We speak with Heather Luing, a psychiatrist specializing in treatment-resistant depression. As depression rates in the U.S. have tripled over the last year, we explore why traditional treatments may not work for everyone and discuss innovative therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Heather sheds light on how TMS offers hope for patients struggling with ongoing symptoms, the science behind it, and why it's still underutilized despite its effectiveness. Heather Luing is a psychiat...
Oct 17, 2024•21 min
We’re joined by Wael Saasouh, an anesthesiologist; Lisa Scardina, a health care executive; and Kim Downey, a physician advocate and physical therapist, to discuss the urgent need to restore human connections in health care. From tackling clinician burnout and moral injury to enhancing collaboration across silos, our guests share powerful insights on creating a supportive environment that values well-being and deepens the physician-patient relationship. Wael Saasouh is an anesthesiologist. Lisa S...
Oct 16, 2024•20 min
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Joseph Lanctot, a nurse practitioner, as he explores the significance of professional identity in healthcare. Joseph shares his personal experiences of being mislabelled as a doctor and explains why embracing the title of nurse is essential for preserving the unique legacy of nursing. Delving into the distinct skills and versatile roles that nurse practitioners bring to patient care, Joseph highlights the challenges and triumphs of advocating for res...
Oct 15, 2024•17 min
We sit down with Nicholas Rosenlicht, psychiatrist and author of My Brother’s Keeper: The Untold Stories Behind the Business of Mental Health―and How to Stop the Abandonment of the Mentally Ill. Dr. Rosenlicht unpacks the troubling shift from viewing individuals with mental health issues as "patients" to labeling them as "clients," revealing how this change in language has eroded rights, altered care, and reframed the therapeutic relationship. Nicholas Rosenlicht is a psychiatrist and author of ...
Oct 14, 2024•21 min
Join Manuel Arango, the director of Health Policy & Advocacy at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. We dive into the pressing issue of food marketing to children, exploring how these strategies impact kids' health and dietary habits. Manuel shares insights into the ongoing efforts to regulate unhealthy food and beverage marketing in Canada, why it's crucial for the government to act, and how parents can navigate the challenges posed by aggressive marketing tactics. Manuel Arango is th...
Oct 13, 2024•20 min
We welcome Ron M. Aryel, a pediatrician who shares his powerful journey through medical school and residency as a physician with cerebral palsy. Facing discrimination, ableism, and hostility from colleagues and superiors, Ron persevered and built a remarkable career. Join us as we discuss the challenges of navigating medical hierarchies, the importance of empathy, and the need for systemic changes to support physicians with disabilities in the medical field. Ron M. Aryel is a pediatrician. He di...
Oct 12, 2024•23 min
We sit down with Michael J. Grace, attorney and author of The Mumbo Jumbo Fix: A Survival Guide for Effective Doctor-Patient-Nurse Communication. We explore how health care communication has evolved before, during, and after COVID. From the rapid rise of telemedicine to the increasing role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, we discuss the challenges these shifts bring for both providers and patients. Michael shares insights on reducing medical errors, empowering patients to be bett...
Oct 11, 2024•21 min
We sit down with Audra King, a surgery resident, to explore the challenges and toxic environments that medical trainees often face during their residency. From instances of disrespect and workplace bullying to the emotional toll of navigating power dynamics in the hospital, Audra shares her personal experiences and insights. We discuss how these situations impact patient care, the importance of mentorship, and what needs to change in medical culture to better support residents. Join us as we del...
Oct 10, 2024•20 min
We bring together three passionate advocates for physician wellness: Michael Foti, an internal medicine physician; Tushar Bhagat, a research assistant professor; and Kim Downey, a physical therapist. Join us as they share their deeply personal journeys and professional insights on tackling burnout and promoting mental health in health care. From Michael’s story of overcoming personal loss and panic disorder to Tushar’s experience using mindfulness-based practices to support medical trainees, and...
Oct 09, 2024•23 min
Join us in this episode as we sit down with Janet A. Jokela, an internal medicine and infectious disease physician. Janet reflects on her transformative residency at Boston City Hospital, where the "city savages" thrived in the face of immense challenges. We discuss how the intense training shaped her career, the evolution of internal medicine, and the enduring commitment to compassionate patient care. Janet A. Jokela, MD, MPH , ACP's Treasurer 2022-2025, served as the Regional Dean of the Unive...
