Docs in DIRE Situations with Dr. Zwade Marshall

Becoming a doctor means learning to save lives under pressure, but no one prepares us for the emergencies in our own lives, especially the financial ones.

We carry six-figure debt, face high expectations, and receive little guidance on managing money. While we handle medical crises with precision, we’re often left guessing about loan repayment, insurance, and retirement, all while working long hours and building our careers.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about knowing how to keep your future intact when the pressure hits. Because financial stress doesn’t wait until after you’ve settled in. It shows up on day one. It follows you into the OR. It lingers in the silence after another 28-hour shift. And for too many, it becomes a quiet source of shame.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The truth is, being a great doctor should never come at the expense of your future. You deserve more than survival. You deserve stability, clarity, and a plan that honors the work you’ve already done.

You’ve trained to care for others. Now it’s time to care for your own future.

Dr. Zwade Marshall is an Emory and Harvard-trained, double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist. He serves as Chief Medical Officer of Regenerative Spine and Pain Specialists. With a background in Economics from Emory and clinical training from Harvard, Dr. Marshall co-founded Doc2Doc Lending to create physician-focused financial solutions after recognizing how traditional banks often misjudge the risk profile of early-career doctors.

In this episode with Dr. Zwade Marshall, we talk about how young doctors can build a strong financial foundation during a very busy and stressful time in their careers. You’ll learn how to handle the unexpected by understanding the basics of DIRE: Debt, Insurance, Retirement, and Emergencies. We also share simple tips for creating a budget, saving money automatically, and getting ready for retirement, even if it seems far away. Listen in to get clear, practical steps that will help you make smart money decisions and protect your future.

“Life is not linear. You’ll need some forward steps, some backward steps. Sometimes you’re given two bad options, and you have to figure out how to survive in that moment and repair it for the future.”- Dr. Zwade J. Marshall

Topics Covered:

(00:00:14) Welcoming our guest, Dr. Zwade Marshall

(00:01:04) The real “DIRE” for doctors

(00:03:06) The emotional weight of day zero

(00:04:53) Balancing career aspirations with real-life pressures

(00:06:15) Resilience builds character

(00:08:40) Understand your loan repayment options

(00:12:47) Insurance isn’t optional, it’s critical

(00:13:42)  Advertisement: Struggling with your finances as a young physician? Doc2Doc Lending is here for you. Founded by doctors, we offer loans tailored to your unique career path—crediting your certifications and specialty training. Get the support you deserve. Visit https://www.doc2doclending.com/ today.

(00:17:11) Why specialty-specific disability insurance matters

(00:19:30) Retirement starts now

(00:22:35) Automate your savings

(00:23:11) Emergency fund is a must

(00:25:49) Connect with Dr. Zwade Marshall

(00:26:23) Focus on habits, not perfection

Key Takeaways:

“Each of the personas, each of those cohorts have different dire things to consider when it comes to debt, insurance, retirement and emergencies. It’s not any more or less important, depending upon when you’re doing this.” – Dr. Zwade J. Marshall 

“There is a certain resilience and grit that comes with going through this process, especially for those who did not get where they wanted to be the first time.” – Dr. Zwade J. Marshall

 “Sometimes you’re just going through a transition, and if you make it through, that’s when your real dream awaits you.”- Dr. Zwade J. Marshall

“Life insurance provides an umbrella so your family won’t be saddled with debt if something happens to you.”- Dr. Zwade J. Marshall

“Disability insurance for physicians protects your ability to earn income if you can no longer perform your specialty.” – Dr. Zwade J. Marshall

“Retirement is closer than you think. You have to start taking steps now if you want to retire at some point in your career.” – Dr. Derrick Burgess

Connect with Dr. Zwade J. Marshall:

Website: https://partner.doc2doclending.com/thesportsdr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doc2doclending/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc2doclending

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doc2doclending

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doc2doclending/

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines – the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don’t have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.