Doctors Making A Difference

Doctors Making A Difference


From Surgeon to Survivor: An ENT Doctor's Journey Through Opioid Addiction and Recovery

May 08, 2025

Dr. Brett Cordes was a successful ENT surgeon with a thriving medical practice, a loving family, and a dark secret—he was addicted to opioids. What started as a way to cope turned into a daily dependence that ultimately destroyed his career and nearly his life. In this powerful and eye-opening interview, Dr. Cordes shares his raw and honest journey through addiction, the devastating consequences, and how he ultimately found hope, healing, and purpose in recovery.

Today, Brett is not only sober but also dedicates his life to helping other physicians facing burnout, addiction, and emotional collapse. Through his coaching platform TheBurnoutDoc.com, he empowers doctors to reclaim their well-being and find sustainable balance in medicine.

Topics Covered:

The hidden epidemic of physician addiction
The pressures of being a high-performing surgeon
How opioid use turned into full-blown addiction
Losing his medical license and identity
The road to recovery and redemption
Coaching and advocacy for struggling healthcare professionals
Whether you're a healthcare professional, in recovery, or interested in mental health and addiction, this story is a must-listen.

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