It’s not like physicians wake up thinking about disability insurance. But you might wish you had. Today, Dr. Stephanie Pearson shares a raw, firsthand account of the career-ending injury that forced her to trade the OR for the insurance world. Her story doesn’t just highlight the importance of coverage, it exposes the hidden traps in policies that too many doctors assume are solid. The goal here isn’t fear; it’s preparation. And her lived experience lays out a compelling case for why most physicians walk around with a false sense of security.

We also get into what “true own-occupation” means, why group policies might leave you stranded, and how terms like “specialty-specific” can change everything when it comes time to file a claim. Alongside co-hosts Chad Chubb and Tyler Olson, Stephanie unpacks how to evaluate a policy, which riders matter, and why being a non-proceduralist doesn’t mean you’re safe. If you’re a physician who thinks you’re already covered, this conversation may be the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.

Looking for help with Disability Insurance, Physician Banking, Student Loan Refinancing, Physician Mortgages, Contract Reviews, and more? Check out our "Best of the Best" sponsors page to find a list of the professionals Chad & Tyler team up with for their clients.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• (0:00) When “covered” doesn’t mean protected
• (06:28) Losing a career—and finding a calling
• (09:28) Why her team doesn’t work on commission
• (10:59) What “own-occupation” really covers
• (14:44) The fine print that costs doctors everything
• (24:55) The rider that looks helpful, but isn’t
• (34:42) Why cognitive issues can end any career

The injury that ended her clinical career and launched a mission

Dr. Stephanie Pearson was an OB/GYN who thought she’d retire on her own terms. But one emergency delivery changed everything. After being kicked during a high-stakes birth, she suffered a torn labrum, nerve damage, and frozen shoulder, ending her surgical career. Then came the shock: her group policy didn’t cover work injuries, her private policy had gaps, and workers’ comp denied her.

What began as devastation became a mission. She studied policy fine print, passed exams, and built a firm advocating for physicians. Her story isn’t just about injury, it’s about a failed system and the purpose she got out of it.

Why your disability policy may not mean what you think it does

Physicians often assume they’re covered, especially through an employer plan, but most don’t realize how misleading policy language can be. Stephanie explains how terms like “own occupation” or “specialty-specific” vary by carrier, and how group plans often include pitfalls like two-year limits or shifting definitions. Some define your job using national data, not what you actually do. That means you might still be able to work, but not in your specialty, and lose benefits.

Payouts aren’t automatic. Underwriting can be slow and frustrating. Stephanie shares questions physicians should ask: What’s excluded? How long is mental health coverage? Does the definition of disability change? If the answers aren’t clear, your policy might not catch you.

Disability insurance isn’t just for surgeons

It’s a myth that non-proceduralists don’t need coverage. Stephanie shares stories of psychiatrists, internists, and pathologists whose careers were derailed by illness or injury. Most claims her firm sees aren’t about physical limitations. Cognitive issues, mental health struggles, and chronic illness can be just as disruptive.

If your income supports your life, you need protection. Whether you’re building wealth or are already financially stable, the goal is the same: if something happens, you’ll need a trustworthy plan.

The best of the best list is a paid sponsorship, but these are professionals/companies that Tyler and Chad collaborate with within their own practices or have been vetted to earn a spot on this list. By supporting our sponsors, it allows Chad & Tyler to dedicate more time to you and the Physician Cents community. If you ever have a question (or not a great experience, which we don’t expect!) about a sponsor, please let us know. We call it the “best of the best” for a reason, and we will maintain that standard for our listeners & viewers.

Resources & People Mentioned

• PearsonRavitz official site - https://pearsonravitz.com
• Stephanie Pearson bio page - https://pearsonravitz.com/team/stephanie-pearson-md/

Connect with Stephanie Pearson

• Connect with Stephanie Pearson on LinkedIn

Connect With Physician Cents

• WealthKeel LLC
• Olson Consulting LLC
• Tyler Olson on Twitter
• Chad Chubb, CFP®, CSLP® on Twitter

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