The Catalyst: Sparking Creative Transformation in Healthcare

What does “success” look like and who gets to decide? In this episode, Dr. Lara Salyer explores how customized success metrics can revolutionize the patient and physician’s work together. Dr. Salyer recounts a mentoring session with a healthcare practitioner who is developing a program for patient education but feels it may not be comprehensive enough. This story highlights the practitioner’s hesitation, rooted in a fear of success and the responsibilities and criticisms that come with it. Dr. Salyer reintroduces the “WARM” method—Who, Aim low, Reason, and Messy—as a tool to combat self-sabotage and encourage taking action, even if it's not perfect. This episode also addresses the challenge of measuring transformation in functional medicine, where data is not always the best indicator of success. Dr. Salyer advocates for self-measured metrics that capture the patient's emotional and holistic health changes. She outlines steps to create these metrics, including formulating questions, establishing a scoring system, and streamlining the process, recommending the use of a simple Google document to keep things straightforward and efficient. Highlighting her CME course that adopts a similar approach to foster creativity and prevent burnout among healthcare professionals, Dr. Salyer encourages listeners to create their own metrics and to revise them as needed, based on patient feedback and changes in practice focus. Quotes • “The closer we get to success, we self-sabotage. It happens all the time. It still happens to me. Everybody does this. Success brings upon new responsibilities and almost a fear that we become aware of as we get closer to completing something. Once we check that box that it's completed, now we've left ourselves out in the open for criticism. And I think that really sits very difficult with a lot of us.” (03:32 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “We can measure all sorts of data in your body, but in my opinion, that is not a true measure of transformation. What I'm looking for is body transformation—emotional, mind and soul transformation. And we cannot know how a patient feels. Only a patient knows this. So these self-measured metrics are my favorite to use.” (09:00 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Make sure as you're designing your metric that you include questions that you will usually strategically teach on.” (16:22 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “When you start sensing that you're getting closer to success and you need just a few more things, ask yourself, 'Do I really?' 'Who's talking to me?' 'Who am I comparing myself to?' 'Do I have enough here to get going?' You probably do. And this is your pep talk to get going. Put it out there. The only way you can adjust is by putting it out there, even if it's imperfect. And then reiterating on that. That is the key. And then secondly, remember, use metrics. Create your own. And that can measure your own transformation in patients. Have fun with it.” (17:21 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Links Catalyst Archetype Quiz: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype CME Course: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/reclamation Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Finding your tribe and embracing change can enrich personal growth and lead to fulfilling life changes. In this “Friends & Family” series opener, Dr. Lara Salyer sits down with her longtime friend Jill Pyrz, mixing humor with raw truths as they look back on the moments that defined their friendship. They reflect on shared challenges in the healthcare industry and personal ventures that tested their resilience and determination. Jill's career, spanning diverse roles from the office of a university president to various entrepreneurial endeavors, highlights her passion for people’s stories. Whether involved in a state production called “That's What She Said” or penning stories as a newspaper journalist for the News-Gazette, Jill's experiences prove the importance of community and authentic connection at every phase of life. This episode touches on the challenges and rewards of starting new projects and businesses, with Jill offering advice on recognizing one's limitations and the crucial role of a supportive team to complement one's strengths. A humorous anecdote from a night out dancing, where Jill questions Dr. Salyer's choice of Dansko shoes, reminds us of the importance of having people in our lives who will tell us the hard truths. Dr. Salyer and Jill explore themes of personal growth, the enduring bond of friendship, and the courage to pursue one's passions. They encourage listeners to find their tribe, ask for honest feedback, and be willing to take risks in pursuit of a fulfilling and creative life. Quotes • “I get really passionate about things, and when I learn about something, I go deep. I read every book I can possibly read, and I try to live my life to whatever I'm learning.” (07:58 | Jill Pyrz) • “For me to do my best work, I have to feel passionate about it.” (15:49 | Jill Pyrz) • “Now that I yearn for deeper relationships and deeper conversations, it makes it a lot easier to interview someone and get to know them. It provides a structure to the relationship that I'm much more comfortable with. Writing, for me, is actually the same job as being the production person for 'That's What She Said,' because you're just getting to know people. Instead of providing a stage for their story, I'm just writing it on paper. So it's the same exact thing. And what it really comes down to is that I'm really fascinated and just in love with people's stories.” (18:57 | Jill Pyrz) • “It's not just finding a match in terms of having a good business partner, because you don't necessarily have to have a partner, but you have to have a team of people and you have to be able to ask for help and not be afraid to show that you have no idea what you're doing in a way.” (23:51 | Jill Pyrz) • “Have people in your life that will tell you things that are hard to hear.” (27:10 | Jill Pyrz) Links Archetype Quiz: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype News Gazette: https://www.news-gazette.com/ Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

How does one unlock a focused and stress-free mind? Dr. Lara Salyer sits down with Dr. Romie Mushtaq, a neurologist turned wellness pioneer, who brings a wealth of experience from her journey through medicine, corporate wellness, and mindfulness practice. As the author of “The Busy Brain Cure” and a recognized leader in the field of integrative medicine, Dr. Mushtaq sheds light on the epidemic of "busy brain syndrome"—a cluster of symptoms including difficulty focusing, anxiety, and insomnia, which she attributes to chronic stress and neuroinflammation. Dr. Mushtaq introduces her “brain shift protocol,” an eight-week program aimed at breaking the stimulant-sedative cycle trapping many adults in reliance on caffeine, alcohol, or prescription medications for energy and stress management. The protocol provides practical strategies to help individuals regain control of their mental well-being without depending on substances or undergoing major lifestyle changes. The episode also tackles broader systemic issues contributing to physician burnout, such as the burdens of electronic health records and the relentless pressure to meet productivity targets. Dr. Salyer and Dr. Mushtaq highlight the importance of leadership that prioritizes compassion, mindfulness, and effective communication as tools for creating a more sustainable and joyful practice environment. Quotes • "We doctors have added to the complex mental health problems. We all know about the opioid crisis. But there's another one that we've been ignoring. And I call that the stimulant sedative cycle. It's that in the West, in order to show up as a professional, whether you're a doctor or the high performing leaders I work with for a living, or just a human, it's like in order to have energy all day, I need to be caffeinated. And in order to forget work, or take the edge off, I need alcohol or some other sedative at night. And when that fails, what do