The Power of Intuition

A dedicated female physician in scrubs and a mask gazes thoughtfully through a window, highlighted by the warm glow of the setting sun.

Doctors sometimes need to follow their gut. Intuition is a fascinating concept. Female physicians face a traditionally male-dominated field, making intuition paramount. In an industry where logic and evidence-based practices are often prioritized, women physicians have learned the value of listening to and trusting their intuition when it comes to patient care.

This is a sentiment that resonates deeply with many women in medicine, who are often encouraged to follow the "facts" and avoid being swayed by emotion or instinct. Women physicians frequently face challenges in asserting their perspectives, especially in situations where their intuitive insights may contradict traditional methods.

Dr. Shelia Kilbane is an integrative pediatrician practicing in Charlotte, North Carolina, who has made a name for herself by combining conventional and integrative medicine to treat pediatric conditions.

“My prescription for success is follow your gut as much as you can, right?” Dr. Kilbane shares.

“And sometimes we veer away from it and what I like to call it, is when we lose our shoes. But when that happens, just getting back to that place where you're able to listen to your intuition.”

This is a strong reminder that the power of intuition is not something to be dismissed, but rather embraced as a vital tool for making decisions. And for women physicians, particularly those in challenging environments, trusting your instincts and staying grounded in your beliefs can sometimes be the key to long-term success and fulfillment in medicine.

Strengthening One’s Intuition: Physician Coaching

Following one’s intuition is not always easy, especially for women who face pressures to conform to societal expectations or the traditional structures within healthcare. This is where physician coaching can make a significant impact, particularly for women navigating the complex dynamics of medical practice.

Physician coaching provides a safe, supportive space where doctors can gain clarity about their goals, practice self-reflection, and develop strategies for overcoming challenges. Coaching helps physicians tap into their inner wisdom and align their career with their personal values, all while developing skills to manage stress, work-life balance, and decision-making.

For women in particular, coaching offers the opportunity to develop a sense of confidence in their abilities to follow their gut and make decisions that honor both their professional expertise and their personal instincts. Dr. Kilbane’s own emphasis on intuition highlights the importance of nurturing the inner voice, and coaching can empower women physicians to trust themselves and advocate for their unique approaches to patient care.

As women often face additional challenges related to gender expectations, coaching can provide invaluable guidance in navigating workplace dynamics and building leadership skills. Coaching can also support women in identifying mentors and building a network of like-minded professionals, creating a stronger sense of community and resilience in their careers.

Finding Balance and Success: Trusting Intuition and Self-Care

Dr. Kilbane’s career exemplifies the power of following one’s intuition while staying true to one’s values. This is particularly important in a field where burnout and emotional fatigue are common, and women often feel compelled to “prove themselves” in ways that are exhausting and unsustainable.

“Getting quiet” is something Dr. Kilbane stresses as being essential for regaining clarity and intuition. For women physicians, finding the time and space for self-reflection is critical, as it allows them to reconnect with their inner voice and align their practices with what feels right for them and their patients.

Dr. Kilbane’s work is a powerful example of how integrative medicine, intuition, and support systems like physician coaching can help physicians not only survive but thrive in a demanding profession. For women physicians, her story is a testament to the importance of following one’s gut, prioritizing self-care, and embracing the support of mentors and coaches to navigate the challenges unique to their journey.

Would you like to continue learning about this topic? Listen to Episode 19 – Trusting Your Gut, Dr. Sheila Kilbane of our Life Changing Moments podcast.

To learn more about physician coaching: visit www.mymdcoaches.com