It's shocking to realize how financial constraints deeply impact our medical education system. Many of us find ourselves making tough choices that directly affect our learning experiences. This situation highlights why medicine has been so exclusive for so long. We often picture doctors as part of a legacy, passing down…
Feeling like communication has hit a wall? In this video, I discuss how curiosity can break down barriers in any relationship. By asking open-ended questions like Tell me more, you invite genuine connection and understanding, whether with a patient, spouse, or friend. It's fascinating how a simple shift can dissolve…
Authenticity and vulnerability are key, both inside and outside the bedroom. If you don't feel that connection, it's perfectly okay to say no to the physical act of sex. Engaging in sex without genuine connection can feel inauthentic and is a transfer of energy that may not align with your…
We sit down with Dike Drummond, a family practice physician, to explore how AI-powered note-writing software is revolutionizing medical documentation. While these tools offer short-term relief to overworked physicians by drastically reducing charting time, could they ultimately lead to increased patient loads and a new form of burnout? Dike Drummond…
Imagine the impact on an entire community when its largest employer faces potential closure. Glenwood, a key economic driver in West Monroe, has seen its workforce shrink from over 1200 to around 750 employees. The closure would hit hardest on those in maintenance, janitorial, and clerical positions, with limited job…
We dive into the transformative power of internal language with clinical psychologist Faust Ruggiero. Discover how the words we use to communicate with ourselves shape our emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Faust shares practical strategies for retraining the brain to move away from negative thought patterns, replacing them with positive, productive…
Sometimes, the struggle is as simple as affording basic needs. During my family medicine rotation, a financial mix-up left me unable to cover hotel bills, maxing out my credit card, and surviving on granola bars and lobby snacks for three days. It wasn't about missing out on luxury; it was…
We explore the rising prevalence of allergies in the U.S., with nearly 1 in 3 adults and over 1 in 4 children affected. Gary Falcetano, a health care executive, explores how primary care providers are stepping up to fill the gap left by a shortage of allergists. We discuss the…
Can being a W-2 employee truly bring long-term satisfaction for doctors? In this video, I share my journey of transforming my career through real estate investments and leasing my medical office building back to the hospital. This strategy created a passive income stream for me, presenting an alternative path for…
Can changing our medical education system solve the rural healthcare crisis? Some states, like Illinois, are already taking steps to address this issue. At the University of Illinois, there's a program designed to help students who want to practice in rural areas. This program gives these students the tools and…
We sit down with Justin Houman, a urologist specializing in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, to explore the latest advancements in inflatable penile implants. Justin discusses how these innovative devices have evolved to offer enhanced reliability, improved aesthetics, simplified surgical techniques, and customizable options. We’ll dive into the importance of…
Imagine having to choose between practice tests and a warm meal. As a low-income student, I faced decisions that many of my friends couldn't even fathom. Throughout undergrad, post-bac education, and the first two years of medical school, I juggled work and studies. But during clinical education, time constraints forced…
We sit down with Roy Hamilton, a professor of neurology, psychiatry, and physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania. Roy shares insights from his research on using non-invasive brain stimulation to help individuals with cognitive problems caused by neurological disorders. We dive into common misconceptions about cognitive aging,…
What does it mean to make medicine your home when you don't have one? In this video, I share the journey of navigating medical school as a low-income student. From working through undergrad and post-bacc education to living out of my car during clinical rotations, I discuss the tough choices…
A heartbreaking incident that brought everything to light was the tragic death of a 39-year-old woman. She came to the hospital for what should have been a routine childbirth. After giving birth, she experienced severe bleeding. A device called an embolism coil might have saved her life, but none were…
We sit down with W. Ben Utley, a certified financial planner specializing in helping physicians navigate the unique financial challenges of their careers. We explore how doctors can break free from the pressure of paying off debt while maintaining strong relationships with their families, define what "enough money" truly means,…
Medicine can look like anyone. It doesn't have to be about starched linens and perfect ties. Everyone can become a physician, no matter their background. We need to break down the barriers and let people with diverse stories into the field. Reducing tuition, increasing grants and scholarshipsthese steps make it…
Witnessing the devastating effects of a company putting profits over patient care is heartbreaking. I've seen firsthand how reducing overhead to benefit stakeholders can neglect the very people who need help the most. Patients, families, and staff all suffered as essential resources dwindled under steward's ownership. Repairs that should have…
We sit down with family physician Emma Hostetter, who shares her deeply personal journey navigating the challenges of parenting a neurodivergent child with ADHD. Emma opens up about the emotional toll, the gaps between her medical knowledge and real-life experience, and the transformative shift in her parenting approach. Through reframing…
Feeling like my parenting was turning into a series of superstitious rituals, I started reflecting on why that might be. It reminded me of how high-performance athletes, like major league baseball players, rely on routines and superstitions to enhance their performance. Interestingly, research shows that these rituals not only improve…
Ever wondered what it's like to be on the front lines of healthcare? In this video, I share a unique perspective on the corporatization of healthcare, specifically at Stewart Hospitals. We, the front line providers, deliver over 90% of the care here and have witnessed firsthand the horrific suffering and…
We sit down with Laura Suttin, a family physician, to explore the emotional complexities of setting boundaries, especially in times of personal and professional pressure. Laura shares her deeply personal experience of caring for her aging rescue dog and how it became a pivotal moment in learning to prioritize her…
Are you noticing that your voice as a physician is finally being heard in the health IT space? It's certainly more valued now than when I first started. Back then, it felt like there was a wall against asking clinicians what they truly needed from healthcare IT systems. While some…
Why is it so hard to get what we really need in healthcare? Despite our local administration and hospital CEO acknowledging the need and wanting to support it, corporate always says no. In our recent contract negotiations, we pushed for a third nurse on night shifts. We asked repeatedly, but…