doctors do? We have an ADHD crisis in adults today." (25:54 | Dr. Mushtaq) • "There's a pattern of neuroinflammation that isn't discussed in the mindfulness, emotional resilience literature where you learn about the limbic system. It's the chronic neuroinflammation that is happening in the hypothalamus that's disrupting the circadian rhythm and causing a downstream effect in the brain, mental health, and body. And this is what I call the busy brain." (28:37 | Dr. Mushtaq) • "We came up with the eight-week brain shift protocol to help people find focus, tame anxiety, and sleep again, essentially to heal the burnout and restore their circadian rhythm." (29:45 | Dr. Mushtaq) • "Do not feel hopeless that you can't change the system. You could save one colleague's life by just saying, "Hey, Lara, it's me, Romy. Are you okay? I want you to know I'm here without judgment and you're not alone." Just to say I am here and you're not alone is making an impact in the medical system." (34:46 | Dr. Mushtaq) Links Connect with Dr. Romie Mushtaq: Website: https://drromie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drromie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrRomie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRomie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drromie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC05grQ3WOYK_BX7hxTIvt7w Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Pediatrics is evolving and Dr. Ellie MacGregor is at the forefront of this change, integrating functional medicine and holistic wellness practices into child care. Alongside host Dr. Lara Salyer, they explore the critical role of the vagal nerve in children's health, discussing its impact on conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADD. After recognizing the limitations of conventional methods in addressing the root causes of health issues, Dr. Ellie transitioned from traditional pediatrics to an integrative approach. Her relocation from California to North Carolina marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, where she established a practice dedicated to providing holistic care. This care focuses on uncovering and treating underlying problems, which are often traced back to early life experiences. Addressing broader challenges within the healthcare system, Dr. Ellie discusses physician burnout and the necessity of extending patient visit durations to ensure comprehensive care. The conversation also highlights the importance of play in child development and the recovery phase of the brain's flow cycle, advocating for increased unstructured playtime. This episode makes a compelling case for the integration of holistic health principles into medical education, suggesting that such an integration could bridge the gap between conventional and integrative medicine, mitigate misconceptions, and foster wellness among physicians. Quotes • "I'm extremely passionate about treating ADHD, anxiety, and depression from a functional medicine perspective because of a few things. In functional integrative medicine, there's so much that we can do for kids in those areas. And ranging from lifestyle to supplements to advanced diagnostic testing, we don't always have to rush to medication necessarily or if your child is on medication, there may be a way to reduce those medications." (06:05 | Dr. Ellie MacGregor) • "I'm not disparaging sports at all, but it doesn't give the opportunity for the brain to relax, be bored, or be creative as much as if you're just kind of out in nature, digging in the dirt, playing in the sand, climbing a tree. So those are some really nice ways to go about kind of resetting the vagal nerve at a young age." (11:06 | Dr. Ellie MacGregor) • "There can be tension between holistic practitioners and conventional medicine and I think that may come from some sort of fear. That fear may come from a lack of understanding or lack of education around the modalities." (25:09 | Dr. Ellie MacGregor) • "We need to be able to get back to that route of actually healing patients by allotting the time that physicians need to do the work and also to recover from the work such that they can come back in their full capacity to do the work again as their best selves." (28:02 | Dr. Ellie MacGregor) Links Connect with Dr. Ellie MacGregor: Website: https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/ Guide to Brain Health Through Gut Health: https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/coming-soon-03 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middlepathintegrativepeds/ Facebook: Middle Path Integrative Pediatrics Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-macgregor-do-faap-0a65498b Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drellie1355/ Connect with Dr. Salyer: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Feeling stuck is a condition often rooted in fear, “inertia,” and a lack of support. Host Dr. Lara Salyer explores the concept of inertia, its complexities, and how it can hinder progress in various aspects of life, especially in healthcare. Drawing from personal experiences, Dr. Lara will guide you on how to overcome inertia using a method she calls “W.A.R.M.” The W.A.R.M. method—”Who Dis,” “Aim Low,” “Reason Why,” and “Messy Moves the Needle”—offers a new perspective on overcoming the inertia that often afflicts individuals. Through sharing personal stories from her life and her mentoring sessions, Dr. Lara demonstrates the relatability and applicability of the W.A.R.M. method. She recounts a moment of self-doubt while preparing for a workshop and how applying the method helped her move past the hurdle, serving as a testament to the method's effectiveness. This episode of The Catalyst is a call to embrace self-reflection, set realistic goals, and accept that imperfect action is still progress. It encourages listeners to confront their fears, seek support, and concentrate on the underlying reasons for their aspirations. Quotes • "You need action to make motivation happen." (08:32 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • "Negative self-talk, fear of judgment, and plain old procrastination. Those are the top three most likely self-sabotaging mechanisms that I see in my practice. And this is detrimental because the more we practice those thought loops of self-sabotage, it really breaks down our mental health. It also breaks down our well-being and our feeling of self-efficacy. We start to feel more trapped." (11:59 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • "When you find yourself stuck, first of all, you have to recognize that, which can be hard. And that's why a good mentor or a good practitioner that helps you with lifestyle changes, you need a third party to look at your life and assess." (15:51 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • "Take imperfect action. Just move, just get off the couch, stumble to the kitchen, whatever it is, put your shoes on, left shoe on the right foot does not mean take imperfect action, recognize that your progress comes from just moving in a messy way. Nothing says that you have to be perfect right outside the gate or ever." (19:54 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • "Next time you're feeling inertia, remember, W.A.R.M. Warm yourself up. Take it off the couch. Ask, who's this? Aim low. Reason why. And messy moves the needle. Challenge those thoughts. Remember that motivation doesn't come from inaction. It's so much more comfortable to blame or point fingers or sit on the couch and consume, get another certification, another degree, or consume TikTok or social media and just sort of dissociate from life. Jump back in it. Get warm. Remind yourself of the why." (23:30 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Links Free Brainstorming Session with "PODCAST" coupon https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery Catalyst Archetype Quiz: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Technology is empowering healthcare providers to do two crucial tasks at one time - document clinical conversations in an accurate and structured way and simultaneously provide attentive patient interactions. CEO Erez Druk and Dr. Gabi Meckler, a husband and wife