Are you a busy woman in medicine looking to take your fitness and nutrition to the next level to thrive in all aspects of your life? Look no further! Welcome to The Fit Physician podcast. As women in medicine, it’s your nature to care for others, often at the expense of your own physical and mental well-being. This can go on for months, even years. It’s time to put an end to this narrative, for all women physicians! And it starts now, with you, and The Fit Physician podcast! Hosted by Jake Wright, BSc, a women’s fitness specialist with over 15 years of experience and joining him is, Dr. Suzanne Rutherford, MD, a practicing physician with an undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences. You’d be hard pressed to find two experts more passionate about empowering women physicians to live life to the fullest through prioritizing health and fitness. Suzanne & Jake have dedicated the past 6 years transforming the lives of 100s of women in medicine such as yourself. Their passion for inspiring physicians shines through every episode, sharing stories, insights, expert advice, and providing actionable steps to prioritize yourself guilt-free. So, if you're a busy woman physician ready to break free from the constraints of guilt, elevate your health, and become the best version of yourself, join Jake and Suzanne on The Fit Physician podcast. They're not just coaches; they're your partners in this transformative journey towards a life where you thrive, unapologetically. Dr. Suzanne Rutherford, MD (Instagram: @slmmd1976) Search the globe and it will be hard to find someone more dedicated to women physicians health & well-being than Suzanne. A practicing physician, Suzanne combines her medical expertise with a foundation in nutritional sciences from her undergraduate studies. Her passion lies in evidence-based nutrition and empowering fellow women physicians to embrace strength, health, and confidence in their own skin. Suzanne doesn’t just talk the talk. After completing medical school and welcoming her second child into the world, she found herself facing personal health and fitness challenges that left her feeling like a stranger within her own body. Determined to make a change, Suzanne rekindled her knowledge of nutrition while introducing strength training into her weekly routine. The result? She lost over 30 lbs, has kept it off, and feels better in her 40s than she did in her 20s! Now she spends the better part of her professional career helping other busy women physicians to achieve similar life-altering results. Jake Wright, BSc (Instagram: @thefitphysiciancoach Facebook: Jake Wright Facebook page: The Fit Physician Coach) Meet Jake, also known as The Fit Physician Coach. Jake’s experience includes a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, over 15+ years as a women's fitness specialist, along with several advanced certifications in strength and condition, nutrition, and joint health. For the past 6 years and counting, Jake has spent his career dedicated to inspiring busy women physicians to overcome barriers with time, energy, and the demands of their profession, to build a sustainable fitness routine that delivers life-changing results. What separates Jake from the pack is not his education or his experience but his compassion. Jake's gift is guiding women to discover strength they never thought possible. In turn, helping them to build confidence in the gym, in their bodies, and in every other aspect of their life.
Could your diet lower your LDL cholesterol almost as effectively as medication in some cases? In this solo episode, Dr. Suzanne Rutherford explores the science behind the Portfolio Diet, an evidence-based nutrition strategy shown to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol. She explains the five key pillars of the diet, the unique science behind why it works, and when it may be the right choice compared with other well-known dietary patterns like the Mediterranean and DASH diets. Whether you're a woman navigating midlife or a clinician looking to better support your patients, this episode will give you practical, research-backed strategies to improve heart health through nutrition. -- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
Artificial intelligence is changing the internet faster than most of us can keep up. From fake before-and-after photos to AI-generated health influencers, it's becoming harder to know what information (and who) you can trust. In this episode, we sit down with AI literacy expert Jeremy Carrasco to explore how AI is reshaping the way we consume health information. We discuss the rise of AI-generated misinformation, why "seeing is believing" no longer applies, and practical strategies to help you become a more informed consumer while guiding your patients through an increasingly complex digital world. -- 📲 Click here to follow Jeremy on Instagram 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
Anxiety, depression, irritability, panic attacks—how do you know what's a normal part of perimenopause, what hormone therapy can help with, and when it may be time to seek additional mental health support? In this episode, psychiatrist Dr. Bev Young joins us to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in women's health. We discuss the difference between hormonal changes and mood disorders, when antidepressants may be appropriate, the role of therapy, lifestyle strategies that support mental health, and how partners and healthcare providers can better support women through midlife. -- ➡️ Click here to visit https://www.betterbria.com/ ➡️ Click here to visit www.thefitphysician.com
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce burnout, improve our health, and help us show up at our best. For many healthcare workers, the biggest barrier isn't motivation—it's access. In this episode, we explore why every hospital should have an on-site gym and how it could be a game-changer for physician wellness. Suzanne shares how access to a hospital gym has transformed her own consistency, and we discuss the benefits for both healthcare workers and hospitals alike. We also walk through practical steps to advocate for a gym in your workplace, what equipment to prioritize, and simple ways to make exercise more accessible for busy physicians. -- 👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
