Doctor's Crossing

Doctor's Crossing When you’re a doctor questioning your career path, few people understand.

I’m here to understand your unique journey as a physician - what’s working and what isn’t - and help you make a decision that will lead you to fulfilling your purpose.

Have you been thinking about stepping into leadership but aren’t sure where to begin? 👀In this episode of The Doctors Cr...
05/08/2026

Have you been thinking about stepping into leadership but aren’t sure where to begin? 👀

In this episode of The Doctors Crossing, Heather is joined by Dr. Leo Spector, an orthopedic spine surgeon and CEO, who shares his journey into physician leadership and what it really takes to grow into these roles.

From mentorship and early leadership experiences to navigating challenges and finding your voice, Dr. Spector offers practical insights and encouragement for physicians who want to make a greater impact. 🎙️✨

Whether you’re simply curious about leadership or ready to take the first step, this conversation will help you see what’s possible.



Listen here:

Discover how physicians can step into leadership roles with insights from Dr. Leo Spector on mentorship, mindset, and getting started without prior experience.

If you’ve ever wondered whether physicians can work in artificial intelligence without learning to code, this episode ma...
04/24/2026

If you’ve ever wondered whether physicians can work in artificial intelligence without learning to code, this episode may surprise you.

In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Danielle Torres, who stepped away from the traditional residency path to pursue healthcare AI and now serves as Director of Clinical Pathways and Education, helping AI insights translate into real-world patient outcomes.

If “AI” makes you think you need years of technical training, think again. Dr. Torres walks through accessible roles where physicians can apply their clinical expertise—from training models to designing products to implementing tools at the point of care. Whether you’re exploring a side gig, consulting, or a full career pivot, this is a practical look at how physicians can enter this rapidly growing field without deep technical knowledge.



Discover how physicians can work in healthcare AI without coding. Learn entry-level roles, career paths, compensation, and practical steps to get started.

Have you ever thought, “If I got sued, I don’t think I could survive it?”🤔Malpractice litigation is one of medicine’s un...
04/10/2026

Have you ever thought, “If I got sued, I don’t think I could survive it?”🤔

Malpractice litigation is one of medicine’s unspoken fears. We know it’s possible, but we rarely talk about the shame, isolation, sleepless nights, and identity-shaking stress that can come with it.

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Dr. Gita Pensa — emergency physician, coach, and podcast host of Doctors and Litigation: The L Word. Dr. Pensa shares her experience enduring a 12-year malpractice lawsuit that included two trials. What began as one of the most traumatic chapters of her life ultimately became the catalyst for meaningful advocacy and support for other physicians facing litigation.

If you’ve ever been sued, fear being sued, or want to better understand this hidden side of medicine, this conversation is essential listening.



Emergency physician Dr. Gita Pensa shares her 12-year journey through a $28 million malpractice lawsuit, revealing the hidden emotional toll of litigation and practical strategies for physicians facing the fear, shame, and stress of being sued.

Have you ever done everything “right” on paper, matched into your specialty, landed your first attending job, checked al...
03/27/2026

Have you ever done everything “right” on paper, matched into your specialty, landed your first attending job, checked all the boxes, only to lie awake wondering why it still feels so hard? If you’ve felt stretched thin, questioned your identity in medicine, or sensed that your purpose might be unfolding before the path is clear, this episode will truly resonate.

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Yuri Shindo, an academic hospitalist at UC San Diego who is board-certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine. Dr. Shindo shares her journey from feeling overwhelmed in primary care to stepping into an unexpected calling that began with a reluctant yes to helping her mother’s nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment program. This conversation is about courage, values, experimentation, and trusting the quiet inner voice that guides you forward.

What happens when you’ve done everything “right” in medicine but still feel uncertain about your path? Dr. Yuri Shindo shares her journey from overwhelmed primary care physician to discovering purpose through addiction medicine and an unexpected calling.

Have you ever had a negative online review stick with you far longer than it should? Even when you know you provided exc...
03/13/2026

Have you ever had a negative online review stick with you far longer than it should? Even when you know you provided excellent care, one harsh comment can feel deeply personal and unfair.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jeff Segal, a neurosurgeon, attorney, and founder of Medical Justice. Dr. Segal shares practical, real-world guidance on how physicians can respond to negative reviews, protect their online reputation, and avoid letting a few comments undermine their confidence or career satisfaction.

Struggling with negative online reviews as a physician? Dr. Jeffrey Segal shares practical, HIPAA-safe strategies to respond professionally, protect your reputation, generate positive reviews, and prevent burnout from online criticism.

What if your career didn’t have to be just one thing?🤔In this week's episode of the Doctors Crossing Carpe Diem podcast,...
01/30/2026

What if your career didn’t have to be just one thing?🤔

In this week's episode of the Doctors Crossing Carpe Diem podcast, we explore the idea of a portfolio career—a professional life made up of multiple aligned roles rather than a single, linear path. Using a powerful real-world example, we talk about how physicians can create more fulfillment, connection, and sustainability by thoughtfully diversifying how they work.

I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky, a psychiatrist who affectionately calls herself The Sunny Psychiatrist. Jess shares her journey from military medicine to telepsychiatry, private practice, and eventually a portfolio career that blends clinical work, nurse practitioner supervision, disability evaluations, teaching, and speaking. Her story is a beautiful example of how clarity often comes from experimentation—not from having it all figured out upfront.

Together, we talk honestly about what wasn’t working, what was missing, and how small “yeses” opened doors to a career that now feels deeply aligned. We also discuss the practical considerations of portfolio careers, including time management, income variability, benefits, and insurance—so you can explore your options with eyes wide open.