duo, discuss how they have developed an innovative solution to one of healthcare's most demanding tasks: charting. It began with Erez, a software engineer, asking Gabi, a family medicine resident overwhelmed with paperwork, a simple question: “What can I do to make your life better?” Dr. Gabi expressed her wish to delegate her note-taking tasks. Their conversation led to the creation of Freed: an AI-powered medical scribe designed to transform clinician-patient conversations into comprehensive notes. Its aim is to free medical practitioners from the burden of tedious administrative duties, enabling them to focus more on patient interactions and less on paperwork. Throughout the conversation, Erez and Dr. Gabi discuss the unique capabilities of Freed. The tool boasts multilingual support, converting varied conversations into structured SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment and plan) notes to document patient encounters. Looking ahead, Dr. Gabi expresses hope that the tool will eventually manage tasks such as interpreting difficult-to-read scanned documents and placing orders directly within the EHR. Erez adds that their goal is to develop a comprehensive clinician assistant capable of providing instant, intelligent access to patient information, making pre-charting more efficient. Listeners are encouraged to take advantage of a special offer to try Freed at a discounted rate and see the benefits for themselves. Dr. Lara suggests providing feedback to help refine the tool further, emphasizing Freed's mission to alleviate burnout among healthcare professionals. Quotes • "Unfortunately, clinicians have so many problems across the workflow. I think charting is one painful sliver of that. So we really want to cover all of it to the extent that that burden goes away and hopefully burnout goes away as a result. So really what we're trying to build is a full-fledged clinician assistant. To be very specific, the main thing I want us to achieve and we're working on right now, is pre-charting. We want you to have a rich view of your patient, you know, all the information is there, but also useful.” (13:11 | Erez Druk) • "The future, I believe, with AI, will make us all fall in love with medicine again." (15:14 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • "What we're building now are not templates, but a way for Freed to learn. So every time you edit or change a note, Freed becomes more like your person, like a human scribe would do. So that's something we launched recently and it shows a lot of promise, people falling in love with Freed becoming their own personal scribe." (19:02 | Erez Druk) • "I think Freed is there to help with all your patient encounters, but I don't think it's ever going to be able to do anything like what we do. I think it's just going to be an assistant, but it's never going to make decisions, clinical decisions. It's never going to interact with the patient in a way that makes a connection. All those things, I'm still going to use my doctor brain. Or if it's not a doctor, any clinician will be able to use their brain. So that's what I think it won't be able to do, is replace me." (23:55 | Dr. Gabi Meckler) • "The special thing about Freed is that it's by clinicians. It's truly in the DNA of the company and that's the one thing I would never want us to lose." (33:13 | Erez Druk) Links GetFreed link: https://getfreed.sjv.io/OrvMVW Use coupon code: CATALYST to get $50 off first month subscription Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:...

Here's a secret that could save you hours, energy, and money: In this episode of The Catalyst, Dr. Lara Salyer shares a valuable insight on personal investment—a practical solution for managing your workload more efficiently. Inspired by a transformative story from her Catalyst Studio mentorship, she highlights how a mentee changed the way she handled her business tasks by adopting a system that suited her needs. This change led to the development of clear, actionable steps, demonstrating how organizing thoughts effectively can cut through the overwhelm. Listeners explore different tools for organizing thoughts, ranging from paper-based options like bullet journals and sticky notes to digital solutions such as apps and online calendars. Dr. Lara shares insights on how these methods have streamlined the management of her own projects and tasks, offering listeners straightforward strategies to incorporate into their lives. She also highlights the financial benefit of adopting these organizational skills, potentially saving $7,200. This emphasizes the value of efficient thought organization beyond just time and energy. As an advocate for journaling thoughts everyday, Dr. Lara motivates listeners to adopt these organizational strategies in their daily routines, aiming to foster innovation and job satisfaction. It positions better organization as a catalyst for professional development and growth. Quotes • "There's a huge benefit to unloading your thoughts onto paper or onto something, some kind of container that is not up here. Even if you know, oh, I just have to do these three things today, or I have to do this in the next quarter, or these are the things I'm looking at for my business. You might keep it up here, but you're taxing your brain by keeping it in your working memory. There's so many studies that show if you can just dump it out where it's visible, it immediately feels less overwhelming because you can visually see the tasks." (03:57 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • "Sometimes we're not even aware of the many tools available to us to help us with that cognitive drain of keeping things in our working memory. So think of paper items like a bullet journal, a planner, a notebook. Think of post-it notes. " (05:33 | | Dr. Lara Salyer) • "It doesn't matter how much money you save. It's priceless to find your own system of organizing your thoughts and putting them down and finding a container. Whether it's paper or digital or both." (13:56 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • "We really all deserve to express ourselves in our career, in our work life masterpiece. So save yourself some angst, some time, some money and energy and do that one thing with wonderful zealousness every day, writing your thoughts out, organizing them or the post-its. That's my favorite. I promise you will be changed if you start picking up this habit every day." (15:00 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Links Episode Links: Archetype Quiz: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype Commit30 Planner: https://buff.ly/3ONp8cD Right Brain Rescue memoir: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B08JCKBWK5/ Brainstorm Session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Healthcare practices are ready for innovative solutions with modern technology paving the way forward. Host Dr. Lara Salyer delves into how holistic practices can benefit from smarter, technology-driven solutions with Kristen Ford, CEO and co-founder of Holistic Office. Kristen, with her solid background in finance, accounting, and operations, brings critical insights to the table for any independent medical practice looking to evolve. Their conversation centers around “My Holistic Office," an app designed by Kristen to meet the specific needs of holistic healthcare practitioners. Drawing from her extensive experience, Ford developed this Electronic Medical Record system to help practices manage their operations seamlessly, while staying true to their holistic roots. From inventory management to scheduling, each feature is designed to simplify the day-to-day operations. Kristen and Dr. Lara tackle the practicalities of integrating new technology into existing practices by pointing out the straightforward setup and personalized onboarding support that My Holistic Office offers. The system's integration with Zoom for telehealth sessions, Rupa Health for lab integration, and the newly added payment processing are highlighted as key benefits. Looking ahead, Kristen expressed enthusiasm for incorporating artificial intelligence to further ease practice management as Dr. Lara shares her hopes for features that could improve patient