Medicine is about stories. It's about sharing them, hearing patients' stories, and telling our own. On my podcast, I encourage physicians to do just that. They share their experiences—whether it's a difficult patient encounter, an unwanted outcome, or the everyday struggles of practicing medicine. These stories, often suppressed during medical…
The medical education system excels at providing physicians with the academic knowledge they need. However, it falls short in preparing them for the realities of a career in medicine. Many of my guests have shared that upon graduating and entering their first job, they find the experience quite different from…
Join us for an episode featuring Patricia A. Gabow, a nephrologist, as she discusses her book, The Catholic Church and Its Hospitals: A Marriage Made in Heaven? Patrician delves into the origins and evolution of the Catholic health care system in the United States, exploring how Ethical and Religious Directives…
Join us for an insightful discussion with Carol Steinberg, a journalist and patient advocate, as we explore the critical issues surrounding Alzheimer's disease and cognitive screening. Carol shares her personal experiences with the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, highlighting the common mistakes in cognitive assessments and their impact on diagnosis. We'll…
We explore the complex factors contributing to ethnic health disparities in the United States with our guest, Melody T. McCloud, an obstetrician-gynecologist who was bestowed a Distinguished Alumni Award by Emory University School of Medicine. Since 1958, only fourteen women have been so honored, and Dr. McCloud is only the…
In striving to do the right thing, we sometimes fall short. I refer to this as the pernicious idea of the best. Doctors naturally want the best for their patients—the best medicine, the best treatment, the best diagnostic tools. However, if a patient can't afford the best, are we truly…
Here's the deal: most residency programs are closely aligned with major hospitals or large facilities. These programs often benefit from a built-in soft recruiting process associated with their affiliations. One of the primary reasons for hosting a residency is to funnel young doctors into their system. When someone presents an…
Join us for a conversation with Kara Wada, an adult and pediatric allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine physician, as she shares her personal journey with Sjogren’s. Discover how her experience as both doctor and patient has shaped her perspective on patient care, the challenges of diagnosing non-specific symptoms, and the…
Welcome to a special episode of the podcast where we turn the tables on Kevin Pho, the founder of KevinMD. In this episode, pediatrician Lisa Sieczkowski interviews Kevin, delving into his motivations behind creating KevinMD. They discuss the transformative power of reflective reading and writing, as well as the benefits…
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the ability to utilize my medical degree in non-traditional ways. This versatility has paradoxically reinforced my dedication to primary care. Many physicians face demanding schedules, seeing patients for up to 60 hours a week and managing around 30 patients…
Join us for a discussion with Nathaniel Arana, CEO of NGA Healthcare, as we explore the growing influence of private equity firms in the health care sector. Over the past decade, private equity has invested nearly $1 trillion in health care, reshaping the industry from fertility clinics to primary care…
Several steps can enhance patient care and reduce unnecessary costs. First, it's crucial to educate yourself about health insurance details such as deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and prescription medication plans. This knowledge is often not emphasized in medical training, yet it's essential for providing comprehensive care. Understanding the costs of the…
My key takeaway is to remember that there's never just one option. Before making any decisions, take a moment to pause, look around, and explore all available opportunities. Recognize that you have the power to incorporate yourself, and using this power to enter the marketplace can provide you with the…
We dive into the evolving landscape of health care entrepreneurship with our guest, Tod Stillson, a family physician and entrepreneur. Tod shares his journey from traditional employment to establishing his own single-member professional micro-corporation, offering insights into the advantages of this innovative model. We discuss key strategies for minimizing overhead…
Join us as we sit down with Amy Baxter, a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine, to explore the future of pain management. We'll dive into the challenges and advancements in non-opioid alternatives, focusing on the impact of the NOPAIN Act set to transform reimbursement policies in January 2025. Amy…
Medical students are extensively integrating AI into their education, transforming how they learn and prepare for exams. Whether their medical schools support this technological shift or turn a blind eye, the students are leveraging AI in innovative ways to enhance their study routines. They are using AI tools to create…
Join Ann McColl, a patient advocate, and James Whitlock, a neurologist, as they delve into their shared passion for understanding the journeys of patients with complex conditions within the medical system. Ann shares her personal story of overcoming multiple diagnoses, including chronic fatigue syndrome and craniocervical instability, through groundbreaking surgery.…
Join Ananth Ravi, a health care executive dedicated to democratizing health care through innovative image-guided therapeutics. In this episode, we delve into the persistent issue of racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes, exploring how women of color are disproportionately affected by later-stage diagnoses and poorer prognoses. Ananth shares his research…
Less than 1 in 5 people with moderate or severe opioid use disorder is offered any of the three FDA-approved medications for treating opioid use disorder, and these medications are very effective. Alarmingly, not enough people are aware that the entire illicit drug supply is contaminated with fentanyl from Mexico.…
As an emergency physician, I frequently encounter patients with uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes. These chronic conditions, which should be manageable, often bring patients to the ER because they can't afford their medications. During my shifts, I ask patients if they are taking their prescribed medications. Many respond, "No, I can't…
Join us as we delve into the often-overlooked connection between trauma and chronic pain. Our guest, Cindy Perlin, a social worker, sheds light on how unresolved trauma contributes to chronic pain and why this crucial link is frequently ignored by health care providers. We'll explore the findings of the Kaiser…
We delve into the critical issue of burnout in nursing with Andrea Coyle, a nurse practitioner. We explore the distinct symptoms of burnout, how they manifest differently across genders and generations, and the unique challenges faced by nurses today. Andrea shares insights into the specific struggles of baby boomers with…
AI is here to stay, and we must acknowledge its existence and employ it for good. While there are potential harms, by being open-eyed about the future, we can ensure AI is used beneficially and enhances the capabilities of future physicians. AI is revolutionizing healthcare, improving diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment…
Join us as we welcome Neill Slater, an emergency physician, to discuss the critical issue of patient compliance and the hidden costs of health care. We will explore why patients often don't take their prescribed medications, the challenges physicians face when discussing treatment costs, and practical steps to bridge this…