Network restrictions are leading our health care system toward ruin, but what if we could turn things around? I'd love to see a moratorium on these restrictions, at least in our state. If you're a Blue Cross doctor and I'm a Blue Cross patient, there should be nothing stopping us…
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Julia Hotz, journalist and author of The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. We explore the transformative potential of social prescribing, a practice that shifts patient care from focusing solely on treatment to empowering holistic health and…
Can you imagine the impact when a doctor stands up for what's right, and everyone listens? In this video, I share a defining moment when my mentor, Tom O'Donnell, challenged a major network restriction that threatened patient care. Harvard Pilgrim's decision could have disrupted essential cancer treatments, but Tom took…
Epigenetics is transforming our understanding of fertility. In this episode, fertility specialist Dr. Oluyemisi (Yemi) Famuyiwa joins us to explore how lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and environmental exposures influence gene expression through mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modification. Yemi explains the science behind these epigenetic changes, their potential…
Private equity has been quietly reshaping our healthcare system, and the impact is far from positive. It's affecting everything from private practices to emergency departments and hospitals. How do we address this pervasive issue? Even with congressional hearings, the challenge to reverse this trend is daunting. Private equity seems deeply…
Can patients really influence the future of healthcare, or are we just along for the ride? It feels like a daunting task when it comes to changing congressional minds, especially when the conversation isn't even happening. Patients often feel sidelined, with their health benefits dictated by employers, leaving them with…
Join us in this episode as we explore the story of a medical student who redefined her career path after a pivotal moment of self-discovery and patient insight. Our guest, Janet A. Jokela, an infectious disease physician, delves into the lessons learned about career alignment, mentorship, and the vital role…
Deciding to leave my job was one of the best decisions of my life, yet I stayed longer than I should have. It ranks right up there with choosing where to train, marrying my husband, and having my kids. But I realized I should have left 2 to 3 years…
What if staying in your comfort zone is holding you back more than you realize? In this video, I share the personal journey that led me to write an article about the challenges of making tough career decisions. Fear of the unknown and change kept me rooted in place, questioning…
We sit down with psychiatrist Morgan Hardy to explore the complex rise in adult ADHD diagnoses. Morgan shares insights on the growing demand for ADHD evaluations, the impact of social and environmental factors, and the fine line between appropriate treatment and overdiagnosis. We delve into the risks and rewards of…
Contemplating what you want to achieve is crucial because our time here is uncertain. Putting off dreams for tomorrow isn't always wise, and I learned that firsthand. I've spent years waiting for things to improve, whether it was hiring more staff or implementing new systems. But sometimes, those changes don't…
We’re joined by Anand Parekh, internal medicine physician and author of Prevention First: Policymaking for a Healthier America. We dive into the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring the pivotal role of prevention in health policy. Anand discusses the urgent need for stronger public health leadership, effective crisis communication, and…
Contemplating a career change can be daunting, especially when financial stability is a major concern. After 24 years in the same full-time position, I'm taking a step back to figure out my next move. I'm fortunate to have the support of my husband, allowing me to pause and reflect. I…
We dive into the intricate world of food choices, body image, and the science behind nutrition myths with psychologist and author Charlotte Markey. Charlotte unpacks the sometimes overwhelming dietary information people encounter daily, offering insights into making food choices that promote both physical and psychological well-being. From debunking popular nutrition…
Navigating life without a fixed schedule can be both liberating and daunting. In the initial months of stepping away from my role as an anesthesiologist, I found myself wondering how to fill the hours that used to be dictated by early mornings and patient care. Theres a certain satisfaction in…
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…
Change is hard, and our minds often trick us into staying put by raising barriers masked as reasons. I've learned to question these reasons, to see if they're genuine or just illusions keeping me from moving forward. For a long time, I let indecision be my decision, convincing myself that…
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…
Why do we stick with things we don't enjoy, like finishing a book we dislike or sitting through a bad movie? It's fascinating how the sunk cost fallacy plays such a big role in our decisions. I spent 24 years in a job, building my reputation and relationships, feeling trapped…
Transitioning into a new role can be daunting, especially when you feel unprepared. When I first made the leap, anxiety was front and center because I knew so little about running a business. But like many endeavors, it's often about jumping in and learning along the way. It took me…
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…
The big business of medical education is more complex than it seems. With towering buildings and extensive faculties, it all comes at a cost shouldered by medical students. Whats driving this expansion is the understanding that aspiring doctors have access to loans, allowing fees to rise without hindering enrollment. Ultimately,…
Many doctors feel stuck in a system that leaves them powerless and burned out. I'm here to inspire you to take charge of your future and professional life. We can break free from this cycle by empowering ourselves and reclaiming our autonomy. If you're a physician, remember that you don't…
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…