Stethoscopes and Strollers

La Toya Luces-Sampson MD

Welcome to Stethoscopes & Strollers.

I’m Dr. Toya, OB/GYN, coach, entrepreneur, wife, and mom of two.

This is the podcast about what happens when the woman underneath the white coat starts asking what she actually wants.

Because becoming a physician can teach you a lot about achievement, responsibility, and taking care of other people. Becoming a mother can add an entirely new set of expectations about who you’re supposed to be and how much you’re supposed to give.

And somewhere in there, you still have a life to live.

On Stethoscopes & Strollers, we talk about all of it.

Motherhood. Medicine. Money. Marriage. Mental health. Career changes. Entrepreneurship. Childcare. Sex. Burnout. Asking for help. Building community. And figuring out what to do when the life that looked perfectly good on paper doesn’t actually work for you anymore.

Some episodes are practical. Some are personal. Some are conversations with people I think you should know. And sometimes I’m going to tell you about something happening in my own life or business because I learned a lesson the hard way and you might as well benefit from it.

What you will not hear is advice about becoming better at doing everything.

Absolutely not.

Sometimes you need more support. Sometimes you need a better strategy. Sometimes you need to have the uncomfortable conversation, negotiate the contract, learn where your money is, leave the toxic job, hire the help, start the business, or admit that something you worked very hard for no longer fits.

And sometimes you need to drop the ball.

This podcast is about building a life where your career, motherhood, relationships, ambition, and wellbeing can exist in alignment without requiring you to disappear in the process.

You’ll hear my perspective as a Black woman, physician mom, immigrant, entrepreneur, and someone who has made more than a few unconventional decisions about what work and family are “supposed” to look like.

I won’t pretend to have all the answers. I will talk about the things we were never taught to discuss honestly.

So, hey Doc. Welcome.

Let’s talk about it.

Stethoscopes & Strollers is for education, conversation, and connection. Nothing shared on this podcast constitutes medical advice.

