Personalized Coaching, Inspirational Talks and Team-Building Workshops
Cormac A. O’Donovan, MD M.B. B.Ch, B.A.O, B. Sc. (Hons), FRCPI
Seasoned physician, storyteller, and leadership coach dedicated to nurturing resilience, fulfillment, and effective leadership in the demanding world of healthcare.
Dedicated to enhancing the leadership capabilities and capacities, I leverage over three decades of experience in neurology and coaching to deliver impactful personal and professional growth for healthcare professionals to successfully navigate the complexities of their roles with confidence and compassion.
My approach is not just about navigating the healthcare system but transforming it from within by empowering professionals with the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts necessary to thrive.
My career has taken me from the verdant landscapes of Ireland to sharing my life with my incredible wife, Rebecca, in the vibrant community of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Being a father to two wonderful adult daughters, I draw inspiration from their paths of independence and filled with pride at the women they’ve become.
Whether strumming my guitar, engaging in a variety of sports, or cherishing moments with family and friends, I'm reminded of the beauty in everyday connections.
Approach
“There is no one-size-fits-all. The way each organization tackles physician well-being is very different and based on the strengths that their institution brings to the task.”
–Dr. O’Donovan, Meet the Wellness Officers—What They're Doing
About Burnout, Neurology Today
Throughout my career in neurology and wellness, I've learned the profound impact of intertwining professional commitment with personal well-being. My philosophy centers around the power of empathy, connection, and resilience—key elements that I believe transform healthcare leadership.
From my beginnings at University College Galway to my current role at Wake Forest School of Medicine, my path has been filled with growth,
learning, and, most importantly, listening. I'm deeply committed to revealing the human aspect of healthcare, advocating for a culture where both physicians and patients flourish together.
I first discovered my passion for bridging the gap between medicine and leadership while navigating a deeply personal battle with burnout. Experiencing the toll it took on my well-being and professional satisfaction firsthand, and the transformative power of receiving dedicated support
and coaching, ignited a passion within me to help others in the healthcare profession facing similar challenges. This pivotal moment in my life marked the beginning of my commitment to transforming healthcare leadership from the inside out, making wellness and resilience the cornerstone of professional excellence and personal fulfillment.
Driven by the desire to address the growing issue of burnout among healthcare professionals, I dedicate myself to developing strategies, resources, and coaching programs designed to empower healthcare leaders with the tools they need to manage stress, lead with compassion, and foster a positive work environment. This mission has led me to share my insights and strategies through workshops, speaking engagements, and personalized coaching sessions, contributing to a healthier, more supportive healthcare environment.
Join me as we strive to redefine leadership and healing in the healthcare sector, bringing to the forefront the importance of empathy, understanding, and genuine human connection.
Academic Title: Professor, Department of Neurology and Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine
Education: University College Galway, Ireland (BSc Hons, MB BCh BAO)
Postdoctoral Training: Comprehensive training including Neurology Resident and Chief Neurology; Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship Resident at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
Specialty Certifications: Psychiatry and Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology, Sleep Medicine, and Epilepsy
Leadership Roles: Director of Peer Support for Physicians and Faculty; significant involvement in Clinician Well-Being Advisory Council and various leadership roles within EEG & Evoked Potential Labs
Professional Memberships and Service: Active member and contributor to the American Academy of Neurology, holding positions on the Burnout Task Force Committee, Wellness Director Job Description Work Group, and more
Advisory Boards: Neurology Resident Advisory Committee, Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Brain Tumor Center Advisory Board, Wake Forest University of Medicine
Appointments: Neurology Wellness Director Work Group, American Academy of Neurology
Honors and Awards: Neurology Faculty Teacher of the Year; Outstanding Clinical Mentor in Teleneurology; Finalist in Launch Competition for burnout initiatives, Center for Healthcare Innovations
Consortiums: Founding Member, North Carolina Consortium for Physician Resilience and Retention, Physician Wellness Academic Consortium at Stanford University
Clinical Innovations: Developed a self-management program for depression in epilepsy, showcasing his commitment to patient care and well-being
Empower Your Leadership with Neuroscience
Here, we will explore how to cultivate resilience, empower those around us, and create an environment where genuine connections lead to meaningful change. Whether through leadership coaching, inspiring talks, or fostering team dynamics, my goal is to enhance the well-being of both caregivers and those they serve.
Join me as we delve into the heart of healthcare leadership, exploring strategies to navigate its challenges with grace and strength. This is more than a profession; it's a calling to make a difference in the lives of others, guided by compassion, wisdom, and the shared experiences that bind us. Together, let's embark on this transformative path, shaping a future where healthcare leaders not only succeed but thrive, creating lasting impacts in their organizations and beyond.
