Welcome to today’s episode! We are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Andrea Austin, an emergency physician, educator, author, and advocate for physician well-being. Dr. Austin is a passionate changemaker, dedicated to fostering innovation, creativity, and problem-solving in the healthcare field.
As a U.S. Navy veteran and former Lieutenant Commander, Dr. Austin brings a unique perspective with operational medicine experience, including a deployment to Iraq in 2016. Her passion for supporting healthcare professionals to find personal fulfillment and drive meaningful change is truly inspiring.
And she also does this through being the Chair of the American Association of Women Emergency Physicians, advocating for gender equity and women’s professional development.
Dr. Austin’s expertise extends into healthcare simulation education, where she is an internationally recognized leader.
Her book, Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Heartline, delves deeply into her personal journey of burnout and offers valuable insights on emotional intelligence and innovation for thriving in healthcare.
Key moments in the podcast:
00:36 Early Family Memories
02:30 Journey to Emergency Medicine
04:23 Lessons from the US Navy
05:45 Personal Well-being Practices
08:22 The Heartline Podcast
10:27 Forks in the Road
20:19 Choosing Medicine
23:19 Influential Mentors
27:35 Learning from Failure
32:50 Networking and Collective Agency
37:53 Final Thoughts and Advice
Here is what stays with us from this conversation:
Resilience in Action
Rise stronger from every challenge—adversity is the training ground for greatness.
Adapt, recalibrate, and push forward—resilience is built in motion.
Embrace the pause—recalibration is the secret weapon of sustained success.
Strength is found in connection—resilience thrives in a network of support.
The Power of Reflection
Turn setbacks into stepping stones—every failure holds the seed of transformation.
Own your story—clarity comes from looking back, strength comes from moving forward.
Agency & Ownership in Change
Be the catalyst—waiting for change is not an option, creating it is.
Step into your power—your voice, choices, and actions shape the future.
See beyond the struggle—the toughest moments often lead to the most extraordinary breakthroughs.
Wellbeing as a Leadership Imperative
Fuel your impact—sleep, health, and balance aren’t luxuries, they’re non-negotiables.
Lead with vitality—strong systems start with strong individuals.
Mission-Driven Decision Making
Align with purpose—clarity in mission creates certainty in action.
Navigate complexity with conviction—know your ‘why’ and let it guide your path.
Navigating Forks in the Road
Choose boldly—greatness lies in the courage to take the right path, not the easy one.
Prepare for the leap—opportunity favors those ready to step into the unknown
Connect with Andrea Austin
What was Mentioned
Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline by Dr Andrea Austin Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare by Dr Andrea Austin
The quote "No-one is coming to save us" was by Dr. Christina Shenvi from Eps 30 Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare
“Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House” by Alyssa Mastromonaco
Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road.
This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.
Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland
Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior.
Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music.
Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and
Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with, including any government or military.
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