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S1 · E144
Today · 9 min
144. The Midterm Elections Proved My Point: You're Not Just a Doctor
Hey Doc! You're not just a pediatrician. You're not just a family medicine physician. And you're certainly not just a doctor. You're a highly trained, incredibly skilled professional who can do whatever the hell she wants. In medicine AND outside of it. And if you need a reminder, look at the physicians who just won seats in Congress! In this episode, I'm using the 2026 midterm elections as a reminder of something I wish every physician understood: Your medical training has prepared you for so much more than practicing medicine. I'm also addressing something that drives me absolutely nuts: the way some physicians, particularly in lower-paid specialties, have accepted an identity of being less valuable, less powerful, or less deserving of financial success. No, Doc. We are not doing that. From the higher-level thinking we developed in anatomy lab to the leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills we use every day, we have an incredible set of transferable skills. And it's time we started recognizing them. I share how this belief helped me walk away from a toxic job and break free from burnout, and why I want you to have that same sense of freedom, even if you have absolutely no intention of leaving medicine. Because knowing you have options changes how you show up in the life and career you've already chosen. You don't have to change careers, run for Congress, or start a business. I just want you to know that you could. And maybe walk away from this episode thinking, "Well, damn. I really AM that chick." 😂 🎧 Listen to this episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers, and share it with another physician who needs a reminder of just how capable she is. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E143
November 4 · 27 min
143. My Hairy Cooch and a Lesson in Personal Responsibility
Hey Doc! I spent a whole lot of money on laser hair removal, ignored multiple red flags, and now I'm back at European Wax Center getting my Brazilian waxes. And I'm taking full responsibility for my hairy cooch. 😂 Yes, we're going there today. And I promise there's a point. I knew something was off from the very first consultation. The person doing my treatments wasn't giving me the information I needed, the actual laser sessions weren't being done properly, and I could literally SEE the patches of hair she was missing. I knew better. I said something. Multiple times. And I kept going anyway. Now, I could spend my time being pissed about the money I wasted, the incompetence, and the fact that I have to start this whole process over again. And I would be completely justified. But being justified doesn't change the fact that I made choices that contributed to this outcome. That's what I want to talk about today. Because I see this same pattern in so many areas of our lives as physician moms. The toxic job where we keep ignoring the signs. The conversations with our husbands that never seem to change. The frustration with coworkers who apparently cannot do a single thing correctly without our intervention. It's always somebody else. And sometimes, those people really ARE the problem. But when we focus exclusively on what everyone else is doing wrong, we miss the opportunity to recognize where we have agency. In this episode, I'm sharing: How ignoring my own knowing turned an expensive beauty treatment into an even more expensive lesson. Why taking responsibility for your decisions is NOT the same as blaming yourself for everything that goes wrong. How constantly focusing on other people's incompetence can keep you angry, resentful, and stuck. Why recognizing your role in a frustrating situation gives you the power to make different choices next time. You can acknowledge that someone else did something wrong AND take responsibility for the choices you made along the way. Both can be true. And when you start looking at your life through that lens, you may discover that you have a lot more control than you've been giving yourself credit for. I'm certainly not thrilled about having to get waxed again. But I'm also not sitting around seething every time I pick up my trimmer. That's growth, Doc. 😂 🎧 Listen to this episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers for a very intimate (and slightly ridiculous) story about personal responsibility, trusting yourself, and making choices that lead to a more peaceful, joyful life. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
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S1 · E142
October 28 · 12 min
142. You Can't Meditate Your Way Out of an Unsupported Life
Hey Doc! I remember when I first started learning about mindfulness and meditation. I couldn't get my mind to shut up long enough to meditate, and instead of feeling relaxed and centered, I felt like I was doing something wrong. Apparently, even relaxing was something I needed to work harder at. 🙄 And I know I'm not the only physician mom who's experienced this. We're constantly being told to be more mindful, more present with our children, more intentional with our time. Which sounds lovely until you're sitting on the floor playing with your kids while simultaneously thinking about your patient in the ICU, next week's family trip, and the laundry that's been sitting in the dryer for three days. Just be present, they say. Okay. And who's handling the other 50-11 things happening in my brain? In this episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers, I'm talking about why the pursuit of mindfulness can become another source of stress and guilt for physician moms when we ignore the bigger picture. Because being present isn't just about learning to quiet your mind. It's about creating a life that actually allows you to. And that requires support. I'm also getting into something a little more uncomfortable: our tendency to say we want a different life while insisting we can't make the changes necessary to create it. The job you can't leave. The city you can't move from. The circumstances you've convinced yourself are completely nonnegotiable. Yeah, we're talking about those too. 