Why Your Disability Insurance Might Not Work When You Need It Most, Ep 29
Release Date: 05/15/2025
Doctors, Are You Tipping Uncle Sam? Avoid These Common Errors, EP 34
Physician Cents
Many physicians don’t realize they’re leaving extra money on the table by “tipping” Uncle Sam through simple, avoidable tax mistakes. While it’s easy to assume your accountant has everything covered, the truth is even experienced professionals (and software) often miss key physician-specific issues. This episode shines a light on common errors doctors make, from mishandled Backdoor Roth contributions to missed 1099 forms and state tax complications. If you’ve never double-checked these items, you might not even know you’re paying more than you should. Recognizing these pitfalls...
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Buying a Home as a Physician? What No One Tells You About the Mortgage Process, Ep 33
Physician Cents
Most physicians assume qualifying for a mortgage is straightforward; after all, you’re highly educated, creditworthy, and well-compensated. But buying a home as a doctor comes with hidden pitfalls that can leave you paying way more than you should, getting rejected unexpectedly, or locking in a rate you’ll regret. Many don’t realize that standard mortgage rules aren’t designed for your unique career arc, training debt, or 1099 income, leading to confusion and frustration in an already stressful process. Today, we get into those problems head-on with mortgage expert Josh Mettle, who...
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Before You Sign Anything: What Docs Need to Know About Disability Insurance, Ep 32
Physician Cents
If you’re a freshly minted physician just stepping out of residency or fellowship, the last thing you need is another decision demanding your urgent attention. But there’s a flurry of emails, conversations in hospital cafeterias, and ads in your inbox pushing one message hard: “Get disability insurance now, or else.” It’s intense, it’s relentless, and it’s not the full story. What’s often left unsaid is that while disability insurance is crucial, potentially one of the most important financial decisions of your early career, you’re not on the clock in the way you’ve been...
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How Big Life Changes Wreck, or Rescue, Your Student Loan Strategy, Ep 31
Physician Cents
You might think that making more money solves more problems, but early-career physicians know it can have the opposite effect. The moment you or your partner graduate, sign a contract, or even get engaged, your financial world shifts. And if one of you has massive student loans tied to forgiveness programs like PSLF, those life events don’t just change your lifestyle; they can completely upend your loan strategy. In this episode, we examine how a personal decision like marriage can lead to substantial changes in your repayment plan, tax filing decisions, and long-term financial outlook. And...
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What If Your Paycheck Disappeared Tomorrow?, Ep 30
Physician Cents
Imagine waking up tomorrow and not being able to work, no more surgeries, clinic, or call shifts. For most physicians, your ability to earn an income is your single greatest financial asset, yet few stop to consider how vulnerable it is. If you’ve never heard of “own occupation” disability insurance or assumed your employer coverage is enough, this episode is your wake-up call. Hosts Chad and Tyler explain why disability insurance isn’t just another box to check; it’s a cornerstone of financial security, especially early in your career. Whether you're still in medical school,...
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Why Your Disability Insurance Might Not Work When You Need It Most, Ep 29
Physician Cents
It’s not like physicians wake up thinking about disability insurance. But you might wish you had. Today, Dr. Stephanie Pearson shares a raw, firsthand account of the career-ending injury that forced her to trade the OR for the insurance world. Her story doesn’t just highlight the importance of coverage, it exposes the hidden traps in policies that too many doctors assume are solid. The goal here isn’t fear; it’s preparation. And her lived experience lays out a compelling case for why most physicians walk around with a false sense of security. We also get into what “true...
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Why Smart Docs Still Stress About Money (Even When They're Set), Ep 28
Physician Cents
Physicians assume that once their income stabilizes and their savings plans are in place, they will have peace of mind. But what if that peace never shows up? What if, despite doing everything “right,” they still feel anxious, distracted, or perpetually behind? In this episode, we explore a surprising culprit: the emotional toll of financial noise - the relentless stream of news, updates, social media posts, and peer chatter that quietly chips away at your well-being. Today, we’ll walk through real-world examples of clients with rock-solid plans who nonetheless feel like the sky is...
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Simple Steps, Serious Protection: Asset Protection 101, Ep 27
Physician Cents
Physicians don’t realize they’re financially exposed — not just to malpractice, but to everyday events like fender benders, lawsuits, or even divorce. Asset protection sounds like something complex or reserved for the ultra-wealthy, but in reality, there are basic, easy-to-implement steps that can make a big difference. This episode starts by opening your eyes to just how vulnerable your assets might be right now — especially if you haven’t taken any proactive measures to protect them. As the conversation unfolds, hosts Chad Chubb and Tyler Olson break down four practical and...
