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 cognitiv…

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, and find balance bet…

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 ADHD 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 own needs. We’ll dive into the chal…

Join us for a conversation with Michelle Tollefson, a physician specializing in lifestyle medicine, obstetrics, and gynecology. Michelle shares her transformative experiences visiting Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's Blue Zones where people live longer, healthier lives. We'll explore how these communities' habits align with the pri…

In this episode, we celebrate Women in Medicine Month with guest Janet A. Jokela, an internal medicine and infectious disease physician. We dive into the experiences and challenges women have faced across generations in medicine, from pioneers like Elizabeth Blackwell to today’s leaders. Janet shares personal stories of confronting gender bias, dis…

We sit down with Ben Reinking, a board-certified pediatric cardiologist, medical educator, and certified physician development coach, to explore the challenges and rewards of medical training. We dive into themes of delayed gratification, maintaining work-life balance, and how medical students can navigate the tension between professional identity …

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 on how this data-driven a…

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 evolving understanding of race, ethnicit…

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 the gap between West…

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 surgeons today. We discuss how sales r…

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 learn from past mistakes. We discuss the pot…

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 can improve memory retention, reduce str…

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 on how to nurture these bo…

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 …

We sit down with Christina Stach, a medical student who shares her powerful journey of navigating the financial hardships of medical education. Christina's story sheds light on the unique challenges faced by first-generation, low-income students and the impact of these struggles on mental health, diversity in specialized fields, and the future of h…

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 …

Join us as we explore two compelling case studies featuring Jon Appino, the driving force behind Contract Diagnostics. In the first, three interventional radiologists, earning over $700k but under-compensated by market standards, sought Jon's expertise to update their outdated eight-year pay structure. Despite paying their own malpractice insurance…

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of obesity with gastroenterologist Pooja Singhal. Together, we explore the media's portrayal of new obesity medications, the harmful misconceptions surrounding obesity, and the vital need for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Pooja sheds light on the barriers patients face in accessing care, t…

In this episode, we sit down with Jay Anders, a physician executive, to discuss the evolving landscape of health care. We explore his unique insights on leadership, the challenges facing today's medical professionals, and the critical role of technology in shaping the future of patient care. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the …

In this episode, we sit down with Amaka Nnamani, a pediatrician who shares her powerful story of starting her residency while four months pregnant. Amaka discusses the unique challenges she faced balancing her medical training with motherhood, the shortcomings of maternal leave policies in the United States, and the broader implications for women i…

In this episode, we explore the urgent need to redefine physician identity in today's health care landscape. Joined by health care executive Olivia Morris and physician advocate Kim Downey, we delve into the challenges physicians face in maintaining their well-being, the impact of systemic issues on their sense of self, and the steps needed to rest…

Join us in this episode as we dive into the powerful story of "Max," a patient who steadfastly refused all vaccines despite his well-controlled HIV infection. Through persistence, respect, and trust, our guest Janet A. Jokela, an internal medicine and infectious disease physician, shares how she gradually guided Max to finally accept vaccination. J…

Join us on this episode as we talk with Tod Stillson, a family physician and entrepreneur, who has successfully transitioned from traditional employment to becoming a high-earning independent contractor. Tod shares his journey, revealing the limitations of traditional employment models in primary care and how he broke free to thrive in a "third spa…

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of rituals and superstitions in surgery with Carmen Fong, a colorectal surgeon. Discover how these seemingly irrational practices impact surgeon performance, confidence, and patient outcomes. Carmen shares personal anecdotes and insights on the psychological mechanisms behind these rituals, balanc…

We sit down with Scott Abramson, a retired neurologist with over 40 years of experience, to discuss the pervasive issue of physician burnout and moral injury. Scott shares his insights on the external pressures from EMR guidelines, hospital administration, and big pharma, as well as the internal myths that contribute to these challenges. He delves …

We sit down with Ellie Qian, a medical student, to discuss the profound experiences that shape the journey of becoming a compassionate health care professional. Ellie shares a transformative encounter from her first year in medical school, where she practiced medical interviewing with a standardized patient, Chris, who has stage 4 metastatic lung c…

We sit down with Carine Carmy, a health care executive, to explore the often overlooked world of pelvic floor health. Carine shares her personal journey and sheds light on why many women, like herself, discover the importance of pelvic floor health far too late. We dive deep into the pervasive gender bias in health care, the connection between pelv…

Join Deborah C. Smith, a nurse who shares her courageous battle with T-cell lymphocytic leukemia and aplastic anemia. Diagnosed in 2017, Deborah navigated extreme fatigue, frequent transfusions, and challenging chemotherapy regimens before finding hope in ATGAM equine immunotherapy. Despite facing severe side effects and a subsequent diagnosis of c…

In this episode, we explore the Augusta Rule, a unique tax strategy that allows homeowners to rent out their property for up to 14 days annually without paying taxes on the rental income. Our guest, Alexis E. Gallati, a tax strategist, will break down the fundamentals of the Augusta Rule, its benefits, and how homeowners can implement this strategy…

In today's special sponsored episode, we feature Texila American University College of Medicine (TAUCOM) in Guyana. Dr. Dheeraj Bansal, dean of medicine, and Dr. Nisarg Patel, director of admissions. provide an in-depth look into why TAUCOM is a compelling choice for aspiring medical students. They discuss the university’s unique curriculum, which …