😬 And somewhere along the way, I go on a little tangent about coaching and one of my clients who's now living a life she once thought wasn't possible. Because seeing physician moms make these changes is genuinely one of my favorite things in the world. Here's what I want you to take away from this episode: Mindfulness shouldn't become another obligation that leaves you feeling inadequate. Being truly present requires practical support that reduces your mental load. Creating the life you want means being willing to question your "can'ts" and make changes, even if you start with baby steps. Self-help doesn't have to mean doing everything by yourself. You don't need another book telling you to meditate for 30 minutes a day without addressing who's making dinner, getting the kids to soccer practice, or dealing with your office manager. You need a life that's structured to support the things that matter to you. And sometimes you need help figuring out how to build it. We were never meant to do any of this alone, Doc. 🎧 Listen to this episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers and let's talk about what it actually takes to be present. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E141
October 21 · 12 min
141. Dr. You Incorporated: Why Every Physician Needs a Personal Brand
Hey Doc! Before you tell me you don't need a personal brand because you're not trying to become a social media doctor, hear me out. You already have a personal brand. Whether you've intentionally built one or not. And no, I'm not about to tell you to start making TikToks between patients. 😂 I'm talking about protecting your professional identity, documenting your accomplishments, and making sure you have options when your career takes an unexpected turn. Because the days of working at the same hospital for 30 years straight out of residency are pretty much gone. You may change jobs, start doing locums, move into leadership, build a business, or decide you're done with clinical medicine altogether. And when that happens, I don't want you scrambling to remember which hospital you worked at in 2018 or trying to reclaim a Google profile that's still attached to a practice you left three years ago. In this episode, I'm sharing why every physician needs to take ownership of her personal brand, even if she has absolutely no interest in entrepreneurship or social media. We're talking about: Protecting your online identity: Why claiming your Google profile and other physician listings matters, especially when leaving a job. Keeping your CV updated: How documenting your accomplishments regularly protects you from forgetting just how much you've done. Recognizing your transferable skills: Those protocols you developed, presentations you gave, and projects you were voluntold to lead? They count. Owning your accomplishments outside medicine: Your Etsy shop, creative projects, or other ventures may become valuable assets in ways you never anticipated. Creating career options: Why building and protecting your professional identity now gives you more flexibility when life changes. I also share how one of my clients is benefiting from a platform she started building years before she transitioned out of clinical medicine. You don't have to know exactly where your career is going to start preparing for what's next. And you certainly don't need to become an influencer. You're Dr. You Incorporated. You've spent years building your expertise, reputation, and professional accomplishments. Make sure you're the one who owns and protects them. 🎧 Listen to this episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers and take the first step toward protecting your personal brand. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E140
October 14 · 11 min
140. Talk Your Shit, Doc. Your Career Depends on It.
Hey Doc! I'm going to need you to start talking your shit. Seriously. Because all that excellent work you're doing? The patients who love you, the charts you close, the problems you solve, the department you help keep running? People are not paying nearly as much attention as you think they are. And if you're waiting for someone to notice your contributions and reward you accordingly, you may be waiting a very long time. In this episode, I'm talking about why bragging is one of the most important things you can do for your career, even if you have absolutely no desire to climb the leadership ladder. I share a lesson from an unexpected place: my husband's work as a licensed HVAC contractor in our family business. Watching him downplay the expertise and effort it takes to solve problems that other contractors couldn't figure out reminded me of something I see physician moms do all the time. We dismiss our accomplishments because they're just part of the job. Except they're not just anything. That's your expertise. Your experience. Your value. And when you don't communicate that value, you leave it up to other people to decide what you're worth. People who may be far more impressed by the colleague who never stops talking about himself. You know the one. 🙄 We're getting into why visibility matters for everything from compensation and job security to OR block time, administrative responsibilities, and getting the call schedule you actually want. And we're talking about the particular danger of humility for women, especially Black women, who've been conditioned to believe that making themselves smaller is somehow admirable. You don't have to want a promotion to deserve recognition. And you certainly don't have to be humble about being damn good at your job. 🎧 Listen to this episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers, then send it to five physician moms who need a reminder to talk their shit, too. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E139
October 7 · 9 min
139. Mom Privilege Is Real. Are You Using Yours?
