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Shift Happens: The Health Podcast for Healthcare Workers[GUEST EXPERT] Burnout, Boundaries, and Sabbaticals with Leigha BarbieriWe're getting real about healthcare burnout, mental health, and what it actually takes to pull yourself out of the hole you didn't even realize you were sinking into. I'm joined by PA-C Leigha Barbieri—healthcare worker, world traveler, burnout coach, and someone who literally had to leave medicine to save her sanity. This episode is your permission slip to stop pretending you're "fine." Leigha and I talk about: 🔥 What burnout really feels like for healthcare workers (hint: it's not just being tired) 🔥 The slow, sneaky signs of emotional exhaustion most provider...
2025-11-1944 min
PA the FI Way163 | Pause to Heal: How Sabbaticals Can Beat Healthcare Burnout with Leigha Barbieri, PA-CBurnout is all too common in healthcare, but what if the solution isn’t pushing through... it’s pressing pause? In this episode, we sit down with Leigha Barbieri, PA-C, to talk about the transformative power of taking a sabbatical.
Leigha shares her own story of moving from exhaustion to renewal, including how prioritizing her mental health, traveling around the world, and resting intentionally helped her reconnect with her purpose.
She opens up about the challenges of stepping away from her PA role, the financial strategies that made it possible, and the surprising benefits of house...
2025-09-0556 min
So You Want to Work in HealthcareCan A Sabbatical Actually Cure Burnout?Send us a textIn this episode of the So You Want to Work in Healthcare podcast, host Leigha, a physician assistant, delves into the pressing issue of burnout in the healthcare profession. She explores the concept of taking a sabbatical as a potential remedy for burnout, sharing her personal experiences and insights. Leigha emphasizes that while a sabbatical can be a transformative decision, it is crucial to approach this time off with intention and purpose. She candidly discusses the common misconception that simply stepping away from work will magically resolve burnout, urging...
2025-09-0216 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareNavigating Burnout and Financial Independence with Psych PA Kat AstrupSend us a textIn this episode of the So You Want to Work in Healthcare podcast, host Leigha welcomes Kat Astrup, the founder of PA the FI Way and a Psychiatry PA, to discuss her career journey and her mission to help PAs with their finances. Kat shares her experiences and insights into the world of healthcare, particularly focusing on the importance of financial planning and the impact of burnout, especially in the current healthcare landscape. Whether you're considering a career in healthcare or are curious about the inner workings of the profession, this e...
2025-08-2655 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareBreaking the Burnout Cycle: How Sabbaticals Can Save Healthcare WorkersSend us a textLinks:Â Find Leigha's free Sabbatical Starter guide or sign up for her online course at here website: OffDutyOnPurpose.comIn this episode, host Leigha returns after a hiatus to discuss an important and pervasive issue in the healthcare industry: burnout. Having recently taken a sabbatical to travel the world and reset, Leigha shares personal experiences and insights on overcoming burnout. Whether you call it a sabbatical, a mini-retirement or a career break, this episode aims to encourage healthcare professionals to consider taking time o...
2025-08-1928 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareMastering Nursing Exams and Careers: Tips from Archer Review's Morgan TaylorSend us a textIn this episode of the "So You Want to Work in Healthcare" podcast, host Leigha welcomes Dr. Morgan Taylor, a pediatric nurse practitioner and the chief nursing officer at the Archer Review. Morgan shares her journey into healthcare, which began with her early exposure to the medical field due to family health issues. Initially set on becoming a ballerina, a significant injury redirected her path toward nursing. This episode dives into the world of nurse practitioners, discussing their roles and responsibilities, and the similarities they share with physician assistants. Join Leigha and Morgan...
2025-01-2852 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareInside OnCall Solutions: Dr. Ralph Gonzalez on Hospitalist Medicine and Healthcare LeadershipSend us a textEpisode Summary:In this episode of the "So You Want to Work in Healthcare" podcast, host Leigha welcomes Dr. Ralph Gonzalez, the Executive Chief Medical Officer for OnCall Solutions and a seasoned hospitalist. Dr. Gonzalez shares his journey into the medical field, revealing that his passion for healthcare began at a young age and has always felt like a true calling. He recounts how he never contemplated another career path, even as a child with a Fisher Price doctor kit. This episode provides an inspiring look into the...
