Nonverbal Communication | From facial expressions to tonal authority

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

#Fitness #Self-Improvement #Emergency Medicine #Science #Medicine #Burnout #Leadership #Podcasting Education #Mental Health #Rob Orman, MD #Rob Orman #Careers #Doctor Who #Physicians

22:08

Host Francesca Amiker sits down with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, producer Angela Russo-Otstot, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, and more to uncover how family was the key to building the emotional core of The Electric State . From the Russos’ own experiences growing up in a large Italian family to the film’s central relationship between Michelle and her robot brother Kid Cosmo, family relationships both on and off of the set were the key to bringing The Electric State to life. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

about a year ago 31:33

MP3•Episode home

So, how can one build trust through facial expressions and tone of voice alone?

In this episode, we break down how to silently establish rapport, effective use of pauses, the curious role of your eyebrows, impact of end-of-sentence inflection, how to convey uncertainty with confidence, and why learning a patient’s eye color can pay dividends.

💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡

Guest bio: Bradley Block, MD, is a private practice otolaryngologist on Long Island, New York, where he lives with his wife and three young sons. He is a partner at ENT and Allergy Associates and creator of the Physician’s Guide to Doctoring Podcast. He realized that rapport was the key to gaining trust, seeing patients efficiently, enjoying his practice, and building his reputation. He tried to find a podcast that would help him improve at doctor-patient communication, but there was none, so he created Physician’s Guide to Doctoring! The topics quickly expanded to “everything we should have been learning while we were memorizing Kreb’s Cycle.”

We Discuss:

The "Interest and Authority" Framework for Nonverbal Communication
Facial Expressions: Conveying Interest
Humor and Likability in Patient Interaction
Making Eye Contact and Noticing Eye Color
Attitude and Authority in Patient Care
Effective Communication Techniques
Addressing Patient Concerns and Fears

Mentioned in this episode:

Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event

Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event!

Awake + Aware Bend 2025

5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier

Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death.

Free Resources Link

Doctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized Wins

Every other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.

252 episodes

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

Nonverbal Communication | From facial expressions to tonal authority

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

127 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

So, how can one build trust through facial expressions and tone of voice alone?

💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡

We Discuss:

The "Interest and Authority" Framework for Nonverbal Communication
Facial Expressions: Conveying Interest
Humor and Likability in Patient Interaction
Making Eye Contact and Noticing Eye Color
Attitude and Authority in Patient Care
Effective Communication Techniques
Addressing Patient Concerns and Fears

Mentioned in this episode:

Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event

Awake + Aware Bend 2025

5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier

Free Resources Link

Doctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized Wins

Every other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh.

252 episodes

#Fitness #Self-Improvement #Emergency Medicine #Science #Medicine #Burnout #Leadership #Podcasting Education #Mental Health #Rob Orman, MD #Rob Orman #Careers #Doctor Who #Physicians

All episodes

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
A Guide to Skillful Death Communication with Alex Jabr, PhD 43:48

6 days ago43:48

43:48

Delivering the news of death is one of the hardest yet most overlooked skills in emergency medicine. Many learn by watching others or through trial and error rather than structured training (or just make it up as they go). This lack of preparation can lead to discomfort, stress, avoidance, and even systemic failures in how death notifications are handled. In this episode, we explore the critical components of death communication, how to navigate these difficult conversations with clarity and compassion, and why avoiding or mishandling these moments can have lasting consequences for both providers and families. Finally, we discuss the emotional toll of secondhand grief and the importance of proactive mental health care for those on the front lines of healthcare. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest bio: Alexandra Jabr, PhD, EMT-P, is the founder of Emergency Resilience and a leading voice in the overlooked aspects of first responder training. With nearly 15 years of experience as an EMT, paramedic, cardiac tech, EMS coordinator, and educator, she saw firsthand the emotional toll of the job—especially when it came to death communication. She went on to earn a Master’s in Death, Grief, and Bereavement, followed by a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, focusing on how first responders can maintain their mental health while supporting grieving families and colleagues. Through her work, she’s redefining continuing education, ensuring first responders get the training they truly need—not just another CPR recert. We discuss: Why On-Scene Death Notifications Are So Difficult Challenges in Death Communication Training Practical Steps for Delivering the News of Death A Structured and Compassionate Framework Handling Determination of Death Common Mistakes Secondhand Grief and Provider Well-being Proactive Mental Health for Providers Mentioned in this episode: Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter Awake + Aware | May 5–7, 2025 Bend, Oregon | A 3-day, in-person workshop with world-class faculty to challenge your mindset, recharge your purpose, and connect with people who get it. 18 Hours Category 1 CME Awake + Aware Bend 2025…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
Your First Leadership Role? Start With These 8 Principles 22:38