We dive into the intriguing world of endurance exercise and cardiovascular health with our guest, John C. Hagan III, an ophthalmologist and veteran endurance athlete. John shares his personal journey with long-distance running and the unexpected health challenges he encountered. We explore the latest research on the potential risks of excessive end…

Join us for an insightful podcast episode featuring Shideh Shafie, an emergency physician. We'll delve into the profound values that drive physicians to serve humanity and alleviate suffering, and discuss the impact of corporate-driven metrics on the medical field. Shideh shares her experiences and strategies for balancing institutional pressures w…

Join Nikki Keefe, an interventional radiologist, as we delve into the complexities of uterine fibroids and the disparities in treatment access. Despite uterine fibroids affecting up to 70 percent of women and causing severe symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility, many, especially Hispanic and rural patients, are unawar…

We delve into the critical issue of physician burnout with Jillian Bybee, a pediatric intensive care physician. Jillian shares her firsthand experiences from the front lines of health care, discussing the unique challenges faced by pediatric intensivists and the broader implications for medical professionals. Tune in as we explore strategies for ma…

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Isabelle Tran, a medical student and writer, to explore the intersection of technology and health. Inspired by her poem "AI Ally," Isabelle delves into the emotional journey of patients receiving a serious diagnosis like thyroid cancer. We discuss how AI and search engines can be both a lifelin…

Join us as we delve into the evolving landscape of physician employment agreements with Dennis Hursh, an attorney. Discover the significance of the new Individual Specialty Residency Program Agreements that compensate physicians for mentoring residents. We explore the potential long-term impacts on medical education, the challenges of implementing …

Join radiation oncologists Shannon MacDonald and Sean McBride as they delve into the evolving landscape of telemedicine in oncology. They discuss the significant improvements telemedicine brought during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges and legal barriers now faced with cross-state telemedicine, and how these restrictions impact patient care, p…

Join us for a conversation with Tracey O’Connell, a radiologist and physician coach, as we explore the hidden challenges within the medical profession. In this episode, we delve into the unsettling experience of facing a mandatory performance review, the strain it places on trust among colleagues, and the emotional turmoil it can cause. Tracey shar…

In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of burnout among health care providers with our guest, Susan Landers, a retired neonatologist. We explore the alarming rates of burnout and depression among physicians and nurses, with a special focus on the unique challenges faced by female health care professionals. Susan shares her personal journ…

Join Steven L. Chen, a breast surgeon, as we delve into the advancements in breast cancer treatments and the challenges of managing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). As survival rates improve, the focus is shifting to addressing the long-term side effects, particularly lymphedema, which significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Steven…

We sit down with Claire Ellerbrock, a nurse practitioner with a background in psychiatric and behavioral health care. Claire shares her powerful and transformative experience with a patient named John, whose tragic passing highlighted the systemic failures in the treatment of individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). Claire discusses the signif…

Join us for a conversation with Jillian Rigert, an oral medicine specialist and radiation oncology research fellow. Jillian shares her journey of overcoming mental illness during medical school, redefining self-worth, and challenging harmful societal values. She discusses the importance of living authentically, the role of meaningful relationships,…

Join us as we explore the world of clinician wellness and mental health with three remarkable guests. Kim Downey, a physician advocate, shares her insights on supporting health care professionals. Betsy Gall, author of The Illusion of The Perfect Profession, opens up about her personal journey and the challenges faced by physicians. Pamela Marie Ho…

Join us as we explore the world of microplastics with fertility specialist Oluyemisi (Yemi) Famuyiwa. Learn about microplastics, how they permeate our environment, and their potential effects on human health and fertility. Yemi will share insights from recent studies, including the presence of microplastics in reproductive organs and their implicat…

In this episode, we welcome Brooke Kempf, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, to debunk common myths about schizophrenia and promote a more accurate understanding of the condition. We'll explore misconceptions about the causes and effects of schizophrenia, the impact of socioeconomic status, and the role of genetic and environmental fac…

Join Nisha Kuruvadi, an internal medicine physician, as we explore the intriguing connection between sleep and weight loss. Did you know those precious hours of sleep could be more than just rest? Sleep is a complex interplay of hormones, brain waves, and bodily functions that regulate appetite, metabolism, and energy balance—vital factors in weigh…

Join us as we sit down with Olivia Ong, a pain and rehabilitation medicine physician from Australia, who shares her remarkable journey of recovery after a spinal cord injury in 2008. Once self-sufficient to a fault, Olivia found herself in a dark place, feeling alone and defeated. Her story takes a transformative turn when she discovers a center fo…

Join us for a conversation with Zachary Fellows, a rheumatologist who spent nearly four years in private practice navigating the complex intersection of obesity and rheumatic diseases. Zachary shares his journey from giving vague weight loss advice to becoming well-versed in obesity medicine, ultimately transforming his practice and patient outcome…

We welcome Carmen Fong, a colorectal surgeon, to discuss the often overlooked yet critical topic of pelvic floor dysfunction. Drawing from her extensive experience, Carmen shares insights from the Pelvic Floor Symposiums, the challenges of treating pelvic floor patients, and the misconceptions surrounding these disorders. We'll explore the stigma a…