Hey Doc We spend plenty of time talking about what motherhood costs us. The mental load. Childcare. Career complications. The never-ending question of what these people are going to eat. All valid. But motherhood has also given me access to something incredibly valuable: community. And recently, I realized I haven’t appreciated that enough. I’m in multiple local mom groups. I can ask for childcare recommendations, swim schools, resources, advice, free stuff...and apparently get 10 different opinions on any topic I could possibly imagine. I can also use these communities professionally. As I’ve become more intentional about growing my business locally, I realized I have access to thousands of women simply because I’m a mom. That’s a privilege. And I’m going to use it. In this episode, I’m talking about the resources and relationships that become available to us through motherhood, why physician moms sometimes overlook them, and how we can stop trying to figure everything out alone. Because your community doesn’t always have to understand every part of your life to be valuable. And if the community you need doesn’t exist? You can create it. You already have the kids, Doc. We might as well use some of the benefits that came with them. 😂 In this episode, I talk about: Why motherhood gives us access to powerful built-in communities Looking beyond physician mom spaces for support and resources Using local mom groups for everything from childcare to business connections Creating the community you wish existed Appreciating motherhood for something beyond how much we love our actual children Why asking other moms instead of figuring everything out yourself can make life a little easier Motherhood asks a hell of a lot from us. It’s okay to notice where it gives something back, too. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E138
October 1 · 14 min
138. Pregnancy as Disability: A Medical Reframe
Hey Doc, I spent most of my career as an OB/GYN saying, “Pregnancy is not a disability.” I believed it. Then I had my second baby. That pregnancy gave me a very different understanding of what it means when someone says, “I can’t do this anymore.” I had pain that made walking excruciating. I stopped working at 30 weeks, six weeks earlier than I had with my first pregnancy. And I finally understood something I wish I had understood more deeply for my patients: Sometimes pregnancy really can be disabling. And for women physicians, admitting that can be especially difficult. We’ve been trained to push through discomfort, show up no matter what, and make sure our personal lives don’t inconvenience the system. Add the pressure of not wanting your pregnancy to create more work for your colleagues, and suddenly you’re negotiating with a body that is very clearly telling you to sit your ass down. In this episode, I’m talking about why your capacity during pregnancy may look completely different from what you expected, including what you were capable of during a previous pregnancy. I’m also getting into the bigger issue: the culture of medicine that treats pregnancy like an individual scheduling inconvenience instead of a normal part of life that institutions should be prepared to accommodate. Because you should not have to prove your dedication to medicine by pushing your pregnant body beyond what it can safely do. Your colleagues will figure it out. The schedule will get covered. The department will survive. And when you’re the colleague, partner, or leader making decisions that affect another pregnant physician, you have an opportunity to help create a culture where she doesn’t have to choose between taking care of herself and proving that she belongs. If you’re pregnant, considering another baby, working alongside pregnant physicians, or leading them, this episode is for you. Listen to this episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ and send it to a physician who needs to hear it. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
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S1 · E137
September 23 · 17 min
137. You Worked Hard for This. You’re Still Allowed to Let It Go
Hey Doc, “You worked so hard for this.” I still hear some version of that when people find out I stepped away from clinical medicine. And yes. I did. I worked hard to become an OB/GYN. I fought to become the surgeon I wanted to be. I sought out mentorship, built my skills, became someone other physicians could learn from, and eventually got exactly what I had been working toward. And then my life changed. My priorities changed. I changed. In this episode, I’m sharing part of a conversation I had with surgeon and coach Dr. Amy Vertrees on The Business of Surgery podcast. While I was telling her about my transition away from surgery, she said something that stopped me: “Everything I did in the past is going to hold me hostage for the future.” Whew. Because that is exactly what so many of us do. We look at the years of training. The sacrifices. The skill we worked ridiculously hard to develop. The salary. The expectations attached to being a physician. And instead of allowing all of that to be part of our story, we turn it into evidence that we have to keep living the same story. For me, there were even more layers. Was I betraying the version of myself who fought so hard to become an excellent surgeon? Was I reinforcing stereotypes about women stepping back after having children? Was I letting down the patients who specifically wanted a Black physician caring for them? Those weren’t small questions. I had to work through every damn one of them. Eventually, I realized that being excellent at something does not obligate me to do it forever. And neither does being well compensated. Because golden handcuffs are still handcuffs. Platinum ones too. 😂 In this episode, we talk about the identity crisis that can come with changing your career, why leaving something good can sometimes be harder than leaving something obviously toxic, and how I stopped making decisions based on who I used to be and started paying attention to the life I actually wanted now. Your past self does not get to dictate the rest of your life. She might actually look at you and say, “Damn, girl. Good for you.” Listen to the episode and decide what you’re ready to stop letting your past decide for you. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E136
