Why This Doctor Became a Coach: A Journey from Burnout to Purpose

The Question I Keep Getting Asked

If you're a doctor feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply going through the motions, you're not alone. I've been there too.

Why did I become a coach?

I've been asked this question several times now, so here goes...

The Pattern of Struggle

There have been several times in my career when I was struggling.

Each time the struggle felt different, but looking back, I think they were all symptoms of the same thing: a restlessness, a searching for more without knowing how or why. A feeling of too many "have to's" and not enough time for my "want to's".

Not enough time for me.

The Journey to Self-Discovery

In my journey to becoming a coach, I learnt many things about myself.

I discovered what was truly important to me. I learnt what gave me purpose and made my life meaningful.

And finally, I understood. The times in my life where I felt like I was just going through the motions were times when I wasn't being true to my values. I lacked alignment, and the world felt grey.

Finding My Way Back to Thriving

It was a long, hard journey to find my way to thriving again.

It didn't happen all at once. It was one small realisation at a time.

I focused on what made me feel better and took small actions towards that feeling over time.

For me, looking after my health was key—all the usual basic things we hear about constantly. Exercise regularly, reduce sugar, eat wholefoods, and get enough sleep.

I made a small personal project a priority and gave myself permission to carve out time just for me. I also shifted my perspective on the other things in my life that felt overwhelming, choosing to see them differently.

I reminded myself that each part of my very full and rewarding life was something I had chosen, and I chose to look at each aspect with gratitude.

Navigating in the Dark

Most of the time I was in the dark, being guided by my intuition and searching for ways to feel better.

I suspect my journey would have been easier with someone by my side—guiding me through the hard stuff of life by asking thought-provoking questions.

I didn't know what I didn't know.

What I Know Now

I know now, though.

There was no need for me to push through using my grit and determination alone. No need to get close to breaking point.

Support in the form of a coach would have eased my journey significantly. It took me nearly two years to find my way back to thriving, but I believe it could have been much shorter with the right guidance.

From Helper to Helper

I became a doctor to help others in times of medical need.

I became a coach for doctors to help other doctors learn what they need to continue in their service of others—without burning out, without losing themselves in the process.

Now I help fellow doctors navigate their own journeys of self-discovery, find alignment with their values, and create sustainable, fulfilling careers that honour both their calling to heal and their need to thrive.

If this story resonates with you and you'd like to explore what coaching might look like for your own journey, I'd love to hear from you. Sometimes the most powerful step is simply knowing you don't have to figure it all out alone.