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The Podcast by KevinMD

Kevin Pho, MDwww.kevinmdpodcast.com
Social media's leading physician voice, Kevin Pho, MD, shares the stories of the many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from. 15 minutes a day. 7 days a week. Welcome to The Podcast by KevinMD.
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Episodes

How physician-led innovation drives change

We sit down with Carrie Atcheson, a board-certified anesthesiologist and co-founder of Business Mindset MD, to explore the transformative potential of physician-led innovation in health care. We delve into how the acquisition of physician practices and surgery centers by major corporations like UnitedHealth Group is reshaping patient care, and the role of physician leadership in driving this change. Carrie shares insights on balancing profitability with high-value care, integrating health care s...

Jul 19, 202420 min

Mental health in jail

In this episode, we explore the complexities of the doctor-patient relationship in a challenging setting with our guest, Joseph Baskin, a jailhouse psychiatrist. Joseph shares his experiences working with inmates who suffer from serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder. These individuals often lack insight into their own conditions, making the traditional doctor-patient contract difficult to establish. We delve into the unique challenges of assessing and treating p...

Jul 18, 202420 min

Allyship in improving LGBTQ+ patient well-being

Join pediatrician Uchenna Umeh as she shares her personal journey and professional insights on creating a more inclusive and affirming health care environment for LGBTQ+ patients. We delve into the challenges transgender individuals face in medical settings, the importance of understanding intersectionality, and practical strategies for health care providers to support their LGBTQ+ patients. Uchenna also discusses the critical role of allyship and how medical professionals can balance personal b...

Jul 17, 202423 min

Creativity in combating medical burnout

Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the world of creativity and wellness with Charity Hix, a burnout and wellness coach, and Kim Downey, a physician advocate and physical therapist. We explore how nurturing creativity within the medical field can help mitigate burnout, enhance problem-solving abilities, and improve overall well-being. Discover practical ways to incorporate creativity and play into your daily routine, and learn about the profound impact these practices can have on...

Jul 16, 202422 min

Humanizing medicine in a high-tech world

In this episode, we sit down with Francisco M. Torres, an interventional physiatrist and author of Beyond Diagnosis: Perspective in Medicine and the Human Experience. Join us as we explore the theme of humanizing medicine in an era of increasing standardization and technological advancement. We discuss the profound influence of humanities, history, and philosophy on medical practice, the challenges young doctors face in balancing technical expertise with compassionate patient care, and the poten...

Jul 15, 202418 min

Lung cancer statistics you need to know about nonsmokers

Join Alice S. Y. Lee, an emergency physician and lung cancer survivor. Alice shares her journey from a nonsmoker to a lung cancer survivor, shedding light on the health disparities faced by Asian American female nonsmokers. Discover how her diagnosis came about, the misconceptions surrounding lung cancer in nonsmokers, and the importance of early detection. We'll also discuss the significance of ongoing studies and the need for increased awareness and routine screening. Alice S. Y. Lee is an eme...

Jul 14, 202419 min

Health information censorship in prisons

Join us as we explore the critical issue of carceral censorship and its impact on incarcerated individuals' access to health information. Our guest is Brian Tuohy, an assistant professor of bioethics, who shares his perspectives on the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding this issue. We'll discuss real-life stories like that of Kwaneta Harris, who faced severe health challenges while in solitary confinement due to the lack of accessible health education. Together, we'll examine the ...

Jul 13, 202417 min

Overcoming diabetes and chasing dreams

Join us as we sit down with writer Robin D'Amato to discuss her book, Sugar-Free. Robin delves into the inspiring journey of Ginny Eastman, a girl whose passion for basketball begins at six years old despite her battle with juvenile diabetes. We'll explore how Ginny overcomes physical and societal challenges, the importance of lifelong friendships, and the impact of historical changes on her life. Robin also shares insights into her writing process and the significance of music in her storytelli...

Jul 12, 202416 min

Beyond traditional cancer treatment

Join us as we delve into the growing interest in holistic approaches to cancer care with Wayne B. Jonas, a family physician. We explore the benefits of integrating complementary therapies, such as nutrition and exercise counseling, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, into traditional cancer treatments. Wayne shares his expert perspective on how oncologists can effectively initiate these conversations early in the cancer journey and address challenges in incorporating holistic care. We discuss the...

Jul 11, 202417 min

Avoid these common mistakes in your first doctor employment contract

Join us for an insightful episode as we navigate the complexities of negotiating your first employment contract as a doctor. Our guest, attorney Ethan A. Nkana, shares invaluable advice on avoiding common mistakes, understanding salary ranges, and effectively advocating for your value. We'll discuss the importance of having multiple job offers, critical contract clauses, balancing student loan debt repayment, and negotiating non-salary benefits like education loan debt assistance and work-life b...

Jul 10, 202423 min

Balancing diabetes and mental health: the medication challenge

We sit down with Jennifer Jonsson, a patient advocate, to explore the complex world of medication interactions and their impact on mental health. Jennifer shares her personal journey of managing ADHD, bipolar disorder, and Type 2 diabetes while navigating the unexpected side effects of medications like Rybelsus. We discuss the importance of self-advocacy, effective communication with health care providers, and practical strategies for handling multiple chronic conditions. Jennifer Jonsson is a p...

Jul 09, 202413 min

Key strategies for private medical practices

We dive into the challenges and strategies for private medical practices to thrive, featuring our guest, pediatrician Nneka Unachukwu. We discuss the importance of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, effective business practices, and the role of marketing in health care. Nneka shares insights on patient retention strategies, optimizing team roles, and taking ownership of revenue cycle management. Nneka Unachukwu is a pediatrician. She discusses the KevinMD article, " 5 strategies for private pr...

Jul 08, 202422 min

Can local health care survive in a world of mega-corporations?

We delve into the evolution of health care with our guest, Brian R. Jackson, a pathologist. Once a local industry where doctors and hospitals were deeply integrated into their communities, health care has now become a major business dominated by large corporations. We explore the implications of this shift, examining the impact on patient care, community responsiveness, and accountability. Brian shares his insights on whether it's possible to reverse this trend and return to a more locally-run h...

Jul 07, 202420 min

Uncovering hidden challenges: Women in medicine

Join Hala Sabry, an emergency physician and the founder of the Physician Moms Group. We will dive deep into the multifaceted challenges faced by women in medicine beyond the often-discussed issues of childcare and sexism. Hala will share her insights on mental health, workplace culture, mentorship, career advancement, and the importance of community building. Together, we will explore the hidden stressors that lead to career dissatisfaction and burnout and discuss innovative solutions to support...

Jul 06, 202433 min

Photography made me a better doctor

Join us for an insightful discussion with Moksha Patel, an internal medicine physician, as we explore the fascinating parallels between clinical reasoning and photography. Moksha shares how principles like focus, zoom, and flash in photography can enhance medical practice, offering unique perspectives on diagnosis, patient care, and maintaining the human connection amidst the demands of modern medicine. Discover how cross-disciplinary skills can enrich clinical reasoning and why creative pursuit...

Jul 05, 202417 min

Catholic hospitals in America

Join us for an episode featuring Patricia A. Gabow, a nephrologist, as she discusses her book, The Catholic Church and Its Hospitals: A Marriage Made in Heaven? Patrician delves into the origins and evolution of the Catholic health care system in the United States, exploring how Ethical and Religious Directives influence patient care, particularly in reproductive and end-of-life services. She examines the transparency of these institutions, the historical role of Catholic nuns, and the balance b...

Jul 04, 202422 min

How to ensure you receive a proper Alzheimer's screening

Join us for an insightful discussion with Carol Steinberg, a journalist and patient advocate, as we explore the critical issues surrounding Alzheimer's disease and cognitive screening. Carol shares her personal experiences with the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, highlighting the common mistakes in cognitive assessments and their impact on diagnosis. We'll delve into the importance of early and accurate screening, the challenges patients face, and the racial disparities in Alzheimer's diagnosis ...

Jul 03, 202420 min

Historical trauma in ethnic health disparities

We explore the complex factors contributing to ethnic health disparities in the United States with our guest, Melody T. McCloud, an obstetrician-gynecologist who was bestowed a Distinguished Alumni Award by Emory University School of Medicine. Since 1958, only fourteen women have been so honored, and Dr. McCloud is only the third Black woman to receive this prestigious recognition. We'll discuss the impact of psychosocial stressors, access to health care, cultural competence, and the role of die...

Jul 02, 202423 min

A doctor's journey with Sjogren’s

Join us for a conversation with Kara Wada, an adult and pediatric allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine physician, as she shares her personal journey with Sjogren’s. Discover how her experience as both doctor and patient has shaped her perspective on patient care, the challenges of diagnosing non-specific symptoms, and the systemic implications of Sjogren’s. Kara discusses the importance of empathy in medical training, the impact of health care disparities, and the urgent need to break out...

Jul 01, 202418 min

From patient care to powerful stories: an interview with KevinMD

Welcome to a special episode of the podcast where we turn the tables on Kevin Pho, the founder of KevinMD. In this episode, pediatrician Lisa Sieczkowski interviews Kevin, delving into his motivations behind creating KevinMD. They discuss the transformative power of reflective reading and writing, as well as the benefits of writing for physicians. Kevin also shares advice for health care professionals looking to incorporate writing into their daily routines and reflects on the feedback he's rece...

Jun 30, 202421 min

How physicians can fight back against private equity takeovers

Join us for a discussion with Nathaniel Arana, CEO of NGA Healthcare, as we explore the growing influence of private equity firms in the health care sector. Over the past decade, private equity has invested nearly $1 trillion in health care, reshaping the industry from fertility clinics to primary care and beyond. We'll delve into the consequences of this shift, including the tragic case of Zion Gastelum, and discuss how profit-driven models impact patient care, physician autonomy, and overall h...

Jun 29, 202418 min

New career paths for resident physicians

We dive into the evolving landscape of health care entrepreneurship with our guest, Tod Stillson, a family physician and entrepreneur. Tod shares his journey from traditional employment to establishing his own single-member professional micro-corporation, offering insights into the advantages of this innovative model. We discuss key strategies for minimizing overhead costs, leveraging technology for virtual care, and achieving location independence. Tod also provides valuable advice for healthca...

Jun 28, 202421 min

Non-opioid alternatives and the future of reimbursement

Join us as we sit down with Amy Baxter, a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine, to explore the future of pain management. We'll dive into the challenges and advancements in non-opioid alternatives, focusing on the impact of the NOPAIN Act set to transform reimbursement policies in January 2025. Amy will share insights on the importance of multimodal pain management, ERAS studies' biases, and mechanical stimulation discoveries. We'll also discuss how opioid settlement funds are bein...

Jun 27, 202419 min

Changing the medical system with empathy

Join Ann McColl, a patient advocate, and James Whitlock, a neurologist, as they delve into their shared passion for understanding the journeys of patients with complex conditions within the medical system. Ann shares her personal story of overcoming multiple diagnoses, including chronic fatigue syndrome and craniocervical instability, through groundbreaking surgery. James reflects on his career in neurology, focusing on the rehabilitation of individuals with severe traumatic brain injuries and h...

Jun 26, 202419 min

Minority representation in clinical trials

Join Ananth Ravi, a health care executive dedicated to democratizing health care through innovative image-guided therapeutics. In this episode, we delve into the persistent issue of racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes, exploring how women of color are disproportionately affected by later-stage diagnoses and poorer prognoses. Ananth shares his research on the role of clinical trials in addressing these disparities and the importance of minority representation. We discuss strategies to im...

Jun 25, 202418 min

Unlocking the hidden link between trauma and chronic pain

Join us as we delve into the often-overlooked connection between trauma and chronic pain. Our guest, Cindy Perlin, a social worker, sheds light on how unresolved trauma contributes to chronic pain and why this crucial link is frequently ignored by health care providers. We'll explore the findings of the Kaiser Permanente ACE study, common misconceptions, and the effectiveness of traditional pain treatments. Cindy will also discuss innovative therapies like energy psychology and neurofeedback, an...

Jun 24, 202417 min

Fighting nurse burnout: insights and solutions

We delve into the critical issue of burnout in nursing with Andrea Coyle, a nurse practitioner. We explore the distinct symptoms of burnout, how they manifest differently across genders and generations, and the unique challenges faced by nurses today. Andrea shares insights into the specific struggles of baby boomers with technology, the work-life balance pressures on Generation X, the motivations of Millennials, and the early career stressors for Generation Z. We delve into the critical issue o...

Jun 23, 202419 min

From ER to wallet: Understanding medical expenses

Join us as we welcome Neill Slater, an emergency physician, to discuss the critical issue of patient compliance and the hidden costs of health care. We will explore why patients often don't take their prescribed medications, the challenges physicians face when discussing treatment costs, and practical steps to bridge this communication gap. Neill will share insights on how medical education, routine practices, and systemic changes can improve patient outcomes and trust. Neill Slater is an emerge...

Jun 22, 202421 min

Women in medicine: Balancing career and family

We welcome Christine J. Ko, a dermatopathologist, to discuss the evolving landscape of women in medicine. Inspired by America Ferrera’s powerful monologue in Barbie and Jennifer Lycette’s insightful essay on the challenges faced by women in the field, Christine shares her personal experiences and the choices she made while navigating the tension between medicine and her children. Christine J. Ko is a dermatopathologist. She discusses the KevinMD article, " It is literally possible to be a woman ...

Jun 21, 202420 min

What every mom needs to know about post-delivery pelvic floor injuries

Join us for an enlightening episode with Sarah Boyles, a urogynecologist, as we delve into the often overlooked topic of pelvic floor health post-delivery. While the joy of childbirth is celebrated, many women face concerns about delivery, including pain, labor duration, and birth plans. However, the pelvic floor—crucial for long-term health—is frequently neglected. Sarah sheds light on the prevalence of undiagnosed levator ani muscle tears, their long-term impacts, and the critical need for imp...

Jun 20, 202419 min
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