How 3 Months at Stanford Changed My Life

Ever thought about taking a long break from work but weren’t sure if it was the right move? In this video, I share my personal experience of taking a 3-month sabbatical at Stanford University as a visiting scholar—and how it completely transformed my perspective on both my career and my life.

As an anesthetist or anaesthesiologist for 8 years, I found myself on autopilot, and the burnout from the pandemic only made things worse. I knew I needed more than just a quick weekend getaway to recharge. So, I took the leap and applied for a sabbatical. But this wasn’t just any break—it was an opportunity to immerse myself in the heart of innovation at Stanford, combining my work in healthcare with my passion for AI and technology.

In this video, I’ll walk you through:

Why I felt stuck and knew I needed a break
The process of applying for a sabbatical at a prestigious university
Navigating the challenges of relocating abroad, from visas to housing
The impact that stepping away from my day-to-day job had on my mindset, energy, and career goals

I’ll also share why it’s important to give yourself permission to take a proper, intentional break—whether it’s a long sabbatical or just finding ways to hit pause in your daily life. This experience didn’t just give me a new perspective on my work; it helped me reconnect with what I’m truly passionate about.

If you’re feeling burnt out, unmotivated, or like you’re just going through the motions, this video is for you. Taking a break might be exactly what you need to reset, reflect, and rediscover your purpose.

Equipment used to shoot video:
Camera - Sony ZV-1 - https://amzn.to/4d9QFOM
Mic - Saramonic Blink500 b2+ - https://amzn.to/4eaNuHN
Phone (b-roll) - S24 Ultra - https://amzn.to/3XxzBwg
Tripod - Ulanzi MT44 - https://amzn.to/3BdHBeo