A Rural MD’s Brutally Honest Advice to Every Burned-Out Doctor (Ft. Dr. Peter Crane)
Finding Inspiration and Balance in Rural Medicine: Lessons from Dr. Peter Crane
By Dr. Rob Beck | The Interesting MD
When I started the Interesting MD podcast, I wanted to dig deeper into the lives of doctors who manage to thrive—even when facing the very real challenges of medicine today. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Peter Crane, a board-certified family physician practicing in rural Idaho. His story resonated deeply with me, and I think it will for many of you, too—whether you're a doctor yourself or simply interested in how professionals keep their purpose alive in the “chaos” we so often call healthcare.
Coming Full Circle: From Farm Kid to Rural Family Doctor
Dr. Peter Crane’s journey is both unique and quintessentially American. He grew up picking rocks and driving tractors in Idaho’s high country—a childhood filled with hard work, family, and small-town values. Medicine came to him almost as an extension of that life, with encouragement from his father to follow in the footsteps of their local family doctor (who, fun fact, ended up being the same physician Peter eventually replaced). He went off to the University of Utah for medical school, training specifically for a career serving rural communities where “you get to do everything...and have to do everything.”
Practicing medicine miles away from a major hospital means being comfortable with chaos—and with responsibility. Whether it’s delivering babies via C-section, managing emergencies in snowy winters when roads might be impassable, or handling complex medical situations with limited specialist access, Dr. Crane’s days are anything but dull. As someone who practices in a similarly remote region, I know firsthand that logistics can be a nightmare. Wildfires, weather, and sheer geography test not only your clinical skills, but your creativity and resilience.
Staying Inspired Amid Burnout and Complexity
One of the driving themes of our conversation is the very real issue of burnout in medicine, especially in rural settings. Dr. Crane has witnessed colleagues leaving clinical practice altogether—some aiming for early retirement, others jumping ship for financial independence outside of medicine. The irony here is that the years doctors gain experience, build skills, and truly reach their prime (often in their 50s!) are being lost if we can’t keep people inspired and fulfilled in their work.
We both agreed that the real antidote is reflective practice—making time to celebrate those small wins and meaningful patient moments that might otherwise get lost in paperwork and stress. Like Dr. Crane, I used to tally up the negative interactions during my walk home. Now, I actively try to focus on the many positive, meaningful encounters I had during the day. If there’s a tip I can give other clinicians, it’s this: don’t let the chaos drown out your impact. Take time to reframe, reflect, and honor the good.
Focus on the Positive: Change Your Perspective, Change Your Life
I loved hearing Dr. Crane’s story about his wife, who challenged herself to go for months without saying anything negative about winter in Idaho—a place that’s colder and snowier than most of us can imagine. Rather than complaining, she learned to ski, snowmobile, and find beauty in the long nights. That intentional reframing changed not just what she said, but what she experienced.
The lesson here is universal: whether you’re facing bad weather, hectic clinics, or difficult family moments, purposefully focusing on the positive can transform your reality. Dr. Crane now pushes himself to mentally review those positive patient interactions each evening, resisting the urge to dwell on unresolved problems and chaos. I’ve started doing the same—and it really works.
Why Medical Mission Trips Matter
Dr. Crane’s commitment to making a difference goes beyond his Idaho clinic. He’s traveled to Ecuador, Kenya, Mexico, and Uganda, working with community organizations on clean water projects, education sponsorship, and medical outreach. He pointed out that real change in communities comes from sustainable collaborations—not swooping in with medicine, but amplifying the good work of local partners. It’s incredibly humbling and rewarding, and it’s a reminder that doctors don’t just make a difference in their hometowns, but across the world.
Having spent time in rural Ghana myself in my younger years, I can attest: these trips are eye-opening. You get as much—if not more—out of the experience as those you help. The connection and perspective you gain can renew your sense of purpose back home, even when grinding through insurance headaches and bureaucracy.
Protect Your Time, Protect Your Family
We ended the episode reflecting on what really matters. Both of us are dads—Dr. Crane has four kids, and I have three. As much as we love medicine, the time we spend with family is finite and precious. No one will protect your personal time except you; boundaries are essential. Medicine will always demand more if you let it. But if you set limits and focus on those moments with loved ones, you’ll never regret it.
I’m grateful we had “dumb luck” during Covid to spend extra time skiing or at the lake with my kids. Those are the memories and the meaning that last. And it’s those very experiences that keep you grounded and make you a better doctor for your patients.
How to Stay Inspired, Make a Difference, and Thrive in Medicine
If you’re reading this and feeling a little burned-out or disillusioned, know that you’re not alone. But there are things you can do:
Reflect on your day—actively recall the good, the meaningful, and the impactful.
Set boundaries—protect your personal time and family. Medicine will always want more, but time with loved ones can’t be replaced.
Reframe negativity—like Dr. Crane’s wife, challenge yourself to focus on the non-negative, even when circumstances aren’t ideal.
Get involved—medical missions, community outreach, or giving back in your own way can reignite your sense of purpose.
Find your why—remember what drew you to healthcare. Every doctor can make a difference; don’t let burnout take that away.
Thank you to Dr. Peter Crane for your candor, courage, and perspective. You can find his podcast, Doctors Making a Difference, on any major platform—and I highly recommend you give it a listen.
Keep following Interesting MD for more stories, tips, and inspiration from real doctors making a real difference. Subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel, drop me a message if you’d like to share your story, and remember: medicine isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Let’s help each other answer it with balance, passion, and wholehearted purpose.
— Dr. Rob Beck
Host, The Interesting MD
For more uplifting stories and practical advice, follow Interesting MD on YouTube, TikTok, and all major social platforms. Got questions or want to share your own story? Email me at rob@interestingmd.com. Like and subscribe for the latest content, and remember: keep inspiring, keep growing, and keep making a difference.