It’ll Magically Get Better: Busting the Myths of Burnout, with Santina Wheat, MD, MPH

Is it possible to differentiate burnout from exhaustion, or resilience from endurance? Sometimes, for program directors, clinicians, and residents, it can be difficult to recognize when difficulties are a part of the job, or something under their control. In this exciting conversation, program director and career coach Santina Wheat, MD, MPH, discusses the many ways coaching provides physicians an extra set of eyes that help them recognize the “hidden load” carried by many medical educators. She offers strategies to help leaders set intentional boundaries, take the time to pause with purpose, and model sustainable practices for the next generation of family medicine residents.

Hosted by Omari A. Hodge, MD, FAAFP and Jay-Sheree Allen Akambase, MD
Copyright © Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, 2026

Resources:

The Hidden Load: For educators and leaders in medicine who hold everyone up - podcast by Dr Santina WheatPhysician Coaching, An Evidence-based Tool for Resident Wellness - STFM BlogCoaching, Mentoring, and Sponsoring as Career Development Tools - Fam Med. 

Santina Wheat, MD, MPH   

Dr Wheat is an academic family physician who finds great joy in helping others find their inner potential.  She is the Program Director for the McGaw Northwestern Family Medicine Residency at Delnor. She is an Associate Professor and the Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of the Department of Family and Community Medicine where she oversees efforts of equity within the department.
As a dedicated career and life coach, she specializes in helping physicians and other healthcare workers overcome burnout and reignite their passion for their profession. Through personalized coaching, she empowers them to rediscover their purpose, cultivate balance, and reclaim joy in their careers and personal lives. Whether you're on the verge of burnout or seeking a renewed sense of fulfillment, she offers the guidance and support needed to thrive in the demanding world of healthcare.

Link:
https://www.stfm.org/stfmpodcast032026