The Power of Planning: Victoria Johnson's Road to Becoming a Doctor as a Single Working Mom

In this episode of the Savvy Working Mom podcast, host Whitnee sits down with the inspiring Dr. Victoria Johnson. Dr. Johnson's journey to becoming a successful physician in aesthetic medicine was anything but conventional. As a single mother escaping an abusive marriage, she embarked on her path to medical school at the age of 28, juggling intense studies while raising her teenage daughter. Today, she runs a thriving medical spa in Oklahoma City. In this candid conversation, Dr. Johnson shares her story of relentless determination, the power of structured daily routines, and the importance of pursuing big dreams no matter the odds. Tune in to hear how she turned obstacles into stepping stones and built a fulfilling career and life.


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**Introduction and Overview**
- Welcome and introduction to the Savvy Working Mom podcast
- Host introduction: Whitnee
- Guest introduction: Dr. Victoria Johnson
  - Background information on Dr. Victoria Johnson
  - Mention of her medical practice
  - Personal interests and hobbies
**Initial Discussion**
- Dr. Victoria Johnson's first podcast experience
- Transition to medical school story
  - Time period and context (30 years ago)
  - Challenges of balancing medical school and raising a teenager
**Motivation and Early Steps**
- Inspiration to pursue medical school
  - Personal restlessness and guidance through prayer
  - Visit to Ole Miss and decision to pursue education
- Overcoming financial barriers
  - Loan accessibility in 1988
**Educational Journey**
- Struggles and coping strategies
  - Failing initially and improving with tutors
  - Realization of academic capability
- Role of faith and divine guidance
**Balancing Responsibilities**
- Structuring time effectively
  - Study schedule
  - Quality time with her daughter
- Importance of structured bonding activities
  - Movies, meals, and designated times together
**Challenges and Solutions**
- Managing without resources for single mothers
- Developing self-reliance and pioneering spirit in a male-dominated field
- Support from community and professors
  - Role of soccer moms and flexibility from professors
  - Mutual support with a best friend who was also a single mother
**Key Strategies for Success**
- Advocating for oneself
  - Communicating and setting boundaries with professors
- Establishing a structured day and plans
  - Use of weekly schedules on the refrigerator
**Reflection and Insights**
- Financial discipline and lessons from budgeting
- Long-term growth and benefits of discipline and structure
  - Positive outcomes for her daughter
**Guiding Principles and Motivational Quotes**
- Focusing on the end goal
- Taking one step at a time
  - “Eating the elephant one bite at a time”
- Importance of not getting overwhelmed
**Continued Success and Goal Setting**
- Maintaining a structured approach in professional and personal life
  - Weekly meetings with clinic staff
  - Personal fitness and travel plans
- Continued goal setting and achievement
  - Long-term vision and adapting goals
**Personal Growth and Future Aspirations**
- Transitioning into an author
&nbs