Diely Pichardo-Johansson MD

Coach

Life balance for physicians; career satisfaction; marriage; divorce; relationships; parenting; empowerment; boundaries; resilience; burnout; women physicians; physician coach; wellness; awareness; oncology; survivorship

About the coach

I’m a former hematologist-oncologist, life coach, and bestselling author. After surviving cancer and burnout, I decided life is too short to live without joy and passion. An experiment during a sabbatical evolved into a fulfilling career in coaching. 

My intention is to enhance the quality of life for physicians from the inside out, starting with their personal growth—the main factor under their control. I specialize in helping physicians elevate their sense of self-worth, gain clarity of purpose, and set healthy boundaries in their careers and personal lives. I provide them with invaluable life-management skills they can apply, whether they decide to leave medicine or stay in it.

I have a special interest in relationships, family, and parenting, including navigating divorce.

Professional background

I’m a recovering overachiever, addicted to honors and certifications, now living one day at a time. I graduated with maximum honors from my medical school in the Dominican Republic, then completed an Internal Medicine residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, and a Hematology-Oncology fellowship at Northwestern University/Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. During training and private practice in Florida, I had four children, including twins. 

But despite three board certifications and additional degrees, nothing ever felt enough, and self-flagellation ruled my life.Years before I became a coach, I founded a support group for female physicians to address the unique challenges of women in medicine—especially the chronic guilt associated with trying to keep up with male colleagues while also balancing romantic relationships and children.

After fifteen years in oncology practice and following my journey as a cancer survivor, I decided I didn’t want to make a living fighting death anymore. Instead, I chose to make a living celebrating life.

Personal background

My passion for personal development first stirred from my journey leaving a toxic marriage and facing divorce (“the first F of my life,” and best thing that ever happened to me). 

I’ve been happily married to my soulmate now for a decade, currently navigating parenting teenagers. From my first marriage, I learned to recognize and leave abusive situations. From the second, I learned that some things are worth saving, even if that takes work. I apply that wisdom now when helping my clients, both in their relationships and their career decisions.

Selected qualifications

  • Physician
  • Life Coach
  • Professional Speaker
  • Author 
  • Entrepreneur

Helping

  • Practicing physicians
  • Other: Physicians considering a job transition or a career change.

Key words

Life balance for physicians; career satisfaction; marriage; divorce; relationships; parenting; empowerment; boundaries; resilience; burnout; women physicians; physician coach; wellness; awareness; oncology; survivorship

Free 30-minute introductory meeting