It’s 9:00 p.m. You’re finally home after another full clinic day. You’ve answered 34 patient messages, signed off on a dozen labs, and squeezed in a hallway consult you didn’t technically have time for. You’re physically present in the living room, but your brain is already thinking about tomorrow’s procedure, the weekend call schedule, and whether you actually RSVPed to that field trip.
Sound familiar?
Being a physician is a full-time commitment. So is being a dad. And trying to be great at both? That takes intention, energy, and more time than most of us have. There’s this quiet tug-of-war that happens constantly… be more present at home, but don’t drop the ball at work. And maybe squeeze in five minutes to breathe (or shower in peace).
That’s why this Father’s Day, I wanted to talk about something unexpected… but powerful. Not gratitude. Not family. But a tool that might actually give you more of both.
That tool? ChatGPT.
No, it won’t tuck your kids in or scrub into your next case. But it can help you handle the little things that pile up and steal your energy. I’ve been experimenting with it more and more, both for myself and with others in the PIMD community, and honestly, it’s kind of wild how helpful it can be when used intentionally.
Here’s how some physician dads are using it. Maybe you’ll see a few ideas that could work for you too.
Disclaimer: While these are general suggestions, it’s important to conduct thorough research and due diligence when selecting AI tools. We do not endorse or promote any specific AI tools mentioned here. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, financial, or clinical advice. Always comply with HIPAA and institutional policies. For any decisions that impact patient care or finances, consult a qualified professional.
1. Family Life Logistics: Staying One Step Ahead of the Chaos
Family life comes with an endless to-do list, and most of it lives in your head. From meal planning and grocery shopping to remembering school picture day and coordinating pickup times, it’s a full-time project management job in itself.
Instead of doing it all manually, ChatGPT can help you turn the mental mess into something manageable.
Let’s say it’s Sunday night. You’re trying to meal plan, your kids are arguing about who used the last of the peanut butter, and your spouse is asking what’s for dinner tomorrow. You can ask:
- “Create a simple meal plan for a week, using chicken, pasta, rice, and ground beef. Kid-friendly and not too spicy.”
- “Give me a grocery list based on that meal plan, organized by section: produce, dairy, pantry, frozen.”
- “Write a text to my partner letting them know I got groceries and we’re doing taco night Tuesday.”
Or maybe your kid just handed you a crumpled permission slip that’s due tomorrow:
- “Summarize this school email and tell me exactly what actions I need to take, what forms to sign, and any deadlines.”
You can also simplify your weekly routine:
- “Make a Monday through Friday morning checklist for our family that includes packing lunches, making breakfast, and getting everyone out the door by 7:45.”
- “Help me create a chore chart for two kids, ages 6 and 9, that includes dishes, feeding the dog, and tidying their room.”
By taking ten minutes with ChatGPT, you’re not just reacting to the week. You’re planning it, so things feel a little less frantic and a lot more under control.
2. Communication Help: Clearer Words for Everyday Moments
Let’s be honest. Whether it’s writing an email to a teacher, sending a text to another parent, or crafting a birthday card message, sometimes the words just don’t come easily. And when you’re already tired, even the simplest message can feel like one more chore.
ChatGPT helps take that pressure off.
Let’s say your kid was sick and missed two days of school. You could ask:
- “Write a short, respectful email to my son’s 4th-grade teacher asking what he missed and if we can get the homework this week.”
Or your kid wants to invite friends over, and you need to check in with their parents:
- “Write a text to another parent asking if their child is free this Saturday afternoon for a playdate. Mention that we’ll have snacks and that I’ll supervise.”
Even the fun stuff gets easier:
- “Help me write a heartfelt but funny birthday card for my 11-year-old daughter who loves soccer, baking, and teasing her little brother.”
And if you’re navigating something tricky:
- “Draft a message to a coach explaining why my son can’t make the next two practices. Be polite but firm.”
You still tweak it to make it sound like you, but the time and mental energy saved? Huge.
3. Learning New Stuff Without the Research Spiral
There are moments when you want to quickly learn something new. About parenting, finances, travel, or life in general. But you don’t have the time to fall down a Google rabbit hole or skim five articles.
