Meet Kathy
Physician Author Coach
I help high-achieving women stop over-functioning and start living in alignment with what truly matters. A life well-lived.
I come from a long line of women who never stop.
Women who keep the world turning, quietly doing everything for everyone, often without pausing to consider what they need themselves.
I know the internal drive to do it all—and the excessive grit required to achieve it. I understand the pull to keep going, to stay long after it serves you, and to define your worth by how much you accomplish.
Even now, you might catch me trying to carry all the groceries in one trip.
Over-functioning works. Until it doesn’t.
The rewards—professional success, personal achievement, the satisfaction of helping others—can keep us going.
But eventually, it becomes unsustainable.
And something in you knows: there has to be another way.
This Isn’t About Fixing What’s Broken
For nearly a decade, I’ve supported physicians as they step out of survival mode and into lives marked by clarity, self-trust, and joy.
My work is about remembering what’s true:
That your worth is not earned.
That rest is not a reward.
That the world is a better place when you, too, are well.
I coach, write, and speak for physicians who are ready to stop striving—and start living on their own terms.
This isn’t about balance.
It’s about coming home.
Professional Bio
Kathy Stepien, MD is a board-certified pediatrician, master-certified coach, and founder of the Institute for Physician Wellness. She brings over three decades of experience in healthcare to her work with high-achieving women physicians, with a focus on physician well-being, leadership development, and sustainable professional fulfillment.
Dr. Stepien holds advanced degrees in medicine, philosophy, and physical therapy. She is extensively trained in mindfulness-based practices and teaches both meditation and mindful self-compassion. Her interdisciplinary background informs a unique approach that integrates science, presence, and deep personal insight.
An internationally recognized speaker and facilitator, Dr. Stepien delivers keynotes, leads retreats, and teaches workshops across the United States and abroad. Her work helps physicians reconnect with their values and lead lives of clarity, integrity, and joy—both personally and professionally.
She is known for her calm presence, clear thinking, and compassionate ability to help others name what truly matters. Through her writing, coaching, and teaching, she offers a grounded, practical alternative to burnout culture—one rooted in authenticity, alignment, and well-being.
Ready to begin?
You don’t have to do this alone.
If you’re ready to stop over-functioning and start living in alignment with what truly matters—I’d be honored to support you.