In this episode, Dr. Kevin Milo and Jayna Amadasun, an M.D. and ethical strategist, confront one of the most pressing issues in healthcare today: the burnout epidemic among our frontline professionals and why systemic change is no longer optional. They discuss the ethical and systemic issues that have led to a strained healthcare system, where overworked doctors and nurses struggle to provide optimal patient care.

The episode highlights the importance of addressing the healthcare workers’ environment to improve outcomes for both professionals and patients. Key topics include the lack of resources, the need for policy reform, and how burnout impacts the quality of care. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of healthcare in Canada and beyond.

Jayna also discusses how healthcare systems can become more sustainable by focusing on the well-being of frontline staff. By addressing burnout, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes, foster a healthier work environment, and prevent the silent withdrawal of professionals who feel disengaged. Dr. Milo and Jayna provide practical insights into how healthcare leaders can begin making changes to support their teams.

About Jayna Amadasun

Jayna Amadasun is a dynamic ethical strategist and consultant who coaches Black medical professionals. With an M.D. from the Dominican Republic, Jayna brings a wealth of experience, having worked as an R.N. in the Bahamas and trained in the U.S. healthcare system. She holds a Master’s in Law and Medical Ethics from the University of Edinburgh and is committed to creating equitable healthcare environments. Her unique perspective, shaped by years in emergency and flight medicine, allows her to address the complex issues facing healthcare systems today.

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Physician Empowerment:

• Attend an upcoming Empowerment Retreat
• Join the Physician Empowerment Masterclass now
• Website: PhysEmpowerment.ca

Jayna Amadasun

• Website: Ember Impact Global
• LinkedIn: Jayna Amadasun
• Instagram: EmberImpact
• Calendly: Jayna Amadasun

Dr. Kevin Mailo welcomes Dr. Iuliaa Povieriena as his guest in this episode to talk about boundaries and wellness. Dr. Povieriena is a hospitalist based out of Georgetown in Ontario and also a Lifetime Physician Empowerment Masterclass member. She discusses how she found balance for herself by re-applying her time outside of work to things that she loves like dance and yoga. She and Dr. Mailo talk about how to maintain non-negotiables for personal wellness.

The pressure to sacrifice personal time to work is high, especially as a medical student or resident, and the things sacrificed contribute to stress and an inability to carve that time back out later in medical careers. Iuliia and Kevin talk about devoting time to things we love and not striving for perfection in them, necessarily, but simply maintaining the joy of those activities as a way to regulate stress. Setting boundaries around our time, not immediately saying yes to covering shifts, keeping an evening class commitment, and prioritizing family and non-negotiables are all aspects of true wellness touched on by Dr. Mailo and Dr. Povieriena that keep us healthy and engaged in our careers without burnout long-term.

About Dr. Iuliia Povieriena:

Dr. Povieriena is a Hospitalist at Georgetown Hospital and has been a physician since 2020. She is a primary care physician with a strong interest in inpatient care, and palliative and geriatric medicine. Iuliia finds her work very meaningful and enjoys spending time with patients. She also has experience in GP psychotherapy, which she says was one of the best jobs she ever had.

Dr. Povieriena is a firm believer that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue their passion in medicine and would like to express gratitude to all women who have paved the path for the female physicians of today.

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Resources discussed in this episode:

• “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily Nagoski PhD and Amelia Nagoski DMA
• “F*ck No!: How to Stop Saying Yes When You Can’t, You Shouldn’t, or You Just Don’t Want To” by Sarah Knight
• 17 Questions That Changed My Life by Tim Ferriss

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Dr. Iuliia Povieriena:

• Iuliia Povieriena, MD on LinkedIn
• Calming Chamomile on YouTube

Physician Empowerment:

• Attend an upcoming Empowerment Retreat
• Join the Physician Empowerment Masterclass now
• Website: PhysEmpowerment.ca

Dr. Kevin Mailo welcomes dentist and implantology expert Dr. Sajid (Saj) Syed to the podcast to talk about practice building. Dr. Syed currently owns three dental practices in Ontario, all very successful, and he discusses his journey into dentistry and the business side of things with Dr. Mailo. As he says, “...the profession is 85% business and 15% actual dentistry” and emphasizes the importance of quality training to rely on and of not overthinking opportunities that arise.

Dr. Syed did not start his medical career wanting to be a dentist. He began with a desire to do cardiology. But once he entered dentistry at the suggestion of a friend’s father, he was hooked. Kevin prompts Saj to explain how he’s moved beyond simple dentistry into being a highly skilled technician specializing in full mouth reconstruction and implant dentistry and then becoming a successful business owner. Saj and Kevin discuss the necessity of not over-analyzing goals, having a very skilled team around you, and prioritizing customer service when they talk about how to approach entrepreneurship. Dr. Syed draws on his multiple-practice ownership experiences to impart sound advice and financial tips for any medical professional looking to branch into business ownership.

About Dr. Sajid (Saj) Syed:

After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 2003, Dr. Syed began practicing dentistry in Estevan, Saskatchewan, where he worked for two years before moving to Ontario.

In 2005, Dr. Syed purchased a practice in Dunnville, using his unique style and service improvements to maintain the quality care the Dunnville community has always enjoyed. Dr. Syed continued to expand his business, purchasing Pavillion Dentistry in 2009. He is dedicated to providing the residents of St. Catharines and surrounding communities with excellent dental care and personalized service.

In 2021, Dr. Syed purchased Lakeside Dental in Stoney Creek. He and his family now live in Stoney Creek, where they love being part of a smaller community.

Dr. Syed enjoys all aspects of dentistry, with a special interest in complex cases like dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, and orthodontics. He has a passion for performing life-changing treatments that increase a patient’s quality of life by providing them with a fully functional smile.

Recently, his dedication and hard work were recognized when he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, the highest level of competency in implant dentistry. He is also an Associate Fellow and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Aside from being a big promoter of continuing education, Dr. Syed also mentors other general dentists wanting to enhance their clinical skills in implant dentistry.

Outside of work, Dr. Syed loves spending quality time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys staying fit and playing tennis.

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Dr. Sajid (Saj) Syed:

• Dentistry Dunnville
• Pavilion Dentistry
• Lakeside Dental

Physician Empowerment:

• Attend an upcoming Empowerment Retreat
• Join the Physician Empowerment Masterclass now
• Website: PhysEmpowerment.ca