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…
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…