"Doctors will pay big dollars [to learn] how to read a reading off of a ventilator or how to read an acid-base imbalance, something that's a measurable, hard concrete kind of skill," says Buckman.

But she says the same trends that create a need for motivational speakers also make it hard for doctors and nurses to find time to attend their sessions. She cites a speaking visit to a hospital when she had to give 20 separate five-minute presentations at nurse stations, because the nurses did not have an hour to spare for her lecture.

Those on the circuit say they must counter the impression among doctors that they're selling snake oil, says Carl A. Hammerschlag, a New Mexico psychiatrist and motivational speaker.

"There are motivational speakers out there who do this...holy roller routine," Hammerschlag said.

But Hammerschlag says motivational speakers offer doctors a much-needed chance to get in touch with their emotional sides.

"Doctors tend to be heavily into the scientific modality," he says. "Medical audiences tend to have a great reluctance to think about the ephemeral, intuitive feeling aspects of being."

Part-Time Teacher

These days Shama continues his work at the Medical School, instructing residents in his office and giving lectures. For instance, next Wednesday he teaches 60 second-year students the basics of dermatological diagnosis. He also maintains an active part-time private practice.