communication and help manage expectations. Quotes • "I could have built an app for accounting professionals, for finance professionals, for operations professionals, but I really chose the folks who I feel are making the biggest difference in the world. And I mean that sincerely because it's been a big difference for me personally and for my family working with holistic healthcare providers. And I just wanted to support them because I know what it's like to run a small business." (04:50 | Kristen Ford) • "What I try to do with Holistic Office is to, first of all, make it really easy to use. I feel like if you didn't have to be searching around to do basic things like find a patient, I'm not doing my job, you know. And so I really am trying to bring as many of the facets of running a practice under one umbrella that are easy to use." (07:54 | Kristen Ford) • “With some of the older EHRs, it is a big deal to take old technology and completely bring it up to today's standards.” (15:49 | Kristen Ford) • "Our app’s dashboard is designed to be kind of an all-in-one glance at what's going on in your world today. So any tasks that are outstanding are right there. Your schedule for today is right there. And then very easy to see boxes where it's like, here's patients, here's my products, here's the forms, here's reports, so that you can very easily start working on your day. There's no searching." (20:38 | Kristen Ford) • "I think incorporating AI is definitely at the top of the list because it can do so many things." (26:36 | Kristen Ford) • "Medicine has changed in my mind because it's not just conventional or allopathic. You can heal from so many different places. And I think that's where we're all trying to show patients that there are many ways to peel that orange, right? And you don't need to get your healing inside an exam room and the one-on-one visit." (33:07 | Lara Salyer) • "When people want you, they will pay for your services, they will be there, they will make time for it, and they will prioritize that healing. And that's not to shame the other patients that are busy and have other things they're doing, but that's okay, too. You know, you do what you can. And providing that ecosystem of support is what it's all about." (37:08 | Lara Salyer) Links Connect with Kristen Ford: Website: https://www.myholisticoffice.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myholisticoffice/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/holistic-office-inc/ Facebook:...

"What's your experience with gratitude? Do you write thank you letters? Do you know this emotion?" These probing questions from Dr. Michelle Flowers, a board-certified psychiatrist and guest on The Catalyst Podcast, open a fascinating dialogue on the transformative role of gratitude in healthcare. Host Dr. Lara Salyer sets the stage for a deep dive into how this profound emotion can spark innovation and foster positive change within the healthcare landscape. Dr. Flowers, an advocate for the therapeutic power of gratitude, shares the "NOW" technique, her unique approach to cultivating gratitude among both children and adults. This method encourages individuals to Nurture themselves, Observe their environment, and embrace Wonder, fostering a daily practice of gratitude. The discussion explores the neuroscience underpinning gratitude, with a focus on the limbic system's role in emotion regulation and how sensory experiences can amplify our feelings of gratefulness. Throughout the episode, Dr. Salyer and Dr. Flowers offer creative strategies for integrating gratitude into everyday life. They discuss engaging in hands-on activities like puzzles or art to stay present and grounded, and the significance of small acts of gratitude, such as penning thank-you notes or pausing to reflect on daily moments of joy. Dr. Salyer and Dr. Flowers emphasize that acknowledging the little joys and embracing gratitude can be a catalyst for positive change, enhancing personal well-being and inspiring innovation in healthcare practices. Quotes • “Gratefulness includes the fullness that you experience when you're in a true state of gratitude and it's sort of joy meets appreciation.” (9:32 | Dr. Michelle Flowers) • “The human brain is automatically default set to hold on to negative experiences. That doesn't serve us well in our modern era because we're mostly safe. And we're holding on to these many negativities that are affecting our nervous system and we have record rates of depression and anxiety. And so what is that? You know there's something going on.” (23:43 | Dr. Michelle Flowers) • “Sadly, a lot of times as physicians, we bought into this model of illness instead of wellness. And I, you know, this has been a gradual journey for me, but at one point I looked at the questionnaires I was giving patients and it's like, you know, I'm disinterested, I feel bad, I have suicidal thoughts, I'm anxious, you know, and I'm giving them all these questions, planting all these thoughts. I was like, where are the well-being questions? So now I have a longer well-being questionnaire, which is I feel optimistic about the future, you know, I have quality relationships. And again, I want them finishing with those thoughts planted in their head as well. And just like you said, yeah, if you focus on pain, we're going to find people to focus on that. Everyone has pain. If you focus on creativity, you're going to find that, too. Yes. Oh, I love this.” (24:57 | Michelle Flowers, M.D.) • “Start with just before you go to sleep at night, reflecting back on your day and trying to find the best part or the least worst part, if that's where you're at right now.” (32:02 | Dr. Michelle Flowers) Links: Book references: The Gratitude Project by Jeremy Adam Smith Thanks A Thousand by AJ Jacobs Connect with Michelle Flowers: Website: https://www.bewellmichellemd.com/ Instagram: @bewellmichellemd Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

"How can healthcare professionals turn portal messaging from a source of burnout into a tool for efficient communication?" In this compelling episode of "The Catalyst" podcast, Dr. Lara Salyer addresses the double-edged sword of portal messaging within the healthcare system. She delves into the impact of this digital communication tool, initially designed to streamline interactions but now a significant contributor to practitioner burnout. Dr. Salyer shares actionable advice for both patients and practitioners on managing portal messages effectively. For patients, she emphasizes the importance of clear, concise communication—detailing actions taken and asking specific questions to facilitate swift, efficient responses. She encourages patients to utilize the full healthcare team, redirecting appropriate inquiries to other staff members. For practitioners, Dr. Salyer offers strategies to restore balance and set boundaries around portal use. She advocates for managing expectations through well-crafted auto-replies and limiting message length and complexity. Additionally, she highlights the value of group visits as a forum for addressing common patient concerns, thereby reducing the volume of individual messages. Closing with seven practical guidelines for practitioners to incorporate into their portal messaging terms, Dr. Salyer focuses on clear communication policies, emergency protocols, and the importance of directing patients towards suitable care options within the healthcare ecosystem. Quotes • “Think before you open that portal message. What have you done already to answer your question? And that could mean like a Google search or maybe things that you've tried from the last treatment plan that your physician suggested. You can list those steps. You know, I've tried here, I've done this, and this is the symptom that's still bothering me. Then you ask one question.” (2:55 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Many EMR systems will allow an auto-reply. So when somebody puts a portal message in, they get an automatic reply. So you may want to switch yours up every so often, right? After reading it once or twice, most patients will ignore the message. But if you rotate it, Say something like, due to the high volume of messaging, if you have a question, your best