Women in Medicine Month: Exposing the Research Bias That's Making Burnout Worse, EP 206
Episode Overview: In this powerful solo episode honoring Women in Medicine Month, Tracy Cherpeski exposes a critical flaw in physician burnout research that's been hiding in plain sight. While women now represent the majority of medical students, they face burnout rates nearly 50% higher than men and remain dramatically underrepresented in practice ownership - the very model that offers the autonomy and control that could address their burnout crisis.
Key Highlights:
Major burnout studies systematically exclude private practice owners who report the highest job satisfaction
Women physicians experience 47% burnout rates compared to 39% for men, yet only 34% own their practices
Private practice ownership has declined from 60% to 42% since 2012, eroding the practice model with highest physician satisfaction
Self-employed physicians earn 11% more and cite autonomy as their top priority
The research bias creates policies that favor large health systems while undermining diverse practice models
Memorable Quotes: "It's like studying American happiness but only surveying corporate employees while completely ignoring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Then wondering why everyone seems miserable."
"You're not just building a practice - you're modeling a different way to practice medicine. And that matters more than you might know."
"The solution to physician burnout isn't bigger health systems or more employment. It's empowering physicians to create practices that work for their lives, their values, and their wellbeing."
This episode challenges listeners to see practice ownership not just as a business model, but as a powerful wellbeing strategy that's been overlooked by mainstream medical research.
Tracy’s Bio:
Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.
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