Meet Kim Downey

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kim Downey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kim below.

Hi Kim, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I had cancer three times, then my amazing radiologist took his own life, and I felt a calling to support doctors.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a pediatric physical therapist by training, a three-time cancer survivor, and a fierce advocate for physician well-being, following the death by suicide of one of my amazing doctors.
As an Ambassador for Medicine Forward, the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, and the Clinician Burnout Foundation, I bring deep insight into both the clinical and human sides of medicine.
I amplify the voices of doctors and patients, addressing challenges like burnout, moral injury, and loss of autonomy. My mission is to foster connection and advocacy for healthier doctors and a stronger healthcare system.
My friend commented that “Doctors are expected to be superhuman and not complain because of their salaries. many people don’t have empathy for them because they think a doctor’s life would be the ultimate.” Meanwhile, doctors are struggling. More than 400 physicians take their own lives each year, and that is just in the U.S.
Doctors are very appreciative to have someone in their corner who understands the challenges they face. Everyone wins when physicians are well. Physician advocacy IS patient advocacy, as you won’t get the best care if your doctor is not well physically or emotionally.
I have a Stand Up (for) Doctors! weekly podcast on YouTube and Spotify, and a monthly Stand Up (for) Doctors! Substack Newsletter, where I share my advocacy efforts for the month.
The first volume in our Stand Up (for) Doctors! book series, “White Coats, Courageous Hearts,” is available on Amazon, and Book 2 is coming in early 2026!
I’m also planning a Physician Retreat in NY Oct 9-12, 2026

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Kindness. I’ve had some traumatic experiences throughout my journey over the past 5 years. I’ve tried to put myself in the shoes of the healthcare workers who were required to show up during the pandemic, and be kind, even when I had poor experiences.
2. Gratitude. Three of my dear friends died of cancer while I was going through my cancer treatments. I know how fortunate I am to be alive, and I am so grateful to my doctors who have played a critical role in my health, and my healing.
3.Hope. I try to share that message with doctors. That there is always hope. There is always a path forward. You are never alone.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes.
Many people have told me that I’m creating a global movement; however, one person isn’t a movement!
I’m looking for sponsors for our Stand Up (for) Doctors! podcast, and for our Physician Retreat.
It would be great for folks to subscribe to our podcast and Substack Newsletter, and to read and spread the word about our collaborative book, “White Coats, Courageous Hearts.” As Dr. Kevin Pho shares on the back cover endorsement, it “is a powerful call to action for greater understanding, support, and advocacy for the well-being of those who wear the white coat. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to truly understand the hearts behind the stethoscopes”!
You can find me on LinkedIn, where I am very active: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-downey-a9307b72/

Contact Info:

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