chance of getting an answer is to coming into our group visit on this day at this time. Or while you're waiting, here's a small checklist that can help patients. If you're under an elimination diet, here's my link to my snack swaps. You know, if you have a system or method that you tend to walk your patients through, you can give them a link.” (14:17 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Portal messaging can be a huge burden, but it can also be a great opportunity to invite people into your ecosystem and your culture. Your culture of honoring self-care, of empowering patients, to be discerning on what needs assistance, and to show them how you can do that as the expert in functional medicine.” (19:50 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Links Connect with Lara: Group Visit Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-in-one-group-visits-educate-patients-market-services-generate-leads-tickets-777836518967 Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“Space is power,” says Sharon Woodworth, sector leader at National Healthcare Practice at Harley Ellis Devereaux, who joins The Catalyst to discuss the changing face of healthcare architectural design. With so many industries using technology to create automated experiences for patients, the healthcare industry is wise to follow suit. Sharon explains why she would like outpatient care to more resemble the Apple Genius Bar, and hospitals to have a layout like the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. She and Dr. Lara discuss the pros and cons of what is an increasing level of standardization in healthcare settings. When the clinician knows exactly where everything is, it limits cognitive drain, yet at what point does standardized feel too sterile? Especially when studies show that inpatients, as a result of a nesting instinct, will begin to personalize their hospital room within an hour of checking in, and clinicians who personalize their office space are shown to be more productive and more receptive to their patients. How do we design inpatient and outpatient buildings differently so that they promote physician wellness and help prevent burnout? It starts, Sharon says, with clinicians speaking up to higher admin and architects. This begins by realistically visualizing a typical day in the workplace. If architects choose to include fewer exam rooms in their plans, what does this mean for clinician burnout? And if and when another major global disaster happens, how do healthcare spaces accommodate a major influx of patients who will need rooms? In this episode, Sharon and Dr. Lara Salyer discuss the importance of creativity to overall health and their own experiences with personalized workspaces, the impact it had on both clinicians and patients of all ages. Quotes • “If you were not, as a general public, aware of the impact of the environment on health, Covid taught you. Yes, it’s important to have space around you, to have fresh air, to be aware of what’s going on around you.” (6:46 | Sharon Woodworth) • “We can learn a lot from other industries. Healthcare lags as far as the use of technology and AI, whereas we’ve been self-checking our bags and our airline flights for years, and healthcare is so lagging behind. In other industries, there are kiosks, where you go and check in. Think of going to a restaurant and the people come and find you and get you seated.” (9:34 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Space is power, and you have to fight for what you want. And what happens if you are in a position to be asked to design a space, don’t assume that you’re going to be given a space of respite. Don’t assume that to begin with. So, when you’re asked to join that process, start asking, ‘What are you doing for us?’ Not the patient–yes, we’re all into patient-centered care–but, I’m sorry, without the staff, there is no patient-centered care. So, you have to start with asking, ‘What are you going to be doing for us?’” (17:52 | Sharon Woodworth) • “Covid taught us, again, that if you’ve taken lean to such an extent that you’ve got the number of rooms based on the number of staff, it’s going to hurt you on that day, that month, or that year when you don’t have the staff and you need to expand the space. And lean can eradicate that future flexibility and that future expansion.” (27:08 | Sharon Woodworth) Links Connect with Sharon Woodworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-e-woodworth-faia-acha-edac-leed-92337111/ Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

In a special 100th episode of The Catalyst Podcast, Dr. Lara Salyer tackles the pervasive issue of burnout within the healthcare system, intertwining celebration with a deep dive into systemic reform and personal resilience. This milestone episode is not just a moment of reflection but a call to action, offering a blend of systemic solutions and individual strategies to combat the growing epidemic of burnout among healthcare professionals. Dr. Salyer addresses the root causes of burnout with a critical eye, suggesting systemic changes that promise to restore autonomy to physicians, recalibrate patient expectations, and foster a more flexible and supportive working environment. She proposes practical reforms, from the integration of business acumen in medical training to the thoughtful implementation of mentorship programs and the streamlining of electronic medical records, envisioning a healthcare system that supports rather than drains its workforce. On a personal level, Dr. Salyer outlines a four-step pathway to empowerment and well-being. She encourages healthcare professionals to reclaim their time and introduce self-care rituals into their daily routines, to reconnect with their passions outside of work, and to cultivate a practice of gratitude. By reframing how they perceive work, success, and rest, individuals can shift their mindset towards a more sustainable and fulfilling career path. Quotes • “Burnout is serious. Burnout is, and can be, fatal. We lose physicians every year to suicide. A full medical school class worth of physicians. So this topic of burnout is deep. It is dark. And if you are suffering right now, my offer to you is to get help.” (Dr. Lara Salyer | 03:22) • “If you are struggling, I really ask that you reach out to a friend, a therapist, a coworker and let somebody know that you're struggling so that we can help. There is a way through burnout, and each of us have an opportunity to put that puzzle together and find our own unique solution.” (3:54 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “The third thing that our system can do to immediately help burnout is allow flexible working conditions for doctors. It's similar to number one, where we allow doctors to have autonomy on their schedule, but I'm talking even more outside-of-the-box solutions, coloring way outside the lines here, borrowing from other industries like academic medicine. Professors get a sabbatical that is paid. Every six years, they're allowed to travel or use that sabbatical for time to explore hobbies and interests.” (Dr. Lara Salyer | 06:55) • “The fifth thing that the system could do to help burn out immediately would be to instill mentoring support from day one. Now we're not talking your school counselor or academic advisor, we're talking a true mentor. And this would be compensated because we need to reward those physicians and leaders that have great skills that can help inspire those. And they can speak from experience because they've been there. That can save lives.” (Dr. Lara Salyer | 12:42) • “The word creativity. It is not for those talented few. It is not something that's bestowed from a muse. Creativity is medicinal. It's powerful. It lowers your cortisol. It helps you feel good, even just doodling. can help interact with your amygdala and help regulate emotions so that you aren't triggered as easily. (Dr. Lara Salyer | 24:58) Links Connect with Lara: GetFreed link: https://getfreed.sjv.io/OrvMVW Use coupon code: CATALYST to get $50 off first month subscription Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

