Financial literacy is rarely taught in medical training, yet it can have a profound impact on career satisfaction and long-term well-being. In this episode, UBC Medicine learner Eugene Chung sits down with physician-turned-financial planner Matt Poyner, who shares practical strategies for saving, investing, avoiding common financial mistakes, and building a life centred on purpose rather than paycheques.
What if understanding money could make you a happier physician?
In this episode of MEDamorphosis, host Eugene sits down with Matt Poyner, MD, CFP, a former emergency physician who achieved financial independence before transitioning into personal finance education and planning for Canadian physicians.
Drawing from both personal experience and evidence-based investing principles, Matt shares the financial lessons he wishes he had known earlier in his medical career. From costly investing mistakes and market timing failures to achieving financial independence and traveling the world with his family, Matt explains how simple financial habits can create long-term freedom and flexibility.
The conversation explores the power of saving, the importance of investing early, protecting your greatest asset through insurance, and avoiding the lifestyle creep that often accompanies a physician's income. Matt also discusses how money affects happiness, why financial literacy matters for physician wellness, and the resources every medical student and resident should explore before entering practice.
Whether you're a medical student, resident, or practicing physician, this episode offers practical advice on building wealth, reducing financial stress, and creating a financial plan that supports the life you actually want to live.
The opinions expressed in this episode are those of Matt Poyner and the podcast participants and are intended for educational purposes only. They do not reflect the official policies, beliefs, or positions of the University of British Columbia (UBC) or its Faculty of Medicine. Nothing discussed should be considered financial, investment, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals regarding their individual financial situations.
Guest: Matt Poyner, MD, CFP
Hosted and Edited by: Eugene Chung
Music: Dr. Ian Downie
Here are the list of resources that were mentioned in the episode:
https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/the-wealthy-barber-2025-indigo-exclusive-the-fully-updated-all-time-canadian-classic/9781068975004.html - wealthy barber by David Chilton
Physician Financial independence - FB group
https://open.spotify.com/show/6l7eBCdBsengdwXI5TwfYy?si=b356ddf820e44417 - Beyond MD by Dr. Yatin Chadha
https://open.spotify.com/show/7lc6NYl4ZdLtIg8uzDbuwD?si=93291f86e27d458f - The Money Scope by Benjamin Felix and Dr. Mark Soth
https://www.amazon.ca/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681 - Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
https://www.amazon.ca/Reboot-Your-Portfolio-Successful-Investing/dp/1988344328 - Rebooting your portfolio by Dan Bortolotti