We dive into the powerful story of a physician-mother whose world changed with the onset of COVID-19. Our guest, Arian Nachat, a palliative and emergency medicine physician, shares her journey through the pandemic, balancing the demanding roles of mother and doctor. From navigating childcare crises and homeschooling to reimagining her career beyond the confines of traditional health care, she sheds light on the struggles faced by frontline workers. Listen as she reveals how these challenges insp...
Nov 16, 2024•25 min
We discuss the growing challenges within the U.S. health care system, from long wait times and fragmented care to the corporatization of medical services. Our guest, patient advocate Michele Luckenbaugh, shares insights on the lack of continuity in patient care, the rise of urgent care centers, and the strain on both patients and health care professionals. Together, we explore what’s needed to restore trust, prioritize patient care, and support overburdened health care staff. Michele Luckenbaugh...
Nov 15, 2024•21 min
We dive into the essential skills every physician needs to master in contract negotiation. Internal medicine physician Miguel Villagra offers practical advice on navigating the complex clauses and legal language, sharing key strategies for securing a fair, comprehensive agreement that supports career growth and personal well-being. From understanding contract types to leveraging market data and avoiding common pitfalls, Miguel’s insights empower physicians to negotiate with confidence and clarit...
Nov 14, 2024•22 min
We dive into the personal and professional journey of Ben Reinking, a board-certified pediatric cardiologist, medical educator, and certified physician development coach. We explore the importance of maintaining hobbies, finding balance, and how personal interests can help prevent burnout in physicians. Ben shares valuable insights into the challenges of the medical profession and offers practical strategies for sustaining a fulfilling career and personal life. Ben Reinking is a board-certified ...
Nov 13, 2024•15 min
We sit down with Rebecca Arnold, an author and certified executive leadership coach, to explore the emotional challenges faced by physicians experiencing disillusionment in the health care system. Rebecca shares insights on how to reconnect with your values, manage internal stressors like perfectionism and burnout, and find support among colleagues who share your commitment to high-quality, patient-first care. Rebecca Arnold is an author, certified executive leadership coach, and founder of Root...
Nov 12, 2024•19 min
We dive into the pain care crisis in the United States with Cindy Perlin, a social worker and chronic pain expert. We explore the epidemic of chronic pain, the limitations of conventional treatments, and the risks of opioid addiction. Cindy shares insights on alternative therapies, including mind-body approaches, nutritional medicine, and emerging technologies that offer hope for those suffering from chronic pain. Cindy Perlin is a social worker. She discusses the KevinMD article, " Why physicia...
Nov 11, 2024•18 min
Join us for a conversation with Fazlur Rahman, a hematology-oncology physician and author of Our Connected Lives. In this episode, we explore how Fazlur's journey from physician to patient transformed his understanding of empathy. He reflects on the importance of personal connection in medicine, the impact of a lack of empathy on both doctors and patients, and the need for medical education to include the humanities to foster compassionate care. This episode dives deep into the role empathy play...
Nov 10, 2024•24 min
We sit down with Paula Muto, a vascular surgeon, who discusses the challenges she’s faced in a health care system on the brink of collapse. From hospital closures driven by private equity to network restrictions that limit patient access, Paula shares her candid insights on how we can rebuild a better system. She advocates for banning network restrictions, restoring physician authority, and increasing financial transparency. Drawing on her years of experience, she highlights the urgent need for ...
Nov 09, 2024•21 min
We dive deep into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in health care with Muhamad Aly Rifai, a practicing internist and psychiatrist. We explore how AI is not only shaping clinical care but also transforming the enforcement of health care regulations. With a focus on the ethical dilemmas and potential risks of AI in medicine, Muhamad Aly shares his insights on the future of physician autonomy and patient care in an increasingly AI-driven world. Muhamad Aly Rifai is a practicing internis...
Nov 08, 2024•17 min
In this episode, nurse consultant Beth Boynton joins us to discuss the transformative power of the Medical Improv Toolkit in clinical settings. We dive into how playful, experiential activities can enhance communication, reduce conflict, and foster psychological safety among healthcare teams. Beth shares how these simple yet powerful tools can be seamlessly integrated into meetings and daily routines, creating long-lasting improvements in teamwork and collaboration. Beth Boynton is a nurse consu...
