Executive Coaching & Consulting for Healthcare Professionals
Emily L Mueller, MD, MSc
Life and Career Coach for Healthcare Professionals
Retiring (July 2027)
Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist and
Clinical Operations Director at Riley Hospital for Children
Former Health Services Researcher focused on patient and caregiver-focused experience while navigating the healthcare system
My
Story
In my personal time, I am the mother of a feisty and fearless daughter and wife to a hobby car enthusiast. My creative outlets are through watercolor painting and macrame.
COMING SOON!
I am retiring from academic medicine in July 2027 to devote my whole self to coaching and consulting! My perspective is shaped by two decades of experience at the intersection of patient care, healthcare leadership, and caregiver-centered research. By understanding both the realities of delivering care and the experiences of those receiving it, I help healthcare professionals cultivate authentic leadership, rediscover purpose, and build sustainable, fulfilling careers.
my background
and education
I grew up in West Chicago, IL and headed to University of Florida for my undergraduate degree in Anthropology. I returned to Chicago for medical school at Rush University Medical College then remained local for Pediatric Residency at Advocate Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL (2008-2011). I completed dual fellowships in Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Pediatric Health Services Research at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI (2011-2014).
In 2014, I joined Indiana University and held dual roles in the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and the Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Comparative Effectiveness Research. After lots of effort, I obtained an NIH NCI career development award to grow my knowledge about mHealth research and co-design and create an mHealth app to support caregivers in the medical management of their child with cancer. Specifically, the app was designed to help with symptom tracking, medication reminders, and emergency planning. The experience helped me understand the importance of user-centered design and involving end users throughout the entire process. A PCORI grant in 2024 helped me collaborate directly with caregivers of children with cancer and a wide range of healthcare professionals to identify the most important interventions desired by caregivers during the transition from hospital to home for children with cancer.
My Clinical roles
I currently serve in several leadership roles at my institution and nationally.
Clinically, I have served as a member of the Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma team and participated in clinical care both inpatient and outpatient. In July 2018, I began serving as the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Inpatient Unit Medical Director. The bridging of research with quality improvement has helped me navigate challenges and foster multi-disciplinary approaches to improving clinical care and team work. In 2025, my operations role expanded to the outpatient clinical space where I was able to help bridge the gaps in our transitions process.
I have previously served as a member of the Professional Development Committee for the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and co-leader of the IU Department of Pediatrics Faculty Development Committee.
These roles helped guide me to my passion as a life and career coach for healthcare professionals.
Why
"Pilea and Purpose"?
The pilea plant was my first purchase of many (many) plants. It is also called the "Chinese Money Plant" and represents prosperity.
I believe that healthcare professionals can find the greatest joy in their careers and endeavors when they are able to clearly visualize their purpose.
As I embarked on becoming a life and career coach, I chose to call my small business Pilea and Purpose. It just fit! As healthcare professionals, we can find the joy and success in our careers when we align and nurture our purpose.
Why I Became a Coach:
I partner with healthcare professionals to rediscover their voice, reconnect with their purpose, and develop the leadership skills needed to thrive in both work and life.
Coaching fosters resilience by helping healthcare professionals manage stress, reconnect with purpose, and respond to challenges with greater intention and adaptability.
Coaching helps healthcare professionals reconnect with their purpose, cultivate joy in their work, and deepen their connection with those they serve.
Resilience
Leadership
Joy in Purpose
As a Certified Consistency Coach™ I’m trained in a unique set of tools and strategies based on the science of the brain and the psychological drivers behind successful long-term behavior change.
This allows me to address what has often been the missing piece of the puzzle and help my clients overcome self-sabotage, get out of their own way and finally stick with positive choices consistently where they may have failed in the past.
Why should you hire me as a coach?
I have the experience and insights to support your growth and development in a meaningful way.
I can partner with you to identify your goals and help you reach them both faster and with more insight.
You don't have to feel burnt out before you seek new tools to find your joy in purpose.
I have completed coursework to become a coach through the CoachU Core Essentials Program. In the near future, I intend to apply for the International Coaching Federation Associate Coach credentials.