Navigating the complexities of patient care can be emotionally challenging. During my residency, I cared for a patient with a rare gastric cancer whose mother suspected suboptimal care due to insurance issues. Now, I can confidently say that the type of insurance a patient has doesnt influence the quality of…
In this episode, we welcome Brooke Kempf, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, to debunk common myths about schizophrenia and promote a more accurate understanding of the condition. We'll explore misconceptions about the causes and effects of schizophrenia, the impact of socioeconomic status, and the role of genetic and environmental…
The value of obesity training for medical professionals can be truly eye-opening. I'm not suggesting we all start weight loss clinics, but finding a good use for those CME dollars is crucial. When I invested in obesity training, the additional knowledge I gained was remarkable, even though I don't operate…
Facing the emotional and logistical challenges of hospitalization for their baby, families often experience overwhelming stress. Balancing the need to be with their child and the necessity to return to work can be heartbreaking. When parents can't stay with their hospitalized baby, it can lead to increased postpartum depression, reduced…
Join Nisha Kuruvadi, an internal medicine physician, as we explore the intriguing connection between sleep and weight loss. Did you know those precious hours of sleep could be more than just rest? Sleep is a complex interplay of hormones, brain waves, and bodily functions that regulate appetite, metabolism, and energy…
Can changing your diet truly combat major health issues? Weve consistently observed in long-term studies that individuals who adhere to plant-based diets have a reduced risk of lifestyle diseases. More recently, clinical trials have demonstrated that such diets can treat and potentially remit some of these conditions. At the Physicians…
Why do independent physician practices struggle to survive in today's healthcare system? In this video, I discuss how Congress restricts physicians from establishing hospitals and compensates them less than hospitals. This dynamic has allowed larger systems to dominate the market, undermining independent practices. As these systems gain market power, they…
Join us as we sit down with Olivia Ong, a pain and rehabilitation medicine physician from Australia, who shares her remarkable journey of recovery after a spinal cord injury in 2008. Once self-sufficient to a fault, Olivia found herself in a dark place, feeling alone and defeated. Her story takes…
Experiencing the pain of losing a patient to a rare gastric cancer was tough, but dealing with the suspicion of suboptimal care due to insurance was even harder. As a resident doctor, I faced this challenge head-on, trying to provide the best care possible regardless of insurance coverage. Now, I…
It's startling to realize that in the next five minutes, someone in the United States will die from a drug overdose. And there's almost a 72% chance it will be fentanyl-related. As I stand here, it's a bit different from having my rock and roll band behind me, but the…
Join us for a conversation with Zachary Fellows, a rheumatologist who spent nearly four years in private practice navigating the complex intersection of obesity and rheumatic diseases. Zachary shares his journey from giving vague weight loss advice to becoming well-versed in obesity medicine, ultimately transforming his practice and patient outcomes.…
Strengthening muscles and retraining the brain can lead to remarkable improvements in pelvic floor health. Pelvic floor physical therapy boasts an 80 to 85% success rate, especially for minor symptoms like fecal incontinence. I conduct manometry tests before and after therapy, providing objective data to measure progress. For severe cases,…
We welcome Carmen Fong, a colorectal surgeon, to discuss the often overlooked yet critical topic of pelvic floor dysfunction. Drawing from her extensive experience, Carmen shares insights from the Pelvic Floor Symposiums, the challenges of treating pelvic floor patients, and the misconceptions surrounding these disorders. We'll explore the stigma attached…
Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States. We owe at least $220 billion in total medical debt, a figure that surpasses the GDP of half the states in this country. This debt burden leads to healthcare discrimination and delayed care, and its impact goes beyond…
Is a plant-based diet only for the rich and privileged? During a recent dietary sustainability conference, I faced this critical question. Surprisingly, two major studies this year revealed that a whole food plant-based diet can actually save around 16% on average food costs. It's essential not to let the fear…
Join us as we speak with Laura Buchman, a patient advocate and author of NERVE: Surviving Medical Madness. Laura shares her harrowing personal experiences with the medical system, including the overwhelming shock of seeing her son hospitalized with severe acute hyponatremia. She delves into the emotional rollercoaster of advocating for…
Taking care of patients during residency was challenging, especially when trust was questioned. She passed away from a rare gastric cancer, and her mom was always suspicious of the care I provided because of insurance concerns. Now, I can confidently say that insurance status doesn't dictate the quality of care…
Join us as we delve into the experiences of patients with long-term complex conditions who are often met with disapproval or suspicion by medical professionals for being knowledgeable about their own health. Our guest, Denise Reich, a patient advocate, shares her insights on balancing self-advocacy with medical care, navigating the…
High and growing health care costs are hitting us hard, and it's largely because we're the only high-income country without universal health care coverage. In just five years, health care costs have surged by 25%. Instead of standing up for consumers, insurance companies pass these rising costs onto us through…
This bill could be the key to stopping the supply of fentanyl, but it's just the beginning. We need to address the demand side too, or we'll be stuck in the same place. Your first step is commendable, but the real work happens outside this room. Talk to your colleagues…
Join us as we welcome psychiatrist Lewis Cohen to discuss his book, Winter's End: Dementia and Dying Well. In this episode, we explore the ethical dilemmas, legal challenges, and emotional impacts surrounding life-shortening options for dementia patients. Drawing from the perspectives of over 100 experts, Lewis delves into the complexities…
Could our diet be the key to fighting severe illness during a pandemic? In this video, I explore intriguing findings from a recent study across six countries, revealing that individuals following a plant-based diet had a 73% lower chance of experiencing moderate to severe disease. A significant factor appears to…
Why are healthcare costs skyrocketing while our coverage remains inadequate? As the only high-income nation lacking universal health care, we face unique challenges. In just five years, healthcare costs have surged by 25%, yet insurance companies have shifted these costs onto us through deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance. Over the last…
When a patient shares something deeply painful, how do you respond? In this video, I recount a powerful moment with a long-standing patient who opened up about a significant chapter in her life. I've always been a listener and a safe person for her to confide in, and this time…