The Catalyst: Sparking Creative Transformation in Healthcare

#CatalystReplay: Preserving Your Vital Energy: Navigating Overwhelming Portal Messages

How can we, as healthcare professionals, transform portal messaging from a burden into an efficient tool for care? In this episode, I explore how both patients and practitioners can approach portal communication with more clarity and balance.
 
I share tips for patients to craft concise, actionable messages that respect their provider’s time while ensuring their concerns are addressed. For practitioners, I point out setting boundaries, managing expectations with clear guidelines, and leveraging group visits to reduce message volume.
 
By rethinking how we use portal messaging, we can protect vital energy and foster a more sustainable healthcare ecosystem for everyone involved!
 
Quotes
“Think before you open that portal message. What have you done already to answer your question? And that could mean like a Google search or maybe things that you've tried from the last treatment plan that your physician suggested. You can list those steps. You know, I've tried here, I've done this, and this is the symptom that's still bothering me. Then you ask one question.” (2:55 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Many EMR systems will allow an auto-reply. So when somebody puts a portal message in, they get an automatic reply. So you may want to switch yours up every so often, right? After reading it once or twice, most patients will ignore the message. But if you rotate it, Say something like, due to the high volume of messaging, if you have a question, your best chance of getting an answer is to coming into our group visit on this day at this time. Or while you're waiting, here's a small checklist that can help patients. If you're under an elimination diet, here's my link to my snack swaps. You know, if you have a system or method that you tend to walk your patients through, you can give them a link.” (13:29 | Dr. Lara Salyer) 
“Portal messaging can be a huge burden, but it can also be a great opportunity to invite people into your ecosystem and your culture. Your culture of honoring self-care, of empowering patients, to be discerning on what needs assistance, and to show them how you can do that as the expert in functional medicine.” (18:15 | Dr. Lara Salyer) 
 
Links
Schedule a 20-minute Brainstorm Session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Visit https://drlarasalyer.com/shop.  Direct link to the course: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/reclamation
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

The Future of Holistic Health: Collaborative Patient Care

When I think about how Practice Better could have transformed my practice, I can’t help but wish I’d found it sooner. In this episode, I reflect on the game-changing potential of this intuitive EMR system, and I’m joined by Natalie Mullin, whose background in education and wellness coaching brings fresh insights into how tools like automations and AI charting save time and improve care. What would it mean for your practice if you could focus more on your patients and less on administrative tasks? Together, we explore how technology and community can revolutionize holistic healthcare, supporting both your purpose and your well-being.
 
Quotes
“Clients, a lot of them want to change, but they just don’t have that support. So when you put tools in place, they can come and access whenever they need to. That allows them to be successful in their health journey.” (08:30 | Natalie Mullin)
“That idea of practicing on your own terms is so powerful when we can empower ourselves and we can truly ask ourselves, ‘What do we want?’ And then if a practitioner is saying to themselves, ‘What do I want? What kind of life do I want to live? How do I want to impact my patients, my clients?’” (15:58 | Natalie Mullin)
“I think people underestimate the power of community. And some of our top practitioners, they share that actually the way that they’re able to not only have their own financial success, but have success in terms of their patients and clients and the outcomes, is because they’ll host weekly meetings or monthly meetings where their patients and clients come together and they share that information and knowledge.” (19:58 | Natalie Mullin) 
“[Adopting a holistic approach] starts with intention, to be very honest. Make the intention mentally that I am going to practice a different way. I am going to go in this direction. And you would be surprised at the resources that will start to come to you.” (26:33 | Natalie Mullin)
 
Links
Connect with Natalie Mullin:
Website: https://practicebetter.io/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/practicebetter
 
Connect with Lara: 
Book a Brainstorm Session with coupon code PODCAST: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Discount link for Practice Better, 20% off for 4 months. (This still allows a 14 day free trial on any plan first): https://my.practicebetter.io/?ps_partner_key=MWZiNDBiODNiNjcw&utm_campaign=5824129-Lara+Salyer%27s+Catalyst+Podcast+January+2024+%7C+Partner&utm_source=partner_larasalyer&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=Catalyst-Podcast&ps_xid=j0cWM65sRFpWz8&gsxid=j0cWM65sRFpWz8&gspk=MWZiNDBiODNiNjcw#/p/register?pc=LaraSalyer20
 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Your Year in Review (and Rebrand!)