September 16 · 13 min
136. Doc, You Can Stop Breastfeeding
Hey Doc, You can stop breastfeeding. You can stop pumping. You can know all of the benefits, have enough milk, have a baby who breastfeeds well, and still decide: I don’t want to do this anymore. I know that can be an especially complicated decision when you’re a physician. We know the evidence. We know the recommendations. We know exactly what we’re “supposed” to do. And when you’re already spending hours away from your baby because of work, breastfeeding can become the thing. At least I can do this for her. That was part of my experience with my daughter. I was making enough milk, but barely. If I didn’t drink enough water, missed a meal, or skipped a pumping session, my supply would drop and I’d spend the next few days trying to catch up. Everything revolved around producing enough milk. I made it eight months. I wanted to make it a year. And eventually I had to admit that breastfeeding was taking a significant toll on my mental health. So I stopped. And the relief was almost immediate. In this episode, I’m sharing part of an older conversation from the Mom & Mind podcast because I know there is a physician mom somewhere who needs permission to make the decision that is right for her, her baby, and her family. We talk about: How breastfeeding prolonged my postpartum anxiety Why pumping felt like its own special form of torture 😂 The additional pressure physician moms can put on themselves because we know the benefits of breastfeeding Why breastfeeding and mental health deserve a much more nuanced conversation The guilt that can come with stopping even when you know it’s the right decision Why unsolicited advice to “just keep going” can make a struggling mom feel even worse How to support another mom without immediately trying to fix her problem Because sometimes she doesn’t need another suggestion for increasing her supply. She doesn’t need another supplement, pumping schedule, lactation consultant, or “Have you tried…?” She might need you to listen. She might need you to tell her she’s not a bad mom. She might need someone to say, “It’s okay to stop.” And if you don’t know what she needs, there is a very simple way to find out: Ask her. “What do you need from me right now?” That question goes far beyond breastfeeding. I use it in my marriage. I use it with my clients. And it can completely change the way we support the people we love. So if breastfeeding is working beautifully for you, wonderful. If you love it, wonderful. And if breastfeeding is making you miserable and you desperately want someone to tell you that you’re allowed to stop: Doc, you can stop. You don’t have to suffer to prove that you’re a good mother. Listen to the episode, and please send this one to the physician mom who needs to hear it. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
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S1 · E135
September 9 · 27 min
135. The One Thing I Don’t Want You to Outsource: Your Money
Hey Doc I love outsourcing. Cleaning. Childcare. Grocery delivery. The random tasks that somehow require 47 emails and a phone call during business hours. Please. Take them. But there is one thing I do not want you to completely outsource: Knowing what is happening with your money. In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Dr. Felecia Froe on the Money with Mission podcast about my own money story. I grew up in Trinidad and Tobago watching my parents work hard, build businesses, and use their money generously. But nobody sat me down and taught me about investing, taxes, wealth building, or financial independence. Then I became a physician. And shockingly, between learning the Krebs cycle and trying to keep actual humans alive, nobody taught me much about money there either. I eventually started educating myself. I learned about investing. I stopped assuming my financial advisor was performing some kind of financial wizardry. 😂 And I started understanding something that became incredibly important later in my career: Knowing my financial situation gave me choices. When I was burned out and miserable in medicine, money mattered. When I decided not to buy into partnership and walked away from a well-paying job without another job lined up, money mattered. When I invested $10,000 in my first coaching program and started seeing possibilities for myself outside of traditional medicine, money mattered. Not because money magically fixes your life. Because understanding your money gives you information. And information gives you options. In this episode, we talk about: What I learned about money growing up in Trinidad and Tobago Why I eventually stopped using a financial advisor and started educating myself How my husband and I talk about money together Why we’re intentionally teaching our children about money early The connection between financial knowledge and my decision to leave a job that was burning me out Why investing $10,000 in coaching felt enormous at the time and what I got from that investment The importance of understanding your value as a physician Why I believe every woman should know what is happening with her own money, even when someone else manages the day-to-day finances You do not need to become an investing expert tomorrow. Start with the basics. Know where your money is. Know how much you have. Know what debt you have. And please, Doc, know whether your taxes are being filed. Your husband may be wonderful. Mine is. I chose well. 😂 I still know what is happening with our money. Listen to the episode, then go check your accounts. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E134
September 2 · 13 min
134. Please Take Care of Yourself, Doc