ChatGPT is like having a well-read friend who explains things clearly and quickly.
Maybe you’re thinking about finally setting up a Roth IRA and you want a refresher:
- “Explain the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA in simple terms. Which one makes more sense for someone in their early 40s with kids?”
Or you’re planning a family trip and trying to sort out logistics:
- “What are the pros and cons of driving vs flying from LA to Yellowstone with kids? Include cost, time, and how much patience we’ll need.”
Or your kids ask something you’re not totally ready for:
- “How do I explain to a curious 8-year-old what interest rates are and why they matter when buying a house?”
You still make the decisions, but ChatGPT helps you get to the core idea fast, so you can respond with clarity instead of, “Let me Google that later.”
4. Little Help for Everyday Decisions
Some days, it’s not the big decisions that wear you out. It’s the small, repetitive ones. What’s for dinner? What should we do this weekend? Should we fix the old stroller or just replace it?
These small questions add up and drain your mental bandwidth.
Use ChatGPT to move through them quickly:
- “Give me three dinner ideas using just pantry staples like pasta, canned beans, and frozen veggies. Must be fast and kid-approved.”
- “What are five activities we can do with our kids on a rainy Sunday that don’t involve screens or glitter?”
- “List the pros and cons of fixing a used jogging stroller with a broken wheel versus buying a new one.”
Sometimes you just want confirmation on something you’re already considering. Other times you want options you haven’t thought of yet. Either way, ChatGPT helps break the loop so you can move forward instead of spinning in indecision.
5. Creative Brainstorms for the Dad Who’s Out of Ideas
When you’re expected to entertain, plan, teach, or just be the “fun parent,” running out of ideas is a real thing. Especially when your brain is still in work mode or you’re just plain tired.
ChatGPT can be your go-to creative engine.
Let’s say your kid wants a story at bedtime, but you can’t think of anything fresh:
- “Write a short bedtime story for a 5-year-old about a penguin who wants to learn how to surf. Make it fun but calming.”
Or you’re trying to plan a birthday party without spending a fortune:
- “Give me five low-cost birthday party themes for a 7-year-old boy that can be done at home with 10 kids.”
Or the holiday season is coming, and you want to start early:
- “What are some easy homemade gift ideas my kids can help make for their grandparents?”
You can even ask for fun family traditions to start:
- “Suggest a weekly family ritual that helps us unplug and connect after a long week.”
When creativity feels out of reach, ChatGPT helps you show up with something original, thoughtful, or just plain fun. Without needing a full night’s sleep to come up with it.
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Final Thoughts
Being a physician dad is one of the most meaningful roles you’ll ever play. But let’s be honest, it’s also one of the most demanding. You want to give your best at work, be fully present at home, and maybe even find a sliver of time for your own health and hobbies.
ChatGPT can’t do the hard stuff for you, but it can help you reclaim margin. It gives you a head start, helps you think faster, and takes some of the small stuff off your plate so you can focus on what matters most.
This Father’s Day, maybe the best gift isn’t something you can unwrap. Maybe it’s time. Energy. Mental space. And the ability to be fully there. For your patients, your kids, and yourself.
Wishing you a meaningful and restful Father’s Day!
Already using ChatGPT in your day-to-day? Send me your favorite prompt. I’d love to share the best ones with our community of physician dads trying to work smarter and live fuller.
If you want to learn more about AI and other cool AI tools, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter! We also have a free AI resource page where we share the latest tips, tricks, and news to help you make the most of technology.
To go deeper, check out PIMDCON 2025 — The Physician Real Estate & Entrepreneurship Conference. You’ll gain real-world strategies from doctors who are successfully integrating AI and business for massive results.
See you again next time! As always, make it happen.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on available public data and may not be entirely accurate or up-to-date. It’s recommended to contact the respective companies/individuals for detailed information on features, pricing, and availability. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, financial, or clinical advice. Always comply with HIPAA and institutional policies. For any decisions that impact patient care or finances, consult a qualified professional.
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Peter Kim, MD is the founder of Passive Income MD, the creator of Passive Real Estate Academy, and offers weekly education through his Monday podcast, the Passive Income MD Podcast. Join our community at the Passive Income Doc Facebook Group.
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