Imagine being told that your struggles with obesity aren't your fault, and feeling a wave of relief wash over you. That's the kind of difference a compassionate conversation can make. As a doctor, I always start by reassuring my patients that they're not to blame for their current situation. Seeing…
How do you let patients know you genuinely care? After leaving a room where I've hugged someone or shared a tear, I often tell medical students to find their own way to show love to patients. Not everyone is a hugger, and that's okay. There are countless ways to use…
Ultimately, the fear that I share with so many of my patients is that we will slip even further into the abyss without action. We need to chart a path forward where a new diagnosis doesn’t mean financial ruin. No one should have to choose between life and life savings,…
Investing in American health leads to better long-term outcomes. I reinvented myself with purpose. Now, as a physician and researcher, I’m on a mission to improve cancer care in America. I want to turn my hard-earned lessons into a better future for patients. The fear many of my patients and…
Understanding the four key areas of well-being can transform your life. In this video, I discuss how your external environment, behavior, social support, and mental and spiritual components all play a crucial role in your happiness and quality of life. From nature and social settings to sleep and nutrition, each…
In this episode, we delve into the profound emotional experiences of Ryan McCarthy, an internal medicine physician. Ryan shares heart-wrenching moments from his practice, including the day his heart metaphorically rolled off his arm and crashed on the exam room floor as he comforted a grieving patient, Ginny. We explore…
Think obesity is just about calories in versus calories out? Think again. Science and new medications are showing us that it's much more complex. These tools help address food cravings and the hunger hormone dysregulation in our brains. Of course, eating well and staying active are still crucial. But it's…
Understanding the urgency of reaching out to patients before they reach a breaking point is crucial. Many transgender individuals face an alarmingly high suicide rate, not because of their identity, but due to societal treatment. This toxic environment often leads them to consider taking their own lives. No doctor ever…
Join us for a conversation with John C. Hagan III, an ophthalmologist, as we delve into the innovative use of beta-blockers for treating acute migraines. Discover the journey behind the discovery of Timolol’s efficacy in migraine relief and the challenges faced in securing pharmaceutical support. Gain insights into the potential…
The future of medicine depends on our ability to stay committed despite the challenges. Whether it's taking a sabbatical, reorganizing our lives, or seeking support from our networks, it's crucial that we make those moves. People want to help us succeed because our success benefits entire communities and promotes healthier…
Navigating cancer care can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like no one understands what's truly important to you. Recently, I had a consultation with a man battling advanced bladder cancer who felt lost and unsupported by his medical team. After discussing his priorities, we discovered his biggest concern was…
What really happened during President Biden's debate? As his doctor, it's my responsibility to figure out why he performed the way he did. Why didn't he call his defense secretary by his first name, but by his race instead? Being a doctor is a 24/7 job, and sometimes the most…
I really have to come out and tell you, medical school in the eighties was a different world for someone in the LGBTQ community. I wasn't taught anything about it, and even as a queer person, I never shared my sexuality. The fear of the unknown was real, and my…
In this episode, we sit down with Caissa Troutman, an obesity medicine and family physician, to delve into the pervasive stigma and shame associated with obesity and perimenopause. Caissa shares her personal experiences and patient stories, highlighting the external and internal stigmas faced by individuals with obesity. We explore common…
Is it fair to make speculations about President Biden's diagnosis just through television and newspapers? In this video, I explore the complexities of diagnosing public figures and how telemedicine has changed the landscape. We'll look at the Barry Goldwater rule and discuss whether it's possible to identify certain symptoms from…
Imagine having the weight of someone's life in your hands every single day. As a doctor, that's my reality, and I take that responsibility seriously. When my health began to falter, I had to make the tough decision to step away, knowing I couldn't give my best to my patients.…
We welcome Jennifer Obel, an oncology physician, who shares her personal journey of retiring from a fulfilling medical career due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Reflecting on the recent presidential debate and the health concerns surrounding President Biden, Jennifer draws compelling parallels between her experience and the challenges faced by leaders in…
Recruiting and retaining women physicians in Alabama is a significant challenge that we're actively working to overcome. Currently, women make up only 25% of the physician workforce here, and attracting new doctors, especially to rural areas, remains difficult. We focus on improving conditions for rural practice, expanding Medicaid to support…
We sit down with Carrie Atcheson, a board-certified anesthesiologist and co-founder of Business Mindset MD, to explore the transformative potential of physician-led innovation in health care. We delve into how the acquisition of physician practices and surgery centers by major corporations like UnitedHealth Group is reshaping patient care, and the…
Allyship isn't just a title; it's about rolling up your sleeves and taking action. In this video, I discuss how pediatricians and physicians play a critical role in being sanctuaries for LGBT+ patients. Many of these young individuals face rejection and lack of support at home, making their visits to…
Your personal passions can make you a better doctor. Don't underestimate the power of your interests, no matter how unrelated they might seem to medicine. Whether it's AI-generated art, painting, or writing poetry, there's always something valuable you can bring back to the field of medicine. These creative pursuits can…
Imagine facing a serious illness and feeling like no one understands what truly matters to you. I recently consulted with a man dealing with advanced bladder cancer, frustrated with his care. He was on the right treatment, but the emotional burden on his daughter, who lived far away, was overwhelming.…
In this episode, we explore the complexities of the doctor-patient relationship in a challenging setting with our guest, Joseph Baskin, a jailhouse psychiatrist. Joseph shares his experiences working with inmates who suffer from serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder. These individuals often lack insight into their own…
Did you know that more than 50% of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders with lung cancer are non-smokers? Even more startling, 90% of Chinese American female non-smokers with lung cancer are exactly that—non-smokers, including myself. Ongoing studies in Asia and the U.S. still haven't pinpointed why this specific…