What Medicine Still Gets Wrong About Women Physicians (Ft. Dr. Erica Howe)
Finding Balance, Beating Burnout, and Empowering Women in Medicine: Lessons from Dr. Erica Howe
As an internal medicine physician, mentor, and the host of The Interesting MD Podcast, I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with remarkable healthcare professionals who redefine what it means to thrive in medicine. In a recent episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Erica Howe—a board-certified hospitalist, educator, entrepreneur, and founder of the Women Physicians Wellness Conference. Our conversation left me both inspired and introspective, and I’m excited to share the heart of our discussion here with you.
Why Physician Burnout in Women Deserves Special Attention
The medical field isn’t just demanding; it’s often relentless. And while more women than ever are donning the white coat in medical school and residency, the higher ranks of medicine are still overwhelmingly male. As we discussed, women physicians are more likely to find themselves burning the candle at both ends—clinically, at home, and in the constant pursuit of excellence.
Dr. Howe’s story is, in many ways, the blueprint of this journey. Like so Finding Balance, Beating Burnout, and Empowering Women in Medicine: Lessons from Dr. Erica Howe
As an internal medicine physician, mentor, and the host of The Interesting MD Podcast, I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with remarkable healthcare professionals who redefine what it means to thrive in medicine. In a recent episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Erica Howe—a board-certified hospitalist, educator, entrepreneur, and founder of the Women Physicians Wellness Conference. Our conversation left me both inspired and introspective, and I’m excited to share the heart of our discussion here with you.
Why Physician Burnout in Women Deserves Special Attention
The medical field isn’t just demanding; it’s often relentless. And while more women than ever are donning the white coat in medical school and residency, the higher ranks of medicine are still overwhelmingly male. As we discussed, women physicians are more likely to find themselves burning the candle at both ends—clinically, at home, and in the constant pursuit of excellence.
Dr. Howe’s story is, in many ways, the blueprint of this journey. Like so many of us, she finished residency, launched into academic medicine, and started a family—all while quietly carrying the weight of expectation.
“I had three kids in five years and was a full-time academic hospitalist… I was just barely keeping my head above water,” she candidly recalls.
And for so many of us, this resonates: the façade of having it all together while internally shouldering the doubts, guilt, and exhaustion—what Dr. Howe called her “hallway of shame.”
The Power of Community: You’re Not Alone
One of the most powerful moments of our conversation was Dr. Howe’s realization that she was not alone in this struggle. A hallway encounter with a colleague who simply said, “Me too,” broke the illusion that she was the only one barely treading water. There’s liberation in vulnerability, and sometimes the simple act of sharing your truth opens the door for genuine connection and strategy-sharing.
That was her spark: If we could carve out real, protected time and space, imagine the strategies we could share—and the worlds we could change.
Planting the Seeds of Change: The Women Physicians Wellness Conference
What followed was the creation of the Women Physicians Wellness Conference (WPW), a CME retreat designed not just for learning and networking, but for reflection, rest, and true self-care. It didn’t take long before a “crazy” dream of getting 50 women together became a movement that now spans conferences in Grand Cayman, Aruba, Amelia Island, and beyond—approaching 500 attendees per year.
I’ll let you in on a secret: Great conferences aren’t just about the program content; they’re about how you feel when you leave. Dr. Howe’s “beach girl” spirit and commitment to recharging, pampering, and genuinely connecting attendees sets WPW apart. These aren’t 14-hour marathons where you’re just waiting to get back to your hotel room. Instead, you have afternoons to rest, find clarity, and bond with other women facing many of the same challenges.
Why Women Need to Lead (and How to Get There)
Despite the progress—from more women entering med school to leading research—women still lag behind in leadership roles. As Dr. Howe points out, when women aren’t part of the decision-making process, the system remains optimized for a way of working that often doesn’t support women or families.
It’s not about pushing men out—it’s about adding voices who understand firsthand what it takes to juggle clinical duties, care for a family, and simply to survive (let alone thrive) in a system that can seem rigid and unyielding.