If you’re feeling stuck, lonely, under-stimulated, or simply curious about what else might be possible, this episode offers both inspiration and grounded guidance. https://doctorscrossing.com/episode239/

Discover how physicians can build a portfolio career that blends multiple aligned roles for greater fulfillment, flexibility, and sustainability. In this episode of the Doctors Crossing Carpe Diem podcast, Dr. Jess Beachkofsky shares her journey and practical insights into designing a career beyond....

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” in your career, but something still feels… off? 🤔 You’re not alo...
01/16/2026

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” in your career, but something still feels… off? 🤔 You’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics: your Zone of Genius 🧠✨ The place where your natural strengths, passions, and most meaningful contributions finally click together. When you find it, work stops draining you and starts giving you energy, clarity, and actual joy.

I’ll walk you through the four zones we all operate in and explain why the Zone of Excellence can look great on paper 📄 but still leave you feeling stuck, restless, or quietly unfulfilled. I’m also sharing real stories from physicians who unlocked powerful new directions by leaning into their Zone of Genius instead of staying comfortable.

If you’re standing at a crossroads and wondering what’s next 👀 this episode is your nudge toward more purpose, alignment, and momentum in your next chapter 🚀



Feeling successful but unfulfilled in your medical career? This episode explores the Zone of Genius, why excellence can still feel empty, and how physicians can find clarity, energy, and purpose in their next chapter.

We’re often told that gratitude is the answer, that if we could just appreciate what we have, everything would feel bett...
01/02/2026

We’re often told that gratitude is the answer, that if we could just appreciate what we have, everything would feel better. And while gratitude can be grounding and healing, there is a side of it that doesn’t get talked about enough.

In this solo episode, I explore what happens when gratitude turns into pressure, when “I should be grateful” becomes a way of silencing your truth, minimizing your exhaustion, or staying stuck in a situation that no longer fits. This is what I call the gratitude trap, and it’s one many physicians encounter, especially at moments of transition.

This episode is an invitation to reclaim gratitude as a source of support rather than self-abandonment. If you’ve ever questioned your career and then talked yourself out of listening to that inner voice, this conversation is for you.

When gratitude turns into pressure, it can keep physicians stuck. Learn how to spot the gratitude trap and reclaim gratitude as support, not self-silencing.

If you’ve been in the interview process for a nonclinical job and suddenly find yourself in a holding pattern—no updates...
10/17/2025

If you’ve been in the interview process for a nonclinical job and suddenly find yourself in a holding pattern—no updates, no emails, and no clarity—you’re not alone. Delays, ghosting, and rejection can be confusing and discouraging, especially when everything seemed to be going well.

In this episode, Heather shares why these frustrating pauses happen, what might be going on behind the scenes, and most importantly, how to respond so you stay confident, empowered, and ready for the next opportunity. You’ll learn practical strategies to follow up respectfully, gain insight from your interview experience, and reframe rejection as redirection toward the right role for you.

Whether you’re waiting for a recruiter to reply, feeling ghosted after multiple rounds, or processing a painful “no,” this episode offers both empathy and actionable guidance to help you keep moving forward with faith and self-assurance.



Feeling ghosted or stuck after a job interview? Learn why delays happen, how to follow up with confidence, and reframe rejection as redirection.

When you’re exploring nonclinical jobs, one of the very first hurdles is often the recruiter screening call. Many physic...
10/03/2025

When you’re exploring nonclinical jobs, one of the very first hurdles is often the recruiter screening call. Many physicians assume this will just be a quick, casual chat but in reality, it can make or break whether you move forward in the process.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to prepare for this important conversation as if I were coaching you one-on-one. You’ll learn what recruiters are really looking for, how to connect your story to their needs, and the simple but powerful ways you can build a bridge that sets you apart as a strong candidate.

This isn’t about rattling off your CV or giving “perfect” answers. It’s about understanding the recruiter’s perspective, showing authentic interest, and coming across as both capable and collaborative. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident heading into that first call and know how to approach it with professionalism and ease.

In this episode we’re talking about:

- The “three-legged stool” recruiters use to assess candidates

- How to build a bridge between your story and the company’s mission

- Tips for answering the classic “Tell me about yourself” opener

- The most common questions you’ll hear—and how to be ready for them

- How to handle the dreaded salary question with calm confidence

- Thoughtful questions you can ask to stand out

- Why a warm, timely follow-up email makes such a difference

https://doctorscrossing.com/episode230/

Learn how to ace your first recruiter interview with Dr. Heather Fork. In this episode, discover key strategies to prepare, answer common questions, handle salary discussions, and build a strong connection that can bridge you to the next round.

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pivot into a completely new career—especially when you don’t fit the trad...
09/19/2025

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pivot into a completely new career—especially when you don’t fit the traditional mold? In today’s episode,

I’m joined by Michelle Mudge-Riley, DO, MHA, RDN, a physician who took a bold leap from career coaching into the pharmaceutical world. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your curiosity and explore what else is possible.

We pull back the curtain on her transition, what it felt like to leave a successful business behind, and how she broke into pharma despite not being the typical candidate.

Whether you’re just beginning to question your current path or actively exploring nonclinical options, Michelle’s story offers honesty, encouragement, and practical tools for the journey ahead. She shares what really happens behind the scenes—from failed interviews and self-doubt to finally landing the right role.



Discover how Dr. Michelle Mudge-Riley pivoted from career coaching to pharma—her setbacks, mindset shifts, and the joy of finding a new path.

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