Hey Doc, This episode is a plea. Please take care of yourself. There has been a lot of loss in the physician community lately, and it has made me take a harder look at the care I’m giving myself too. Because I can preach about putting yourself first all day long, but meanwhile my Peloton has basically become furniture and my eating habits have been…questionable. 😂 And it reminded me that taking care of ourselves isn’t one thing. You can exercise regularly and be struggling mentally. You can eat well and be completely unsupported at home. You can go to therapy and still be working in a job that is slowly destroying you. You can look incredibly functional from the outside while barely keeping your head above water. Physicians are particularly good at that last one. We are trained to keep going. Sometimes we’re outright praised for ignoring what our bodies and minds are telling us because patients need us, there’s nobody to cover the shift, and somebody has to get the work done. Then many of us become mothers and bring that same conditioning home. In this episode, I’m sharing part of a previous conversation from the Mom & Mind podcast about physician burnout, anxiety, sleep deprivation, motherhood, and why asking for help is one of the most important skills we can develop. We talk about: Why some of the qualities that make us excellent physicians can make anxiety harder to recognize The medical culture that teaches us to push through even when we’re physically or mentally unwell Why sleep and support matter so much during the postpartum years The belief that we should be able to handle everything ourselves Why asking for help isn’t limited to hiring someone. Family, friends, neighbors, therapy, coaching, and community all count What it means when your current life simply does not allow you to adequately care for yourself You deserve help. You deserve rest. You deserve care and support. And if taking care of yourself feels impossible within the life you’re currently living, I want you to seriously consider what needs to change. Because life is too short, Doc. Listen to the episode. And then check in with yourself, for real. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E133
August 26 · 5 min
133. These Children Will Have You Thinking You're a Bad Mother
Hey Doc, These children will really have you questioning your entire motherhood résumé. This summer, I left my kids in Trinidad with their grandparents while my husband and I stayed home to work on our businesses. And before you come for me, please understand the setup: camp, personal transportation, loving grandparents, extra help, someone cooking for them, and my mother making my son fry bake on request. This child was living GOOD. And yet, my son was crying, telling me he hated camp and wanted to come home. It was hard to hear, even when I had photographic evidence that he was perfectly happy when he wasn’t on the phone with me. Then, a few weeks later, I told him we were coming to get them. His response? He didn’t want to come home. Sir. In this episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers, I’m talking about what happens when your child’s very real feelings start making you question whether you’ve made a terrible parenting decision. Because your child can be sad. They can miss you. They can cry. They can even be absolutely furious about a decision you made. And none of those things automatically mean you made the wrong decision. Sometimes being their mother means trusting what you know, allowing them to have their feelings, and resisting the urge to immediately fix their discomfort just so you can stop feeling guilty. I’m sharing what this experience taught me about motherhood, guilt, and sticking with a decision even when your child is giving an Oscar-worthy performance suggesting you have personally ruined their life. Spoiler: mine went from crying himself to sleep to asking when he could come back to Trinidad. There’s hope for you, Doc. 😂 🎧 Listen to the full episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E132
August 19 · 28 min
132. Travel and The Lies We Tell
Hey, Doc I'm sharing part of an interview I did on my friend Dr. Weili Gray's podcast, *The Dare to Dream Physician Travel Podcast*. At the time, she had just pivoted her show to focus on travel, and listening back now feels like opening a time capsule. We talk about my journey from Trinidad to Howard University, residency, burnout, entrepreneurship, and coaching. But we also talk about one of my greatest passions: travel. From solo trips through South Africa... to scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef... to standing inside the slave castles in Ghana while pregnant with my son... this conversation reminded me how much travel has shaped who I am. But the most surprising moment came near the end. I casually said, "I haven't really traveled that much." Then I started listing the places I'd been. Twenty-two countries. Five countries in Africa. Australia. Greece. Turkey. The Seychelles. Botswana. Ghana. I realized, in real time, that my brain had been telling me a story that simply wasn't true. That's what this episode is really about. The stories we believe about ourselves. In this episode, we talk about: - Why I started traveling alone during residency - My love affair with the African continent - The emotional experience of visiting Ghana and the slave castles - How scuba diving became one of my favorite adventures - Why I don't wait for other people before living my life - The surprising lie I realized I'd been telling myself - Why coaching and community help us see ourselves more clearly One of the biggest reasons we stay stuck is because we believe our own thoughts without questioning them. Sometimes all it takes is saying them out loud for someone else to hold up a mirror and say, "Wait a minute... that's not actually true." That's the power of community. That's the power of coaching. And sometimes, that's the power of a podcast conversation. 🎧 Listen in, get to know me a little better, and maybe you'll catch one of the stories you've been telling yourself, too. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
