Married To Doctors

Tune in to learn from the Leaders of Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association. In this episode, Lara talks with Caryn Tabby and Angela Kalcec about the purpose of the Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association (AAOA) and what they do. They also discuss why these types of organizations exist and why physician spouses should care about them. "Trying to help relationships stay strong. I think that is kind of our main focus. So, by being there as a resource to somebody who is having a difficult time or is having to move the fifth time, we're there to explain you're not alone. You're not the only one going through this. I have 10 other people you could talk to to help you through this particular experience." -Caryn Tabby

It's Lara's birthday! In this episode, Lara shares 5 fun facts about herself. So, tune in and learn more about your podcast host and one-on-one coach for physician spouses. Lara also discusses more about her new group coaching course, Me, Marriage, and Medicine. The course starts Feb 1st and goes for 14 weeks. "You know me, come on, I'm Lara McElderry. I have spoken all over the country to medical schools and I have a podcast that comes out every week. You're probably familiar with that. I have five sons, I've been married about 20 years. It will be 20 years in October. And I absolutely love coaching people." -Lara McElderry

In this episode, Lara talks with Rho Thomas, an attorney and financial coach, about managing high figure debt in your marriage. They discuss why physician families don't often pay attention to their debt, personal finances, and financial independence. Rho also shares tips on where to start when your debt seems overwhelming and how to work with your significant other in financial goals.  "When we are in a position where we are bringing in good income, we are still able to cover all our needs and then even get some of the things we want, than you're not feeling that pinch. When you're not paying attention as closely as you could be." -Rho Thomas

Sign up for the webinar here! In this episode, Lara talks with Barbara Oloniyo about their medical journey from the Caribbean to the Northeast. She shares the importance of communicating with your doc-spouse and adapting to what life throws at you.

Sign up here to learn about group coaching! In today's episode, Lara talks with Lisa Christon about what it's like being married to a pulmonary critical care physician during COVID. Lisa shares how their resilience as a couple and a family has grown as they have battled the overwhelm and stress of the pandemic. She also gives some great marriage advice after being married for 25 years.

For the last episode of 2020, Lara discusses the importance of finding creative outlets while on the medical journey with author Valdene Mark. They also touch on having hard discussions like racism and other topics in a marriage and with your children. "I decided that this year I was going to do what I really wanted to do. Not what I went to school for. You know I just wanted to express myself and kind of stop putting off saying, 'Hey I'm going to do this some day' or 'I am going to do this another day.' I was like, 'No, you know what, I am going to do this now.'" -Valdene Mark

In this episode, Lara shares 5 Tips for Enjoying the Pandemic Holiday Season. It's been a hard year. People have suffered deaths, isolation, sadness, and depression. It has been taxing emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially. It's important we keep some things in mind as we move into December and the holiday season. "When considering your expectations, it's not so much about should you have high expectations or low expectations. But rather, should you have right or wrong expectations. And what I mean by that is focus on having correct expectations, right?" -Lara McElderry

In this episode, Lara takes a look at processing 2020 in a healthy way. It has been somewhat of a mess of a year, so Lara talks about how your thoughts can cause overwhelm. Plus, she discusses how you can take better control of your feelings by understanding the thought that is giving you negative feelings. Look, your brain is going to scan for evidence for what you tell it. And recounting problems over and over, it's only going to make them grow. -Lara McElderry

Gratitude. In this episode, Lara shares the benefits of giving thanks and 20 things she is thankful for in her life in honor of 2020. Expressing gratitude is a practice that doesn't cost money or take a lot of time. Gratitude improves our mental and physical health. So, remember this Thanksgiving and throughout the year to give thanks! "Wherever this medical journey has taken us, it has been full of beauty when I've stopped to look for it." -Lara McElderry

In this episode, Lara talks with Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon, and Peter Taglianetti, a retired professional hockey player. They are such a fun couple! You'll hear just a piece of their story and how they approach the medical journey, family life, and expectations as a team. They share the importance of checking your ego at the door and having a mutual respect for each other, whether you're the physician or spouse. "Well, I think it takes a really special person to be married to a physician of any kind. Whether you have a career outside the home or your career is the home." -Dr. Vonda Wright

Are our schedules and expectations going to be compatible? A question many of us in medical relationships ask ourselves. In this coaching session, you will hear me coaching Kristin on her thoughts about her relationship with her boyfriend. He is a family medicine doctor who is emergency trained and works long hours. Kristin is struggling with thoughts of if she can handle how their life will look down the road because of his busy schedule. Tune in to see how we reframe her thought process about her expectations and make this a choice of how she sees this challenge. To book your own coaching session while they are 20% off visit: www.marriedtodoctors.com/coaching

We all know that being married to a physician has its unique challenges.  Today's interview couple share how they took on medicine and created the life they wanted when they went into business together.  Owning a business is also a stress.  You'll enjoy hearing how they manage time, stress, and expectations. And, they still seem to genuinely like each other, bringing us a breath of fresh air on how marriages can be successful despite the stresses they face.  For complete episode notes, the podcast guide, and more on life coaching with Lara please visit: www.marriedtodoctors.com 

Why do we fall in love? How do we feel the most love? In episode 156, Lara discusses the 3 types of friendship according to the philosopher, Aristotle. She also includes some examples from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice! She has made some worksheets to help you consider why you love and how you express love to your partner.  You can download them on the website at no charge: www.marriedotodoctors.com Join the Facebook group to be on the next group call! 