Oct 08, 2024•18 min
We explore the unique challenges faced by patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during dental appointments. Our guests, Brian Jones, a health care executive, and Tina Saw, a dentist and health care leader, share insights on how sensory sensitivities, higher oral care needs, and barriers to care impact these patients. They’ll discuss innovative approaches like chair-side salivary testing and the critical role of medical-dental integration in improving health outcomes. Br...
Oct 07, 2024•19 min
We sit down with Patrick Hunt, a physician executive, to explore one of the most pressing challenges in U.S. health care—the growing physician shortage. With projections indicating a shortfall of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036, Patrick shares his insights on how workforce management technology can help mitigate this crisis. We discuss how these innovations optimize staffing, improve physician well-being, and maintain quality care, especially in underserved communities. Patrick Hunt is a physician ...
Oct 06, 2024•17 min
We are joined by Paul Pender, an ophthalmologist with extensive experience in patient care. We explore the vital role emotional intelligence plays in strengthening the physician-patient bond, particularly in challenging health care environments. Paul shares insights into how self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management enhance caregiving, build trust, and help alleviate patient suffering. We also discuss the emotional challenges physicians face, including moral injury and burnout, and ho...
Oct 05, 2024•17 min
Join us for an episode featuring Lynn McComas, a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. We’ll discuss the critical importance of hands-on training in medical education and the potential consequences for patient care when students are limited to observational roles. Lynn shares insights on the challenges health care organizations face and how we can advocate for a more practical, experience-based approach to training the next generation of hea...
Oct 04, 2024•19 min
We welcome Dean-David Schillinger, an internal medicine physician and public health leader. Dean-David discusses his book, Telltale Hearts: A Public Health Doctor, His Patients, and the Power of Story. Drawing from over three decades of experience in one of the nation’s busiest public hospitals, he shares powerful insights on how listening to patients' stories can lead to true healing, influence public health, and shape better health care policies. Dean-David Schillinger is an internal medicine ...
Oct 03, 2024•19 min
We dive into the persistent challenge of fall prevention in hospitals with our guest, Christine Gall, a nurse executive. Despite advancements in patient safety, falls remain a significant issue, resulting in severe injuries and even death. We explore why traditional prevention strategies often fail, the staggering human and financial costs of falls, and how innovative solutions like virtual monitoring can make a difference. Christine shares her insights on data-driven approaches, the role of tec...
Oct 02, 2024•22 min
We sit down with anesthesiologist Jonathan Cohen to explore the impact of social media on the medical learning environment. Recent posts by senior physicians have sparked debate on the public shaming of trainees and the consequences for psychological safety in medicine. Jonathan shares insights on how online behavior can affect the dynamics between mentors and trainees, the importance of creating a culture that views mistakes as learning opportunities, and the ethical considerations surrounding ...
Oct 01, 2024•18 min
We sit down with Freddie Rappina, a financial advisor, chartered financial consultant, and accredited investment fiduciary, to explore how the SECURE Act and SECURE Act 2.0 have changed the landscape of retirement and estate planning. Freddie breaks down the new 10-year rule for inherited retirement accounts, explaining its potential tax implications for your heirs. He also shares strategies to mitigate the impact, from Roth conversions to charitable contributions, helping you pass on your hard-...
Sep 30, 2024•19 min
We sit down with Phindile Chowa, an emergency medicine physician, to discuss her personal and professional journey through postpartum care. Phindile shares her harrowing experience of childbirth and postpartum depression, shedding light on the gaps in the health care system that leave many new mothers without adequate support. We delve into her transition from full-time emergency medicine to starting her own concierge practice, where she advocates for comprehensive care for postpartum women. Phi...
Sep 29, 2024•20 min
We explore the evolving dynamics of health care teams with guests Matthew Sherrer, an anesthesiologist, and Brooke Vining, a nurse anesthetist. We discuss the shift from traditional team structures to a "teaming" mindset, the challenges of building trust in rapidly changing environments, and the impact of professional politics on patient safety and clinician wellness. Matthew and Brooke share their insights on fostering psychological safety, overcoming role ambiguity, and promoting a culture of ...
