Fem MD

Episoder

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  Residency Interview Tips: What Programs Actually Look For 30.09.2026 20min

  What are residency programs actually looking for during interviews?In this episode of FEM, MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares residency interview advice from both sides of the table. She has been a medical student interviewing for residency, a chief resident interviewing applicants, a fellowship candidate, part of the fellowship interview process, and now a business owner who regularly hires for her own practice.Her biggest advice? Once you have made it to the interview, your CV has already gotten you into the room. The interview is about something different: Are you someone they can trust, teach, and work beside at 2 a.m. when things get hard?Lauren breaks down the three qualities she looked for most in residency applicants: calmness, intelligence and resourcefulness, and curiosity. She also covers the biggest residency interview red flags, how to prepare without sounding rehearsed, what questions you should always be ready to answer, why you should never say you have no questions for the program, and how to take some of the pressure out of interview season.Whether you're applying to surgery, medicine, or another residency specialty, this episode offers a candid look at what happens on the other side of the interview table and how to show up as yourself.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  How to Protect Your Body & Mind as a Surgeon | The Business of Surgery Ep. 12 16.09.2026 19min

  The biggest threat to a surgeon's career may not be competition, reimbursement, or even the changing healthcare system. It may be their own body and mind.In the final episode of The Business of Surgery, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Umstattd explores what it takes to build a surgical career that can actually last. For Lauren, that means treating herself like the high-performance athlete she is: protecting her physical health, caring for her mind, and intentionally building systems that make the hardest days sustainable.From 90-second microbreaks in the operating room and surgical ergonomics to sleep, nutrition, coaching, self-regulation, and protecting your relationship with your work, Lauren shares the practices she uses to preserve both her body and her desire to keep operating.In this episode:Why surgeons should think of themselves as high-performance athletesProtecting your neck and spine in the operating roomThe power of 90-second surgical microbreaksImproving surgical ergonomicsWhy sleep and nutrition matter for career longevityProtecting your mental health as a surgeonWhat Lauren learned from working with a surgeon coachUsing curiosity instead of frustrationSelf-regulation in high-stress environmentsBuilding systems and guardrails for difficult daysCreating a surgical career you still want decades from nowThis is Episode 12 and the finale of The Business of Surgery, a FEM, MD series about what it really takes to build, lead, and sustain a physician-owned surgical practice.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  How an Au Pair Changed My Life as a Surgeon & Working Mom | The Business of Surgery Ep. 11 09.09.2026 23min

  What if one of the best investments you could make in your career had nothing to do with your actual business?In Episode 11 of The Business of Surgery, facial plastic surgeon, practice owner, and mom Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares why bringing an au pair into her home became one of the most consequential decisions she made for her business. With two young children and two working parents, reliable childcare didn't just make home life easier—it gave Lauren the security to operate, see patients, and lead her practice without constantly wondering what would happen when school closed or a child got sick.Lauren walks through the entire experience: why a traditional nanny didn't work for their family, how the au pair program works, what it costs, interviewing and choosing someone to live in your home, navigating boundaries, and what she would do differently next time.In this episode:Why childcare is a business issue for working parentsAu pair vs. nannyHow the au pair program worksWhat an au pair actually doesThe cost of hosting an au pairHow Lauren interviewed and selected her au pairManaging childcare with an inflexible physician scheduleThe mental load of being a working motherSetting boundaries with someone who lives in your homeThe unexpected benefits of cultural exchangeWhether Lauren would hire an au pair againThe Business of Surgery is a 12-part FEM, MD series exploring the realities of building a physician-owned surgical practice—and the life required to sustain it.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  How to Manage Stress as a Surgeon & Business Owner | The Business of Surgery Ep. 10 02.09.2026 25min