Healthy habits aren't built through willpower, they're built through understanding how your brain works. In this episode, we sit down with behavior change expert Katie Faloon-Drew to explore the neuroscience behind lasting habit formation and why so many high-achieving women struggle to stay consistent, even when they know exactly what they "should" be doing. Together, we discuss why motivation is unreliable, how to make healthy habits feel more automatic, and practical strategies to build routines that fit into the reality of a busy physician's life. Whether you're trying to exercise more consistently, improve your nutrition, or simply stop feeling like you're constantly starting over, this conversation will give you the tools to create healthy habits that actually last. -- 👉 Click here to visit Katie's Website 👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
In this episode, Suzanne reflects on her recent experience completing a half marathon at nearly 50 years old—an accomplishment she never expected to pursue again after swearing off long-distance racing more than a decade ago. What began as a tribute to her late mother, an inspiring runner who completed marathons and half marathons well into her 80s, became a journey of self-discovery, gratitude, and healing. Along the way, Suzanne shares lessons about letting go of perfectionism, finding joy in the process rather than the outcome, and appreciating what our bodies are capable of at every stage of life. She opens up about the unexpected role the training played in helping her process grief after the loss of her mother. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that growth often comes from embracing the journey—not just the destination. -- 👉 C lick here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
In this episode of The Fit Physician Podcast, we answer some of the most common nutrition questions about challenges we hear from women physicians trying to improve their health, body composition, and relationship with food. We discuss how to enjoy summer vacations, social events, and travel without guilt, while continuing to make progress toward your goals. We also cover rising A1C levels, protein intake, fiber, and the truth about processed foods. Most importantly, this conversation highlights why lasting success isn't about perfection or restriction. It's about building sustainable habits, developing confidence in your choices, and creating a nutrition approach that supports both your health and your life. If you're looking for a more balanced, practical way to achieve long-term results, this episode is for you. -- 👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
At 70 years old, Joan McDonald was facing high blood pressure, declining health, and the very real possibility of losing her independence. What started as a tough conversation with her daughter, fitness coach Michelle MacDonald, became the catalyst for a complete transformation. In this inspiring episode, Joan shares how she lost over 50 pounds, discovered strength she never knew she had, and built a life that looks dramatically different at 80 than it did a decade ago. Joan opens up about overcoming fear, navigating the gym as an older beginner, recovering from surgery, and the mindset that helped her stay consistent when things felt hard. We also dive into aging, resilience, independence, and why she believes women are far stronger than they've been led to believe. Whether you're 40, 60, or 80, Joan's story will provide inspiration that it's never too late to get stronger, reclaim your health, and create a future you're excited to live. --- 📲 Click here to follow Joan on Instagram
In this week’s episode of The Fit Physician Podcast, we sit down with emergency physician and global health leader Dr. Michelle Niescierenko to discuss how she transformed her health and fitness while working in some of the most challenging and unpredictable environments in the world. From traveling to more than 75 countries to navigating airports, time zones, hotel rooms, and demanding work schedules, Dr. Michelle shares how she stopped waiting for the "perfect time" and started taking small, sustainable steps toward better health. Together with her coach, Dan Porter, Dr. Michelle opens up about the mindset shifts, fitness strategies, and nutrition habits that helped her build strength, confidence, and consistency despite a life that rarely follows a plan. This conversation is a powerful reminder that meaningful change doesn't require perfect circumstances—just a willingness to start where you are and keep moving forward, one step at a time. -- 👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
In this conversation, Jake Wright and Suzanne discuss the challenges of fat loss, the importance of preserving muscle mass, and the impact of menopause on body composition. They emphasize the need for sustainable approaches to fat loss and debunk the myth of inevitable weight regain. They also highlight the importance of strength training and adequate protein intake. The conversation concludes with a message of empowerment and self-worth. -- 👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
Have you ever felt like stress is just part of who you are now? Like life and responsibilities constantly pile up and there is no off switch? In this episode of The Fit Physician Podcast, we sit down with neuroscience-based wellness coach and bestselling author Catherine Roscoe Barr to explore the science of stress, cortisol, nervous system regulation, and recovery for busy high-achieving women. We talk about the difference between acute and chronic stress, how stress impacts the body and brain, and practical tools to help you shift from burnout toward greater calm, energy, and resilience. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for women physicians looking to better manage stress while still showing up fully for their careers, families, and themselves. -- 👉 Click here to follow Catherine on Instagram 👉 Click here to check out her website
In this week’s episode, we dive into a fascinating study exploring the connection between leg strength and brain health in women as they age. Researchers followed female twins over a 10-year period and found that women with greater leg power performed significantly better on memory and cognitive testing years later. We break down what the study actually means, why strength training may play a powerful role in protecting cognitive function, and how building stronger legs today could impact your quality of life for decades to come. If you needed another reason to prioritize resistance training… look no further. -- 👉 Click here for the full study 👉 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