Sep 28, 2024•24 min
In this episode, we dive into the emerging trend of money dysmorphia—a distorted perception of one's financial situation that’s affecting people across all income levels, especially younger generations. Our guest, Shane Tenny, a certified financial planner, helps unpack the causes and symptoms of money dysmorphia, exploring how social media, societal pressures, and the comparison trap are fueling financial anxiety. We’ll discuss how to recognize the signs, the impact on mental health, and practi...
Sep 27, 2024•18 min
In this episode, anesthesiologist Matthew Sherrer and health care consultant Martin Nowak join us to explore the evolving landscape of anesthesia care in the era of AI and automation. We'll discuss the rise and fall of the Sedasys platform, the current advancements in AI-driven technologies like Edwards Life Science’s Hypotension Prediction Index, and the future of the anesthesia workforce. Can technology ever replace the human touch in the operating room? What are the early warning signs of a s...
Sep 26, 2024•21 min
We sit down with Yemi Famuyiwa, a renowned fertility specialist, to discuss the hidden dangers of e-cigarettes and their impact on reproductive health. As e-cigarettes continue to gain popularity, evidence reveals alarming risks, especially concerning fertility in both men and women. Yemi breaks down the toxic components of e-cigarettes, their effects on hormonal balance, sperm quality, and ovarian function, and their role in the ongoing fertility decline in the United States. Oluyemisi (Yemi) F...
Sep 25, 2024•14 min
We sit down with Dike Drummond, a family practice physician, to explore how AI-powered note-writing software is revolutionizing medical documentation. While these tools offer short-term relief to overworked physicians by drastically reducing charting time, could they ultimately lead to increased patient loads and a new form of burnout? Dike Drummond is a Mayo-trained family practice physician, burnout survivor, executive coach, consultant, and founder of TheHappyMD.com . He discusses the KevinMD...
Sep 24, 2024•22 min
We dive into the transformative power of internal language with clinical psychologist Faust Ruggiero. Discover how the words we use to communicate with ourselves shape our emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Faust shares practical strategies for retraining the brain to move away from negative thought patterns, replacing them with positive, productive self-talk. Learn how past traumas can influence internal dialogue and explore actionable steps for fostering a healthier mindset. Faust Ruggier...
Sep 23, 2024•20 min
We explore the rising prevalence of allergies in the U.S., with nearly 1 in 3 adults and over 1 in 4 children affected. Gary Falcetano, a health care executive, explores how primary care providers are stepping up to fill the gap left by a shortage of allergists. We discuss the limitations of traditional allergy testing and the benefits of introducing allergen component testing to improve diagnosis, management, and patient care. Gary Falcetano is a health care executive. They discuss the KevinMD ...
Sep 22, 2024•19 min
We sit down with Justin Houman, a urologist specializing in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, to explore the latest advancements in inflatable penile implants. Justin discusses how these innovative devices have evolved to offer enhanced reliability, improved aesthetics, simplified surgical techniques, and customizable options. We’ll dive into the importance of patient education, the role of antimicrobial coatings in reducing infections, and the future of erectile dysfunction treatments. Jus...
Sep 21, 2024•19 min
We sit down with Roy Hamilton, a professor of neurology, psychiatry, and physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania. Roy shares insights from his research on using non-invasive brain stimulation to help individuals with cognitive problems caused by neurological disorders. We dive into common misconceptions about cognitive aging, explore proactive steps to maintain brain health, and discuss the strong connection between heart health and brain function. Mentioned on the...
Sep 20, 2024•26 min
We sit down with W. Ben Utley, a certified financial planner specializing in helping physicians navigate the unique financial challenges of their careers. We explore how doctors can break free from the pressure of paying off debt while maintaining strong relationships with their families, define what "enough money" truly means, and find balance between financial success and personal fulfillment. Ben shares valuable insights on aligning financial goals with core values, avoiding burnout, and buil...
Sep 19, 2024•19 min
We sit down with family physician Emma Hostetter, who shares her deeply personal journey navigating the challenges of parenting a neurodivergent child with ADHD. Emma opens up about the emotional toll, the gaps between her medical knowledge and real-life experience, and the transformative shift in her parenting approach. Through reframing ADHD and embracing empathy-based strategies, Emma found hope and connection with her child. Emma Hostetter is a family physician. She discusses the KevinMD art...
Sep 18, 2024•22 min