Nov 07, 2024•17 min
We dive into the power of expressive writing with guest Aine M. Greaney, an accomplished writer. Aine shares her personal journey through caregiving, journaling, and emotional healing during a difficult time in her husband’s life. She reflects on how her writing evolved from raw rage to self-reflection, ultimately guiding her toward mercy and understanding. Aine M. Greaney is a writer. She discusses the KevinMD article, " Secret support for this family caregiver ." Our presenting sponsor is DAX ...
Nov 06, 2024•19 min
We sit down with anesthesiologist Kolleen Dougherty as she reflects on her experience of career burnout after two decades at a Level 1 hospital. Kolleen shares the internal struggles that kept her in a job that no longer brought her joy and how fear, loyalty, and the “sunk cost fallacy” contributed to her staying longer than she should have. She opens up about her journey to making the difficult decision to leave and the relief that followed. Kolleen Dougherty is an anesthesiologist. She discuss...
Nov 05, 2024•21 min
We sit down with Alisa Sano, a public health auditor, to explore the world of dietary supplements and the critical role Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) play in ensuring product safety and quality. Alisa sheds light on the hidden details behind supplement labels, how consumers can make informed choices, and the importance of GMP certification in protecting public health. If you've ever wondered how to tell the difference between safe and risky supplements, this conversation is for you. Alisa S...
Nov 04, 2024•21 min
We sit down with Tod Stillson, a family physician and entrepreneur, to discuss how physicians can regain control of their careers in a system designed to push them toward traditional employment. Tod shares his personal journey from being funneled into the corporate health care world to discovering the freedom and financial empowerment that comes with self-employment. Tod Stillson is a family physician, entrepreneur, and Amazon best-selling author of Doctor Incorporated: Stop the Insanity of Trad...
Nov 03, 2024•18 min
We speak with Shivana Naidoo, a child psychiatrist, about the critical steps parents can take to prevent youth suicide. Shivana shares practical advice on recognizing early warning signs, creating a safer home environment with the GO SECURE framework, and empowering families to support children dealing with suicidal thoughts. Shivana Naidoo is a child psychiatrist. She discusses the KevinMD article, " Prevent youth suicide: essential steps for parents to secure their home ." Our presenting spons...
Nov 02, 2024•21 min
We sit down with Angela Nelson, a seasoned health care executive, to discuss the critical role of parent involvement in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Angela shares insights on how health care professionals can foster collaboration with parents, address challenges in balancing evidence-based practices with parental preferences, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness of interventions for children. Angela Nelson is a health car...
Nov 01, 2024•17 min
We dive into the controversial world of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising with health reporter Martha Rosenberg. Drawing from her extensive knowledge, Martha unpacks how DTC drug ads manipulate consumers, fuel hypochondria, and create demand for obscure medical conditions. We also explore the alarming tactics behind soap product advertisements, revealing how fear-based marketing plays on common insecurities to sell products. Martha Rosenberg is a health reporter and the author of Big Food, Bi...
Oct 31, 2024•21 min
We sit down with Marissa Caudill, a psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult mental health, to explore the findings from the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory “Parents Under Pressure.” We discuss the skyrocketing levels of stress among parents, the balancing act of caregiving, financial struggles, and the mental health toll on both parents and children. Marissa shares her insights on how physicians can support parents, foster gratitude, and advocate for systemic changes that benef...
Oct 30, 2024•19 min
We sit down with Maria Iliakova, a bariatric and general surgeon, to explore the exciting ways AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping clinical practice. Maria shares her experiences using AI to enhance hospital staffing, analyze patient data, and predict patient flow in real time. We discuss how AI can help address health care staffing shortages, improve the efficiency of call schedules, and provide more personalized care. Maria Iliakova is a bariatric and general surgeon. She discusses the KevinMD...
Oct 29, 2024•25 min
We sit down with Alopi Patel, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician, to explore the gender-based inequities women face in their careers. Inspired by the metaphor of flamingos losing their pink during times of adversity, we delve into the personal, professional, and physical challenges women navigate throughout their lives. Alopi shares insights on how these challenges impact female physicians and offers solutions to create a more equitable and supportive work environment. Alopi P...