This year, let’s skip the resolutions and try something more transformative. I’m inviting you to join me in rebranding your year and creating a life that feels more aligned and energizing. In this episode, I’m sharing insights from "The Year in Review and Rebrand Guide”, where we’ll reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what truly lights you up.
 
I’ll share my personal journey of navigating burnout, setting boundaries, and finding clarity. Together, we’ll talk about choosing a guiding word for the year, like my mantra for 2025—"magnetic joy"—and crafting self-care habits that actually stick.
 
If you’re ready to let go of what’s holding you back and step into 2025 with purpose and creativity, this episode is your roadmap. Let’s color outside the lines and make this year your most joyful yet!
 
Quotes
“The first thing I like to do, and I've done this three years in a row, is find a single word for the year. I know it sounds reductionistic, but it is really to focus. It helps you make the best decisions when you have a word that you're really using as your beacon, your north star.” (05:41 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“There's no such thing as balance. It's a work-life masterpiece full of textures, colors, and layers that happen upon each other, edges that will overlap and sometimes abut one another. You don't have to choose.” (11:15 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
"Creativity as the sixth vital sign—it's literally the antidote to burnout. It's flow neuroscience. So the more you use flow in your day, you feel more alive and you have higher rates of well-being." (20:55 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
"If you could feel pride, you could feel satisfaction, you could feel this aliveness that you did it. And it doesn't mean big things like I actually did a TED talk or I published a book or I ran a marathon. No, we're talking just what would feel good?" (30:00 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
 
Links
Book a Brainstorm Session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Year in Review and Rebrand Guide: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/2024-year-in-review-and-rebrand-guide-722622 
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Medicine to Flourish (And Exciting Announcements!)

Women in medicine face stark inequities, from pay gaps to higher burnout rates. But what does it take to truly support us? In this episode, I share personal stories and hard truths about the systemic challenges we encounter every day. Why are female physicians expected to shoulder more emotional labor, yet still struggle to break through leadership barriers?  
 
I also explore the unique strengths we bring to medicine—empathy, communication, and better patient outcomes—and share how these qualities make such a difference in patient care. Along the way, I’ll talk about my decision to focus my Catalyst Studio mentorship exclusively on women and why I’m transitioning my practice to virtual care to help more women thrive. This is about creating a space where we can flourish, both inside and outside the exam room. Let’s challenge the status quo together!
 
Quotes
“Women are at risk for suicide over 400 times compared to their male counterparts. And in this study from the American Medical Association from 2023, 54.5% of women physicians reported symptoms of burnout, which are much more than their male counterparts. It’s critical that we need to support this.” (05:58 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Female physicians tend to spend more time with their patients and are more likely to engage in empathetic and collaborative decision-making. This makes patients feel more supported, and they actually understood the plans, which meant they were more adherent… We also, as women, have lower mortality and readmission rates in comparison to our male counterparts. This was a study done by UCLA Health, which showed that we could lower mortality costs compared to our male doctors. So we should be supporting women physicians.” (08:39 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“It’s a bittersweet change. And that’s how you know you’re doing something good. There’s always got to be a little bit of fear in that first step of that staircase. But I’ve done this before. I have opened up a whole new clinic, changed my whole life around, and I’m doing it again, and now with a deeper purpose that I feel extremely passionate about—helping all women practitioners flourish inside and outside the exam room.” (15:54 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Magic happens when you work with women who start to understand that you can bend time when you have the advantage of flow neuroscience. And when you align your values, and you learn how to make better, clearer decisions, your behavior changes, and you literally can catalyze a whole new culture of transformation. So, keep on hanging out with me here, and enjoy the changes that are going to be happening in 2025.” (17:33 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
 
Links
Book a Brainstorm Session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Make your next event unforgettable with my speaking services: https://drlarasalyer.com/speaking-events/
Free Micropractice Assessment: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/P56ItjWi?typeform-source=drlarasalyer.com
Citations from the episode:
AAMC news
https://www.aamc.org/news/women-medicine-make-gains-obstacles-remain
American Medical Association
https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/physician-health/despite-drop-burnout-women-physicians-still-feeling-burden
American Medical Association
https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership/despite-advances-gender-disparities-persist-medicine
Dr. Sue Mitra MD, FACP in Brevard County
https://www.suemitra.com/post/the-impact-of-female-doctors-on-patient-care-6-benefits-you-should-know
UCLA Health
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/treatment-female-doctors-leads-lower-mortality-and-hospital
American College of Cardiology
https://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2021/02/22/18/47/female-heart-disease-patients-with-female-physicians-fare-better
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

My 10 New Year’s Wishes for 2025

Forget resolutions. This year, I’m setting intentions with 10 bold wishes for 2025, and I’m inviting you to join me.
 
Why not approach the New Year by focusing on joy, creativity, and connection instead of rigid goals? My wishes are all about creating positive energy, grounding mind and body, and embracing creativity as a tool for growth.  
 
I want to bring joy into every room I enter, deepen meaningful relationships, and spark transformation in the lives I touch. Along the way, I’m giving myself permission to let go of perfectionism and live with more playfulness and ease.  
 
These wishes are my guide to a year of abundance, balance, and purpose. What would your year look like if you did the same? Let’s color outside the lines and make 2025 our most intentional year yet!
 
Quotes
“Your brain is a predictive machine. So the more you focus on things you want to call into your reality, the more likely you will align your habits, your thoughts, your intentions to make that happen.” (02:24 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“I wish to create joy in every room that I enter. To me, this is important. This is from a quote from Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor that talks about being responsible for the energy you bring into a space… My goal is that I will enter a room with the best energy I can to create joy for myself and for others, because energy is contagious. And so, that is the number one wish that I have for myself: to focus on every room I enter, I bring joy.” (03:05 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Creativity is medicinal. It is how we express our emotions and our thoughts. It’s how we process. It’s how we show up as a unique person. And it’s what draws other people to us.” (04:19 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Sparking transformation in someone else is also reciprocal because I’m also transformed. And I think that’s the beautiful part about being human.” (10:08 | Dr. Lara Salyer) 
“Burnout is systemic. It’s not your fault. Burnout will be in the world. It’s never going away. There isn’t a perfect hospital system or residency, no perfect career or relationship. You’re going to feel burnout in a lot of elements, but it’s up to us to sense that and learn from the tools so that we can process it in a healthy way.” (15:32 | Dr. Lara Salyer) 
 
Links
Book a Brainstorm Session with coupon code PODCAST: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Will AI Steal My Job? Finding Flow in a World Run by Robots

Worried AI is coming for your job? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain behind a big question: Will AI make my job obsolete? Read my lips: NO. No, it won’t. But that fear is real, and it’s something I tackled with a mentee who’s a functional medicine health coach. Together, we worked through her burnout and found a way to bring more flow and ease into her busy life.
 
Here’s the thing—AI can spit out facts, but it can’t do what you do. It can’t replace real human connection.
It can’t connect, inspire, or guide people toward real change. In this episode, I’ll show you how to own that magic and balance the chaos by focusing on five key areas: client care, business stuff, family, personal well-being, and learning. With a few tweaks, you can go from overwhelmed to on top of it, and start loving your work again.
 
If you’re ready to stop stressing about AI and focus on showing up as your best self, this episode is for you!
 
Quotes
"Burnout is a specific brainwave pattern of grief... It's when your expectations don't meet the reality." (03:36 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
"...When we look at how to retro-engineer burnout, we look towards flow. Flow is the only time your brain produces all five neurochemicals of happiness. And flow is important because when you're in flow, you feel more confident, more productive, you have more agency, autonomy, more creativity, more curiosity, and you come up with more innovative ideas." (04:54 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
"AI is a great place to look for answers, but it doesn't help you change. And that's what we're here for." (06:05 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Your patients and clients are also trying to make change. And if humans were easy and we just had a switch that we could flip and be done and make that change and rewire that habit instantly, well then, yeah, maybe I would worry about AI taking over our jobs, but that's never going to happen. Humans are brilliantly complex, fascinatingly imperfect, and they require this invisible energy that can only happen in a container of a relationship between a client and practitioner. a patient and physician, a healer and another human. And that's the magic that you have. No other person does it like you.” (Dr. Lara Salyer | 06:26)
 
Links
Catalyst Reclamation: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/reclamation
Book a Brainstorm Session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Free Catalyst Calendar planner: https://healthinnate.activehosted.com/f/49
Catalyst Reclamation: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/reclamation
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

The Reverse Time Capsule: Get Unstuck, Inspired, and Empowered

Feeling overwhelmed by decisions that seem impossible to make? I get it—I’ve been there, and so have the Catalysts I mentor. In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful tool I call the “Reverse Time Capsule,” a guided visualization exercise that can help you step out of indecision and into clarity and confidence.  
 
