Urologist William Lynes discusses his article, "The decline of the doctor-patient relationship." William explains why he believes this relationship, the critical center of medical care, is broken after 40 years of insidious deterioration. He argues that physicians (including himself) gradually relinquished control of clinical decisions, allowing non-clinicians, committees, and government…
There's a refreshing shift happening among the younger generations. They're not just focusing on physical health but also embracing mental well-being. Learning to set compassionate boundaries is key. These aren't rigid walls, but flexible gates that allow us to choose what to let in. This video explores how these adaptable…
Gerontologist Michael Pessman discusses his article, "Why what you do in midlife matters most." Michael explains why the ages of 45-55 are a critical window and final opportunity to build healthy habits that profoundly impact future aging. He highlights new research on "super-agers" and the power of strength training (reducing…
The erosion of trust in public health institutions is a growing concern, and it could have dire consequences for all of us. In this video, we explore the impact of conflicting information from authorities like the CDC and the potential long-term damage caused by such confusion. Learn why this erosion…
Pediatric anesthesiologist Irim Salik discusses her article, "The hidden danger in pediatric dental offices." Irim reveals a terrifying oversight in ambulatory pediatric dental care: children are suffering neurologic injuries or dying during routine sedation, and there is no national database to track these adverse events. She explains how the convenience…
Culturally compassionate care in public health is more crucial than ever. For many, especially those from underrepresented communities, healthcare communication often feels distant and unrelatable. As someone who grew up South Asian, I noticed a gap that needed to be filled. This video explores the creation of resources that resonate…
Dentist Lincoln Harris discusses his article, "How cloud-based simulation training is revolutionizing dentistry." Drawing on his background as a pilot, Lincoln exposes the critical training gap in modern dentistry, arguing that dentists (unlike pilots) are not prepared for real-world, high-stress scenarios. He explains why traditional dental school and "weekend courses"…
We're often taught to always say yes, to take on more, to always be available. But what happens when we start prioritizing everyone else's emergencies over our own well-being? In my article, I coined the term "no emergency." This idea challenges us to recognize situations that feel urgent but aren't…
Neurologist Carolyn Larkin Taylor discusses her article, "How medical gaslighting almost cost me my life." Carolyn shares her terrifying personal story of being dismissed by her long-time gynecologist, who labeled her cancer symptoms as "just stress." She details the frustrating journey of seeking a second opinion, the shocking discovery of…
Organized medical societies are now calling for his removal, but is it too little, too late? The decision to stand by and wait may have been a strategic blunder with lasting consequences. Reflecting on this situation reveals some critical lessons for future public health leadership. - The importance of maintaining…
Pediatrician Wendy Schofer discusses her article, "Why food perfectionism harms parents." Wendy explains how the intense worry over family eating habits and ultraprocessed foods is often a symptom of a deeper issue: perfectionism. She highlights the crushing stress parents, particularly physicians, face when trying to meet unrealistic, idyllic standards of…
Technology has amplified the chaos in our lives. We're constantly bombarded with urgent notifications, from a boss's text during family dinner to a reminder that an item in our shopping cart is running low. These interruptions create a cocktail of emotions-anxiety, guilt, and even catastrophic thinking. Here's what you'll gain…
Certified financial planner Michelle Neiswender discusses her article, "Why physicians should not be their own financial planner." Michelle explains why physicians, despite being brilliant, often make costly financial mistakes when managing their own money. She argues that financial planning is a complex specialty (just like medicine) and that a doctor's…
Public health and healthcare narratives have made strides in diversity, but there's still work to be done. South Asian stories are often overlooked or generalized, and this has real consequences. When cultural beliefs and family dynamics aren't understood, people may disengage from care or delay seeking help. In this article,…
Professor and senior associate dean of engagement Janet A. Jokela discusses her article, "Celebrating internal medicine through our human connections with patients." Janet shares moving stories from medical students who are discovering the profound importance of human connection, often for the first time. She explores how these early, sacred connections…
Shifting the focus from cultural competence to cultural compassion can transform healthcare. In a recent article, I explored why cultural compassion should be at the heart of our approach. It's not just about connecting patients to providers who look like them, but to those who truly value cultural nuances. Here's…
Counselor and certified coach Mary Remón and oncologist Tiffany Troso-Sandoval discuss their article, "Clear communication is kind patient care." They explore the common scenario of patients leaving the office more confused and anxious than when they arrived, overwhelmed by medical jargon and frightening online research. Mary and Tiffany address the…
The war on Tylenol? That's a new one. In a world where even over-the-counter medications become political battlegrounds, how do professionals navigate these turbulent waters? Doctors, traditionally neutral figures, find themselves in a challenging position today. - Learn why the current political climate is prompting doctors to consider more active…
A 13-year-old soccer star suddenly stopped going to school, practice, and even stopped seeing friends. Once a vibrant learner who loved sleepovers and competition, she now faces overwhelming panic at the thought of leaving home. Her loving parents tried everything: therapy, breathing exercises, reward systems, and even tough love, but…
Registered nurse June Pomeroy discusses her article, "How physician obesity affects patient care." June explores the complex realities of weight bias within the medical field, examining how a physician's own struggle with obesity can impact patient care. She highlights the professional stigma physicians face and the documented bias from patients,…
In the world of healthcare, the payment system is often more complex than it seems. As a practicing physician, I was surprised to learn how reimbursement works for procedures done by different specialists. Did you know that the same procedure can lead to different reimbursements depending on the specialist performing…
Health care strategist Dana Y. Lujan discusses her article "Why direct primary care (DPC) models fail." Dana argues that the DPC community's obsession with "purity" is missing the point, stating that these models don't fail over ideology, they fail because of bad math. She uses the University of Houston's $1…
Silent suffering among women in the workplace is more common than we might think. How often do we amplify the voices of women ready for leadership? It's time for a cultural shift. Here are three things you'll learn from this discussion: - Why amplifying women in leadership roles can change…
Physician and professional certified coach Chrissie Ott discusses her article "How an insider advocate can save a loved one." Chrissie shares a terrifying recent story of a friend's elderly, Spanish-speaking mother who was admitted to the hospital and declined rapidly due to medication and dehydration, highlighting how the patient's daughter…