So, let’s talk about career pivots and the value of continuous education and training with Dr. Sharon Smith…
Unlike many who enter medicine unsure of the path they’re going to take, today’s guest knew from the start that she wanted to be an obstetrician-gynecologist. Even when people around her tried to invite her to do something else, she didn’t falter and continued with what she wanted to do.
But then, the pandemic came, a.k.a. one of the toughest times in medicine. And with the extreme burnout and having to deal with the pain of losing her father, she knew she needed to make a change.
And so, she did. She pursued aesthetics and served in locum tenens of obstetrics and gynecology. This shift later changed her life for the better, helping her achieve work-life balance and better self-care.
So, if you’re curious about how she was able to take the leap, or if you just want to learn about aesthetic medicine and procedures associated with it, tune in and join us as we talk about her story.
Guest’s bio:
Dr. Sharon Smith is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with over 15 years of experience and has always had a strong interest in the beauty industry. This later on led her to transition to aesthetic medicine after realizing the need to pivot, especially after the pandemic. She’s currently serving as a part-time obstetrician and gynecologist while working full-time on her aesthetic and obesity medicine practice.
Why you need to check this episode:
- Discover the work obstetrician-gynecologists and aesthetic physicians do;
- Recognize the importance of continuous education and training to achieve excellence in what you do;
- Understand the significance of building strong and nurturing relationships with patients; and
- Learn about aesthetic procedures while learning what the terms “OB Deserts”, “Platelet Rich Plasma” (PRP), and O-Shot mean
“For you to become proficient and skilled at what you do, you have to put training upfront, and you have to know that you’re going to train and train again and update yourself and learn new techniques and hone your craft. That’s the only way you’re going to get good and become excellent at what you do.” –Dr. Sharon Smith
Topics Covered:
00:00 – Introduction: Welcoming this week’s special guest, Dr. Sharon Smith
00:56 – Get to Know Her: Dr. Smith shares her journey from medical school, being an OB-GYN, getting into private practice, and losing her father during the pandemic
06:44 – Decision to Pivot: The realization of the need to realign focus and the emotional difficulty of transitioning patients during the process
09:08 – “OB Deserts” Explained: Dr. Smith describes the concept of “OB deserts”, highlighting the shortage of obstetric care in certain areas
11:14 – Balancing Obstetrics and Aesthetics: How Dr. Smith manages her time between work in locum tenens and growing her aesthetic practice
12:47 – Patient Relationships: The lasting connections she’s made with patients, and how political decisions impact such relationships
14:39 – Transition and Training: Discussion on how her lifelong interest in the beauty industry led her to aesthetics and the importance of continuous training in the practice
21:57 – Drop or Not: Does Dr. Smith see herself giving up obstetrics and gynecology sometime in the future?
22:31 – Obesity’s Effects on Gynecological Care: Dr. Smith discusses how obesity complicates obstetric and gynecological patient care, especially with the general lack of healthcare access
25:23 – Procedures: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and O-shot explained along with the importance of educating patients on aesthetic options and benefits
31:49 – Physicians and Support Staff: How Dr. Smith’s medical background and her medical assistant help her in her aesthetic practice
34:50 – Physicians’ Interest in Aesthetics: Are there other physicians seeking guidance on entering aesthetic medicine?
35:53 – Relationships and Balance: What is the significance of developing strong relationships with patients? How did Dr. Smith’s life change after the transition?
39:13 – Connect with Dr. Sharon Smith: Find her socials here (links below)
41:14 – Outro: Expressing gratitude for Dr. Smith’s insights and the importance of sharing physician experiences
Quotes:
“Just the awareness itself of what can happen and how I’d have to handle it, to me, [it] gives me an edge.” – Dr. Sharon Smith
“It’s been good. Even transitioning to locums and growing my aesthetic practice, it’s been great. I sleep more now, I have more time for self-care, I’m not running on empty, I’m not missing out on much.” – Dr. Sharon Smith
Mentions:
- Leading Ladies Lounge (Dr. Smith’s podcast)
- The Medical Collective (podcast collaboration with other physicians)
Connect with Dr. Sharon Smith:
Let’s Connect:
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