2025-01-0746 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareThe Road Less Traveled: Dr. Zack Borab on Medicine, Travel, and Work-Life BalanceSend us a textIn this episode of the So You Want to Work in Healthcare podcast, host Leigha welcomes Dr. Zack Borab, a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon who recently completed his training and joined a practice in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Leigha and Dr. Borab have a personal connection, having attended high school together, which adds a unique dynamic to their conversation.Leigha begins by explaining the purpose of the podcast—helping students understand different areas of medicine and providing tips on how to pursue a career in healthcare. Dr. Borab shares his journey into th...
2024-11-1938 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareBONUS | Surprising Tips for PA School Success: Mental Health, Study Habits, and MoreSend us a textIn this bonus episode of the "So You Want to Work in Healthcare" podcast, our host Leigha shares valuable advice gathered from her Instagram followers, specifically tailored for current and prospective Physician Assistant (PA) students and medical students. The responses are surprisingly rich and diverse, offering practical tips that can benefit anyone in PA or med school or those applying to these programs.Listeners will also get a brief yet informative overview of what a PA (Physician Assistant or Physician Associate) is, their roles in healthcare, and the various capacities in...
2024-11-1209 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareMastering Medicine and Money: Insights from PA & Financial Coach Kristin BurtonSend us a textIn this episode of the "So You Want to Work in Healthcare" podcast, host Leigha Barbieri sits down with Kristin Burton, a critical care Physician Assistant (PA) and founder of Strive Coaching, a company dedicated to financial literacy for medical professionals. Kristen shares her journey into the medical field, influenced by her entrepreneurial parents and a societal perception of medicine as a respected and financially stable career. They discuss Kristin's decision-making process in choosing between various medical professions and her ultimate path to becoming a PA. The episode also highlights Kristin's passion for...
2024-11-0534 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareBONUS | Maximizing Patient Care Hours: Creative Ways to Gain Patient Care ExperienceSend us a textIn this episode of the "So You Want to Work in Healthcare" podcast, hosts Leigha and Heather discuss essential tips for acquiring patient care hours, a common query among aspiring PA and med school applicants. Heather Struhl, also known as @Heather_theinjector, shares her experiences and insights into how to effectively gather patient care hours and the importance of shadowing in the medical field. Leigha shares some tips and tricks to gaining patient care hours while also creating strong connections and even making money. The episode also features a pop medicine moment highlighting...
2024-10-2520 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareHealing Beyond the Clinic with Dr. Xander Boger, Physical Therapist and Mind-Body CoachSend us a textIn this episode of the So You Want to Work in Healthcare podcast, host Leigha welcomes Dr. Xander Boger, a physical therapist and mind-body movement coach, known for her appearance on the Netflix show Queer Love Ultimatum. Xander shares her journey into the healthcare field, reflecting on her high school aspirations and the desire to serve others. Listeners will gain insights into the unique perspective of a physical therapist and coach, as well as the impact of reality TV on her career. Join Leigha and Xander for an engaging conversation about healthcare, personal...
2024-10-2240 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareBONUS | OR ETIQUETTE 101 (PART 2)Send us a textAre you struggling with burnout, and not sure what to do about it? Get my FREE SABBATICAL STARTER GUIDE here. Thank you so much for listening! Let me know what you think and leave a review on whichever listening platform you’re enjoying on. In that review, write your instagram handle so I can shout you out on the next episode. And if you’re interested in being on the podcast, head over to my TikTok or Instagram account @helloimthepa and send me a message! I’m...
2024-10-1520 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareBONUS | OR Etiquette 101: Essential Tips for Your First Day in the Operating Room (Part 1)Send us a textThank you to our sponsor, InCrowd. Check out how to earn money quickly from medical surveys here: https://incrowdanswers.com/register/?referredId=32&referredDescription=helloimthepapodcast&utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=helloimthepa&utm_content=RegisterNowIn this episode of "So You Want to Work in Healthcare," host Leigha welcomes back Heather Struhl, also known as Heather The Injector, for part one of an insightful discussion on Operating Room Etiquette. As they delve into the essential practices and behaviors expected in the OR, Leigha highlights the gap in education surrounding this...
2024-10-0926 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareThe Rad Reality: Challenges and Triumphs of a Critical Care PASend us a textIn this episode of "So You Want to Work in Healthcare," host Leigha introduces us to Joseph Rad, a seasoned critical care Physician Assistant (PA) with seven years of experience based in Atlanta, Georgia. Leigha and Joseph delve into his journey into healthcare, discussing the motivations and experiences that led him to his current career. The episode also touches on Joseph's popular TikTok account, where he shares entertaining and insightful content related to his profession. Note that the views expressed in this episode do not constitute medical advice and do not reflect the...
