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…
Understanding what truly matters to patients can transform their healthcare journey. Start with the personal health inventory, a tool we've adapted from the Veterans administration for broader use, including oncology settings. It takes less than 30 minutes and fits perfectly into the intake process. By discussing their priorities, we help…
Join pediatrician Uchenna Umeh as she shares her personal journey and professional insights on creating a more inclusive and affirming health care environment for LGBTQ+ patients. We delve into the challenges transgender individuals face in medical settings, the importance of understanding intersectionality, and practical strategies for health care providers to…
What if you could apply the lessons from one field to excel in another? During my undergrad years studying psychology, I worked with Professor Dean Simonton, an expert in creativity and genius. He was passionate about understanding what made someone truly exceptional in their field, regardless of the discipline. This…
Understanding cancer treatment means looking beyond the tumor to the whole person. In this video, I summarize a book my colleague, Alyssa McManaman, and I wrote about integrating whole person care into cancer treatment. We discuss how the industry often focuses solely on eliminating cancer cells, driven by fear rather…
Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the world of creativity and wellness with Charity Hix, a burnout and wellness coach, and Kim Downey, a physician advocate and physical therapist. We explore how nurturing creativity within the medical field can help mitigate burnout, enhance problem-solving abilities, and…
Imagine a world where healthcare feels personal and accessible, not a massive, bureaucratic maze. In the U.S., healthcare has ballooned into a gigantic industry, but it doesn't have to be this way. Think back 100 years in America, when doctors were solo practitioners and hospitals were run by local communities…
Catching lung cancer early can be a lifesaver, especially for non-smokers. I was incredibly fortunate to be diagnosed at stage one, with no spread to my lymph nodes. This meant I didn’t need chemotherapy and underwent a curative right upper lobe resection. I've been on targeted therapy, and I’m set…
What if the secrets to genius could cross the boundaries between fields? As an undergrad studying psychology, I had the chance to learn from Dean Simonton, an expert in creativity and genius. He was fascinated by geniuses, regardless of their fields, and aimed to understand what made them exceptional. This…
In this episode, we sit down with Francisco M. Torres, an interventional physiatrist and author of Beyond Diagnosis: Perspective in Medicine and the Human Experience. Join us as we explore the theme of humanizing medicine in an era of increasing standardization and technological advancement. We discuss the profound influence of…
Bonuses and benefits can be game-changers in your compensation package. Your bonus is the reward for hitting a specific target, like a signing bonus or improving hospital readmission rates. These are straightforward but impactful. Then there are the bennies that don't go into your bank account but can significantly enhance…
Uncover the secrets to making your workday more enjoyable and productive. In this video, I share a unique mnemonic that has transformed how I interact with my colleagues and manage my day. It's all about adding color to your workday through connection, gratitude, laughter, curiosity, and relaxation. From chatting about…
Join Alice S. Y. Lee, an emergency physician and lung cancer survivor. Alice shares her journey from a nonsmoker to a lung cancer survivor, shedding light on the health disparities faced by Asian American female nonsmokers. Discover how her diagnosis came about, the misconceptions surrounding lung cancer in nonsmokers, and…
Hospitals consolidate not to improve quality or lower prices, but to raise them. Insurance companies, on the other hand, consolidate to play hardball, making it tough for small hospitals to survive. This tug-of-war between these giant industries leaves doctors, nurses, and patients as collateral damage. What are your thoughts on…
Imagine a decision that impacts your community being made by someone who has never even set foot in it. That's the reality when executives, driven solely by spreadsheets and bonuses, call the shots from miles away. Wouldn't you prefer those decisions to be made by someone who understands and lives…
Imagine a schedule that truly honors your lifestyle goals. You must be open to exploring your options, even if you don't plan on leaving your current situation. Think about clinical care; there are usually various treatment options, each with different risks and chances for success. In my practice, doctors succeed…
Join us as we explore the critical issue of carceral censorship and its impact on incarcerated individuals' access to health information. Our guest is Brian Tuohy, an assistant professor of bioethics, who shares his perspectives on the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding this issue. We'll discuss real-life stories like that…
Health care reform isn't just a public versus private debate; it's about the relationships between physicians and their patients. When we shift our focus from big versus small, we can find better ways to support these crucial connections. Health care is a personal service, deeply rooted in local communities and…
The contrasting motivations between doctors and MBAs in healthcare are more significant than you might think. In my 15 years in the industry, I was always focused on the next promotion, making my boss look good, and balancing the budget. Doctors, on the other hand, are driven by entirely different…
Join us as we sit down with writer Robin D'Amato to discuss her book, Sugar-Free. Robin delves into the inspiring journey of Ginny Eastman, a girl whose passion for basketball begins at six years old despite her battle with juvenile diabetes. We'll explore how Ginny overcomes physical and societal challenges,…
Finding the balance between work and life is a top concern for many doctors. I've spoken to numerous physicians who stress the importance of not working excessive hours, allowing them to be present for both their families and patients. Another common issue is the lack of consistent support staff, which…