Show Notes
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hertel opens up about her journey through medical school and the realities of being a physician. She shares her personal experience with trauma, burnout, and the mental health toll of medical training, including hazing culture and emotional suppression. Now an entrepreneur and Certified Menopause Specialist, Dr. Hertel discusses the strategies she developed to cope and heal—and why creating systemic support for mental health in the medical field is more urgent than ever. This conversation offers insight into the resilience required to navigate both the healthcare system and life as a physician, while advocating for transparency, prevention, and cultural change. Trigger Warnings: This episode contains discussion of suicide, trauma, and hazing in medical training. Referenced Data on Physician Suicide: Recent national data estimates the annual number of physician suicides in the U.S. between 119 and 400, with variance due to underreporting and differences in methodology. A CDC NVDRS analysis (2010–2015) found ~119 suicides per year, likely a conservative number. Other sources, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, cite 300–400 per year. Key findings: Female physicians have a higher suicide risk than women in the general population. Male physicians have a similar or slightly lower risk than male non-physicians. The most recent national cohort data (2017–2021) shows:24–28 suicides per 100,000 person-years for male physicians 10–14 per 100,000 for female physicians
These numbers emphasize the continued need for targeted mental health support and cultural change within the medical field. References: Gold KJ et al. Psychology, Health & Medicine. 2022 McClafferty HH et al. Pediatrics. 2022 Duarte D et al. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020 Makhija H et al. JAMA Psychiatry. 2025 Ye GY et al. Journal of Psychiatric Research. 2021 Dr. Hertel is now seeing patients via private telemedicine as a Certified Menopause Specialist. Learn more: https://visit.osteopathicmidlifehealt...
More from The Founder's Series with Dr. Rebbecca Hertel
Explore the neuroscience of brain fog, memory changes, and hearing issues during menopause, especially for women founders and leaders. Understand the physiological changes, research findings, and practical strategies to support brain health during this critical transition.
What does it really mean to redefine women’s health in midlife?
Why are so many doctors leaving traditional healthcare?
Dr. Amanda Townsend shares her journey from orthopedic physical therapy to pelvic health, highlighting the lack of education and awareness in women's health. She emphasizes the connection between pelvic health and orthopedics, advocating for orthopedic knowledge in pelvic health practice. Additionally, she discusses the importance of educating individuals about pelvic floor dysfunction and its impact on daily life. The conversation covers a range of topics including navigating neurodivergence in children and adults, transitioning from an insurance model to a cash-based model, balancing personal and professional growth, and the creation of Unbound Pelvis and Root and Rise Consulting. Dr. Amanda Townsend shares her personal and professional journey, health challenges, and the vision behind her clinical brand and consulting services.
In this episode, we break down the financial reality of being a doctor and why the public perception of physician income often misses the full picture. We unpack the hidden costs, overhead, and financial complexity physicians face, plus how the healthcare middleman model and insurance companies shape patient expectations and medical practice decisions.