Ep 10. Dr. Stuart Slavin on Medical Training, Mental Health & Culture Change | Unpacking Perfectionism

What if we’re grooming our future doctors for burnout before they even start training?

In this powerful episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Dr. Stuart Slavin, Vice President for Well-Being at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and a national leader in physician mental health, to explore how maladaptive perfectionism begins long before medical school—and how the culture of high achievement can deeply impact mental health.

Together, they explore:

✅ How maladaptive perfectionism develops early in life
 ✅ The difference between healthy standards and toxic self-criticism
 ✅ The emotional cost of “Stanford Duck Syndrome” in medicine
 ✅ Strategies to build self-compassion and reframe harmful inner narratives

About the Guest:

Dr. Stuart Slavin is a Pediatrician, Medical Educator, and Vice President for Well-Being at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). A national leader in physician mental health, he has led transformative initiatives to improve the well-being of residents, fellows, and faculty across the country.

His pioneering work in redesigning medical education to reduce student depression and anxiety—while maintaining academic excellence—has gained national recognition. Dr. Slavin’s research focuses on maladaptive perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the toxic thought patterns that undermine mental health in high-achieving environments.

He was prominently featured in the award-winning documentary Do No Harm and continues to advocate for reshaping the culture of medicine to prioritize psychological safety and sustainable success for the next generation of physicians.

🎙 About the Host:

Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Geriatrics and Internal Medicine Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®, where she empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being.

This episode is part of her special book writing project on unmasking perfectionism.

🔹 Connect with Dr. Shabbir:
 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/
🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking

❗ Important Notes:

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health challenges. Please take care while listening. For support, call or text 988 for free, confidential help.

❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.

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