Oct 28, 2024•21 min
We sit down with Amol Shrikhande, a nephrologist, to explore the challenges faced by frontline health care workers in an overburdened system. We delve into the real-world impact of budget constraints, staffing shortages, and administrative decisions on patient care, as well as the emotional toll on nurses and physicians. Amol shares his insights on navigating the delicate balance between quality care and financial pressures, advocating for patient safety, and the silent struggles that many healt...
Oct 27, 2024•20 min
We welcome back internal medicine physician Vijay Rajput. Two years ago, he shared his insights on the KevinMD article, "Top 10 things new interns should do." Today, he returns to discuss updates on those recommendations, with a new emphasis on empathy, compassion, and introducing the power of kindness in medical education and clinical practice. Vijay Rajput is an internal medicine physician. Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft . DAX Copilot, by Microsoft, is your AI assistant for...
Oct 26, 2024•23 min
We sit down with Dennis Hursh, a health law attorney with decades of experience representing physicians in their interactions with hospitals. Dennis shares eye-opening stories of how hospitals use restrictive contracts and aggressive tactics to retain physicians—sometimes even against their will. We explore why these situations occur, what they reveal about the health care system, and what physicians can do to protect their careers and autonomy. Dennis Hursh is a veteran attorney with over 40 ye...
Oct 25, 2024•15 min
We sit down with William Lynes, a urologist, to discuss the complexities surrounding the inclusion of SGID athletes in female sports. William explores the impact of biology on performance, the potential risks for female athletes, and the ethical dilemmas faced by sports organizations today. From historical cases to current controversies at the 2024 Paris Olympics, this conversation delves into the intersection of science, policy, and fairness in competitive sports. William Lynes is a urologist. ...
Oct 24, 2024•14 min
We welcome Ann-Louise Puopolo, a nurse executive, to discuss the critical issue of the nursing shortage crisis and the impact of burnout and technology fatigue on health care workers. Ann-Louise shares insights from her experience at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, exploring how technology can support the nursing workforce, improve patient care, and promote a culture of safety. We also dive into strategies for empowering nurses to speak up, reducing safety incidents, and leveraging arti...
Oct 23, 2024•18 min
We sit down with Taylor J. Christensen, an internal medicine physician and health policy researcher, to discuss his health care incentives framework. Taylor explains how restructuring financial incentives can encourage providers and insurers to deliver higher value for patients. Tune in as we explore the barriers preventing patients from choosing high-value care, how to align competing interests in health care, and the future of innovation driven by better incentives. Taylor J. Christensen is an...
Oct 22, 2024•30 min
We sit down with Oluyemisi (Yemi) Famuyiwa, a fertility specialist and founder of Montgomery Fertility Center, to explore the hidden barriers patients face when accessing fertility medications. We delve into the complex role of pharmacy benefit companies and discuss how their influence can create unexpected challenges, delays, and additional stress for those undergoing fertility treatments. Oluyemisi (Yemi) Famuyiwa is a fertility specialist and founder, Montgomery Fertility Center . She discuss...
Oct 21, 2024•17 min
We sit down with Muhamad Aly Rifai, a practicing internist and psychiatrist, to explore the complexities of health care fraud investigations and the profound impact these cases have on physicians' lives and careers. Muhamad shares his firsthand experience of enduring a seven-year federal investigation that ultimately resulted in a "not guilty" verdict, highlighting the flawed legal system that targets dedicated health care professionals. We delve into the systemic issues within the justice syste...
Oct 20, 2024•20 min
In this episode, we delve into a fascinating yet often overlooked medical phenomenon—near-death experiences (NDEs)—with John C. Hagan III, an ophthalmologist and expert on the subject. Despite being reported by as many as one in five patients who survive critical medical events, NDEs remain absent from most medical curricula, leaving physicians unprepared to recognize and support patients through these transformative experiences. John discusses the key features of NDEs, their impact on patients ...
Oct 19, 2024•19 min
We sit down with Banu Symington, a hematology-oncology physician, to explore a looming health care crisis affecting rural America. As more retirees move to rural communities, the number of health care providers is not keeping pace. Banu sheds light on the growing disparity between rural and urban health care access, the financial challenges threatening the survival of rural hospitals, and the flawed plan to turn these hospitals into triage-only facilities. We discuss the urgent need for sustaina...
Oct 18, 2024•20 min
