coaching coaching in healthcare

Empowering Primary Care for Patients and Providers Through Coaching

Jan 31, 2024

Show Notes for Podcast Episode 2: Empowering Primary Care for Patients and Providers Through Coaching

In this episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Singh interviews Dr. Amna Shabbir, a physician who is double board certified in geriatrics and internal medicine, a Duke health certified integrative wellness coach, and a professional life coach. Dr. Amna Shabbir shares her journey into wellness coaching and the transformative impact it has had in her practice. Dr. Amna discusses her personal journey into coaching, her experience with burnout, and her insights on the role of coaching in primary care, and the potential for collaboration between physicians and health and wellness coaches. Her insights provide valuable perspectives for coaches, healthcare professionals, and patients.

The Power of Coaching in Overcoming Burnout

Dr. Shabbir's journey into wellness coaching began during a challenging time in her career when she experienced burnout as a primary care physician. Through this experience, she recognized the need for support and guidance that extended beyond traditional medical care. Her decision to seek coaching was a transformative turning point in her life.

As she shares her story, Dr. Shabbir underscores the significant impact coaching had in empowering her to navigate burnout, overcome challenges, and rediscover her passion for healthcare.

The Role of Coaching in Healthcare

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Shabbir highlights the distinct advantages of coaching in healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of forward momentum and action-oriented guidance that coaching provides. While acknowledging the value of therapy and counseling, Dr. Shabbir emphasizes that coaching offers a unique approach focused on facilitating concrete steps towards progress and well-being. Her personal journey underscores the potential benefits of integrating coaching into the support system for healthcare professionals, especially in addressing issues such as burnout and imposter syndrome.

Closing The Gap in Patient Care

One of the most compelling aspects of Dr. Shabbir's perspective is the potential impact of coaching in the patient-physician relationship. She articulates the concept of “The Gap" – the discrepancy between medical advice and the practical challenges individuals face in implementing lifestyle changes. Dr. Shabbir illustrates how health and wellness coaching can bridge this gap, empowering patients to apply medical recommendations to their daily lives. She emphasizes the collaborative potential of coaches as allies for both patients and physicians, especially in chronic disease management, leading to improved outcomes and a more holistic approach to healthcare.

The Role of Coaching in Healthcare

Closing The Gap in Patient Care

Collaboration and Advocacy

Dr. Shabbir's insights also shed light on the evolving landscape of coaching in healthcare. She encourages physicians to embrace the collaborative potential of working with health and wellness coaches. By initiating referrals and integrating coaching into patient care, physicians can potentially enhance the quality of care and patient outcomes. Additionally, she emphasizes the significance of certification and ethical standards for coaches, ensuring transparency and professionalism in their practice.

Empowering Individuals to Pursue Coaching

For individuals seeking to explore health and wellness coaching, Dr. Shabbir emphasizes the importance of investment in personal goals. She encourages individuals to take an active role in seeking support, advocating for their well-being, and engaging with healthcare professionals to explore coaching opportunities. Her insights underscore the personal agency and commitment required to navigate the journey towards holistic well-being through coaching.

Dr. Amna Shabbir's journey into wellness coaching and her role as a physician advocate for its integration into patient care provides a compelling narrative of the transformative potential of coaching in healthcare. Her insights inspire advocacy for coaching, collaboration between physicians and coaches, and empower individuals to embrace coaching as a supportive resource for holistic well-being. As the conversation on health and wellness coaching continues to evolve, Dr. Amna's perspectives highlight the potential impact of coaching in healthcare, emphasizing its value as a complementary approach to traditional medical care.