SCCMA Book Club Explores the Power of Inner Voice with Author Ethan Kross
How do physicians manage the voice in their heads—the one that narrates their days, questions their decisions, and sometimes won’t stop even after the shift ends?
That was the central question of SCCMA’s recent physician book club gathering, which featured the bestselling book Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Dr. Ethan Kross. In a remarkable opportunity for attendees, Dr. Kross himself joined the event via Zoom for a live, interactive discussion.
The event was part of SCCMA’s ongoing efforts to explore wellness in its broadest and most meaningful sense—not just physical or clinical well-being, but mental and emotional resilience, especially for those working under the pressures of modern medicine.
Chatter offers an accessible yet scientifically grounded look into how our inner monologue affects everything from performance and decision-making to mental health. Drawing on decades of research in psychology and neuroscience, Dr. Kross explores why the voice in our head can either help or hinder us—and how to shift it toward being a force for clarity and calm.
During the conversation, book club members had the chance to ask questions directly. Topics ranged from the science of "distanced self-talk" to how physicians can apply these tools to reduce burnout and navigate high-stakes environments.
Dr. Kross also shared personal reflections from his research journey, including moments when chatter overwhelmed even him—and how the tools he teaches became ones he used himself.
Events like this align with a larger strategy to reimagine how wellness is supported in the medical community.
“Supporting physician wellness means looking at the whole picture,” Dr. Khan said. “It’s not just about clinical outcomes or physical health—it’s about managing stress, building self-awareness, and creating space for connection. A book club might seem like a small thing, but it creates a moment of reflection that can be very impactful."
The event drew physicians from across specialties and stages of their careers, creating a rare forum for cross-disciplinary conversation grounded in shared human experience.
SCCMA plans to continue offering similar events—bringing together literature, lived experience, and expert voices—as part of its commitment to physician engagement and well-being.
For anyone who missed it, Chatter remains a recommended read for physicians seeking insight into their inner world—and tools to manage it with strength and grace.