Burned Out follows a pediatric cardiac specialist who, while trying to build a state-of-the-art intensive care unit, undergoes multiple challenges with logistics, staff, and nature. Where did the idea for this novel come from, and how did it develop over time?

The idea came from encounters experienced by myself and colleagues throughout our careers. These encounters were pieced together to build a story combining real-life experiences (from myself and others) and fictitious experiences, to form a story detailing the many factors that contribute to physician burnout.

Eric Philson is a passionate character that struggles with everything that lands on his shoulders. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?

Yes, while this story is fiction, there are true elements. The true parts of this story pertain to my own feelings of burnout that I began experiencing prior to writing this novel. Also, the near-death events that occurred to Dr. Philson in the book are, in fact, true and actually happened to me.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Though this book is fiction, for me, it was very important that it feels real to those reading it because burnout is very real. I tried to incorporate all of the different aspects that contribute to physician burnout. I also wanted to detail the catastrophic effects having an imbalance between work and personal life can have on one’s health and family.

What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?

That is a bit of a secret right now, but I will give you a hint. I am hoping to write a story detailing the connection between childhood trauma (PTSD) and the development of mental illness in adulthood.

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