What if you could imagine a future where everything feels easy, abundant, and in flow? By anchoring those positive emotions, you can change how you approach the choices in front of you right now. I’ll explain why emotional regulation and visualization work, how neuroscience backs it up, and why our usual go-to methods, like pros and cons lists, often fail us when overwhelm sets in.  
 
If you’re ready to move from stuck to inspired, this episode will give you a simple, actionable way to reclaim your decision-making power and bring more ease into your life.
 
Quotes
“My Catalyst Studio is geared towards women. A lot of us are working moms. And so, it’s a unique societal pressure, because not only are we trying to run a business or creating our dream work-life masterpiece in healthcare, we’re also dealing with raising kids, picking them up from soccer practice, getting them to piano lessons, dealing with all the unique pressures that comes with being a woman in medicine. And that’s where our Catalyst Studio mentorship is so unique because we allow this vulnerable safe space to talk candidly about this and help our limbic system learn to recalibrate and step into our own empowerment.” (03:59 | Dr. Lara Salyer) 
“Our reality is really our perception. So, if you’re perceiving and feeling the feelings of success or abundance or ease, you’re going to call that into your reality now.” (12:43 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“When it comes to decisions of our soul’s purpose and of our life, we become paralyzed because now we’re in uncharted waters… we’ve atrophied our own flame, our own creative juice, our own intuition.” (13:41 | Dr. Lara Salyer) 
“If you go into emotions and you learn to tune up that intuition of that gut feeling of this feels right or wrong, or you conjure up your time capsule, you can really access those emotions and call in what decisions feel easy, free, and flowy.” (14:16 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
 
Links
Book a Brainstorm Session for free with PODCAST coupon: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Take the Archetype quiz to find your ideal play activity: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype
Catalyst Reclamation https://drlarasalyer.com/shop.  
Course: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/reclamation
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

12 Things to Know Before You Jump Into Entrepreneurship

Healthcare entrepreneurship is a bold move, and I know firsthand how much emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and resilience it takes. Are you ready to take the leap?
 
As the new year approaches, it’s natural to reflect on your current path and wonder if it’s time for something new. In this episode, I’m sharing twelve essential insights from my journey to help you move from burnout to building a business that truly aligns with your passions and purpose. We’ll cover strategies like mastering your calendar, clarifying your vision, managing setbacks, and creating the support system you’ll need to succeed.
 
Have you thought about how to balance passion with practicality? Are you ready to confront your money mindset and take on the inevitable challenges of this transition? Through stories, practical advice, and lessons I’ve learned firsthand, I’ll help you prepare for the exciting, rewarding world of healthcare entrepreneurship. Let’s dive in together!
 
Quotes
“Not everybody is fully ready to be an entrepreneur, but if you’re up for it, it is the best growth experience. It is the most wonderful way to have a path toward self-actualization.” (02:16 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Train your emotional intelligence… You have to know that everybody is walking around with their own perception of reality and everybody has their own lens through which they're seeing that.” (02:51 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“We love our passion, but we have to balance it with practicality. Passion is the energy for all health entrepreneurs… We’re able to express this highest level of creativity and passion because we’re running our own business, delivering medicine, and transforming lives in a way that we feel is uniquely personalized. But we also need some practicality.” (18:02 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
 
Links
Book a Brainstorm Session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Free Catalyst Calendar planner: https://healthinnate.activehosted.com/f/49
Free Micropractice Assessment: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/P56ItjWi?typeform-source=drlarasalyer.com
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

A Physician on a “Rheumission”: Innovative Integrative Rheumatology

“Everyone’s gut microbiome is different, their genetics are different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all,” 
 
I had the privilege of talking with Dr. Yu, an integrative rheumatologist that incorporates complementary medicine with traditional rheumatology, about his journey with autoimmune disease and how it shaped his unique approach to patient care.
 
