The Fit Physician

Amy Flood, Executive Director of Women’s Health Collective Canada, joins us to unpack the current state of women’s health in Canada and why the gaps in research, funding, and care are much bigger than many of us realize. From women receiving just a fraction of public health research funding to Canada’s surprising global ranking in women’s health, Amy talks about a problem that impacts women, families, workplaces, and our healthcare system. We also explore the economic case for investing in women’s health, including the estimated $37 billion annual opportunity for Canada, and the work Amy and Women’s Health Collective Canada are doing to turn awareness into action. It’s an eye-opening conversation about where we are today, why these gaps still exist, and what needs to change to create a healthier future for women in Canada. 👉 Click here to learn more about the Women’s Health Collective Canada Mentioned in this episode: July 2026 C2A Midroll

In this Science Snack, Suzanne takes a closer look at the growing trend of “exercise snacks,” short bursts of movement performed throughout the day. She breaks down a recent 2026 meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials to find out whether a minute or two of exercise at a time can actually make a meaningful difference to your health and fitness. What does the research show, how hard do these exercise snacks need to be, and can they help when you simply don’t have time for a full workout? Suzanne breaks down the evidence and shares practical ways busy women physicians can incorporate exercise snacks into even the busiest days. -- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching Mentioned in this episode: July 2026 C2A Midroll

Wellness peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 are exploding in popularity, with bold claims around recovery, longevity, and performance. But how much of that promise is actually backed by human data? In this episode, we sit down with drug development expert Dr. Leigh Baxt to separate what we know from what we still don't. Leigh takes us behind the scenes of how therapeutics actually move from promising science to approved medicine, and why that process matters when evaluating today's peptide boom. We unpack the gaps in research, potential risks, gray-market sourcing, and what physicians should know when patients come asking about wellness peptides. -- 📲 Click here to follow Dr. Leigh Baxt on Instagram 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching Mentioned in this episode: July 2026 C2A Midroll

In this episode we sit down with Fit Physician member Jade. Just a few months ago, when she first came to us, she was a busy rural family physician, mom of two, and longtime runner who loved exercise, but struggled to find the right structure for her strength training and nutrition. She wanted to get stronger, fuel her body better, and move away from the perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking that had shaped her relationship with food. Today, Jade is stronger and more confident than ever, from comfortably using a squat rack to carrying her 70-pound daughter to bed and training for her first half marathon since having kids. In this episode, we sit down with Jade and her coach Dan to unpack her transformation, what finally clicked, and how she's built an approach to fitness and nutrition that works with her incredibly busy life. -- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching Mentioned in this episode: July 2026 C2A Midroll

Can women with low bone density safely lift heavy weights, and could doing so actually help protect their bones? In this Science Snack, Jake and Suzanne review the **LIFTMOR study**, a randomized controlled trial examining high-intensity resistance and impact training in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density. They break down how the study was conducted, what researchers found, and the important limitations to consider before applying the results. They also discuss what this research could mean for women with osteopenia or osteoporosis and how to approach progressive strength training safely. -- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching Mentioned in this episode: July 2026 C2A Midroll

What happens when a healthy 15-year-old athlete suffers a seemingly minor injury that turns into years of medical uncertainty? In this episode, we sit down with Kira Young and her mother, Dr. Sarah Cook, to hear Kira's incredible journey from a small ski injury to multiple hospitalizations, the ICU, and eventually a diagnosis of a rare autoinflammatory disease. We explore what Kira's experience can teach all of us about listening to patients, sitting with uncertainty, and sometimes having the courage to simply say, "I don't know." We also hear how Kira held onto hope through some of her darkest days and ultimately returned to sport, culminating in an incredible 1,600 km bike ride retracing the journey she once travelled for medical care. It's a powerful conversation about hope, resilience, and belief. -- Click here to donate to Cassie & Friends on Kira's behalf Mentioned in this episode: July 2026 C2A Midroll

We can't believe we've reached 100 episodes! To celebrate this milestone, we're sharing five of our favorite clips from some of our most-listened-to episodes. Thank you for all the love and support. We couldn't have done it without you, and we're just getting started! -- 💪 Click here to learn more about The Fit Physician Coaching Mentioned in this episode: July 2026 C2A Midroll

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 Mentioned in this episode: July 2026 C2A Midroll

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 Mentioned in this episode: July 2026 C2A Midroll

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 Mentioned in this episode: July 2026 C2A Midroll

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