Retired nurse practitioner Heidi Sykora discusses her article, "The case for regulating, not banning, kratom." She provides an evidence-based perspective on why kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) should not be treated as a dangerous opioid, clarifying the significant pharmacological difference between the natural kratom leaf and the potent, synthesized 7-OH. Heidi explains…
Choosing life is a daily decision, not just a one-time choice. Every moment presents an opportunity to embrace the unwritten chapters of your story. In this video, we explore the power of resilience and the importance of pushing through life's challenging chapters. You'll learn why each day - even each…
Family physician Rebecca Thompson discusses her article, "The weight of genetic testing in a family," an excerpt from her book. She shares a profoundly personal story from the memoir about a woman who is a carrier of the Huntington's disease mutation and an expectant mother facing the agonizing wait for…
Navigating the world of initial contract negotiations can be a bit tricky, especially for physicians considering joining a new group. But what about those side gigs and intellectual property aspirations? Should they be part of the conversation from the start? This video sheds light on the delicate balance between pursuing…
Emergency physician Resa E. Lewiss and health care executive Jake Horowitz discuss their article, "Why women ER doctors earn $21,000 less than men." They reveal staggering new data that shatters the myth that the gender pay gap does not exist in emergency medicine, showing how it persists even after controlling…
Financial toxicity is a silent threat lurking in the shadows of cancer treatment, affecting more than just wallets. Recent studies reveal a startling connection between financial hardship and the survival rates of cancer patients. Viewers will learn how declaring bankruptcy can significantly increase the risk of mortality for those battling…
Nationally recognized psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "How insulin resistance may cause Alzheimer’s disease." Muhamad introduces the paradigm-shifting concept of Alzheimer’s as "Type 3 diabetes," arguing that insulin resistance in the brain is the root cause. He explains how this metabolic dysfunction starves…
Feeling like you're constantly being pulled in every direction? In a world where everything is snowballing faster than ever, it's easy to get swept away by the rush. Discover how slowing down can transform your family's mealtime experience and alleviate the stress and anxiety that come with it. By focusing…
Health care executive Ronke Lawal discusses her article, "Digital mental health’s $20 billion blind spot." Ronke explains how the booming digital mental health industry is systematically failing 40 percent of the U.S. population (racial and ethnic minorities), ignoring a $20 billion market opportunity. She argues that the "one-size-fits-all" model, based…
Having someone with the right knowledge in the room can change everything. In this video, we explore how just a few words can lead to life-altering decisions and outcomes. From avoiding psychiatric facilities to extending a loved one's life, the impact is profound. With the right information, one child received…
Fertility specialist Oluyemisi (Yemi) Famuyiwa discusses her article, "How timing affects chemical exposure risks." Yemi introduces her fascinating concept of "chrono-exposomics," explaining how the time of day you are exposed to environmental chemicals may be as important as the dose. She reveals how our body's circadian rhythms (like liver detoxification…
Listening to your intuition can be life-saving, as one patient's story reveals. Imagine being on the brink of a critical health decision and choosing to trust your instincts over medical advice. In this video, you'll hear a personal account of how intuition led to early detection and a triumphant battle…
Psychiatrist and author Arthur Lazarus discusses his article, "Finding integrity at the end of a career." Arthur shares the poignant narrative of Dr. Raul Morales, a community internist facing retirement with a deep sense of despair, questioning if his forty-year medical career truly mattered. Through the powerful fable of the…
Social media is flooding us with perfect snapshots, but how much does this influence our anxieties? In this video, we explore the overwhelming impact of idyllic images on our mental health. Gain insights on recognizing the constant bombardment of these "perfect" moments. It's eye-opening to consider that about 90% of…
Health care strategist Dana Y. Lujan discusses her article, "Grief and leadership in health care." Dana shares her devastating personal story of losing both her son's father and, six years later, her only son, Joey, and how this profound grief exposed the failures of the health care system when faced…
When a loved one is in distress, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. Imagine navigating a medical crisis without the right vocabulary or understanding of the situation. In this video, we explore the challenges faced when an elderly Spanish-speaking mother develops agitated delirium in a rehab center. Learn how…
Oncologist and health care executive Yousuf Zafar discusses his article, "When cancer costs too much: Why financial toxicity deserves a place in clinical conversations." Yousuf explains the concept of "financial toxicity," a severe burden caused by both direct medical bills and indirect costs (like time off work or child care)…
Medical gaslighting can be as subtle as a sigh or a smirk, leaving patients feeling dismissed without a word spoken. Explore how nonverbal cues from healthcare professionals can impact patient trust and understanding. In today's fast-paced medical environment, where documentation takes center stage, these silent signals speak volumes. Patients are…
Licensed attorney Anu Murthy discusses her article, "A lawyer’s guide to physician side gigs." Anu details why the pandemic caused an explosion in physician side gigs (from telehealth to passion projects) and why many doctors are seeking new income streams, driven by everything from burnout to the FIRE movement. She…
Perfectionism is quietly shaping the health of our military service members and their families. In this video, we explore the surprising connection between strict health rules and the rise of eating disorders. You'll gain insights into how a rule-based approach to health can have unintended consequences. Did you know that…
Pediatric emergency medicine physician Bronwen Carroll discusses her article, "The childhood risk we never talk about." Bronwen explains the staggering data showing child sexual abuse is far more common than many other hazards (like choking or drowning) that parents routinely prioritize for prevention. She explores why this epidemic of sexual…
Navigating the healthcare system can feel like an overwhelming maze, especially if you don't have an insider's guidance. In this video, we explore the challenges faced by those without family members in medicine and how it affects their ability to get the care they need. You'll learn about the unique…
Nationally recognized psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "The rise of digital therapeutics in medicine." Muhamad explains what prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) are, emphasizing they are not wellness apps but Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared, evidence-based software prescribed by clinicians to treat specific diagnoses.…
Trust your gut and speak up for your health. In this video, we explore why self-advocacy in healthcare is crucial and how it can lead to better outcomes. You'll learn how to confidently question your doctor and discuss your symptoms without fear. Studies show that patients who communicate openly with…