Hearing his story of being diagnosed with gout at 17 and later spondyloarthritis was powerful. His experience pushed him to look beyond conventional medicine. Could diet, lifestyle, and mental health be the missing links in managing these conditions? Dr. Yu found relief through a plant-based diet, which inspired him to dive deeper into integrative and functional medicine—and what he’s learned has the potential to transform how we treat autoimmune conditions.
 
I loved hearing about his work at Rheumission, a virtual clinic where he and his team address not just the physical symptoms of autoimmune disease but also the emotional and psychological factors. How often do we, as practitioners, ask our patients about trauma or stress? Dr. Yu believes those are essential conversations, and his approach has shown just how impactful they can be.
 
This episode will get you thinking: What if healing isn’t about finding the perfect medication but about uncovering the right combination of tools for each patient? Dr. Yu’s innovative methods and commitment to personalized care are an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when we reimagine healthcare.
 
Quotes
“Everyone’s gut microbiome is different, their genetics are different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all.” (10:15 | Dr. Micah Yu)
“The mind-body medicine piece is so important. Oftentimes, we don’t ask about trauma or what our patient’s upbringing was... These things are very important. There is so much of our mind that controls the pain. We know that in patients with anxiety and depression, there’s higher incidence of autoimmune diseases, and there’s inflammation of the brain that is connected to the systemic inflammation of autoimmunity. So, there’s these things that we overlook, we don’t have time to talk about at a regular doctor’s visit.” (11:22 | Dr. Micah Yu)
“Being an autoimmune patient, I understand what it’s like to live with autoimmune disease, especially rheumatic disease, at a very young age as well. Through all the education, diving into rabbit holes, and nonstop learning, I’ve realized there’s no one-size-fits-all. The same goes for diet—there’s no universal solution, as I mentioned earlier. However, there is a theme: a plant-predominant diet rich in phytonutrients can often be helpful. For some, infections might be driving their disease. For others, it could be mental health. You don’t know your true potential for healing unless you keep exploring.” (32:25 | Dr. Micah Yu)
 
Links
Free Micropractice Assessment: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/P56ItjWi?typeform-source=drlarasalyer.com
Infographics: https://drlarasalyer.com/shop/#Infographics
 
Connect with Dr. Micah Yu:
www.drlifestyle.org
www.rheumission.com
www.myautoimmunemd.com
https://www.instagram.com/myautoimmunemd
https://www.instagram.com/rheumissionhlth
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Staying Inspired: Simple Rituals Every Physician Needs

What if inspiration didn’t have to arrive in rare, dramatic bursts? Inspired by Mason Currey’s “Daily Rituals: How Artists Work,” I’ve learned that simple routines can nurture creativity in ways we don’t always expect. By creating rituals, we can stay energized, connect more deeply with patients, and prevent burnout.
 
For me, a daily writing routine became a powerful tool for self-expression and healing during a difficult time. This wasn’t about waiting for the perfect moment to write; it was about showing up consistently and letting creativity flow. I believe rituals help us turn everyday practices into grounding moments that open us up to creative energy. What small, intentional habits could make a difference in your own life? I think they just might, especially in medicine, where creativity is often hidden in the art of patient care and problem-solving.
 
In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to stay inspired, like finding dedicated workspaces or discovering your best times of day for focused tasks. Whether you’re a physician or simply looking for ways to invite more creativity into your life, I hope my journey reminds you that inspiration can be woven into the fabric of our daily routines through purposeful rituals.
 
Quotes
“I believe that a career in medicine is one of the most creative careers. You see, you’re energetically engaged with a patient. You’re using all five senses, which means you’re putting yourself in flow.”  (01:00 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Routine matters... Structure actually helps creativity. But really, it’s about consistency, and our brain is a predictive machine.” (07:28 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Constraints actually will fuel creativity... the more constraints you apply, your brain works a little harder to be creative.” (20:44 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Persistence over perfection… We need to have a ‘BM’ once a day—one bare minimum daily. Done is better than perfect.” (22:12 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
“Medicine should be fun. It should be a self-expressive act. It should be a creative act where you’re helping your patient heal.” (23:11 | Dr. Lara Salyer)
 
Links
Free Catalyst Calendar planner: https://healthinnate.activehosted.com/f/49
Take the Archetype quiz to find your ideal play activity: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype
Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey: https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Rituals-How-Artists-Work/dp/0307273601
Right Brain Rescue Book: Amazon store front: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B08JCKBWK5/
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm