Loneliness and relationship troubles are common obstacles faced by medical students. These struggles are intensified for students during testing and test preparations, but the effects on family members can be severe as well, including loneliness, financial concerns, and extended partner separation. Today’s guest discovered an unusual way of combatting some of these obstacles: podcasting.

In this episode of Prosperous Doc, our host Shane Tenny is joined by Lara McElderry, an English teacher who is married to a physician. After teaching children for several years, Lara chose to put her career on hold to support her husband as he pursued a medical career. Lara discusses the number of times she had to move for her husband and the toll that took on her; moving for medical school, for residency training, and then for an attending position (8:03), not to mention the debt they incurred in the process. But, most importantly, Lara tells us how she overcame the low points during this ordeal, by finding something she connected with that also resonated with other people, her podcast.

“[A] part of it has been embracing a new identity but still keeping those talents and interests that I had and finding new ways to use them. [I always remind people] “your life may not look like you thought it would, but that doesn’t mean that your strengths have changed. You just have to find new and creative ways to use the strengths that you’ve been blessed with.” (11:57)

Lara McElderry has found a way to connect with and help people that are facing similar obstacles, not as a professional marriage counselor, or as a therapist, but as a shoulder for people with nowhere to turn. While physician suicide is a commonly discussed issue, Lara highlights the alarming suicide rate of women married to male physicians. Coupled with the pressure of the lavish public expectations of a physician’s lifestyle, Lara believes this increased risk can be attributed to feelings of isolation and loneliness, feeling like they’re not contributing, and feeling like they’re second fiddle to their physician husband. (21:50)

For Lara, discovering creative and productive spaces can help overcome stressful situations and loneliness; she stresses how common it is to face such struggles when married to a physician. To learn more about overcoming the struggles facing physician spouses or to contact Lara, visit her website Married To Doctors.

Financial Wellness Tip

This episode’s financial wellness tip focuses on estate planning and the importance of investing in an experienced attorney. With a DIY approach or an inexperienced attorney, you run the risk of your estate documents being prepared improperly, leaving your children and loved ones to face the consequences. Always remember to make sure you find an attorney that specializes in estate planning. Another important tip to consider is to double-check your beneficiary designations on accounts and policies, something you can do without spending a penny on an attorney.

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Prosperous Doc podcast by Spaugh Dameron Tenny highlights real-life stories from doctors and dentists to encourage and inspire listeners through discussions of professional successes and failures in addition to personal stories and financial wellness advice. Spaugh Dameron Tenny is a comprehensive financial planning firm serving doctors and dentists in Charlotte, NC. To find out more about Spaugh Dameron Tenny, visit our website at www.sdtplanning.com. You can also connect with our host, Shane Tenny, CFP at shane@whitecoatwell.com or on Twitter.

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