  How do you manage stress when you're simultaneously a surgeon, business owner, leader, spouse, parent, and person?In Episode 10 of The Business of Surgery, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Umstattd gets candid about something she is still figuring out herself: stress management. Rather than trying to eliminate stress entirely, Lauren shares the strategies she uses to manage it while building a career she wants to sustain for decades.From compartmentalization and communication to delegation, outsourcing, taking time away, and learning to recognize when stress is changing how you lead, this episode explores what it actually takes to keep all of the plates spinning—without expecting yourself to do it perfectly.In this episode:Managing stress as a physician and business ownerWhy work-life balance may be the wrong goalCompartmentalizing work, family, and personal responsibilitiesCommunicating when your plate is fullManaging the stress of surgical complicationsWhy vacation isn't always truly "off" for a practice ownerDelegating without expecting perfectionRecognizing when stress makes you more controlling or criticalOutsourcing responsibilities at homeCreating space for yourself as a high-achieving physicianBuilding a career for the marathon, not the sprintThe Business of Surgery is a 12-part FEM, MD series exploring the realities of building and running a physician-owned surgical practice.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  How I Made My Surgical Practice Profitable by Year Three | The Business of Surgery Ep. 9 26.08.2026 25min

  What does it actually take to make a surgical practice profitable?In Episode 9 of the Business of Surgery series, Dr. Lauren Umstattd breaks down the decisions that helped her build a profitable practice by year three, and why physicians need to get more comfortable thinking about marketing, money, pricing, and business growth.From starting marketing before she felt ready to niching down her surgical offerings, raising prices, investing in the patient experience, hiring ahead of growth, and paying close attention to the numbers, Lauren shares the strategies that have shaped her practice.She also talks candidly about the uncomfortable side of profitability: talking about money, making major capital purchases, investing in employees, and learning to view your business finances as objective measures of practice health.In this episode:• Why you should start marketing before you feel ready• The business advantage of niching down• Why Lauren stopped performing rhinoplasty• How and when to raise your prices• Why profitability matters for physician career longevity• Investing in the patient experience• Why Lauren hires team members before she thinks she needs them• How to think about your practice's bank account like vital signs• Investing in yourself, your team, and your brand• How to evaluate expensive capital equipment• Why Lauren refuses to discount her services• The case for transparent pricing• Why it's okay to build a practice that looks completely different from the traditional modelBuilding a successful medical practice doesn't require following the path that was already paved. Sometimes, you have to leave the sidewalk and build your own.This is Episode 9 of the 12-part Business of Surgery series on Fem, MD.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  The Hardest Part of Running a Surgical Practice? Managing People 19.08.2026 19min

  Running a surgical practice isn't just about patients, procedures, and revenue. It's about people.In Episode 8 of the Business of Surgery series, Dr. Lauren Umstattd talks candidly about one of the hardest parts of owning a practice: hiring, managing, promoting, and sometimes letting people go.She shares lessons from her own mistakes—including realizing that the best candidate for an open position may already be on your team, learning to address performance issues before they become major problems, and understanding when it's time to let someone go.Lauren also gets into the emotional side of personnel management: the guilt that can come with firing someone, the tension between being generous and protecting your business, and why compassionate leadership doesn't mean lowering your standards.In this episode:• Why you should look at your existing team before hiring externally• Why hiring slowly can save you from bigger problems later• How to define expectations before someone starts• When and how to give difficult feedback• Why you shouldn't wait until resentment builds to address performance issues• Planning for employee leave and unexpected changes• The emotional reality of firing and turnover• Why it's okay to let people go• How to treat employees with dignity—even when they're leaving• The lessons Lauren would give herself before opening her practiceFor physicians building their own practice, personnel management can be one of the most difficult—and most important—parts of the job.This is Episode 8 of the 12-part Business of Surgery series on Fem, MD.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  How to Delegate Without Losing Control of Your Medical Practice | The Business of Surgery Ep. 7 12.08.2026 22min

  When you own a private practice, you're not just the physician. You're also the manager, problem-solver, employer, and sometimes the janitor.In Episode 7 of The Business of Surgery, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Umstattd tackles one of the hardest transitions for physician entrepreneurs: learning when to delegate.Lauren shares how she went from personally managing nearly every aspect of her practice to gradually handing off responsibilities to a team, and why doing everything yourself can eventually become a barrier to growth.In this episode:What physicians underestimate about running a businessHow to decide what to delegateWhy repeatable tasks should come off your plate firstWhat Lauren still refuses to outsourceDelegating without losing oversightEmpowering employees to make decisionsHow to audit roles as your practice growsWhy one-on-one employee conversations can transform a businessProtecting your time for clinical work, creativity, and growthWhy you can outsource tasks—but not understanding your own practiceThe Business of Surgery is a 12-part FEM, MD series following the real mechanics of building and running a physician-owned surgical practice.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  How to Create a Luxury Patient Experience | The Business of Surgery Ep. 6 05.08.2026 23min