This episode is packed full of information on the power of coaching and shares the experience of one pediatrician and doc-wife turned full-time business owner.  Looking for a certain episode?  Grab the podcast directory at this link.  It is beautiful and organized :)  If you want to participate in our next group call, come join the Facebook Group for more information. 

Choosing a medical specialty can be an interesting process for couples to navigate.  Here are just a few of the questions they face: Questions Couples Face When One is Choosing a Medical Specialty What specialty do they enjoy? What are the job prospects in that field? Are their test scores competitive? Where would they need to live if they completed residency and trained as that type of physician? What does the work/life/family balance look like? What does it mean for family planning? What does it mean for the career of the non-medical spouse? In this live coaching session, you will hear me coaching Katie on her thoughts about her husband's surgery rotation.  On one hand, she wants to do all the things to keep things easy for him while he is working long hours, but then that raises concerns about what life would look like if he chose surgery as his medical specialty. Want Lara to help you overcome a concern?  Please visit www.marriedtodoctors.com/coaching and grab a free 20-minute spot on her calendar!  

Loneliness is a human experience that most of us face at some point in our lives.  Relocating. Self-Isolation. Separating from our families and our best friends-- our emotional support systems. All of this can leave us feeling really lonely. But should life change be a prerequisite for loneliness?  It doesn't have to be.  The truth is, we all contribute to our experience of loneliness. Through your decisions, actions, behaviors, and thought models, how might you be contributing to yours? In this episode, I coach Katie. Katie is blessed to have amazing relationships but is having a little trouble working through her own thoughts that contribute to her feeling of loneliness.  Want to experience your own revelation through coaching with me? I'd be honored to work with you. Sign up for a free 20-minute coaching call here: www.marriedtodoctors.com/coaching  

Are you having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Science and research indicate that sleep is the foundation for our physical and mental health. My guest, Drew Ackerman started a unique podcast for people suffering with sleeplessness. Whether it’s stress, chronic pain, or a hectic work schedule Drew Ackerman is helping his listeners relax and take the seriousness out of bedtime. Listen to today's show to find out how. For one on one coaching with me, go here: www.marriedtodoctors.com/coaching 

There are some things in life we don’t want to feel good about. Yet, when we have a loved one suffering we often say, “I just wish they felt better.”  The problem with this thought (as lovely as it sounds) is now they don’t feel good AND we feel sad because they feel sad. We’ve actually increased the sadness or anxiety instead of lessening it.  In this episode, I will share my awesome “balancing the equation” technique that I use to help clients deal with hard emotions.   You can also get your free worksheet to guide you through this and try it on your own.  Post your questions in the Facebook group of reach out for your free 20-minute consult call so I can take a look at what you’ve done!  Decided you’d like one-on-one coaching? Sign up for a free 20-min coaching consult with me here: www.marriedtodoctors.com/coaching 

In medical marriages, we often have great expectations.  Great expectations of medicine, and honestly, great expectations of each other.  Although these expectations might be similar for other couples, the prioritizing and importance may differ. A healthy and functioning relationship requires a sense of working harmoniously, including the behaviors deriving from the way you think. How can you make your successful marriage happier? Come find out. I'm happy to share this very important perspective.  Find the FREE worksheet mentioned in the show below! https://marriedtodoctors.com/successful-marriages-happier/

Hello, hello! Lara here. You've made it to Season 2 of the Married to Doctors podcast! I’m grateful that you decided to join me on this journey. Thank you for being with me as I tell all, spill hard secrets, and share ideas that hopefully spark healthier habits for an emotionally and physically healthier you.  When I started on my own medical marriage journey, I wouldn’t have known the challenges I would face as my husband and I went through training, ultimately affecting our growing family, his medical career, and my own identity. I’ll always share why these experiences have continued to shape our marriage to this day. It’s my hope that my stories will leave a lasting impact on the way your lives are shaped as well.  While it’s bittersweet to close on Season 1, I’m super excited to start Season 2. You’ll notice some differences including a ton of freebies and opportunities to work with me as your life coach. Stay tuned to get the details on that! Until then, enjoy the new sound and content. And, as always, i