S1E7: Dr. Kelly Cawcutt: Women, Burnout, and Bias in Medicine

The DocNation Podcast

Dr. Kelly Cawcutt, an internal medicine doctor, fellowship dual-specialty trained infectious disease and critical care specialist, joins hosts Justin Nabity, Reid Lancaster, and Dr. Anthony Giuffrida to discuss the pervasive challenges women and underrepresented groups face in medicine. The conversation dives into the harsh realities of tokenism, inequity in leadership roles, and how bias impacts everything from board membership to patient care. Dr. Cawcutt shares candid reflections on the systemic issues that fuel physician burnout, particularly for women in healthcare, and highlights the silent but damaging "imposter phenomenon" experienced by many. The episode explores broader issues, including the mental and physical toll of overwork, the harmful effects of gender bias in patient perceptions, and the pressures on physicians as insurance companies post record profits while reducing reimbursement rates.

Dr. Cawcutt's personal journey, combined with the hosts' perspectives, sheds light on the urgent need for systemic changes in healthcare. This episode emphasizes the importance of true equity in healthcare leadership and the detrimental impact of failing to address burnout. With reflections on work-life balance, representation, and the need to reimagine how medicine is structured, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of healthcare and the well-being of the professionals who power it.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that underscores the critical role women play in improving healthcare—and how supporting them benefits not only professionals but also patients.