Episode 134: Embracing Vulnerability, Shame Resilience and Creating Psychological Safety in Medicine

Welcome to the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Smith welcomes Dr. Tracey O’Connell, a radiologist whose career journey took a transformative turn when she left a toxic private practice after 16 years. Together, they dive into Dr. O’Connell’s path from aspiring psychiatrist to radiologist and ultimately to her work focusing on vulnerability, shame resilience, and expressive writing—especially among physicians and marginalized groups.

Dr. O’Connell opens up about her early influences, the emotional challenges of medical training, and how technological shifts in radiology contributed to feelings of isolation. She shares her personal experience of grappling with shame and the toll that unsustainable work practices can take on mental health. Dr. O’Connell also discusses how discovering expressive writing and the work of Brene Brown helped her reconnect with herself and build resilience—insights she now brings to her coaching and writing workshops.

If you’re a clinician looking for ways to create a more sustainable career and life, or interested in how vulnerability and self-reflection can transform your wellbeing, this candid conversation offers inspiration, tools, and hope. Let’s dive in!

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. Vulnerability is Key to Physician Well-being: Dr. O’Connell highlights that being vulnerable with ourselves is a crucial first step. This can be made more accessible through expressive writing, providing a safe space for self-reflection before sharing with others.
2. Redefining Career “Success” in Medicine: Her story challenges the idea that conforming to traditional work patterns is the only path forward. Doing things differently to protect personal well-being sometimes feels isolating, but it’s a vital part of creating a sustainable career.
3. Expressive Writing as a Healing Tool: She describes how non-judgmental self-reflection through writing can unlock growth and be a gateway to real change—especially for those struggling with burnout, shame, or isolation in clinical settings.

Meet Dr. Tracey O’Connell:

Tracey O’Connell, MD is a radiologist, professional certified coach, consultant, educator, and facilitator of expressive writing and Brene Brown's shame resilience programs. She provides tools for good people having a hard time, tired of feeling lonely, negative, or out of place. After many years of feeling "not enough" as a person, a physician, a parent, or partner, her work fosters positive self-worth, psychological safety, and shame resilience for others. She is currently adjusting to life as an "empty nester" and is curious about what's next for her.

Physician Coach | Traceyoconnellmd.com

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