Being vulnerable isn’t easy, especially when it comes to sharing our professional struggles. For years, I’ve glossed over a challenging chapter of my life—the time when I made the heart-wrenching decision to step away from clinical medicine. But today, I’m sharing this story because it was recently featured in The Boston Globe, and because this period of struggle ultimately led to something unexpected and beautiful: the creation of High Rock Experts.
In a recent article titled “‘Their Lives Are Awful’: More Doctors Are Quitting Medicine, Citing Burnout and Workplace Issues,” journalist Kara Miller explores a crisis that’s becoming increasingly common in medicine. The statistics she shares are sobering: approximately one-third of physicians report moderate or greater intention to leave clinical practice, and over 70,000 physicians left medicine between 2021 and 2022 alone.
But behind these statistics are real stories—including mine.
I shared with Kara how I felt like “a shell at home” during my clinical years, “keeping it all together at work” while slowly unraveling. It’s a part of my journey I rarely discuss, but it’s also the catalyst that led me to create High Rock Experts. What began in a moment of professional crisis has grown into a mission to help both physicians and the legal community bridge crucial gaps in medical expertise.
The Response
Since the article’s publication, I’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and understanding from colleagues across the country. The response has shown me how many others have walked this path or are walking it now. These shared experiences—our struggles, our doubts, our transformations—are what truly connect us as healthcare professionals.
A Message to My Colleagues
To my healthcare colleagues feeling overwhelmed and alone: you’re not. There is life after burnout, and sometimes our biggest setbacks lead to unexpected new beginnings. Your worth isn’t measured by your ability to endure unsustainable circumstances. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is acknowledge when something isn’t working and take steps toward change.
Looking Forward
While my story involves leaving clinical medicine, that’s not the only path forward. What matters is finding a way to reconnect with what drew you to medicine in the first place—whether that’s within clinical practice or in an entirely new direction.
If you’re navigating similar waters or know someone who is, my door is always open for conversation. The full article is available in The Boston Globe (February 3, 2025), and I’m happy to provide access to those who reach out. Remember, your story matters. And you’re not alone in this journey.