Unmasking from the Inauthenticity of Plastic Surgery with Dr. Sharon McLaughlin

Deconstructing YOU

Dr. Sharon McLaughlin is a speaker in the field of women's empowerment. After experiencing burnout as a plastic surgeon, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and in-depth study. Her focus is on confidence building, effective communication and the indispensability of setting healthy boundaries.

Dr McLaughlin is the visionary behind Female Physician Entrepreneurs, a thriving network for women physicians that she established with the aim of empowering them to excel in their careers and ventures. The group boasts an impressive membership of more than 10,000 accomplished women physicians. Dr. McLaughlin's primary objective in creating this community was to provide a secure and supportive environment for women physicians to acquire valuable knowledge in the realm of business. Given the alarming statistics of over 50% of American physicians experiencing burnout, she felt compelled to assist them in forging alternative pathways and choices in their professional lives.

Dr. Mclaughlin has been featured in the media and on multiple podcasts. She believes that each woman offers a unique voice and that we should be branding ourselves as we each have a message to share.

Her latest book, Thriving After Burnout, is a compilation of stories from women physicians who share tips and strategies on what helped them during burnout.

Dr. Sharon Mclaughlin graduated from SUNY Stony Brook with a degree in biochemistry. She completed her medical school training at SUNY Downstate. Dr McLaughlin Completed a 5-year general surgery training and a 2-year plastic surgery fellowship. She also is an executive coach.

Sharonmclaughlinmd.com

In this episode, Sharon's narrative becomes a roadmap for listeners navigating identity shifts, societal expectations, and the pursuit of authenticity. The conversation delves deep into the emotional and mental challenges of letting go of a successful career, urging individuals to prioritize internal alignment over external fixes. Sharon's candid insights and personal anecdotes offer a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between identity, societal standards, and the quest for true authenticity.

You’ll discover:

The Journey from Plastic Surgeon to Authenticity:

• Sharon reflects on her years of dedication to becoming a plastic surgeon, fueled by societal expectations and personal ambition.

• The tipping point: realizing she achieved her goal but questioning if it truly aligned with her desires.

Identity Crisis:

• Wrestling with imposter syndrome and the weight of societal expectations.

• Sharon grapples with her identity being synonymous with her career, making it difficult to envision walking away.

Emotional Turmoil and Burnout:

• The emotional toll of feeling like an inadequate wife, mother, and professional.

• Burnout manifested physically, leading to an autoimmune disease and a poignant realization that change was necessary.

Owning Someone Something:

• The struggle with feeling indebted to others for the investment in her medical training.

• The all-or-nothing decision-making process that resulted in a drastic departure from plastic surgery.

Plastic Surgery and Authenticity:

• Exploring the complex relationship between plastic surgery and authenticity.

• Unpacking societal influences and the quest for external validation versus internal acceptance.

The Trap of External Fixes:

• Discussing the allure of external fixes versus addressing the underlying issues.

• How societal standards and platforms like Instagram contribute to distorted perceptions of beauty.

Sharon's Personal Journey:

• Candidly sharing her decision to get braces at 56, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful decisions.

• Encouraging listeners to define their own standards of acceptability and not rush into decisions.

Key Takeaways and Advice:

• Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals when contemplating a career shift.

• Emphasizing the significance of aligning one's actions with personal values.

• Encouraging self-reflection and addressing internal issues before seeking external fixes.