This past weekend was a special one. I got to do one of my favorite things—snuggle up with a book—and call it work! But this wasn’t just any book—it was Dr. Laura Suttin’s signed copy (yay!) of her debut release, The Purposeful MD.
I’ve always been a big fan of coaching. Over the last several years, I’ve experienced firsthand how much growth can come from it, so I was excited to dive into a book written by a certified coach, and a physician coach at that! And while I’m familiar with many coaching concepts, I was pleasantly surprised by how much of Dr. Suttin’s wisdom spoke directly me—especially the sections where she shares her personal experiences navigating the same stages of life many women physicians go through: medical training, career-building, motherhood, and family life.
A Personal Connection to Shared Struggles
Dr. Suttin masterfully connects her journey to the experiences of so many women physicians. Our perfectionist tendencies, guilt over prioritizing ourselves, and feelings of inadequacy—sound all too familiar. Even if we grew up in vastly different circumstances, in different parts of the globe, it feels like we’re all birds of a feather, facing the same internal struggles.
The author goes into depth in each chapter, gently questioning those thought patterns and belief systems and invites us to explore a different thought- one that may may us feel better and therefore nudge us into action- rather than shut us down and make us dread taking any action.
Coaching Tailored for Physicians
What makes The Purposeful MD so powerful is that it’s written by someone who truly understands the unique demands of a medical career. As a physician herself, Dr Suttin isn’t offering cookie-cutter self-help advice—she’s tailoring her insights specifically to the pressures that come with practicing medicine. She emphasizes how crucial it is to clarify your values and align your life with them, an essential step for anyone trying to find balance between a demanding career and personal fulfillment.
For physicians, particularly women, who often juggle professional responsibilities with family and personal aspirations, this clarity is invaluable. Dr Suttin highlights that knowing your values allows you to set healthy boundaries—something many of us struggle with. She gives us permission to say “no” without guilt, helping us create more space for what truly matters.
Tackling Guilt and Self-Compassion
I love the bit where she acknowledges that she sometimes falls off the bandwagon of the practices that keep her grounded, especially when things are going well. I’m guilty of that often and while I understand at some level that ebbs and flows are all part of the norm, I hate the guilt that still takes over. Dr Suttin reminds us that the guilt does nothing to serve our wellbeing- and that bouncing back to where we want to be involves being kind to ourselves and suggests some easy-to-do, practical solutions to help. I am going to try those out the next time I fall into a rut.
Clarifying Tasks vs. Projects
Another of my favorite parts in the book is Dr Suttin parsing out the difference between tasks and projects, and how misclassifying a project as a task can sabotage our progress. This is a trap I fall into far too often—both with personal and professional to-do’s. I’ll list a big project like “hire an employee” as if it’s a single task, only to get discouraged when I can’t check it off in a day or a week.
Dr Suttin’s advice here is invaluable: break down those bigger projects into manageable tasks. I’m going to start using this strategy immediately because I can already see how it’ll help me make more consistent progress toward my goals.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s Wisdom
I also found it endearing that each chapter begins with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, someone who seems to have had wise words for every situation. These quotes set a thoughtful tone for each chapter, offering timeless insights that complement the author’s advice.
Rediscovering Purpose and Joy
At the heart of The Purposeful MD is a message of hope: physicians can rediscover joy in both their work and personal lives.
Dr Suttin doesn’t just offer strategies to avoid burnout; she encourages physicians to redefine what success looks like. Instead of accepting that medicine must always involve personal sacrifice, she makes a compelling case for building a career and life that feels fulfilling and aligned with your values.
For physicians caught in a cycle of constant obligation, her message is liberating and particularly powerful in a healthcare landscape where burnout and career dissatisfaction are rampant.
Tools for Immediate Implementation
One of the things I appreciate most about The Purposeful MD is how actionable it is. Dr. Suttin doesn’t just talk about personal growth—she provides a structured framework to implement it. Each chapter includes reflective journaling prompts and exercises designed to help readers apply the book’s lessons to their own lives. There’s also a discussion guide, which makes the book perfect for group study or even a physician book club. These tools help transform the book’s insights from theory into practice.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Laura Suttin’s The Purposeful MD is a must-read for physicians feeling overwhelmed or searching for a greater sense of purpose in their lives. It offers a clear roadmap for reclaiming time, reducing stress, and rediscovering joy without the constant weight of guilt. What makes this book so impactful is Dr Suttin’s authenticity—her own struggles and triumphs make her advice relatable and inspiring.
Whether you’re early in your career, juggling family and professional responsibilities, or a seasoned physician feeling the weight of burnout, this book offers the tools you need to reset and reimagine your path forward. And with practical exercises, a discussion guide, and real-life examples, The Purposeful MD is more than just a read—it’s a resource for long-lasting change.
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