In this episode of Patients Win, Dr. Jonathan Bushman sits down with longtime friend, colleague, and next-door clinic neighbor Dr. Charles Jantzen for an honest conversation about resilience, burnout, and rediscovering joy in medicine. The two reflect on their journeys from the early days of medical school and rural residency in Enid, Oklahoma, through the challenges of changing healthcare systems, administrative frustrations, and personal struggles that led both to question their place in the profession.
From the camaraderie and hands-on learning of rural medicine, to the painful closure of their residency program and the impact of corporate changes on their daily work, Dr. Jantzen and Dr. Bushman share candidly about what led them to the brink of leaving medicine and what brought them back. Together, they explore the difficult emotions around quitting, the importance of peer support, and how finding new models like direct primary care has helped them reclaim satisfaction and patient connection in their work.
Whether you’re a physician feeling the weight of burnout or a patient curious about what your doctor faces behind the scenes, this episode is a powerful reminder that taking care of ourselves is often the first step to making sure that patients win.
Timestamps:
00:00 Early days in medical school
09:40 Reflecting on a mountain hike
13:21 Residency program closure frustration
18:20 Leaving the Hospital for the Clinic
24:06 Challenges with medical scheduling
28:40 Discussion on Physician Economic Impact
36:19 Clinic relocation and budget concerns
40:00 Leaving the job and notifying patients
47:53 Changes in medical clinic culture
53:36 Joining Owasso Urgent Care Team
58:58 Reflecting on a breakthrough moment
01:03:24 Finding joy in medicine again
Finding Joy in Medicine Again: Lessons from the Patients Win Podcast with Dr. Charles Jantzen and Dr. Jonathan Bushman
If you are a healthcare professional seeking inspiration or feeling burnt out in your current role, the latest episode of the "Patients Win" podcast is a must-listen. This episode features an honest and heartfelt conversation between Dr. Jonathan Bushman and Dr. Chuck Jantzen, two physicians who have experienced the highs and lows of practicing medicine in rural Oklahoma. Their story is a powerful testament to resilience, adaptation, and discovering joy in one’s calling all over again.
The Path to Medicine: Unexpected Turns and Influential Mentors
Dr. Chuck Jantzen shares a fascinating journey to becoming a physician. Originally pursuing a career in electrical engineering, he had no intention of practicing medicine. It was the advice of a retired Marine histology professor who encouraged him to consider medical school. This pivotal moment, paired with a positive experience at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, set him on the path that would shape his professional life.
Mentors and small, seemingly insignificant conversations along the way proved to be instrumental in shaping not only his career decisions but also his approach to patient care. Both Dr. Chuck Jantzen and Dr. Jonathan Bushman reflect on the lasting impact these moments can have, often recognizing their importance years later.
Residency and Early Medical Practice: The Impact of Change
The early years in residency for Dr. Chuck Jantzen were marked by excitement, growth, and camaraderie. Practicing in Enid offered a wide range of clinical experiences and access to multiple specialties. However, dramatic shifts came when the local residency program unexpectedly closed, affecting not only his career trajectory but also the healthcare landscape of their community.
This closure forced many residents and colleagues to leave town, resulting in a stretched and overburdened medical community. Dr. Chuck Jantzen describes how the sense of professional fulfillment began to erode under mounting administrative pressures, relentless change, and the departure of valued team members.
Burnout and the Breaking Point in Modern Medical Practice
Both Dr. Jonathan Bushman and Dr. Chuck Jantzen candidly discuss the root causes of physician burnout: loss of autonomy, shifting incentive structures, and increasing administrative burdens. Particularly impactful is their shared experience of feeling devalued by the business models governing their work, including the pressure to see more patients and the reduction of decision-making at the clinic level.
One of the most poignant moments comes when Dr. Chuck Jantzen describes the emotional toll of turning in his notice. He details how the hardest part of quitting was breaking the news to his patients, many of whom had come to rely on and trust him over the years. This moment will resonate with any physician faced with the heartache of leaving a practice and the relationships that come with it.
Rediscovering Purpose in Direct Primary Care
A key takeaway from this episode is the pathway both physicians found back to joy through direct primary care (DPC). After time away, Dr. Chuck Jantzen re-entered practice in a clinic model focused on patient relationships and physician autonomy. He describes the transformative experience of spending meaningful time with each patient and being able to consider their unique needs without the distraction of conflicting business interests.
Collegial support was critical as Dr. Jonathan Bushman provided encouragement and a new practice opportunity, but never pressure. This environment allowed for healing and a return to the engaged, compassionate physician Dr. Chuck Jantzen always wanted to be.
Lessons for Physicians Facing Burnout
Both physicians want their colleagues to know they are not alone. Burnout is not a sign of personal failure, but often a symptom of a broken system. They encourage anyone struggling to reach out for support, recognize their own needs, and remember that putting on your own “oxygen mask” first ultimately serves your patients as well.
The journey shared in this podcast episode serves as an important reminder to all healthcare professionals that personal well-being and professional fulfillment can coexist. Direct care models, supportive colleagues, and honest self-assessment can pave the way for both physicians and patients to truly win.
For more real-life stories and insights on reimagining healthcare, listen to the full episode of "Patients Win" with Dr. Chuck Jantzen and Dr. Jonathan Bushman.
Show Website - https://thepatientswin.com/
Primed Healthcare - https://primedhealthcare.com/
Troy Reichert - Show Host - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-reichert-67606b5/
Dr. Jonathan Bushman - Show Host - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-bushman-do-106821191
Media Partner - TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/
“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”