Exploring Wellbeing, Motivation, and Lifelong Learning with Dr. Oksana Babenko

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine welcomes Dr. Oksana Babenko, an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta, to discuss themes of wellbeing, motivation, and lifelong learning. Dr. Babenko shares her personal journey from the Soviet Union to Canada, her academic inspirations, and how her experiences in sports have shaped her approach to challenges and burnout. The conversation delves into her research on the importance of exercise in managing burnout among medical students and professionals. Dr. Babenko emphasizes individualized approaches to maintaining psychological needs, the significance of a mastery mindset, and the value of staying curious in a complex world.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:35 Personal Anecdotes and Academic Journey

02:36 Path to Canada and Research Interests

04:19 Wellbeing, Motivation, and Lifelong Learning

05:09 Exercise as a Preventive Measure for Burnout

10:27 The Importance of Consistency and Intentionality

12:19 Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness

14:36 Mastery Mindset and Need Crafting

15:42 Final Thoughts and Staying Curious

The Girl Doc Survival Guide: Wellbeing in Medicine

In this New Year's Eve 2026 short, Christine highlights the focus of this podcast on work-life balance, physician wellbeing, burnout, and self-care; as well as compassion, empathy, career development, and emotional experiences in healthcare. Upcoming episodes will feature conversations with Dr. Oksana Babenko on preventing burnout with exercise and mindset, and Dr. Bulat Ibragimov on decoding decisions using eye tracking.

00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings

00:20 Upcoming Topics and Expert Interviews

01:03 Special Guests and Future Episodes

01:25 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

Embrace the Present: Insights from Sadhguru

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine extends holiday greetings and delves into the teachings of Indian guru Sadhguru. Highlighting his Miracle of Mind meditation app, the episode discusses the practice of daily seven-minute meditations aimed at reinforcing the ideas that we are not merely our bodies or minds, but life itself. Christine reflects on the notion that life's essence is found in our breath, rather than the external 'drama' of our experiences. The episode encourages viewers to seek exuberance, live with a sense of wonder, and stay present in each moment.

00:00 Welcome and Holiday Greetings

00:12 Introduction to Sadhguru

00:29 Miracle of Mind App

00:44 The Essence of Life

01:35 Living with Exuberance

01:59 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes