What If Wiping Out Was the Key to Rising Stronger in Medicine?

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What if a life-altering accident on the beach redirected your entire career, and a mental health crisis became the catalyst for resilient leadership?

In this inspiring episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming welcomes Dr. Scott Ellner, as he shares his journey from witnessing a roadside trauma that sparked his path to medicine, to practicing in New England, facing burnout and suicidal thoughts, and pivoting to executive roles like leading Integris Health Medical Group. Drawing from surfing metaphors, he discusses mental health stigma, the addiction to identity, finding purpose beyond the OR, and practical tips for physicians navigating pivots, startups, and leadership in chaotic healthcare. Perfect for doctors feeling stuck or seeking nonclinical transitions, this conversation offers hope, transparency, and actionable insights on grit, resilience, and reaching out.

• Embrace Mental Health Openly: Physicians face immense stressors—discuss it like physical health. If you're in crisis (e.g., burnout, cynicism), reflect on purpose: "What intimidates me motivates me." Reach out to a trusted person; a simple "Are you okay?" can save lives, as it did for Scott during a dark night on call.

• Redefine Purpose Beyond Identity: Don't tie your worth to "surgeon" or "physician"—identity addiction fuels burnout. Pivot by exploring passions (e.g., leadership, startups); spend time journaling or in "executive residencies" to learn business acumen, funding pitches, and health system buy-in for new ventures.

• Use Surfing as a Leadership Metaphor: Adversity builds grit. Paddle through discomfort like cold water or wetsuits. In healthcare chaos (post-COVID), lead by contributing meaningfully; for pivots, seek VC insights on exit strategies and physician influence (e.g., CMO buy-in) to make ideas stick.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Scott Ellner is a former general and trauma surgeon, now President of Integris Health Medical Group in Oklahoma City. A leadership strategist and TEDx speaker, he transitioned from clinical practice after a mental health crisis, drawing from surgery, surfing, and executive roles to help physicians combat burnout and lead sustainably. He's the author of Wipe Out, Rise Up: A Practical and Deeply Human Guide to Leadership, Grit, and Redefining Success in Medicine.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Scott Ellner:

📘 Book: Wipe Out, Rise Up

About the Host: