Ep 26. Ballet, Eating Disorders & Perfectionism: Dr. Kara Pepper’s Story

What happens when a ballerina becomes a physician and perfectionism fuels both identities?

In this deeply moving episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, we sit down with Dr. Kara Pepper, a primary care internist, executive coach, and former ballet dancer, to talk about perfectionism, burnout, eating disorders, and redefining success.

Highlights:

• Leaving home at age 13 to train at the Bolshoi Ballet
• Her transition into medicine and how perfectionism showed up again in a different form
• Struggles with burnout, eating disorders, and numbing through work and alcohol
• Her journey toward self-compassion and how she now helps high-achievers reclaim their lives

👤 About Dr. Kara Pepper:

Dr. Kara Pepper is a primary care internist, executive coach, and the founder of Micro Practice Mastermind, a community supporting physicians transitioning to solo practice. After 14 years in private practice, she built a multistate telemedicine practice focusing on adult care, particularly for patients with eating disorders.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Pepper hosts the It’s Not Just You podcast, which explores survival, humanism, and career sustainability. 

🔗Connect with Dr. Kara Pepperr:

Website: https://karapeppermd.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-pepper-md-2555b42/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karapeppermd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karapeppermd/

🎙About the Host:

Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC, is a Dual board-certified physician with advanced training in integrative well-being, performance, and leadership development. She speaks and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success, and the well-being of high achievers.

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

❌ 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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