In this episode of Prescription for Admission, I sit down with Dr. Joe Sherman — a seasoned pediatrician and physician coach — to explore the evolving world of pediatric hospital medicine and what it truly takes to build a meaningful, sustainable career in pediatrics.

Together, we talk about how pediatric care has changed over the years, why understanding a patient’s community is essential to delivering effective care, and how parents play a critical role as experts in their child’s health. Dr. Sherman shares powerful insights on balancing the medical and emotional demands of pediatric hospital medicine, setting boundaries, and prioritizing clinician well-being in an increasingly complex healthcare system.

This conversation is especially valuable for pediatricians, hospitalists, medical students, and residents navigating physician burnout, career longevity, and the pressure to conform during medical training. We also reflect on authenticity, self-care, and why maintaining relationships outside of medicine is essential for perspective and long-term fulfillment.

If you care about pediatric patient experience, physician coaching, and creating healthier healthcare communities — this episode is for you.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and follow Prescription for Admission for weekly conversations about hospital medicine, patient advocacy, and clinician well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Pediatric hospital medicine has evolved significantly over time

• Community context plays a vital role in pediatric patient care

• Parents should be treated as trusted partners in their child’s healthcare

• Pediatricians often balance roles as clinicians and social workers

• Increasing specialization has reshaped the pediatric patient experience

• Hospital systems and workflows are critical to managing workload

• Physician burnout can be reduced through boundaries and self-care

• Medical training often pressures learners to lose their authentic voice

• Relationships outside of medicine support career longevity

• Reflective practices help clinicians stay grounded and fulfilled

Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to pediatric hospital medicine
01:58 The evolution of pediatric care09:59 The role of community in pediatric health16:46 Navigating the pediatrician-parent relationship17:49 The changing landscape of pediatric hospital medicine22:30 The evolution of medical documentation26:07 Systems and strategies in hospital medicine29:58 Redefining sacrifice in medicine32:08 Advice for medical students and residents39:38 Authenticity, reflection, and self-care43:06 The patient perspective as a mirror to medicine

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