Hypochondria is being spread by convincing healthy people they have diseases. They create catchy initials like EPI or COPD to make these conditions memorable. Even terms like ED are given a snappy twist to market the disease itself. But what's more concerning is something in advertising known as unbranded disease…
Advertising works, and I've seen it firsthand. Years ago, I created an ad for an orthopedic practice, and runners would tell me they visited the doctor just from hearing it. It's fascinating how a few words can influence decisions. But it makes me wonder, with the power of direct-to-consumer advertising,…
Join us for a conversation with Fazlur Rahman, a hematology-oncology physician and author of Our Connected Lives. In this episode, we explore how Fazlur's journey from physician to patient transformed his understanding of empathy. He reflects on the importance of personal connection in medicine, the impact of a lack of…
Understanding the root of adolescent crises often means looking back at years of unnoticed patterns and problems. As the parent doctor, I help parents recognize these issues before they escalate by focusing on their own well-being. Through the lens of neuroscience, psychology, and spirituality, I provide educational support to empower…
Can a list of severe side effects actually boost a drug's appeal? My research suggests it does, by inducing a hypnotic state that somehow makes the drug more attractive. People get drawn to these high-budget DTC ads, complete with shuffleboard scenes and catchy tunes, which distract from the serious risks.…
We sit down with Paula Muto, a vascular surgeon, who discusses the challenges she’s faced in a health care system on the brink of collapse. From hospital closures driven by private equity to network restrictions that limit patient access, Paula shares her candid insights on how we can rebuild a…
In advertising, the goal is to forge a connection between the audience and the product. During my time at an agency, I worked on marketing a diabetes drug, emphasizing this very relationship. It's fascinating how ads aim to not only inform but sometimes instill fear, suggesting you might be unwell…
We dive deep into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in health care with Muhamad Aly Rifai, a practicing internist and psychiatrist. We explore how AI is not only shaping clinical care but also transforming the enforcement of health care regulations. With a focus on the ethical dilemmas and potential…
The Surgeon General's report uncovers some startling insights into why parents feel twice as overwhelmed as nonparents. Vivek Murthy references a compelling study by the American Psychological Association, examining stress among thousands of American adults. The findings reveal that parents report feeling extremely overwhelmed most of the time, impacting their…
In this episode, nurse consultant Beth Boynton joins us to discuss the transformative power of the Medical Improv Toolkit in clinical settings. We dive into how playful, experiential activities can enhance communication, reduce conflict, and foster psychological safety among healthcare teams. Beth shares how these simple yet powerful tools can…
When the surgeon general's advisory was released, I felt a rush of excitement. Leaving my clinical role at Kaiser Permanente in 2022 to launch the parent doctor was a big step, driven by a mission to help reverse the teen mental health crisis. It's a topic getting ample press, especially…
When parents struggle with mental health, kids feel it too. It's not just severe cases; even mild unwellness can impact children negatively. If we're not fully present, our kids miss out on the support they need. The solution? Prioritize our own health to set a strong example. By putting our…
We dive into the power of expressive writing with guest Aine M. Greaney, an accomplished writer. Aine shares her personal journey through caregiving, journaling, and emotional healing during a difficult time in her husband’s life. She reflects on how her writing evolved from raw rage to self-reflection, ultimately guiding her…
Thinking about the glass half full can truly change your perspective. I've learned that our natural tendency is to dwell on what's missing, but with consistent practice, we can shift our focus to what we've achieved. This simple mindset shift can lead to greater happiness and connection, especially within families.…
Building rapport with parents opens doors to meaningful conversations. Asking simple yet powerful questions like What do you do for yourself? can reveal so much. Sometimes, the answer might be nothing, which sparks deeper dialogue about their choices and desires. It's all about encouraging people to realize they have a…
We sit down with anesthesiologist Kolleen Dougherty as she reflects on her experience of career burnout after two decades at a Level 1 hospital. Kolleen shares the internal struggles that kept her in a job that no longer brought her joy and how fear, loyalty, and the “sunk cost fallacy”…
We sit down with Alisa Sano, a public health auditor, to explore the world of dietary supplements and the critical role Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) play in ensuring product safety and quality. Alisa sheds light on the hidden details behind supplement labels, how consumers can make informed choices, and the…
As parents, we often forget that our time with our children is fleeting and irreplaceable. It's easy to get lost in future worries, but true happiness comes from savoring the little moments now. We need to be more present, less focused on what's not happening, and cherish what we have.…
Is the landscape of medicine shifting right before our eyes? From my perspective, it seems like it is, with a growing number of doctors from diverse backgrounds entering the field. However, the imbalance remains stark, with significantly fewer minority doctors compared to their white counterparts. This disparity poses a challenge…
City Savagesever wondered where that nickname came from? It was coined by our residency program doctor, who constantly reminded us of the resilience we developed by our third year. We tackled every challenge, ran codes across the hospital, and coordinated with EMTs in the emergency room. Whether it was medicine…
We sit down with Tod Stillson, a family physician and entrepreneur, to discuss how physicians can regain control of their careers in a system designed to push them toward traditional employment. Tod shares his personal journey from being funneled into the corporate health care world to discovering the freedom and…
Overcoming obstacles and discrimination has shaped my approach to medicine in a profound way. I've come to believe that everyone, from patients to medical students, has intrinsic value. My goal is to treat each person as an individual, recognizing their unique reality and challenges. Whether it's a patient with a…
We speak with Shivana Naidoo, a child psychiatrist, about the critical steps parents can take to prevent youth suicide. Shivana shares practical advice on recognizing early warning signs, creating a safer home environment with the GO SECURE framework, and empowering families to support children dealing with suicidal thoughts. Shivana Naidoo…
Finding myself labeled as an outsider by my fellow students was a harsh reality. Despite my efforts to bridge the gap, they had already made up their minds that I didn't belong. Faced with this, I turned the tables and focused on what I needed to do to finish school…