  Luxury healthcare isn't about marble countertops or expensive furniture.It's about making every patient feel seen, cared for, and confident—from the first phone call through recovery.In Episode 6 of The Business of Surgery, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares the philosophy behind creating a premium patient experience. Drawing inspiration from brands like Ritz-Carlton, Hermès, and world-class hospitality, Lauren explains why thoughtful details, genuine human connection, and exceptional follow-through matter more than flashy amenities.Whether you run a medical practice, own a business, or simply want to create a better customer experience, these principles apply far beyond surgery.In this episode:What luxury patient care really meansCreating a premium experience from the first phone callBuilding trust before surgeryWhy thoughtful details matter more than expensive onesDesigning an unforgettable patient experienceHow to say "no" to the wrong patientsThe importance of postoperative communicationCreating memorable moments that patients never forgetLessons from Ritz-Carlton, Hermès, and world-class hospitalityWhy word-of-mouth is your most valuable marketing strategyThe Business of Surgery is a 12-part summer series on FEM, MD, where Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares the lessons she learned building a thriving physician-owned cosmetic surgery practice—from startup through long-term growth.New episodes every Wednesday.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  How to Market Your Private Practice (Without Paid Ads) | The Business of Surgery Ep. 5 29.07.2026 21min

  How do you get patients to find—and trust—you before your practice even opens?In Episode 5 of The Business of Surgery, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares the marketing strategy she used to build a thriving physician-owned practice. From documenting the journey before opening day to creating educational content, embracing authenticity, and thinking long-term, this episode is a roadmap for physicians who want to grow their practice without relying on traditional advertising.Lauren explains why social media isn't about selling—it's about becoming the trusted resource patients already know when they're finally ready to seek care.In this episode:Why social media is the most powerful marketing tool for physiciansHow to build trust before patients ever meet youCreating content that attracts the right patientsWhy consistency beats perfectionOvercoming the fear of being on cameraMarketing your practice before you openGrowing organically across multiple platformsLocal marketing ideas that actually workedWhy documenting your journey builds trustThe long game of physician branding and practice growthThe Business of Surgery is a 12-part summer series on FEM, MD, where Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares the lessons she learned building a thriving physician-owned cosmetic surgery practice—from startup through long-term growth.New episodes every Wednesday.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  How to Hire the Right Team for Your Private Practice | The Business of Surgery Ep. 4 22.07.2026 22min

  The success of your private practice depends on one thing more than almost anything else: the people you hire.In Episode 4 of The Business of Surgery, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares her approach to hiring, building culture, and creating a team that patients genuinely love. From choosing your first employee to conducting working interviews, investing in staff, and knowing when it's time to let someone go, this episode is an honest look at the leadership side of physician entrepreneurship.Whether you're opening your first practice or leading an established team, these lessons apply far beyond medicine.In this episode:Who should be your first hire?Building a private practice team from scratchHow to interview and evaluate candidatesWhy working interviews matterHiring for attitude over experienceCreating a strong workplace cultureInvesting in employee growth and retentionGiving raises, CME budgets, and meaningful benefitsDifficult conversations and firing with integrityWhy micromanagement destroys great employeesThe Business of Surgery is a 12-part summer series on FEM, MD, where Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares the lessons she learned building a thriving physician-owned cosmetic surgery practice—from startup through long-term growth.New episodes every Wednesday.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  Lessons from Opening an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) | Business of Surgery Ep. 3 15.07.2026 22min

