262. Standing Tall in Surgery: Finding Fulfillment Outsie the Mold

2025-06-22

Have ever felt like you had to hide parts of yourself to belong, especially in medicine? Honoring your truth, even in a high-intensity field like neurosurgery, can lead to deep healing, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. An intimate and courageous conversation with Dr. Jenny Kang, a neurosurgeon who shares her inspiring story of transformation—one that challenges traditional definitions of success and fulfillment in medicine, particularly for women in surgery. Jenny and I first connected when she came to a Pause & Presence retreat over a year ago. Since then, she has reconnected with herself, her family, and...

Have ever felt like you had to hide parts of yourself to belong, especially in medicine?

Honoring your truth, even in a high-intensity field like neurosurgery, can lead to deep healing, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.

An intimate and courageous conversation with Dr. Jenny Kang, a neurosurgeon who shares her inspiring story of transformation—one that challenges traditional definitions of success and fulfillment in medicine, particularly for women in surgery.

Jenny and I first connected when she came to a Pause & Presence retreat over a year ago. Since then, she has reconnected with herself, her family, and created a life she loves.

Her story is one of coming home to yourself and standing tall once you get there, even if you work in operating rooms built for much taller people.

Pearls of Wisdom:

You don’t have to do it the way you were told or even the way you once believed you should. There are many ways to practice medicine with meaning.
When women physicians live aligned lives, they bring healing into medicine and themselves. Fulfillment in your career and personal life is not only possible, it’s necessary.
Shame often arises when you do things differently in medicine. It doesn't mean you have done something wrong.
Creating a life that works for you takes courage, creativity, and compassion—and it’s always worth it.
When you let go of the belief that you don’t belong and instead decide that you do, everything begins to shift.

Reflection Questions:

Where in your life are you living by someone else's mold or definition of success?
What would change if you decided you belonged?
What parts of your life have you labeled “indulgent” that might actually be essential for your healing and wholeness?

If you're ready to design a fulfilling life that fits who you are, I invite you to explore coaching with me at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching. Or join me on a retreat like Jenny did, www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats.

If you're seeking a speaker or workshop leader for your organization or event, visit www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking.

To bring Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang to your audience, visit www.awakenbreath.org.

Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.

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