“Bioidentical.” “Compounded.” “Customized for you.” These terms are everywhere in menopause care but what do they actually mean? In this episode, we sit down with pharmacist, Dr. Hollie Wakelyn, PharmD, BCACP, MSCP, who shares her deep expertise in hormone therapy to separate fact from fiction. We dive into the real differences between approved hormones and compounded products, why so many women are being steered toward them, and what most people aren’t being told about safety, regulation, and outcomes. -- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
For too long, women’s sexual health has been overlooked, misunderstood, or simply not talked about. In this eye-opening conversation, we sit down with world-renowned sexual health researcher Dr. Lori Brotto to unpack the science of desire, what really changes during menopause, and why so many women have been led to believe they’re “broken” when they’re not. We explore spontaneous vs. responsive desire, why low desire is often deeply misunderstood, and how mindfulness may be one of the most powerful and overlooked tools for improving sexual well-being. We also dive into pain with sex, the role of hormones and relationships, and how women (and clinicians) can start having more open, shame-free conversations about sexual health. This is a practical, compassionate, and deeply validating episode that sheds light on a topic that impacts quality of life in profound ways but rarely gets the attention it deserves. -- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
Pelvic floor health is one of the most overlooked and misunderstood pieces of women’s health and fitness. In this episode, we sit down with pelvic health physiotherapist Andrea Pickett to break down what’s actually going on when it comes to symptoms like leakage, urgency, pain, and pressure… and why so many women are told it’s “just part of aging” or something they have to live with. We dive into what’s normal (and what’s not), the difference between strength vs. coordination, and how to actually support your pelvic floor through training, lifestyle, and simple daily habits. Whether you’re postpartum, in midlife, or just want to feel stronger and more confident in your body, this conversation guide you to understand your core, your workouts, and your long-term health. --- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
Meet Michelle, a rural family physician who spent nearly three decades caring for her community while her own health slowly took a back seat. Between long shifts, motherhood, and the loss of her fitness community during COVID, she found herself feeling isolated, deconditioned, and unsure how to move forward. As menopause began to shift her body in ways she didn’t recognize, she knew something had to change—but didn’t know where to start. Michelle shares how she rebuilt her strength, confidence, and energy—achieving things she never thought possible, like a 175 lb back squat at 56. We talk about navigating menopause, recovering from surgery without losing progress, and what it actually looks like to prioritize yourself in a demanding career. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter how the odds feel stacked against you, it’s possible to feel strong and confident in your body as a busy woman in medicine. --- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
Peptides are quickly moving from niche biohacking circles into the mainstream and with that comes a wave of concerns. We brought in Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, PhD, to break down what peptides actually are, why they’re gaining so much attention, and how they differ from well-studied peptide-based medications like GLP-1s. Share breaks down the science in a clear, practical way, what’s being overstated, and why so many claims don’t have the evidence to back them. We also talk about the biggest concerns—lack of human data, safety unknowns, misleading marketing, and the risks of unregulated products being sold in the wellness space. This conversation will help to make informed decisions for yourself and confidently navigate questions from patients or clients in a rapidly evolving area of health and fitness. --- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
Hot flashes, night sweats, and disrupted sleep are some of the most frustrating symptoms women face during menopause—but what if one of the most powerful solutions isn’t found in a prescription. In this Science Snack episode, we break down a randomized controlled trial exploring the impact of resistance training on menopausal symptoms. The results are surprising! We walk through the study design, key findings, limitations, and—most importantly—what this means for your own menopause journey. --- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching Study references: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31239119/ https://www.maturitas.org/article/S0378-5122(26)00033-2/abstract
In this episode, Coach Jake dives into some of the most important questions busy women physicians are asking right now—from where to start as a beginner, to how to stay consistent through travel, injuries, and unpredictable schedules. Drawing from years of coaching experience, he breaks down what actually drives results (and what doesn’t), including the importance of simple, structured strength training, progressive overload, and aligning your workouts with your real life—not your “ideal” week. From overcoming guilt around prioritizing yourself to navigating setbacks without falling into an all-or-nothing mindset, this episode is packed with practical, real-world strategies to help you build strength, energy, and confidence in a way that lasts. -- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
For the woman physician who feels like she's constantly being pulled in a million different directions. In this episode, Suzanne gets real about what consistency actually looks like inside a physician's life, the mindset shifts that changed everything, how to ditch perfectionism, her approach to nutrition without spending Sunday doing full meal prep, and other tools that have helped hundreds of Fit Physicians ditch the food noise for good. This episode is full of real world strategies that has actually worked for busy women in medicine to regain control of their fitness and nutrition, feel good in their body, and finally stop letting the chaos of their career be the reason they put themselves last, you've come to the right place. -- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching
