Join Nikki Keefe, an interventional radiologist, as we delve into the complexities of uterine fibroids and the disparities in treatment access. Despite uterine fibroids affecting up to 70 percent of women and causing severe symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility, many, especially Hispanic and rural patients, are unaware of uterine artery embolization (UAE), a minimally invasive and effective treatment option. Nikki will discuss the various treatment options, the ben...
Aug 18, 2024•18 min
We delve into the critical issue of physician burnout with Jillian Bybee, a pediatric intensive care physician. Jillian shares her firsthand experiences from the front lines of health care, discussing the unique challenges faced by pediatric intensivists and the broader implications for medical professionals. Tune in as we explore strategies for managing stress, the importance of support systems, and innovative approaches to maintaining well-being in the high-pressure world of critical care. Jil...
Aug 17, 2024•22 min
Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Isabelle Tran, a medical student and writer, to explore the intersection of technology and health. Inspired by her poem "AI Ally," Isabelle delves into the emotional journey of patients receiving a serious diagnosis like thyroid cancer. We discuss how AI and search engines can be both a lifeline and a source of anxiety, the balance between digital and human support, and the role of narrative medicine in understanding patient experiences. Isa...
Aug 16, 2024•21 min
Join us as we delve into the evolving landscape of physician employment agreements with Dennis Hursh, an attorney. Discover the significance of the new Individual Specialty Residency Program Agreements that compensate physicians for mentoring residents. We explore the potential long-term impacts on medical education, the challenges of implementing these agreements, and their implications for physician morale and job satisfaction. Gain valuable advice on negotiating employment contracts and under...
Aug 15, 2024•15 min
Join radiation oncologists Shannon MacDonald and Sean McBride as they delve into the evolving landscape of telemedicine in oncology. They discuss the significant improvements telemedicine brought during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges and legal barriers now faced with cross-state telemedicine, and how these restrictions impact patient care, particularly for those in rural areas or who frequently travel. With a focus on potential legislative changes and ethical considerations, Shannon and S...
Aug 14, 2024•21 min
Join us for a conversation with Tracey O’Connell, a radiologist and physician coach, as we explore the hidden challenges within the medical profession. In this episode, we delve into the unsettling experience of facing a mandatory performance review, the strain it places on trust among colleagues, and the emotional turmoil it can cause. Tracey shares her insights on navigating workplace culture, the ethical considerations of performance improvement plans, and the mental health impacts on physici...
Aug 13, 2024•29 min
In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of burnout among health care providers with our guest, Susan Landers, a retired neonatologist. We explore the alarming rates of burnout and depression among physicians and nurses, with a special focus on the unique challenges faced by female health care professionals. Susan shares her personal journey through burnout and discusses the transformative power of psychotherapy in her life. We'll discuss the stigmas surrounding mental health care in th...
Aug 12, 2024•24 min
Join Steven L. Chen, a breast surgeon, as we delve into the advancements in breast cancer treatments and the challenges of managing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). As survival rates improve, the focus is shifting to addressing the long-term side effects, particularly lymphedema, which significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Steven will discuss the difficulties in early detection, innovative technologies like bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), the importance of patient education, ...
Aug 11, 2024•18 min
We sit down with Claire Ellerbrock, a nurse practitioner with a background in psychiatric and behavioral health care. Claire shares her powerful and transformative experience with a patient named John, whose tragic passing highlighted the systemic failures in the treatment of individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). Claire discusses the significant barriers to providing adequate health care for this vulnerable population and the crucial role of integrated care measures. She emphasizes the i...
Aug 10, 2024•20 min
Join us for a conversation with Jillian Rigert, an oral medicine specialist and radiation oncology research fellow. Jillian shares her journey of overcoming mental illness during medical school, redefining self-worth, and challenging harmful societal values. She discusses the importance of living authentically, the role of meaningful relationships, and the power of hope and resilience. This episode offers valuable insights on aligning your life with your true values and minimizing regrets. Jilli...
Aug 09, 2024•20 min
Join us as we explore the world of clinician wellness and mental health with three remarkable guests. Kim Downey, a physician advocate, shares her insights on supporting health care professionals. Betsy Gall, author of The Illusion of The Perfect Profession, opens up about her personal journey and the challenges faced by physicians. Pamela Marie Hobby, CEO of My Doctor’s Meds, discusses her mission to bridge the gap between patients and doctors. Kim Downey is a physical therapist. Betsy Gall is ...
Aug 08, 2024•25 min
Join us as we explore the world of microplastics with fertility specialist Oluyemisi (Yemi) Famuyiwa. Learn about microplastics, how they permeate our environment, and their potential effects on human health and fertility. Yemi will share insights from recent studies, including the presence of microplastics in reproductive organs and their implications for sperm quality and ovarian function. We’ll also discuss practical tips for reducing exposure and the importance of advocacy for stronger regul...
Aug 07, 2024•20 min
In this episode, we welcome Brooke Kempf, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, to debunk common myths about schizophrenia and promote a more accurate understanding of the condition. We'll explore misconceptions about the causes and effects of schizophrenia, the impact of socioeconomic status, and the role of genetic and environmental factors. Brooke will share insights on the importance of early and consistent treatment, the benefits of long-acting injectables, and the critical role o...
Aug 06, 2024•23 min
Join Nisha Kuruvadi, an internal medicine physician, as we explore the intriguing connection between sleep and weight loss. Did you know those precious hours of sleep could be more than just rest? Sleep is a complex interplay of hormones, brain waves, and bodily functions that regulate appetite, metabolism, and energy balance—vital factors in weight management. We'll uncover how sleep deprivation affects hunger hormones, stress levels, and metabolism, leading to weight gain and health issues. Ni...
Aug 05, 2024•17 min
Join us as we sit down with Olivia Ong, a pain and rehabilitation medicine physician from Australia, who shares her remarkable journey of recovery after a spinal cord injury in 2008. Once self-sufficient to a fault, Olivia found herself in a dark place, feeling alone and defeated. Her story takes a transformative turn when she discovers a center for spinal cord injury recovery in San Diego and, with the help of her trainer, Mica, takes her first steps toward a new life in 2011. Olivia discusses ...
Aug 04, 2024•19 min
Join us for a conversation with Zachary Fellows, a rheumatologist who spent nearly four years in private practice navigating the complex intersection of obesity and rheumatic diseases. Zachary shares his journey from giving vague weight loss advice to becoming well-versed in obesity medicine, ultimately transforming his practice and patient outcomes. We'll explore how obesity exacerbates conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, the challenges primary care physicians face in addressing we...
Aug 03, 2024•21 min
We welcome Carmen Fong, a colorectal surgeon, to discuss the often overlooked yet critical topic of pelvic floor dysfunction. Drawing from her extensive experience, Carmen shares insights from the Pelvic Floor Symposiums, the challenges of treating pelvic floor patients, and the misconceptions surrounding these disorders. We'll explore the stigma attached to pelvic floor issues, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategies for improving diagnosis and treatment. Join us for a...
Aug 02, 2024•17 min
Join us as we speak with Laura Buchman, a patient advocate and author of NERVE: Surviving Medical Madness. Laura shares her harrowing personal experiences with the medical system, including the overwhelming shock of seeing her son hospitalized with severe acute hyponatremia. She delves into the emotional rollercoaster of advocating for her son’s care, the challenges of communication with medical professionals, and the complexities of treating young adults. Laura's story is a powerful testament t...
Aug 01, 2024•20 min
Join us as we delve into the experiences of patients with long-term complex conditions who are often met with disapproval or suspicion by medical professionals for being knowledgeable about their own health. Our guest, Denise Reich, a patient advocate, shares her insights on balancing self-advocacy with medical care, navigating the health care system, and the emotional impact of distrust from doctors. We explore effective strategies for patients to advocate for themselves, the role of patient ad...
Jul 31, 2024•17 min
Join us as we welcome psychiatrist Lewis Cohen to discuss his book, Winter's End: Dementia and Dying Well. In this episode, we explore the ethical dilemmas, legal challenges, and emotional impacts surrounding life-shortening options for dementia patients. Drawing from the perspectives of over 100 experts, Lewis delves into the complexities of patient autonomy, the role of palliative care, and the cultural differences in approaches to this taboo subject. Lewis Cohen is a psychiatrist. He discusse...
Jul 30, 2024•20 min
We are joined by Fady Chamoun, an internal medicine physician, to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. We delve into the art of prompt engineering and its six essential elements: clear task definition, detailed context, exemplar guidance, persona understanding, structured format, and appropriate tone. Fady shares his insights on how mastering these elements can enhance patient care, streamline medical education, and ultimately improve patient outco...
Jul 29, 2024•27 min
We dive into the evolving health care landscape with Jamie Babcock, a health care executive. We'll explore the growing demand for skilled providers and the critical clinician shortage projected by the Health Resources and Service Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Jamie shares insights on innovative strategies that health care leaders can employ to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary care teams. Discover how home-based care, supported by field ...
Jul 28, 2024•18 min
We sit down with Roxanne Becker, a lifestyle medicine physician, to discuss the urgent implications of the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza contracted from a dairy cow. We explore how zoonotic diseases like H5N1 and COVID-19 can rapidly mutate and lead to pandemics, the role of intensive farming practices in the spread of these diseases, and the importance of shifting to a whole-food, plant-based diet. Roxanne sheds light on the public health recommendations to prevent zoonotic diseases,...
Jul 27, 2024•18 min
Join us in this episode as we explore the challenges of balancing social media and device use with the essential aspects of life. Our guest, Dawn Baker, an anesthesiologist, shares her insights from a recent physician wellness conference where she discussed this very topic. We'll delve into the benefits and drawbacks of social media for medical professionals, strategies for setting boundaries, and ways physicians can model healthy habits for their families and communities. Dawn Baker is an anest...
Jul 26, 2024•22 min
Join Maryal Concepcion, a family physician, as she shares her inspiring story of transitioning from a traditional health care role to direct primary care (DPC). Discover how the values of social harmony and interconnectedness from her collectivist upbringing influenced her approach to patient care, and learn about the transformative power of the DPC model. We'll delve into the challenges she faced, the importance of cultural heritage in health care, and her message of hope for a more inclusive a...
Jul 25, 2024•25 min
Join us for a conversation with George M. Abraham, former president of the American College of Physicians (2021-2022) and a professor of medicine. We'll explore the vital role of international medical graduates (IMGs) in the U.S. health care system. Discover how IMGs enhance cultural competence, improve access to care in underserved areas, and contribute to academic medicine and research. George shares his perspectives on the challenges IMGs face, their impact on internal medicine, and strategie...
Jul 24, 2024•21 min
In this episode, we delve into the profound emotional experiences of Ryan McCarthy, an internal medicine physician. Ryan shares heart-wrenching moments from his practice, including the day his heart metaphorically rolled off his arm and crashed on the exam room floor as he comforted a grieving patient, Ginny. We explore the balance between professional detachment and emotional involvement, the impact of compassion in health care, and the resilience needed to continue practicing medicine with an ...
Jul 22, 2024•19 min
Join us for a conversation with John C. Hagan III, an ophthalmologist, as we delve into the innovative use of beta-blockers for treating acute migraines. Discover the journey behind the discovery of Timolol’s efficacy in migraine relief and the challenges faced in securing pharmaceutical support. Gain insights into the potential future of beta-blocker nasal sprays and the importance of pursuing innovative, low-cost treatments in the medical field. John C. Hagan III is an ophthalmologist. He disc...
Jul 21, 2024•21 min
In this episode, we sit down with Caissa Troutman, an obesity medicine and family physician, to delve into the pervasive stigma and shame associated with obesity and perimenopause. Caissa shares her personal experiences and patient stories, highlighting the external and internal stigmas faced by individuals with obesity. We explore common misconceptions about obesity, the importance of education in breaking these myths, and effective strategies for building self-trust and confidence in patients....
Jul 20, 2024•24 min
We welcome Jennifer Obel, an oncology physician, who shares her personal journey of retiring from a fulfilling medical career due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Reflecting on the recent presidential debate and the health concerns surrounding President Biden, Jennifer draws compelling parallels between her experience and the challenges faced by leaders in the public eye. We delve into the importance of transparency and accountability in assessing the health of political figures, the implications for ...
Jul 19, 2024•22 min