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S1 · E131
August 12 · 5 min
131. Use Your Physician Privilege
Hey Doc You worked incredibly hard to become a physician. Four years of undergrad. Four years of medical school. Years of residency and fellowship. Endless sacrifices. So why are you acting like you're not allowed to benefit from it? In this episode, I'm giving you full permission to use one of the few privileges you truly earned: your physician network. I've used it to get second opinions when my family needed them. I've gotten my nephew seen by a pediatric subspecialist on short notice. I've leaned on physician communities when my mom had a serious burn. Every single time, someone stepped up because I asked. And that's the part many of us forget. People actually want to help. Somewhere along the way, many physician moms start believing they're bothering people if they reach out, ask a question, or call in a favor. We spend our careers taking care of everyone else but hesitate to let anyone take care of us. I'm here to remind you that this isn't taking advantage of anyone. This is one of the few privileges you worked your entire adult life to earn. Use it. In this episode, we talk about: Why physician moms often hesitate to ask for help Real examples of how I've used my physician network for my family The surprising truth: helping others feels good Why asking for help is a gift to the person who's able to give it How to stop feeling guilty about using the connections you've earned You don't have to wait months for an appointment if someone is willing to help. You don't have to feel guilty texting a specialist friend. You don't have to do this alone. Use your privilege, Doc. You've earned it. 🎧 Listen now, and if this episode reminds you of another physician who needs permission to ask for help, send it to her. She deserves to use the network she worked so hard to build, too. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
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S1 · E130
August 5 · 22 min
130. The Good Mom Myth Is Burning Out Physician Moms
Hey Doc, I’m back with another episode where I was dropping gems on another podcast. I joined Dr. Diane Shannon on Vital Signs: Thriving as a Woman in Medicine to talk about something I think sits at the heart of so much burnout for physician moms: the definition of a "good mom." Most of us inherited that definition without ever questioning it. Be there for everything. Do it yourself. Put everyone else's needs ahead of your own. Sacrifice without complaint. The problem? That model was never built for women practicing medicine. Medicine still rewards self-sacrifice. Motherhood often expects it. Put those two together, and it's no surprise so many physician moms feel like they're failing at both, even when they're doing an extraordinary job. In this conversation, we unpack where these expectations come from, why physician moms experience them so intensely, and how creating your own definition of motherhood isn't selfish. It's necessary. We also talk about the practical changes that can help you protect your wellbeing without sacrificing the career or family you've worked so hard to build. In this episode, we discuss: Why the traditional idea of the "good mom" sets physician moms up for burnout How medicine's culture of martyrdom amplifies guilt at home and at work The hidden costs of trying to do everything yourself Why redefining motherhood is one of the most important mindset shifts you can make Practical ways to prioritize yourself without feeling guilty If you've ever felt like you're constantly falling short, despite giving everything you have, I hope this conversation reminds you that the problem isn't you. It might just be the definition you've been trying to live up to. 🎧 Press play and let's redefine what being a good mom really means. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E129
July 29 · 22 min
129. NO Is Just the Beginning: A Physician's Guide to Asking
One conversation can change your career. But first, you have to be willing to ask. In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Dr. Kristine Goins on The Physician's Guide to Doctoring to talk about one of my favorite topics: asking. Whether you're negotiating your contract, requesting a different schedule, asking for support at home, or advocating for yourself in medicine, the biggest obstacle usually isn't strategy. It's believing you're allowed to ask in the first place. We talk about why physicians are conditioned to avoid asking, how to move through the fear of hearing "no," and why connecting to what you actually want changes every negotiation. In this episode, we discuss: Why asking is a skill every physician needs How medical culture teaches us to silence our own needs Reframing "no" as information instead of rejection The role of curiosity in successful negotiation Why your deepest desire matters more than negotiation scripts How to know if you're asking for enough A real example of negotiating a locums incentive by honoring your own value A quick heads-up: Parts of this recording were unfortunately corrupted, and AI replaced portions of my voice during the editing process. It sounds a little strange in a few spots, but the conversation was too valuable not to share. Thanks for sticking with it. If this episode makes you realize you've been settling for less than you need, I hope it reminds you that asking isn't selfish. It's a skill. And it's one worth practicing. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E128
July 22 · 6 min
128. Why I Left Clinical Medicine to Coach Physician Moms