So, what helps women break out of the status quo and ascend to leadership (or entrepreneurship)?
Lessons from Dr. Erica Howe:
1. Give Yourself Time and Space to Breathe Sometimes, clarity only comes when you step out of your daily routine. As Erica advises, “The first thing that women need when they’re trying to make a change is just a minute to breathe and to step away… You need time for that and quiet.” That may be a weekend away, an afternoon of silence, or ideally—a WPW conference.
2. Reflect on What Energizes You Take inventory: What lights you up? What drains the life from you? Too often, our days fill with obligations that don’t serve our passion or growth. “How much of my day is comprised of [what energizes me] versus the things that drain me?” Dr. Howe asks. The answer can reshape your priorities.
3. Break Goals Into Small Steps Starting a business, pursuing a leadership role, or even carving out time for professional growth can sound overwhelming. As Erica puts it, “It’s like eating an elephant: one bite at a time.” Each day, do one small thing: Google how to build a website, make a list, ask for help—you don’t need an MBA to build something meaningful.
4. Ignore the “Small-Minded Thinkers” Not everyone is going to cheer for your risks or growth—and that’s often about their own limitations, not yours. Many of the loudest critics are those most paralyzed by their own fears.
5. Build Your Support Network Don’t dismiss your allies—whether women or men—in the medical world. There are plenty of “he for she” men and supportive colleagues who’ll keep you afloat in rough waters. Find and cherish your group of encouragers.
Advice for Women Considering a Change
Whether you’re eyeing a leadership position, considering entrepreneurship, or just questioning your capacity to keep juggling it all, here’s what Dr. Howe prescribes:
Take real time away from the grind—alone, and without apology.
Reflect deeply on what you want more of–and less of. Journal, talk to friends, let yourself imagine alternative paths.
Learn to say no—make space for what energizes you.
Seek out community: a conference, a mastermind, or even a trusted friend who says “me too.”
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re in medicine and you’re feeling that subtle tug to do more—or even just to do differently—Dr. Howe’s story is proof that not only is it possible, but you’re not selfish for craving change. Medicine’s not a one-way street. And if your gut is telling you the current path doesn’t work, you have the power (and obligation) to rewrite it—not just for yourself, but for everyone watching.
Check out the Women Physicians Wellness Conferences and resources at womenphysicianswellness.com or reach out to Erica herself at ehowe@themedicaleducator.com. You’ll find resources, a supportive community, and maybe—just maybe—the clarity you’ve been seeking.
As always, thanks for reading and listening. If you need inspiration, perspective, or simply to know you’re not alone, tune into the InterestingMD Podcast, follow us on socials, and let’s keep building a medical community that values balance, growth, and a little time to breathe.
Stay interesting, stay inspired, and don’t forget to take care of you—the world needs your voice, both at the bedside and beyond.
— Dr. Rob Beck
Host, The InterestingMD Podcastmany of us, she finished residency, launched into academic medicine, and started a family—all while quietly carrying the weight of expectation.
“I had three kids in five years and was a full-time academic hospitalist… I was just barely keeping my head above water,” she candidly recalls.
And for so many of us, this resonates: the façade of having it all together while internally shouldering the doubts, guilt, and exhaustion—what Dr. Howe called her “hallway of shame.”
The Power of Community: You’re Not Alone
One of the most powerful moments of our conversation was Dr. Howe’s realization that she was not alone in this struggle. A hallway encounter with a colleague who simply said, “Me too,” broke the illusion that she was the only one barely treading water. There’s liberation in vulnerability, and sometimes the simple act of sharing your truth opens the door for genuine connection and strategy-sharing.
That was her spark: If we could carve out real, protected time and space, imagine the strategies we could share—and the worlds we could change.
