“I have a license to practice medicine, but I don’t have a degree in martyrdom.”

In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Dr. Laura Vater, a gastrointestinal oncologist, TEDx speaker, and creator of the SMILE Scale, joins Dr. Amna Shabbir to unmask the hidden costs of perfectionism in medicine. Together, they navigate the often-unspoken emotional toll of striving, sacrificing, and surviving in a system that rewards overwork and overlooks humanity.
This episode challenges the idea that exhaustion is a badge of honor. Instead, it invites all clinicians and high performers to reconnect with their humanity, share their truth, and find freedom in rest.

Together, they explore:
✅ The unrelenting internal pressure to “do it all” as a physician, mother, and high achiever
✅ Dr. Vater’s raw and courageous story of burnout and suicidal ideation during residency
✅ How the culture of medicine reinforces perfectionism and emotional concealment
✅ The impact of sleep deprivation on empathy and the science behind compassion fatigue
✅ The SMILE Scale—a simple, research-backed self-check-in for daily wellness
✅ Creating space for imperfection and redefining success as a human being, not a machine

👤 About the Guest:
Dr. Laura Vater is a gastrointestinal oncologist at the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she leads the Young Onset Colorectal and GI Cancer Program. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Vater is a writer, TEDx and commencement speaker, and a passionate advocate for the well-being of patients and healthcare workers. She co-founded the Writing for Wellness Narrative Medicine Program at Indiana University School of Medicine and developed the SMILE Scale, a wellness behavior tool designed to support both patients and clinicians.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Vater:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doclauravater/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-b-vater-md-mph-44380738/

🎙About the Host:
Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Employee Wellness Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being via coaching, speaking, and virtual programs. Dr.Shabbir is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®, where she empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being.

This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism.

🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/
🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking

❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.

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