  What does it actually take to build and operate your own ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?In Episode 3 of The Business of Surgery, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares the realities of designing, building, and running a physician-owned surgery center—from navigating state regulations and construction delays to sourcing equipment, building the right team, and creating an exceptional patient experience.Rather than focusing on theory, Lauren walks through the practical lessons she learned while opening her own ASC, including the mistakes, unexpected challenges, and decisions she would make again.In this episode:Should you open your own ambulatory surgery center?The advantages of physician-owned ASCsBuilding an operating room from the ground upState regulations and accreditationConstruction challenges and project managementHow to save money on surgical equipmentWhen it's worth investing in premium equipmentDesigning a luxury surgical experienceHiring your first surgery center teamThe realities of owning and operating an ASCThe Business of Surgery is a 12-part summer series on FEM, MD, where Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares the lessons she learned building a thriving physician-owned cosmetic surgery practice—from startup through long-term growth.New episodes every Wednesday.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  Private Practice 101: Loans, Pricing & Building a Business | Business of Surgery Ep. 2 08.07.2026 23min

  Thinking about starting your own private medical or surgical practice? Where do you even begin? This is business 101, basics for the modern physician.In Episode 2 of The Business of Surgery, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Umstattd breaks down the financial and operational foundations of launching a physician-owned practice. From loans and lines of credit to pricing, startup costs, and creating a premium patient experience, this episode is a practical guide to the business skills physicians rarely learn during training.Whether you're a medical student dreaming about entrepreneurship, a resident considering private practice, or an attending ready to build something of your own, this episode offers an honest look at what it really takes to get started.In this episode:How to finance a private practiceLoans vs. lines of creditBuilding your first business plan (pro forma)Managing startup expensesBuying equipment without overspendingPricing medical and surgical servicesCreating a luxury patient experienceWhy physicians can succeed as entrepreneursLearning from other surgeons and business ownersThe Business of Surgery is a 12-part summer series on FEM, MD, where Dr. Lauren Umstattd shares the lessons she learned building a thriving physician-owned cosmetic surgery practice, from startup to long-term growth.New episodes every Wednesday.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  Should You Start Your Own Surgical Practice? | Business of Surgery Ep. 1 01.07.2026 18min

  Welcome to The Business of Surgery, a brand-new 12-part summer series on FEM, MD.Every week this summer, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Umstattd pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a successful private practice - from financing and hiring to marketing, leadership, pricing, and the mindset required to bet on yourself.In Episode 1, Lauren starts with the most important question of all:Should you even become an entrepreneur?Drawing from her own experience building a thriving, physician-owned cosmetic surgery practice, she discusses:• How to know if you're cut out for business ownership• Risk tolerance and entrepreneurial mindset• Why physicians struggle with imposter syndrome outside of medicine• Learning to embrace failure in business• Building your dream practice through intentional vision• Why "just start" is often the best advice• Autonomy vs. employment in medicine• Why physicians deserve more control over how they practiceWhether you're a medical student, resident, attending physician, or simply curious about entrepreneurship in healthcare, this series offers an honest, practical look at building a career on your own terms.Subscribe for new episodes of The Business of Surgery every week this summer.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  Why Women Doctors Burn Out: Motherhood, Boundaries & Toxic Martyrdom with Dr. Laura Vater 24.06.2026 35min

  Women physicians are often expected to do it all: care for patients, raise families, support everyone around them, and somehow never ask for anything in return.In this episode of FEM, MD, host Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with physician, writer, and creator Dr. Laura Vater for an honest conversation about toxic martyrdom in medicine, physician burnout, motherhood, sleep deprivation, and building a sustainable career as a woman doctor.Together, they discuss why so many women in medicine struggle with boundaries, how residency training can normalize self-sacrifice, the reality of the "second shift" at home, and practical advice for physicians navigating career, family, and personal well-being.Topics discussed include:• Toxic martyrdom in medicine• Women physicians and burnout• Motherhood during medical training• The "second shift" and working moms• Setting boundaries as an attending physician• Sleep deprivation and physician wellness• Negotiating your first physician contract• Financial independence for doctors• Raising children while practicing medicine• Finding joy and fulfillment outside of workWhether you're a medical student, resident, attending physician, or working mother trying to balance it all, this conversation offers practical wisdom and reassurance that you are not alone.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dr. Laura VaterConnect with Laura: @doclauravaterProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  Why So Many Women Physicians Are Walking Away | FEM, MD 17.06.2026 44min