2024-10-0445 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareFrom Surgery to Psych: Meg Conover's Versatile PA CareerSend us a text"So You Want to Work in Healthcare" is a podcast hosted by Leigha Barbieri, designed to provide an insider's perspective on various healthcare professions. In this episode, Leigha interviews Meg Conover, a seasoned Physician Associate (PA) with 15 years of experience, currently working in internal medicine at a psychiatric hospital. Meg shares her journey from aspiring to be a doctor to becoming a PA, discussing the challenges and rewards of her diverse career path, which includes trauma surgery, urgent care, and hospitalist medicine. The episode also touches on the importance of versatility in the...
2024-06-1846 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareBONUS | Pit Stains and Power Poses: Surviving My PA School InterviewSend us a textInterview Tips! In this bonus episode of the "So You Want to Work in Healthcare" podcast, host Leigha shares her personal experience with the PA school interview process. Originally an audio from a YouTube video, Leigha offers practical tips and candid advice for aspiring physician assistants. She recounts her own interview, highlighting the importance of preparation, confidence, and authenticity. Leigha provides actionable tips such as practicing mock interviews, dressing comfortably, and preparing thoughtful questions for interviewers. She also emphasizes the value of follow-up emails and staying composed under pressure. This episode is a...
2024-06-0411 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareFrom Med School to Med Tech: Omar Khateeb’s Unconventional JourneySend us a textIn this episode of "So You Want to Work in Healthcare," host Leigha Barbieri interviews Omar Khateeb, an entrepreneur and host of the "State of Medtech" podcast. Omar shares his unique journey from medical school dropout to successful medical device sales and marketing professional, and eventually to starting his own company. He discusses the challenges and rewards of making significant career changes, emphasizing the importance of intuition, curiosity, and continuous learning. Omar also offers insights into the value of networking, mentorship, and investing in oneself. This episode is packed with practical advice and...
2024-05-2157 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareBONUS: Breaking Down PA Salaries | What You Need to Know About Top Paying SpecialtiesSend us a textIn this episode of the "So You Want to Work in Healthcare" podcast, hosts Leigha Barbieri and guest Heather Struhl, both physician assistants, delve into the top ten highest paying specialties for PAs. They kick off with a discussion on the painful experience of IUD insertion, advocating for better pain management guidelines. The episode transitions into a detailed breakdown of PA salaries across various specialties, starting from orthopedic surgery at $128,000 to cardiovascular cardiothoracic surgery at $152,500. They share insights on the demands and rewards of each specialty, emphasizing the importance of bonuses and the...
2024-05-0723 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareBreaking Barriers in Healthcare: Lauren Leckliter's Path from ICU Nurse to Clinical SpecialistSend us a textIn this episode of "So You Want to Work in Healthcare?" host Leigha Barbieri interviews Lauren Leckliter, a seasoned nurse and clinical specialist in thoracic perfusion. Lauren shares her deeply personal journey into healthcare, shaped by her father's accident and her own medical challenges as a child. She discusses the realities of healthcare education, the emotional toll of her work, and her current role in organ transplantation. The conversation also touches on the importance of healthcare workers understanding and navigating the complexities of patient care, including ethical dilemmas and the emotional impact of...
2024-04-2334 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareBONUS: Breaking Down the Top Ten Jobs in HealthcareSend us a textIn this episode of the "So, You Want to Work in Healthcare?" podcast, host Leigha and returning guest Heather discuss the top ten healthcare jobs as reported by U.S. News. They provide insights into each profession, discussing aspects like median salaries, job projections, and educational requirements. The episode also touches on the use of ketamine by Elon Musk, exploring its medical and non-medical uses. Throughout the episode, Leah and Heather share personal experiences and opinions on the various roles within the healthcare sector, aiming to inform listeners who are considering a career...
2024-04-1020 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareThe Onc Doc: Bridging Gaps in Oncology and BeyondSend us a textThis episode of the "So You Want to Work in Healthcare" podcast features Dr. Sanjay Juneja (you may know him as @theoncdoc), a hematologist-oncologist, entrepreneur, podcast host, and social media personality. Host Leigha Barbieri delves into Dr. Juneja's journey into medicine, his passion for teaching, and his personal experiences that led him to specialize in oncology. They discuss the challenges of work-life balance in the medical profession, the complexities of healthcare bureaucracy, and the importance of patient education. Dr. Juneja also shares insights on the impact of iron deficiency on health and the...