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You’ve Been Matched with a Residency, Now What? Ep #26
Physician Cents
You’ve matched—congrats! But now what? As you transition from med school to residency, financial decisions are about to get real, and the steps you take now can make a huge difference in your financial future. Many new residents don’t realize how much financial planning matters at this stage—things like student loans, budgeting, and even insurance may seem like details you can handle later, but getting ahead now can save you serious money (and stress) down the road. Federal student loans, private refinancing, and income-driven repayment plans all come with deadlines and fine...
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Why ‘Standard Contracts’ for Physicians Are Anything But, Ep #25
Physician Cents
Most physicians assume their first contract is a “standard agreement” that everyone signs without question. But as Kyle Claussen, CEO of Resolve, reveals in this episode, there’s no such thing as a truly standard physician contract. From compensation structures to non-compete clauses and tail coverage, every detail can significantly impact your financial future and career flexibility. Yet, many doctors accept these contracts at face value, unknowingly leaving money on the table or committing to restrictive terms that could hinder them down the road. By the time a physician realizes...
info_outlineIt’s not like physicians wake up thinking about disability insurance. But you might wish you had. Today, Dr. Stephanie Pearson shares a raw, firsthand account of the career-ending injury that forced her to trade the OR for the insurance world. Her story doesn’t just highlight the importance of coverage, it exposes the hidden traps in policies that too many doctors assume are solid. The goal here isn’t fear; it’s preparation. And her lived experience lays out a compelling case for why most physicians walk around with a false sense of security.
We also get into what “true own-occupation” means, why group policies might leave you stranded, and how terms like “specialty-specific” can change everything when it comes time to file a claim. Alongside co-hosts Chad Chubb and Tyler Olson, Stephanie unpacks how to evaluate a policy, which riders matter, and why being a non-proceduralist doesn’t mean you’re safe. If you’re a physician who thinks you’re already covered, this conversation may be the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.
Looking for help with Disability Insurance, Physician Banking, Student Loan Refinancing, Physician Mortgages, Contract Reviews, and more? Check out our "Best of the Best" sponsors page to find a list of the professionals Chad & Tyler team up with for their clients.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- (0:00) When “covered” doesn’t mean protected
- (06:28) Losing a career—and finding a calling
- (09:28) Why her team doesn’t work on commission
- (10:59) What “own-occupation” really covers
- (14:44) The fine print that costs doctors everything
- (24:55) The rider that looks helpful, but isn’t
- (34:42) Why cognitive issues can end any career
The injury that ended her clinical career and launched a mission
Dr. Stephanie Pearson was an OB/GYN who thought she’d retire on her own terms. But one emergency delivery changed everything. After being kicked during a high-stakes birth, she suffered a torn labrum, nerve damage, and frozen shoulder, ending her surgical career. Then came the shock: her group policy didn’t cover work injuries, her private policy had gaps, and workers’ comp denied her.
What began as devastation became a mission. She studied policy fine print, passed exams, and built a firm advocating for physicians. Her story isn’t just about injury, it’s about a failed system and the purpose she got out of it.
Why your disability policy may not mean what you think it does
Physicians often assume they’re covered, especially through an employer plan, but most don’t realize how misleading policy language can be. Stephanie explains how terms like “own occupation” or “specialty-specific” vary by carrier, and how group plans often include pitfalls like two-year limits or shifting definitions. Some define your job using national data, not what you actually do. That means you might still be able to work, but not in your specialty, and lose benefits.
Payouts aren’t automatic. Underwriting can be slow and frustrating. Stephanie shares questions physicians should ask: What’s excluded? How long is mental health coverage? Does the definition of disability change? If the answers aren’t clear, your policy might not catch you.
Disability insurance isn’t just for surgeons
It’s a myth that non-proceduralists don’t need coverage. Stephanie shares stories of psychiatrists, internists, and pathologists whose careers were derailed by illness or injury. Most claims her firm sees aren’t about physical limitations. Cognitive issues, mental health struggles, and chronic illness can be just as disruptive.
If your income supports your life, you need protection. Whether you’re building wealth or are already financially stable, the goal is the same: if something happens, you’ll need a trustworthy plan.
The best of the best list is a paid sponsorship, but these are professionals/companies that Tyler and Chad collaborate with within their own practices or have been vetted to earn a spot on this list. By supporting our sponsors, it allows Chad & Tyler to dedicate more time to you and the Physician Cents community. If you ever have a question (or not a great experience, which we don’t expect!) about a sponsor, please let us know. We call it the “best of the best” for a reason, and we will maintain that standard for our listeners & viewers.
Resources & People Mentioned
- PearsonRavitz official site - https://pearsonravitz.com
- Stephanie Pearson bio page - https://pearsonravitz.com/team/stephanie-pearson-md/
Connect with Stephanie Pearson
- Connect with Stephanie Pearson on LinkedIn
Connect With Physician Cents
- WealthKeel LLC
- Olson Consulting LLC
- Tyler Olson on Twitter
- Chad Chubb, CFP®, CSLP® on Twitter
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