How can bringing patients together transform their healthcare experience? In this episode of The Catalyst podcast, Dr. Lara Salyer delves into this question with Dr. Jeff Geller, a family physician and innovator in integrative medicine. Dr. Geller shares his impactful journey working with underserved communities and his dedicated efforts to alleviate loneliness and enhance healthcare outcomes through the concept of group medical visits. Dr. Geller's approach, rooted in his research on loneliness and empowerment, showcases the remarkable benefits of group visits. He explains how these sessions, ranging from acupuncture to mental health support groups, not only build a sense of community among patients but also significantly boost health outcomes and instill a feeling of empowerment. Tackling practical aspects, Dr. Geller addresses the challenges of insurance billing and maintaining appropriate boundaries within group settings. He offers advice on ethical billing practices and the importance of adapting these group models to meet the specific needs of different communities. Looking ahead, Dr. Geller expresses optimism about integrating group visits into future healthcare models like value-based care, highlighting their potential in improving patient care while reducing costs. Dr. Geller's experiences and perspectives provide a compelling argument for healthcare professionals to consider this innovative approach in their practices, promising a more communal and empowering patient experience. Quotes • "Life is a lot muckier than that. You know, you can't tell someone this. I always talk about pomegranates because I think 30 years ago, someone said pomegranates are the healthiest food. And I looked at my patients in the poor city I was in, and I was like, the chances of anyone here getting a pomegranate are low." (8:31 | Dr. Jeff Geller) • "When you become a doctor, you don't really realize that the esteem that people will sometimes put on you or the higher level of things. And so just by walking into the public library and having a group made me, I think, a little bit more accessible to people." ( 9:55 |Dr. Jeff Geller) • "You don't need to talk to run a really good effective group. In fact, my Spanish was terrible and I ran Spanish speaking groups and I would just have to sit there and say, what are you saying? And what did she just say? And what did he just say? Is everyone OK here? You know, and now I'm fairly fluent, but it was, you know, it's just you have to trust that people want good things for one another, you know, and that people want to help one another." (10:35 | Dr. Jeff Geller) • "Feedback can be our best friend. When we learn if something changed or we're not getting the results we thought, we need to ask the people that we're serving. And so being very religious about asking what's working, what would have made this an immediate yes to join, or why didn't you join, or why did you leave, or how can I make this more engaging? And that keeps it fresh."(29:17 |Dr. Lara Salyer) • "We have 30 weekly group visits in my small private practice for the underserved. And some of them are this empowerment model. Some of them are very prescribed and we're kind of really trying to expand as much as we can to accommodate more people coming to our practice." (31:05 | Dr. Jeff Geller) Links Connect with Dr. Jeff Geller, MD, Website: https://icgmv.org "Daddy Used to be Sick" free PDF book: https://files.hria.org/files/SA3556.pdf "Herschel the Jewish Reindeer" https://www.amazon.com/Hershel-Jewish-Reindeer-Jeff-Geller/dp/0997722428 Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

In a world where wealth is often measured in material terms, Dr. Lara Salyer invites us to consider a deeper, more personal definition in this episode of The Catalyst Podcast. Sparked by a TikTok video that reminisces about childhood indicators of wealth, Dr. Salyer urges us to reflect on perceptions that may have shaped our understanding of wealth. She suggests that just as we periodically reassess our health, our ingrained beliefs about money and success might also require a fresh perspective! Wealth, as Dr. Salyer presents it, is a multifaceted concept. She shares her own experiences of finding richness in life's simple joys, like the comfort of her own space and the liberty to align her medical practice with her personal ethos. Because money mindset is so important, within Dr. Salyer’s mentorship, The Catalyst Studio, Financial Fridays are dedicated to supporting functional and holistic practitioners to challenge, explore and be aware of their money stories. To inspire a reimagined approach to wealth, Dr. Salyer regularly recommends transformative reads, including "Happy Money" by Ken Honda, “Happy Pocket Full Of Money” by David Caperon Gikandi, and “Playing Big” by Tara Mohr. In closing, Dr. Salyer invites a shift in focus from financial accumulation to nurturing well-being and self-expression, personal fulfillment and joy. Quotes: • “A quote that really resonated with me is ‘Some people are so poor that all they have is money.” (4:14 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Wealth has become blown out of proportion and this is why I was diligent in making sure we had financial Fridays inside my mentorship, the Catalyst Studio. And my favorite thing is these “Financial Fridays” now where we unpack the idea of wealth and all the behavior around it. Are you hoarding it? Do you have a scarcity mindset? Do you spend it as soon as you get it because you're not sure when you'll get more? And there's all these things to unpack. And this is wonderful.” (5:17 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Wealth isn't just about money or financial need. It's also about how your energy is spent. How your energy is curated again and recharged.” (10:21 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Links Happy Money by Ken Honda: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MJHJ57T?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_QFR6QY5ZAXP2NXTHCFMR Happy Pocket Full of Money by David Cameron Gikandi: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1571747362?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_HK64JTF2PDMT2QHF9MCS Playing Big by Tara Mohr: https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Big-Practical-Wisdom-Create/dp/1592409601 Connect with Lara: Mentorship: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Archetype Quiz: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Who’s driving the roadmap of change in a patient’s sequencing of healthcare and what is the right order? Dr. Lara Salyer tackles this question, focusing on what she sees as the crucial need to align healthcare strategies with each patient's unique readiness for change, instinctive understanding of their health priorities, and personal energy and motivations. She emphasizes that a plan that considers these factors is magic - evidenced by treatment effectiveness and overall patient progress toward wellness. Dr. Salyer uses the example of Susie, a patient with multiple health decisions. She demonstrates how various healthcare professionals might prioritize different aspects of Susie's care, such as smoking cessation or dietary changes, based on her own readiness and willingness to engage with these challenges. Dr. Salyer advocates for practitioners to actively listen to and understand their patients' perspectives, adapting care strategies to match what the patient finds most pressing or achievable. Furthermore, Dr. Salyer discusses the integral role of intuition in both patients and healthcare providers. She underlines the value of building a partnership where the patient's voice plays a significant role in shaping their treatment plan. Dr. Salyer concludes by encouraging healthcare professionals to reevaluate their approach to patient care. She promotes a shift toward collaborative, intuitive, and patient-aligned methods, striving for outcomes that are both successful and deeply fulfilling for patients. Quotes: • “I often ask the patient, what do you think is in the way of your health? And sometimes they identify things I never even would have thought of. And I take that into account of what might be that next step that helps them get success.” (8:03 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Ask your patient, what do you think is needed next in your health journey? And be willing to stay open-minded and curious because that might be what they need to relax into change and get that energy and enthusiasm up to a level where they can tackle some of the harder decisions like weaning prescriptions, stopping habits that are no longer serving them, or investing time and energy to learn about new ways of thinking or being in this world.” (9:31 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “When you sequence the right order according to a patient's readiness, it can feel like progress at the speed of light. They can wake up in 90 days and see a tremendous change, even though there are still things left unaddressed on their list.” (12:15 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Links GetFreed link: https://getfreed.sjv.io/OrvMVW Use coupon code: CATALYST to get $50 off first month subscription Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

How can manifestation shape your dream healthcare career? Dr. Salyer shares insights from her own career transformation, from experiencing burnout in family practice to finding joy in functional medicine. She highlights the role of visualization in this process, demonstrating how imagining an ideal work environment full of creativity and color led her to create the environment she now enjoys. In explaining manifestation, Dr. Salyer underscores its effectiveness in visualizing and familiarizing the brain with a desired future, much like mental rehearsals used by elite athletes. She offers actionable tips on vividly imagining success and the steps to achieve it, such as setting up a workspace that reflects your vision or seizing opportunities that align with your goals. A crucial part of this journey, according to Dr. Salyer, is listening to your intuition. She encourages embracing intuition in decisions, from designing your work environment to selecting projects that resonate with your envisioned path. How can you get started with manifestation? Dr. Salyer advises starting with simple exercises like imagining a successful patient interaction or creating a corner in your workspace that mirrors your ideal environment as the first steps toward larger career goals. Dr. Salyer's personal experiences and tips provide a unique perspective on using manifestation to shape a rewarding journey in the medical field and provide inspiration and practical guidance for healthcare professionals looking to blend creativity, intuition, and fulfillment into their careers. Quotes: • “The way manifestation works is when you actively are trying to manifest, you're envisioning and practicing a future for your brain. You're making your brain more comfortable with this ideal future so that it can recognize those elements and ingredients when it stumbles upon them.” (4:04 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • "Our left brain loves to think and analyze, but it also can be our worst enemy because it creates fear." (7:57 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Intuition manifestation is a very good tool to make your decisions, to pedal back from burnout, and to really redesign your life with more creativity and less burnout. Because we all deserve to practice that sixth vital sign every day of creativity, of life, and of happiness.” (16:12 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Links Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Are you seeking a way to reduce burnout and bring more creativity into your medical practice? This episode of The Catalyst Podcast with Dr. Lara Salyer, we learn about Freed.ai, which she calls “a game-changing app for doctors”. It’s an innovative peripheral listening system designed to revolutionize patient-doctor interactions and it’s a tool that listeners may want to consider testing in their practices. Dr. Salyer discusses the often-overlooked contributor to healthcare burnout: the cumbersome electronic medical records (EMR) systems. She reveals that EMRs are responsible for a significant 20% of burnout metrics in healthcare. Her solution? Integrate creativity in medical practices, and embrace technology like Freed.ai to alleviate these challenges. Freed.ai promises more efficient and engaging patient visits. Dr. Salyer shares her experience with the app during a 60-minute functional medicine visit. Testing its capabilities with various topics, she was impressed by its ability to accurately capture and organize notes. The app skillfully segments notes into different categories, including summaries and patient instructions, making it a valuable asset for any healthcare professional. Dr. Salyer's enthusiasm for Freed.ai is palpable as she recommends it as a game-changer for both solo practitioners and larger institutions. She highlights its affordability and potential to make patient interactions more enjoyable and fulfilling. For those interested in trying Freed.ai, Dr. Salyer provides a discount code (CATALYST) for $50 off the first month. She encourages healthcare professionals to test the app with their try-before-you-buy promise of 10 patient visit trial, believing firsthand experience is the best way to gauge its benefits. Inside of the Catalyst Studio Mentorship, Dr. Salyer shares transformative resources for functional medicine doctors like Freed.ai and so much more! With everything you need to grow and scale your functional medicine business, including private mentor sessions, masterminds, access to quarterly legal lounges, Dr. Salyer is helping physicians tap into creativity and flow to increase joy and well-being to have a medical career that is self-expressive, unique, and creative. Want more information? Visit https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst! Quotes: • “What I love is it segments the note from subjective to physical exam to assessment and plan, and even includes a summary and then a patient letter for instructions. I was shocked. It was so accurate. I couldn't believe my eyes.” (11:44 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Freed.ai is changing my life. I love talking to patients, knowing I have the confidence that it will capture my information in the right order. It will provide a very coherent and abridged version. It makes it easy for you to copy and paste into your medical records. My visits are closed at such a lightning fast speed. I almost want to shed tears for my old self 20 years ago when I was learning how to do visits on an EMR.” (14:11 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “This is something that I believe should be in every residency, every medical school, every hospital, every clinic. It is just what you need to have that confidence that you can explore and have fun with medicine again without being stuck to your keyboard like Velcro.” (15:23 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Links: Freed.ai link: https://getfreed.sjv.io/OrvMVW Use the coupon code: CATALYST to get $50 off their first month subscription Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Advice from Dr. Lara? Avoid overwhelm by starting simple and where you are. Join us in this episode for a behind-the-scenes look at a mini mentoring session Dr. Lara Salyer conducted with an aspiring functional medicine doctor. She’s full of dreams for her future practice, but finds herself tangled in the complexities of starting up. Working closely with this doctor, Dr. Salyer helps bring her vision closer to reality. She advises starting with what's available, emphasizing the significance of an online presence. Creating a professional profile, tagline, and mission statement on social media can come before a complicated and expensive website build. Dr. Salyer recommends developing a signature talk to attract early clients, directing them to a social profile and offering a simple membership program for initial patient engagement. Dr. Salyer shows that complexity isn't a prerequisite for beginning your functional medicine journey. It's about taking that first step with your current tools and knowledge and evolving from there. Are you interested in a mini session with Dr. Lara to talk about your own situation? If so, you're in luck! You can sign up at www.drlarasalyer.com/catalyst for a personalized session where you