WIC Part 2: Mid-career Muddle to Mid-career Magic: Making the Most of Midlife (ondemand)-WIC Webinar: Mid-life Muddle

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, presented by the AASLD Women's Initiative Committee and led by Dr. Harmeet Malhi, addresses the often overlooked challenges of mid-career development in medicine. Dr. Malhi defines mid-career not by age or rank but as the phase following early career, characterized by a plateau in growth and the need to redefine professional goals. She emphasizes that mid-career is a natural transition marked by shifts from focusing on individual productivity to broader leadership, reputation, and impact.<br /><br />Key advice includes embracing new roles through intentional personal development, shifting from operational tasks to strategic leadership, and learning to say selective “yeses” while prioritizing efficiency. Dr. Malhi highlights the importance of building a trusted network of mentors and sponsors aligned with evolving career objectives.<br /><br />The panelists, Drs. Anjana Pillai, Nancy Roe, and Lisa Van Wagner, share personal experiences of mid-career challenges, emphasizing restlessness during this phase often sparked by life events such as parenting and the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss strategies for finding mentorship, including seeking support beyond immediate institutions and aligning commitments with personal and professional goals. The difference between mid-career transition and burnout is clarified; burnout stems from chronic stress, while mid-career transition is a developmental stage.<br /><br />The panel stresses the mutual nature of mentorship, the necessity of setting boundaries, and maintaining joy and intentionality in career choices. They encourage building a supportive community, balancing career with life, practicing gratitude, and self-compassion. Ultimately, the discussion empowers physicians to view mid-career as an opportunity for growth, leadership, and meaningful impact on others’ careers.

Keywords

mid-career development

medicine career transition

professional growth plateau

leadership in medicine

mentorship and sponsorship

strategic leadership

work-life balance

career burnout vs transition

personal development

physician career challenges