Hey Doc— One of the questions I've been asked the most over the past few months is, "Why did you leave medicine?" The short answer is: I didn't leave medicine to do something else. I left clinical practice because I found another way to serve physician moms. In this episode, I share the story behind that decision, why coaching became my second calling, and why stepping away from practicing as an OB/GYN wasn't about walking away from patients. It was about expanding the impact I could have by helping physician moms build lives they actually enjoy living. When a physician mom finds her voice, strengthens her marriage, leads with confidence, creates support at home, and rediscovers herself, the ripple effect reaches her family, her colleagues, and every patient she cares for. That's why this work matters so much to me. In this episode, we discuss: The real reason I stepped away from clinical medicine Why coaching physician moms became my life's work How supporting one physician mom creates a ripple effect far beyond one family Why I believe this work is an extension of medicine, not a departure from it What it means to find a second calling without letting go of the first Looking back, I don't think I had two separate careers. I've always been committed to helping women thrive. The way I do that has changed, but the mission hasn't. 🎧 Listen now, and if you've ever wondered what happens when your purpose evolves, I hope this episode gives you a glimpse into mine. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E127
July 15 · 17 min
127. Part 2: How Physician Moms Can Thrive Without Self-Sacrifice
Hey Doc— Welcome back to Part 2 of this conversation. In Part 1, we talked about why so many physician moms end up exhausted, overwhelmed, and questioning whether this is simply what motherhood and medicine are supposed to feel like. In this episode, we shift to what comes next. We talk about the beliefs many of us carry into motherhood without ever examining them, why trying to do everything yourself often leads to resentment, and the practical shifts that allow physician moms to thrive without complete self-sacrifice. From building a village to strengthening your marriage to putting yourself back on your own priority list, this conversation is about creating a version of motherhood that supports your life instead of consuming it. In this episode, we discuss: Why you need to define motherhood based on your own values The myth that good mothers should do everything themselves How building a village creates stronger families, not weaker mothers Why investing in your marriage benefits everyone in your home How prioritizing yourself makes you a better physician, partner, and mother Medicine teaches us to put everyone else first. Motherhood often reinforces the same message. It's no surprise so many physician moms feel like they're disappearing in the process. My hope is that this conversation helps you think differently about what thriving can look like—and reminds you that you get to build a life that fits you. 🎧 Listen now, and if this episode made you think of another physician mom, send it her way. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E126
July 8 · 22 min
126. Part 1: How Physician Moms Can Thrive Without Self-Sacrifice
Hey Doc— This summer I'm re-releasing some of my favorite conversations from podcasts where I was the guest because the topics are just as relevant today as they were when we recorded them. In this first part of my conversation on the Girl Doc Survival Guide podcast, we talk about why so many physician moms find themselves exhausted, questioning everything, and wondering why success doesn't feel the way they thought it would. I share parts of my own journey, but this conversation is really about something much bigger: the culture of medicine, the expectations placed on mothers, and why so many of us have been taught that self-sacrifice is simply part of the job. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but still wondering why it feels so hard, I think you'll see yourself in this conversation. In this episode, we discuss: Why physician moms are especially vulnerable to burnout and overwhelm How motherhood can completely change your relationship with medicine Why I left employed OB/GYN practice and what that decision taught me The mindset shifts that helped me stop accepting self-sacrifice as the cost of success Why building a life that fits you matters more than living up to everyone else's expectations This is an honest conversation about what happens when you start questioning the rules you've been taught and begin creating a version of medicine and motherhood that actually works for you. 🎧 Listen now, and then join me for Part 2, where we get practical about the tools and strategies that help physician moms thrive without complete self-sacrifice. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript
S1 · E125
July 1 · 21 min
125. The One-Minute Reset I Use During the Worst Days
Hey Doc, This episode is a little different. First, a content warning. I talk about miscarriage and describe one of the most difficult calls I've had as an OB/GYN, so if that's not something you want to hear today, I completely understand. I also share one of my favorite tools for getting through stressful moments. It's a technique I've used for years with anxious patients during pelvic exams and on labor and delivery, but it wasn't until that call that I realized how much I needed it myself. If you're skeptical of anything remotely "woo-woo," this episode isn’t for you 😂 I hope you give it a try the next time life, medicine, or motherhood feels like a little too much. In this episode I discuss: Why the goal isn't always to eliminate stress The difficult call that reminded me to use my own tools A simple visualization I use during overwhelming moments How this technique can help both inside and outside the hospital 🎧 I hope you enjoy the episode. What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know! Subscribe to ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Connect with me: Website | Instagram | Facebook Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field. If you are going through a transition -- becoming a parent, leaving a job, figuring out how manage it all, schedule a strategy coaching session and get clarity and strategic next steps for the life and career you want. Strategy Coaching Session with Dr. Toya
- Transcript

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