can get out of overwhelm and sequence your next best steps for goals that matter to you. Quotes • “We talked about her next step, which is to develop a signature talk. Her own one-off talk. That is the quickest way to get clients and patients. Because when patients see how passionate you are, it's contagious. When they're in front of you, whether it's a Zoom meeting or webinar or in person, they get to see that energy come off of you. and they're wanting more. They want to have what you have, which is excitement, enthusiasm, and a co-partner in a better future.” (6:35 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Each time you help people see the benefit of this one tier membership, you then ask them, what would you like to see inside this membership? What would make this the most compelling and useful part of your week? And that way you're helping retain and delight these loyal patients that love what you're doing and also help create more opportunities to gather more.” (11:57 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “In this sample mini session, we then helped this brilliant practitioner devise a simple initial visit price so that she could then usher these beautiful members in her VIP community with the next step. It's about giving them bread crumbs along the way and predicting where they can go next if they're interested. And they then can go right into an initial visit. So she had everything beautifully laid out. By the end of 45 minutes of our sample mini-session, her stress level was obliterated.” (13:11 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Connect with Lara: Sample Mini Session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/sample Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Have you ever wondered what 'coloring outside the lines' really means in day-to-day life? Dr. Lara Salyer walks us through a day in her life, revealing how she optimizes flow and sparks innovation in healthcare. From her intentional morning rituals to strategic time management, Dr. Salyer shares her personal systems for success! There are four stages of the flow cycle: struggle, release, flow, and recovery. Dr. Lara highlights the necessity of balancing skills with challenges to effectively achieve a state of flow, explaining how each stage plays a crucial role in the overall experience. Taking us through a typical day, Dr. Lara acknowledges the diversity of her daily activities as a physician, consultant, speaker, and mentor. She stresses the importance of creating ideal conditions for flow the night before, including practices like bedtime routines, Yoga Nidra meditation, avoiding late-night eating or drinking, and thoughtful calendar planning. Each morning, Dr. Lara engages in specific rituals to prime herself for flow, such as occasionally taking a cold plunge, delaying caffeine intake, and spending quality time with her family. She discusses creating an optimal work environment, minimizing disruptions, and using focused time blocks to enhance productivity. Dr. Lara also shares how she incorporates intentional state changes throughout her day, including breathwork and movement, to sustain flow and manage her energy. She reveals her strategies for handling appointments and tasks, and how tools like Boomerang and Trello aid in organization and idea capturing. Emphasizing the significance of self-awareness in finding one's unique flow rhythm, Dr. Lara encourages listeners to experiment and learn from their experiences, adjusting routines and systems to maximize flow. For anyone looking to blend flow into their daily life, you’ll get tips on energy optimization, time management, and maintaining balance across various responsibilities. Quotes: • “I say the word systems because I like that better than routines. Routines sound boring and monotonous, but systems are designed to support a goal, to support your optimal energy.” (2:34 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “I also like to check in with my body frequently and that is definitely great for flow because flow is about managing what's going on in your state of your body and your mind and your emotions. So checking in and doing a feelings wheel - what am I feeling? Where is that living? What does it need? Do I need to be still and give it more space? Or do I need to move and work it out? That helps me stay on top.” (16:16 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “I love Trello. It is a great way to just capture any of those errant ideas running around in your head that happen at any moment in your day. It can take you completely out of flow. You could even be in the grocery store having these ideas - you could have them everywhere and what a tragedy it would be if they're lost.” (17:59 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “The best part of being a catalyst practitioner is you know how to make an immediate impact with small tiny moments. You know how to control that energy, to protect that energy, to find your flow and honor your own cadence, because then it's effortless. All you do is a few teeny things and you are a catalyst practitioner.” (19:14 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com Catalyst Kit: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/catalyst_kit The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Discovery calls are a vital tool for making your practice stronger. In this episode Dr. Lara Salyer explores the power of discovery calls in healthcare, and shares how they can be a tool for connecting with potential patients, especially for a provider in a community where functional medicine is yet to gain ground. Dr. Salyer explains how aligning discovery calls with core values like education, transparency, autonomy, and efficiency can transform patient engagement. She uses her website as an example, showing how these values, integrated into pre-education materials, help potential patients grasp her approach even before they make the first call. The episode then guides listeners through a strategic sequence of questions based on the Prochaska model of behavior change, starting with identifying the patient's primary medical challenges and goals. Dr. Salyer highlights the significance of understanding past strategies that patients have found beneficial, offering insights into their readiness for change. Further, she probes into why patients believe a holistic medical approach suits them and why they think it's the right time for this shift. These questions aim to unearth the patients' motivations and readiness for embracing a new healthcare journey. The discussion also includes assessing patients' current prescription medications, providing a complete picture of their health status. One innovative concept introduced in this episode is the feedback survey for discovery calls that don't lead to patient conversions. Dr. Salyer emphasizes the value of understanding why a potential patient might say no, using this as an opportunity to refine the approach and address any barriers to conversion. This episode is packed with practical resources and advice for practitioners to enhance their discovery call techniques and boost patient conversion rates, grow your practice and amplify your reach. If you like this content and you want more information like this, explore Dr. Salyer’s Streamline Course. Quotes: • “Even the thought of doing a discovery call prickles many healthcare practitioners because at our heart, we aren't salespeople. And we feel that health care is a right. Health care is a necessity. We just want to serve. So why would we want to get on a discovery call that just feels incongruent with our values?” (1:42 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “You need to ask for and provide a feedback survey for those discovery calls that didn't convert. In fact, I recommend a lot of communication.” (10:57 | Dr. Lara Salyer) • “Read those feedback surveys when you're feeling in your wise mind and you're feeling stable. You're grounded and you can handle this because that will be the gold that you're searching for.” (13:20 | Dr. Lara Salyer) Links: Streamline Course: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/streamline Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm