What happens when the profession you love ends up taking everything from you?
In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Betsy Gall, author of The Illusion of the Perfect Profession, to talk about physician suicide, the hidden cost of perfectionism, and the very real pain that’s often buried beneath a white coat.
Following the tragic death by suicide of her husband, Dr. Matthew Gall—a beloved oncologist, husband, and father—Betsy transformed her grief into advocacy. Her book, grounded in raw journal entries and letters to God, is a personal and powerful testament to the urgent need for change in how we support those who care for us.
Together, they explore:
✔️ Why Betsy believes being a doctor cost Matt his life
✔️ The identity loss and shame that stop physicians from asking for help
✔️ The barriers physicians face in accessing mental health care
✔️ How to humanize our healthcare system from the inside out
👤 About the Guest:
Betsy Gall is an author, speaker, real estate investor, and mother of three. After losing her husband, Dr. Matthew Gall, to suicide in 2019, she became a fierce advocate for physician mental health and well-being. Her memoir, The Illusion of the Perfect Profession, is a candid and healing account of grief, faith, and the broken systems that need urgent reform. Today, she partners with organizations like the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation to share her family's story and fight for lasting change in healthcare.
🔗 Connect with Betsy:
💙 About the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation:
The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the well-being of healthcare professionals and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. It was founded in honor of Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician who died by suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic after facing unrelenting professional pressure.
Impact Highlights:
✅ Passed the bipartisan Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act
✅ Advocates for removing mental health questions from licensing/credentialing
✅ Provides grants and training to build resilient workplace cultures in healthcare
🎙 About the Host:
Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a dual board-certified Internal Medicine and Geriatrics physician, Master Certified Life Coach, and the Founder of
Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®. A passionate speaker, writer, and podcast host,
Dr. Shabbir empowers high achievers to create sustainable well-being.
She is a proud Ambassador of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and a national voice in the movement for clinician mental health.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Amna Shabbir:
❗ Important Notes:
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide, depression, and grief. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support.
❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or mental health advice and reflects the views of the speakers, not any employer or institution.
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What is Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD ?
Are you tired of chasing goal after goal, only to feel empty once you get there? Do you appear successful on the outside but feel unfulfilled on the inside? Or are you wondering how to even begin your journey to success?
Welcome to Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD—the podcast that challenges traditional definitions of success and explores what it truly means to thrive at the intersection of ambition and well-being.
Hosted by Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC—Founder and CEO, Dual Board-Certified Physician, and a fierce advocate for mental health. With advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, Behavior Change, and Leadership Development, Dr. Shabbir brings deep expertise to every conversation. She’s also a sought-after Professional Speaker and proud Super Mom to two young girls. Drawing from her multifaceted roles, she offers a fresh, honest perspective on the realities of ambition, success, and sustainable well-being.
Each episode delivers practical, evidence-based strategies to help you break free from burnout, perfectionism, and the endless chase for external validation. You’ll walk away inspired and empowered to build a life that aligns achievement with deep personal fulfillment.
If you're ready to reimagine success with intention and courage, hit subscribe, rate, and review the show—and start your journey to a more joyful, aligned life today.
Connect with Dr. Amna Shabbir:
Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md
Instagram: instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir
Facebook: facebook.com/dr.amnashabbir.md
Website: https://success-curated.com/
YouTube: youtube.com/@Dr.AmnaShabbir