  Why are so many women physicians walking away from medicine?In this episode of FEM, MD, host Lauren Umstattd sits down with retinal specialist and physician coach Dr. Shanika Esparaz to discuss the wake-up call that forced her to rethink everything. After experiencing debilitating physical symptoms—including the worst headache of her life—Dr. Esparaz realized that what looked like success on the outside was costing her far more than she realized.Together, they explore physician burnout, the unique challenges facing women in medicine, the pressure to do it all, and how learning to slow down helped Dr. Esparaz reclaim her career, family life, and sense of self.Topics discussed include:• The physical symptoms of physician burnout• Why women doctors are leaving medicine at alarming rates• The hidden cost of perfectionism and overachievement• Building boundaries in clinical practice• Opening (and later closing) a concierge medical practice• Autonomy vs. workload in medicine• How coaching helped redefine success• Nervous system regulation and burnout recovery• Why slowing down isn't the same as giving up• Learning to choose yourself without guiltIf you've ever wondered whether there's a different way to practice medicine—or a different way to live—this conversation is for you.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dr. Shanika EsparazConnect with Shanika: @shani_esparazmdProduced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  From Hospital Employee to Surgery Center CEO | Dr. Betsy Dovec 03.06.2026 42min

  Dr. Betsy Dovec was one of the busiest bariatric surgeons in the country when she made a decision that shocked many of her colleagues: she walked away from a secure, high-paying hospital position to build her own practice and surgery center from the ground up.In this episode of FEM, MD, Betsy shares the behind-the-scenes reality of launching Body by Bariatrics, navigating non-competes, securing a $12 million loan, building an ambulatory surgery center, and leading a growing healthcare business. She also discusses how GLP-1 medications are changing the bariatric landscape, why she believes traditional hospital-employed bariatric programs are facing major disruption, and what it takes to balance entrepreneurship, surgery, and motherhood.If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to build a medical practice on your own terms, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on risk-taking, leadership, resilience, and creating a life that aligns with your ambitions.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dr. Elizabeth "Betsy" DovecConnect with Betsy: @drdovechttps://bodybybariatrics.com/Produced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  The Athlete-to-Surgeon Pipeline: Women Surgeons, Stress & the Athlete Mentality 20.05.2026 32min

  On this episode of FEM, MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Natalie Krane for a candid conversation about the surprising overlap between elite athletics and surgical training. From Division I soccer and career-ending injuries to residency culture, burnout, performance psychology, and personal wellness, they unpack the coping mechanisms that make high-achieving women successful — and the ways those same traits can quietly erode long-term wellbeing.The two surgeons discuss restorative breathing in the operating room, microbreaks during surgery, the psychology of performance under pressure, protecting life outside the hospital, and why “even baddies get saddies.” They also reflect on ambition, retirement, identity outside medicine, and the realization that women are allowed to “take up more space” — in medicine and in life.This episode is for every woman in medicine who has ever pushed through exhaustion, ignored her body’s signals, or wondered what it means to build a sustainable life alongside a meaningful career.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dr. Natalie KraneConnect with Natalie @drnataliekranehttps://drnataliekrane.com/Produced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  Married, Then a Throuple: Rethinking Love, Commitment, and Monogamy with Dr. Rachel Meir 06.05.2026 38min

  What happens when a long-term marriage evolves beyond monogamy?In this episode of FEM, MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with clinical psychologist and relationship coach Dr. Rachel Meir to explore what it actually looks like to open a relationship—and why more people are questioning traditional models of love.Dr. Meir shares her personal story of being married for over 20 years before coming out as bisexual, opening her marriage, and ultimately building a committed triad relationship. Together, they unpack the emotional, logistical, and cultural realities of non-monogamy—from communication and jealousy to family reactions and societal expectations.This conversation isn’t just about polyamory. It’s about identity, honesty, and what it means to build a relationship that actually fits your life.In this episode, they discuss:What polyamory actually is (and what it isn’t)Opening a long-term marriage—how it really happensJealousy, insecurity, and emotional regulationThe logistics of a “throuple” relationshipNavigating family, career, and social judgmentHow communication—not structure—is what makes relationships workWhy vulnerability is the foundation of any healthy relationshipWhether you’re curious about non-traditional relationships or simply want a deeper understanding of connection, this episode will challenge assumptions about love, commitment, and what’s possible.Subscribe for more conversations on career, identity, and modern womanhood in medicine.Dr. Rachael Meir is a sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and kink-aware psychologist and sex/relationship coach who helps people explore ethical non-monogamy—including polyamory, open relationships, and swinging— without the fear of judgment, jealousy, or damaged relationships. As a bisexual woman in a polyamorous triad with her partners, Aaron and Kasey, she brings both personal and professional expertise. Dr. Meir is the author of 50 Questions to Ask Before Opening Your Relationship, a practical and compassionate guide to help individuals and couples navigate non-monogamy with confidence and clarity.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dr. Rachel MeirConnect with Rachel: @drrachaelmeircoachinghttps://www.drrachaelmeir.com/retreat-2026 - Thriving Throuples Retreat https://www.drrachaelmeir.com/ Produced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  From Residency to Owning a Surgical Practice (With Kids): The Truth No One Tells You 22.04.2026 56min

