Programs

Sarah Donaldson, MD

Catharine and Howard Avery Professor in the School of Medicine, Emerita; Radiation Oncology
sarah2@stanford.edu

Bio

More than 5 decades at Stanford Medicine has proven to be a most gratifying professional career for me, as detailed in my Stanford Profiles page. My own transition from serving as a full-time academic faculty professor to my status of emerita has evolved into my coaching career. Coaching was a natural step for me, as I loved serving as the Radiation Oncology Program Director for many years with countless numbers of trainees and junior faculty whom I personally mentored, counseled, guided, and assisted through their own professional careers. This enriched experience culminated in my immense honor of receiving  the inaugural Women Who Conquer Cancer Mentorship Award, from the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The following year the Sarah S Donaldson Mentorship Award was established in my department, a legacy I deeply value.

Although I resisted retirement, my personal experience taught me the important aspects one should consider during the transition from active practice to a new role, and has shaped my values, perceptions, and approach into my role as a coach. Thus, I bring firsthand knowledge of this important next step along one’s individual journey.

I am available to meet personally in a confidential setting or by zoom allowing you to explore all aspects of retirement decisions, such as physical and mental stimulation, continuing engagement, and relationships, while retaining value in every activity you undertake. I am familiar with the many resources and contacts available at Stanford. Meetings will be scheduled at mutually agreeable times and places.

Retirement should be viewed as a new challenge and a new chapter in one’s book of experiences. It is to be embraced as one of life’s most valuable opportunities. I look forward to meeting you and can best be contacted at: sarah2@stanford.edu, or by cell 1-650-804-8303.

CLICK HERE for Sarah Donaldson's coaching agreement form.

Phillip Harter

Associate Professor (Teaching) of Emergency Medicine, Emeritus
harter@stanford.edu

Bio

I have been a Stanford School of Medicine faculty member since 1989 and recently joined the emeritus faculty. I have spent the past few years pondering my future – trying to figure out how to land one plane while building the next one, which will take me on the next adventure. As I looked around, I realized there really was no one to turn to. If there were peers asking the same questions, I didn’t find them and felt I was largely on my own. I did a lot of reading, took continuing studies courses, and generally muddled my way through the process of deciding what this path would look like. I thought there must be a better way – a way to talk to others and pick their brains to figure it all out. That’s when I discovered that Stanford was developing coaching program for senior faculty and retirees. This seemed like a perfect place get my own answers, and to help others find theirs.

I assume that if you are reading this, this situation may sound familiar.  You’ve probably had a long and successful career. You have thought about retirement as something in the future and knew that you should start working on the finances early. You may have considered some of the other aspects of retirement, but still have lots of questions. Some of these questions might be specific, such as, “what Medicare plan do I want?” or “when should I start taking Social Security?” Other questions might be broader, and probably more difficult, like “I have always been identified by my work, so how will I keep meaning in life when I stop working?” I believe the most interesting thing about this coaching program is that you have the answers. As a coach, I can only help you find your own answers.  Your answers will likely be different than mine, or other faculty members, and that is OK.

I look forward to the opportunity for a confidential chat with you to try to figure out your flightpath and what your future adventures might bring.  If you want to know more about me, please visit my bio. Glad to chat anytime.

CLICK HERE for Phillip Harter's coaching agreement form.

Linda Lotspeich

Clinical Professor Emeritus, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences - Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Development
linda.lotspeich@stanford.edu

Bio

I am a clinical professor, emerita in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.

I have enjoyed over 45 years of working with children/adolescents/adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. I started my career as a special education teacher for five years before pursuing a career in medicine.

At Stanford my primary focus has always been in the clinic, where I devoted years to diagnosing and treating children/adolescents/adults with autism and related conditions. Teaching psychiatry and psychology trainees has also been a rewarding and creative experience. In recent years I have shifted my focused to supporting parents and started the Stanford Mindful Parenting program.

I transitioned into retirement by tapering my clinic hours over a couple of years and then formally retired in the spring of 2019. I continue to facilitate an online weekly Graduate Mindful Parenting group. I enjoy spending time with my family, including caring for my granddaughter who has developmental challenges and autism. I am also developing my skills in nature and bird photography.

Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to mentor many faculty at various stages of their careers. Recently, I have trained as a coach for the Stanford Medicine New Beginnings Coaching Program, and I look forward to coaching faculty peers (confidentially), as they explore and prepare for retirement. 

CLICK HERE for Linda Lotspeich's coaching agreement form.