We sit down with Kevin Ramotar, a clinical psychologist and health care executive, to explore the evolving landscape of mental health care. We dive into the challenges of measuring therapeutic outcomes, the role of technology in improving access and care, and the rise of measurement-informed care. Kevin shares his insights…
Working in small rural hospital emergency rooms is a unique experience that challenges you in unexpected ways. Without the bells and whistles of a major medical center, you rely heavily on your skills and resourcefulness. These hospitals are slowly disappearing, being absorbed by larger systems and down converted to what…
Ever wondered how pre-op rituals can impact team performance in the operating room? In this video, I discuss the essential pre-operation checklist that we rely on to confirm patient details and ensure everyone is on the same page. We go through patient names, surgery locations, and other critical information, which…
We sit down with surgeon Charles Dinerstein to explore the complex role of race in medical research and practice. We dive into the historical use of race as a variable in health care, its limitations, and potential alternatives like genetic ancestry and social determinants of health. Together, we examine the…
Balancing patient care with metrics can be a real challenge in the healthcare system. Even when it feels like there's no right answer, just being aware of the framework can help physicians and other healthcare providers feel less conflicted. It's important to recognize when certain metrics don't make sense and…
Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of traditional employment? Many physicians express frustration over being understaffed and under-equipped, leading to inefficiency and burnout. In this video, I discuss how optimizing workflow in your office can significantly boost productivity and efficiency. By taking control through self-employment, you can create a more manageable…
In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist, mindfulness teacher, and expert in holistic heart health. Drawing from his personal journey through anxiety and burnout, Jonathan shares insights from his book Just One Heart, revealing seven timeless traits for vitality and well-being. We explore how he bridges…
How clear are you on your finances? There's so many women and men out there teaching physicians about money, and it's incredibly important. You have to remember that you are often the primary source of income, which is a massive negotiation point. We tend to think of ourselves as easily…
Routine can be a game-changer in achieving consistent outcomes in medical procedures. In this video, I share my thoughts on how sticking to a set process each time can lead to reliable and positive results for patients. From scrubbing the patient's abdomen to ensuring the port is in my left…
In this episode, we sit down with vascular surgeon Adam Tanious to explore the complex relationship between "big business" and modern medicine. Drawing from his experience in the operating room and his deep dive into the influence of medical device companies, Adam sheds light on the ethical challenges faced by…
Breaking free from the traditional employment setting reveals your true market value. In my case, not having a non-compete contract was a game changer. I could take my 5000 patients wherever I wanted, giving me significant leverage. In a small rural setting, this meant the hospital system risked losing a…
In this episode, we sit down with Kyna Fong, a health care executive, to explore the evolution of health technology and its challenges. From the rapid adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) to the current usability crisis, Kyna shares insights on how AI can transform the health care landscape—if we…
How do surgeons develop their own unique rituals in the operating room? In this video, I share insights on how surgeons observe and incorporate techniques from their mentors to create personalized practices. It's fascinating to see how my own methods have been shaped by experiences at different institutions, blending influences…
In this episode, we sit down with J.C. Sue, a practicing board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Tune Rx, a medical music study resource. J.C. shares her unique journey of turning complex medical concepts into catchy songs to make studying more enjoyable and effective. We dive into how music…
I was shocked to discover how much I was being underpaid as a family doctor. Figuring out the EMG MA compensation per work RVU for someone at my productivity level was a game-changer. For the longest time, I assumed my hospital system was compensating me fairly. Turns out, their compensation…
Join us in this episode with Diana Londoño, a urologist, for a thought-provoking discussion on the true essence of intimacy. Together, we challenge the common belief that intimacy is confined to the bedroom, exploring instead the deep emotional and spiritual connections that truly bind us. Diana offers her expert insights…
Feeling trapped financially can lead to burnout and moral injury, especially for physicians. It's crucial to address this aspect to regain control and peace of mind. While I don't work directly with physicians, I recognize the importance of financial education. You've conquered medical school and residency; finances are simpler in…
How does a family doctor make a million dollars a year? In this video, I share a playbook that can be replicated by other professionals. From being an independent contractor to optimizing workflow and layering passive income opportunities like real estate, these strategies can significantly boost your income. Choosing high-demand…
In this episode, neurosurgeon Leon Moores delves into his book, All Physicians Lead: Redefining Physician Leadership for Better Patient Outcomes. He challenges the traditional view of physician leadership as limited to formal titles, exploring how physicians influence patient care, guide health care teams, and mentor the next generation of doctors…
What happens when your definition of being a good doctor leads to burnout? I used to think a good doctor never took breaks, always self-sacrificed, and put everyone else first. But this mindset left me so exhausted that I became useless to both myself and those around me. Its taken…
In this episode, Shirin Towfigh, a surgeon and hernia specialist, delves into the often-overlooked issue of hernias, particularly in women. The discussion highlights the challenges patients face when dealing with chronic pelvic pain and undiagnosed hernias. From gender disparities in diagnosis to the latest advancements in surgical treatment, this conversation…
What does the metric left without being seen really tell us about patient care? This is a common issue in the emergency room, and it's important to understand its implications for both patient safety and hospital operations. On one hand, it highlights the need to ensure that sick patients are…
Taking ownership of our decisions is crucial, much like managing our taxes. Sure, we can have experts guide us, but ultimately, the responsibility falls on us. Just as you can't blame your accountant for a tax mishap, you can't offload accountability for your own choices. This concept resonates deeply in…
Mentoring and supervising medical students and residents used to be a whole different ballgame. Back in the day, academic physicians worked in for-profit hospitals without formal academic contracts. I remember writing a blog post about 20 or 30 years ago on this very topic. It was a significant issue when…