  What does it actually take to build a successful surgical practice—and a life outside of it?In this episode of FEM, MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lindsey Pennington to talk about the realities of modern surgical careers: from patient red flags and pricing decisions to working with your spouse, motherhood, and building a business that’s actually sustainable.They get candid about the “era of yes” early in your career, why learning to say no is critical, and how protecting your time can completely change your practice—and your life.Dr. Pennington also shares:The biggest patient red flags (and why ignoring them backfires)How she built and scaled her private practiceWhat it’s really like working with your husband in the ORThe tradeoffs between revenue, time, and familyWhy she stopped focusing on money—and what happened insteadLeadership, burnout, and the shift from surgeon to CEOThis is a conversation about ambition, boundaries, and building a career on your own terms.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Lindsey Pennington, MDConnect with Lindsey: @penningtonfacialplasticshttps://penningtonfacialplastics.com/Produced by: The Hippocratic CollectiveSee more shows and content at hippocratic-collective.com
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  The Psychology of Narcissists (and Why They Thrive in Power) 08.04.2026 49min

  What if the most dangerous relationships don’t look dangerous at first?In this episode of FEM, MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with psychotherapist Vanessa Reiser to unpack the reality of narcissistic abuse—how it starts, why it’s so hard to leave, and why even highly trained professionals aren’t immune.From love bombing and future faking to gaslighting and trauma bonding, this conversation breaks down the patterns that keep people stuck—and the subtle warning signs most of us miss. Vanessa also shares her own story of escaping an abusive relationship and spending years navigating a system that often fails victims.They explore:The difference between narcissistic traits vs. narcissistic personality disorderWhy some “dark traits” can actually fuel professional successThe cycle of abuse—and why it feels addictiveRed flags in dating that are often dismissed as “personality quirks”Why autonomy—not avoidance—is the real protectionHow to support a friend without pushing them further inThis is not just about relationships. It’s about power, identity, and the uncomfortable truth that not everyone is wired the same way.If you’ve ever felt confused, drained, or like you’re losing yourself in a relationship—this episode will help you name it.And once you can name it, you can start to leave it.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Vanessa Reiser, LCSWConnect with Vanessa: @vanessareiserlcswhttps://morewithbrookemartin.com/Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist’s Guide to Identifying, Escaping, and Healing from Toxic and Manipulative People: https://www.amazon.com/Narcissistic-Abuse-Therapists-Identifying-Manipulative/dp/0306833174Presented by: ‪@HippocraticCollective‬Vanessa Reiser is a mother, author, entrepreneur, 2X Ironman and psychotherapist licensed in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida, specializing in narcissistic and cult abuse. She is also the founder of Tell a Therapist, LLC and is best known for her run across the state of New York (285 miles in 11 days) in a wedding dress to raise awareness for narcissistic abuse. She also subsequently ran across NJ, CT, MA & RI with plans to traverse Maryland June 5, 2026. Her insights are both personal and professional, giving her a unique lens into this insidious form of domestic abuse. She recently published "Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist's Guide to Identifying, Escaping, and Healing from Toxic and Manipulative People," available at Hachettebookgroup.comVanessa holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California with a focus on community organizing. Vanessa is also a social media influencer, sharing life-changing information that is educational and validating to those impacted by narcissistic abuse. Vanessa has been interviewed by prestigious news and media outlets like People Magazine, The New York Times, Fox News, MSN, and The New York Post.