2024-04-0253 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareBONUS: Inside Orthopedic Surgery | A PA's PerspectiveSend us a textAs the host of the So You Want to Work in Healthcare podcast, I shared a bonus episode to provide more content to my listeners. In this episode, I discussed my experience as a Physician Assistant (PA) in orthopedic surgery, highlighting why I chose this field and why I find it rewarding. I emphasized the hands-on experience, the satisfaction of seeing patients recover after surgery, and the PA-friendly nature of orthopedics. I also shared personal insights on starting in orthopedics right after PA school and the importance of following your passion in choosing...
2024-03-2616 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareExploring the Realities of a Career as a Nurse Anesthetist with Chrissy Massaro, CRNASend us a textJoin us on the "So You Want to Work in Healthcare" podcast where your host, Leigha, dives into the diverse world of healthcare professions. In this insightful episode, Leigha interviews Chrissy Massaro, a seasoned nurse anesthetist, co-founder of Confident Care Academy, podcast host, and influencer. Chrissy shares her personal journey into medicine, starting from a young age due to her sister's experiences with Turner Syndrome and autism. Our listeners get the chance to understand the real day-to-day life of a CRNA and receive valuable information for anyone considering a career in healthcare. Tune...
2024-03-1948 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareNeuro Endovascular Surgeon Dr. Mohamed Teleb, Creator of the VAN Stroke AssessmentSend us a textIn this episode of "So You Want to Work in Healthcare," host Leigha dives into the world of healthcare professions, providing listeners with an insider's perspective on various career paths. Today's guest, Dr. Mohamed Teleb, an endovascular surgical neurologist based in Arizona, shares his journey from engineering to medicine, emphasizing his passion for working with people and his background in math and science. Dr. Teleb, who completed his residency in neurology followed by three fellowships in stroke, neuro ICU, and neuroendovascular, offers listeners a glimpse into his decision to pursue medicine and the...
2024-03-0151 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareAdvancing Your Nursing Career: Tips and Advice from the ExpertsSend us a textIn this episode of "So You Want to Work in Healthcare," I'm joined by two esteemed guests, Kaitlyn Patrick and Gina St. Jean, who bring a wealth of experience in the nursing field. Katy, with 16 years of service, is currently at Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, while Gina boasts 20 years of experience including as a nurse educator and director of professional nursing practice.Our conversation explores their individual journeys into the healthcare industry, revealing unique paths that led them to nursing. Katy shares how her decision was somewhat serendipitous...
2024-02-0148 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareInside the World of Podiatry: A Conversation with Dr. Bryanna VeselySend us a textIn this episode, the host Leigha welcomes Dr. Bryanna Vesely, a podiatry fellow with a masters in public health, to discuss her experience in the medical field thus far. Dr. Vesely shares her journey from being a ballet dancer to pursuing a career in medicine after a hip injury. She explains her interest in orthopedics and how she discovered the field of podiatry. Listeners gain insight into the transition from residency to fellowship and the challenges Bryanna has faced along the way. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Vesely's passion for healthcare...
2024-01-1540 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcareThe Bone Doctor Himself: Dr. Cory Calendine, Orthopedic SurgeonSend us a textIn this episode of the "So You Want to Work in Healthcare" podcast, the host interviews Dr. Cory Calendine, an orthopedic surgeon and influential figure in the field. Dr. Calendine shares his journey into healthcare and his passion for connecting with people. The episode takes place at a meeting attended by thousands of individuals in the industry. Tune in to gain insights into Dr. Calendine's motivations for becoming a doctor and how he overcomes the challenges of the medical field.Are you struggling with burnout, and not sure what to do...
2024-01-0140 minSo You Want to Work in HealthcarePre-PA Tips with Savanna Perry, Dermatology PA & Creator of The PA PlatformSend us a textIn this episode of "So You Want to Work in Healthcare," host Leigha delves into the world of healthcare professions with guest Savanna Perry, a dermatology Physician Assistant (PA) and the founder of The PA Platform. As only the second episode of the podcast, Leigha sets the stage for a series dedicated to giving listeners an honest look at various careers in healthcare, straight from the professionals themselves. Savanna shares her personal journey into medicine, revealing what drives her and how she made her decision to become a PA. The conversation touches on...
2023-12-1555 min
So You Want to Work in HealthcareHeather the Injector: Advice from an Aesthetics PASend us a textEpisode 1 of the So You Want to Work in Healthcare podcast, with Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic medicine Physician Assistant, Heather Struhl!  I really need your feedback- How YOU feel about this episode will determine if I continue with my podcast dreams or not. So leave your reviews in the comments, like, subscribe, whatever you can do to tell me to keep going (or not). The plan for this podcast is to interview medical professionals in all sorts of roles, in hopes of helping give you a deeper look into our...
2023-12-0133 min