#438 - CONTRIBUTOR SERIES - Men In Medicine: How Medical Training Combined with Societal Norms Causes Male Physicians To Suffer
Medicine has long been defined by a culture that demands toughness, self-sacrifice, and emotional suppression, particularly for male physicians. In this episode, Dr. Joe Sherman shares his insights on how these expectations contribute to physician burnout, emotional isolation, and workplace toxicity.
He and Dr. Amna Shabbir discuss how changing the culture around male physicians can make medicine more compassionate and inclusive. They examine why male doctors struggle to show vulnerability and how shifting medical norms can support their well-being. Dr. Sherman also shares his journey of overcoming the fear of seeking help, offering practical insights for building resilience and self-compassion.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
- Create Safe Spaces for Vulnerability – Physicians, especially men, need environments where expressing emotions is accepted, not stigmatized. Supporting peer groups and coaching can foster this change.
- Reframe Asking for Help as Strength, Not Weakness – Whether through coaching, therapy, or peer support, seeking help is a sign of courage and self-awareness, not failure.
- Lead with Compassion – Senior physicians set the tone for medical culture. By modeling emotional intelligence and trust-building, they can create a healthier work environment for the next generation.
About the Guest:
Dr. Joe Sherman is a pediatrician, professional development coach, and consultant to physicians and healthcare organizations in the areas of provider well-being, leadership, and career discernment. His services include individual coaching, medical team support, retreat facilitation, and public speaking. He is a trained facilitator with the Center for Courage & Renewal and a Master Certified Physician Development Coach with the Physician Coaching Institute.
Dr. Sherman has been in pediatric practice for over 35 years concentrating on healthcare delivery to underserved and medically complex children in the District of Columbia, Tacoma, Seattle, Uganda, and Bolivia. He has held numerous faculty positions and is currently a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.
Website: https://joeshermanmd.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeshermanmd/
Host:
Dr. Amna Shabbir is the Founder and CEO of the Early Career Physicians Institute, a Duke Certified Wellness and Life Coach, Dual Board-Certified Geriatrician-Internist and Super Mom to two young girls. She passionately supports new attending physicians in navigating post-medical training challenges, helping them to excel both professionally and personally
https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AmnaShabbir
https://web.facebook.com/dr.amnashabbir.md?_rdc=1&_rdr#
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.