Planting the Seeds of Change: The Women Physicians Wellness Conference
What followed was the creation of the Women Physicians Wellness Conference (WPW), a CME retreat designed not just for learning and networking, but for reflection, rest, and true self-care. It didn’t take long before a “crazy” dream of getting 50 women together became a movement that now spans conferences in Grand Cayman, Aruba, Amelia Island, and beyond—approaching 500 attendees per year.
I’ll let you in on a secret: Great conferences aren’t just about the program content; they’re about how you feel when you leave. Dr. Howe’s “beach girl” spirit and commitment to recharging, pampering, and genuinely connecting attendees sets WPW apart. These aren’t 14-hour marathons where you’re just waiting to get back to your hotel room. Instead, you have afternoons to rest, find clarity, and bond with other women facing many of the same challenges.
Why Women Need to Lead (and How to Get There)
Despite the progress—from more women entering med school to leading research—women still lag behind in leadership roles. As Dr. Howe points out, when women aren’t part of the decision-making process, the system remains optimized for a way of working that often doesn’t support women or families.
It’s not about pushing men out—it’s about adding voices who understand firsthand what it takes to juggle clinical duties, care for a family, and simply to survive (let alone thrive) in a system that can seem rigid and unyielding.
So, what helps women break out of the status quo and ascend to leadership (or entrepreneurship)?
Lessons from Dr. Erica Howe:
1. Give Yourself Time and Space to Breathe Sometimes, clarity only comes when you step out of your daily routine. As Erica advises, “The first thing that women need when they’re trying to make a change is just a minute to breathe and to step away… You need time for that and quiet.” That may be a weekend away, an afternoon of silence, or ideally—a WPW conference.
2. Reflect on What Energizes You Take inventory: What lights you up? What drains the life from you? Too often, our days fill with obligations that don’t serve our passion or growth. “How much of my day is comprised of [what energizes me] versus the things that drain me?” Dr. Howe asks. The answer can reshape your priorities.
3. Break Goals Into Small Steps Starting a business, pursuing a leadership role, or even carving out time for professional growth can sound overwhelming. As Erica puts it, “It’s like eating an elephant: one bite at a time.” Each day, do one small thing: Google how to build a website, make a list, ask for help—you don’t need an MBA to build something meaningful.
4. Ignore the “Small-Minded Thinkers” Not everyone is going to cheer for your risks or growth—and that’s often about their own limitations, not yours. Many of the loudest critics are those most paralyzed by their own fears.
5. Build Your Support Network Don’t dismiss your allies—whether women or men—in the medical world. There are plenty of “he for she” men and supportive colleagues who’ll keep you afloat in rough waters. Find and cherish your group of encouragers.
Advice for Women Considering a Change
Whether you’re eyeing a leadership position, considering entrepreneurship, or just questioning your capacity to keep juggling it all, here’s what Dr. Howe prescribes:
Take real time away from the grind—alone, and without apology.
Reflect deeply on what you want more of–and less of. Journal, talk to friends, let yourself imagine alternative paths.
Learn to say no—make space for what energizes you.
Seek out community: a conference, a mastermind, or even a trusted friend who says “me too.”
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re in medicine and you’re feeling that subtle tug to do more—or even just to do differently—Dr. Howe’s story is proof that not only is it possible, but you’re not selfish for craving change. Medicine’s not a one-way street. And if your gut is telling you the current path doesn’t work, you have the power (and obligation) to rewrite it—not just for yourself, but for everyone watching.
Check out the Women Physicians Wellness Conferences and resources at womenphysicianswellness.com or reach out to Erica herself at ehowe@themedicaleducator.com. You’ll find resources, a supportive community, and maybe—just maybe—the clarity you’ve been seeking.
As always, thanks for reading and listening. If you need inspiration, perspective, or simply to know you’re not alone, tune into the InterestingMD Podcast, follow us on socials, and let’s keep building a medical community that values balance, growth, and a little time to breathe.
Stay interesting, stay inspired, and don’t forget to take care of you—the world needs your voice, both at the bedside and beyond.
— Dr. Rob Beck
Host, The InterestingMD Podcast