Conversations with Rich Bennett Newsletter

Hydrocodone, Humility, And Hope With Dr. Brett Cordes

Published on August 15, 2025

ENT surgeon Dr. Brett Cordes shares his extraordinary arc from surviving Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma at 19 to building a thriving surgical career—then spiraling into a hidden opioid addiction that cost him everything. He opens up about rehab during COVID, the true causes of physician burnout, and how he rebuilt his life as “The Burnout Doc,” a coach helping doctors find fulfillment without losing their identity. A powerful listen on turning pain into purpose and asking for help before it’s too late.

Sponsored by Harford County Health Department

Guest Bio:

Dr. Brett Cordes is an otolaryngologist (ENT) and cancer survivor who practiced nearly two decades in the Texas Medical Center. After recovering from an opioid addiction and returning to practice, he transitioned to coaching as “The Burnout Doc,” helping physicians overcome burnout, address unhealthy coping, and reclaim meaning in medicine. He is the co‑author of the memoir Cancer Is for Older People.

Main Topics:

· Surviving Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma at 19 and how patienthood inspired medicine

· Building an ENT surgical career and the unseen pressures of achievement

· The “random Friday” that triggered a hydrocodone addiction—and years of secrecy

· Being a high‑functioning physician while using, rationalization (“mental gymnastics”)

· Intervention, loss of job, medical board action, and rehab during COVID isolation

· Burnout in medicine: bureaucracy, insurance hurdles, and identity conflicts

· Early signs of burnout (boredom, irritability, work‑bound anxiety that follows you home)

· Boundaries, rest, and hobbies as prevention; why doctors avoid asking for help

· Coaching vs. therapy/licensure; why clinicians seek peer coaches

· Reclaiming purpose and serving physicians worldwide via Zoom

Resources mentioned:

· Dr. Brett’s Website: https://theburnoutdoc.com/

· Episode Sponsor:

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