peace.

The Emotional Angle: What These Signs Really Mean

When we think of stress, we imagine crisis — the tearful breakdown, the fight with a colleague, the sleepless nights before call.
But true stress overload often hides beneath functionality.

It shows up in the in-betweens:

• The snack you reach for instead of dinner.

• The “I’m fine” text you send instead of asking for help.

• The late-night scrolling that replaces true rest.

These subtle signs are not failures of character or competence.
They’re quiet SOS signals from your body and mind saying:

“You’ve been strong for too long. It’s time to feel safe again.”

As women physicians, we pride ourselves on resilience — but resilience doesn’t mean ignoring signals. It means interpreting them.
It means recognizing that sometimes, the smallest changes in behavior are the most profound indicators of stress.

We each handle stress differently — some withdraw, some over-function, some seek control, others seek comfort.
But no matter your pattern, it’s the subtle shifts — the delayed bedtime, the skipped workout, the shrinking joy — that tell the real story.

When we learn to listen to these whispers, we give ourselves the gift of early intervention — before burnout, before breakdown, before our bodies are forced to scream what our hearts already know.

Your Next Step: Turn Awareness into Action

If you’re nodding along, not because you want to admit it but because you recognize yourself — take this as an invitation, not a criticism.
You’re not broken. You’re simply overloaded.

And awareness is your first step toward regulation.

In my new podcast series, we dive deeper into this exact topic — how to understand stress not as a personal failure but as a physiological signal that you can learn to interpret, manage, and transform.

🎧 Listen to the Stress Series: Understanding Stress as a Signal, Not a Failure
👉 https://www.thefitcollective.com/podcast/271-stress-series-01-understanding-stress-as-a-signal-not-a-failure

Because when we start listening to our stress instead of judging it, we begin to heal — not just for ourselves, but for everyone we care for.

You don’t need to wait for burnout to take a breath.

The smallest signs often hold the biggest truths.
Your stress is speaking — it’s time to listen.