The Medical Sisterhood: The Strength Nobody Talks About, with Saakshi Khattri, MD

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In the latest episode of The Medical Sisterhood podcast, host Mona Shahriari, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University and practicing dermatologist in Connecticut, sat down with Saakshi Khattri, MD, a triple board-certified physician in dermatology, rheumatology, and internal medicine, associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and director of Mount Sinai’s Dermatology/Rheumatology service. Together, the 2 physicians explored themes of reinvention, contentment, boundaries, and redefining success for women in medicine.

The conversation centered on the idea that personal and professional growth often requires letting go of earlier definitions of achievement. Reflecting on her career, Khattri noted that her priorities have changed significantly over time. While she once focused heavily on academic accomplishments and professional milestones, she now views contentment, not achievement, as the more meaningful goal. For Khattri, contentment can take many forms, ranging from meaningful work and relationships to simple daily pleasures, emphasizing that fulfillment often evolves throughout different stages of life.

Shahriari and Khattri discussed how expectations placed on women can shape perceptions of success and self-worth. Khattri reflected on how many women are conditioned to seek external validation, whether through career accomplishments, societal expectations, or personal milestones. She argued that fulfillment is more likely to come from defining success internally rather than allowing others to dictate what achievement should look like.

A major theme of the episode involved reinvention. Khattri described how her own life unfolded differently than she once imagined, recalling that as a young medical student she envisioned a future centered around marriage and a large family. Instead, her career, personal experiences, and changing priorities led her down a very different path. She emphasized that evolution is a natural part of life and that individuals should not feel obligated to remain tied to goals or identities formed decades earlier.

The discussion also explored how personal adversity can alter perspective. Khattri shared that a breast cancer diagnosis in her late 30s became a turning point, prompting her to reassess what truly mattered and encouraging a greater focus on joy, purpose, and personal values. She explained that experiences like serious illness can shift attention away from external markers of success and toward a deeper appreciation of life’s priorities.

Another recurring topic was the importance of boundaries. Khattri argued that physicians, particularly women, are often not taught how to establish limits in their professional lives.¹ She recounted experiences involving patient expectations and professional obligations that reinforced the necessity of protecting personal time and wellbeing. Both she and Shahriari acknowledged that learning to say “no” can be difficult, but described it as essential for long-term sustainability and happiness.

The pair also addressed vulnerability among high-achieving women. Khattri noted that many women feel pressure to appear strong and composed in professional settings, often suppressing emotions out of concern that vulnerability could be perceived as weakness. While she emphasized the importance of having safe outlets through family, friends, or therapy, she acknowledged that these expectations remain deeply ingrained.

As the episode concluded, Khattri offered advice for the next generation of women physicians: seek validation from within, establish boundaries early, and define success according to personal values rather than societal expectations. Ultimately, both physicians framed reinvention not as failure, but as an ongoing process of growth, self-discovery, and becoming more fully aligned with one’s authentic self.

Neither speak had any notable disclosures of note

Editor’s note: This episode was produced with the help of AI tools.

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References

1. Wang ML, Narcisse MR, Rodriguez K, McElfish PA. Gender disparities in job flexibility, job security, psychological distress, work absenteeism, and work presenteeism among U.S. adults. SSM Popul Health. 2025 Feb 3;29:101761. doi: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2025.101761. PMID: 40007632; PMCID: PMC11850157.