20 days ago22:38

22:38

Leadership impacts everyone—whether you're steering an entire organization or simply navigating team dynamics. It’s an essential skill, yet it often feels elusive, even for experienced professionals. While every leadership challenge is unique, the core principles remain universal. In this episode, we break down eight critical leadership principles drawn from years of experience, hard lessons, conversations with seasoned experts, research, and coaching leaders at all levels. Plus, we share actionable strategies to help you refine your leadership, whether you're guiding thousands or leading a small team. Want more? Subscribe to our free newsletter, Doctoring Done Well . Every other Saturday, straight to your inbox—strategies to work smarter, lead better, and build a career that lasts. We Discuss: Don’t Worry About Leading, Worry About Listening This is Not Your Dumpster Fire Slow Your Roll You Will Have to Be a Judge, Even When You Don’t Want to Be Model the Values With Behavioral Issues, Build the Pathway, Not Just the Expectation You Don’t Know What You’re Doing—And That’s OK People Do Things for Their Reasons, Not Yours Mentioned in this episode: Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
Active Shooter: Run, Hide, or Fight? 31:56

5 weeks ago31:56

31:56

Violence has a cadence, a rhythm that disrupts the normal flow of life. When an act of violence erupts, the first sign is often a sudden, unexplainable shift in the environment—an eerie silence, a heightened energy, or a gut feeling that something is wrong. But when does that uneasy feeling cross the threshold into immediate danger? In this episode, we explore the critical decision points in an active violence situation in the healthcare/hospital setting, the moral and ethical dilemmas of medical providers staying versus escaping, and tactical strategies for survival. Finally, we break down the "run, hide, fight" approach and how to act decisively when every second counts. Guest bio: Mike Shertz, MD is an emergency physician who spent 13 years as a Green Beret and a Special Forces medic. He is the founder and purveyor of Crisis Medicine , which teaches tactical casualty care to medical professionals. Check out this video that we did together in 2019 on how to place and remove a tourniquet and this one on how to pack a gunshot wound with combat gauze. Want more? Subscribe to our free newsletter, Doctoring Done Well . Every other Saturday, straight to your inbox—strategies to work smarter, lead better, and build a career that lasts. We Discuss: Recognizing an Active Violence Situation Moral Dilemmas: Stay or Escape? Perspectives on Risk and Response Tactical Survival: Run, Hide, Fight Post-Shooting Medical Response…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
The Upset Patient Protocol 31:20

7 weeks ago31:20

31:20

Dealing with an angry, upset patient can feel like walking into an emotional storm. The frustration in the room is palpable, and even the most experienced clinicians can feel thrown off balance. While medical training equips us to handle complex diagnoses and emergencies, it often falls short when it comes to managing interpersonal conflict. That’s where the Universal Upset Patient Protocol comes in—a straightforward, highly effective framework designed to de-escalate tense situations, restore trust, and protect your own emotional bandwidth. In this episode, we explore Dr. Dike Drummond’s original protocol, breaking down each step with specific language to use in the heat of the moment. Finally, we’ll add a few practical tweaks to help make these conversations even more natural and effective in real-world practice. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest Bio: Dike Drummond, MD, is a physician coach, burnout prevention expert, and creator of the Universal Upset Patient Protocol—a step-by-step framework for managing challenging interactions with upset patients. A former family physician, he transitioned to coaching to address the emotional toll of healthcare on providers. As founder of TheHappyMD.com, he’s helped thousands of physicians improve communication, manage stress, and build healthier professional relationships. We Discuss: The Universal Upset Patient Protocol: A Framework for Diffusing Conflict Key Principle: Acknowledgment Over Fixing Step 1: Acknowledge the Vibe and Name the Emotion Step 2: Open the Door for Them to Speak Step 3: Apologize and Show Compassion Step 4: Identify Their Need Step 5: Clarifying Reflection (Rob O Addition) Step 6: Set Boundaries and Expectations Step 7: Express Gratitude Beyond the Protocol: The Magic of Conflict Framework Mentioned in this episode: 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link Upcoming Programs You Won’t Want to Miss! Awake and AwareMay 5–7 | Bend, Oregon - A 3-day, in-person workshop to challenge your mindset, recharge your purpose, and connect with people who get it. The Unburnable CourseStarts September | Online - A 6-month, online program with bi-weekly live coaching. Real strategies for career longevity and resilience. Spots are limited. Check the show notes for details! Our Current Courses Doctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized Wins Every other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh. Sign up for our Newsletter…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
The Emergency Mindset: What Med School Got Wrong 28:46

9 weeks ago28:46

28:46

What defines the unique mindset of an emergency clinician? It’s not just the fast pace or the chaotic environment—it’s the deliberate, top-down thinking that prioritizes patient safety over diagnostic certainty. This approach, though deceptively simple, often flies in the face of traditional medical training, which emphasizes comprehensive differentials and exhaustive workups. In emergency medicine, knowing what the patient needs often matters more than knowing exactly what they have. In this episode, we explore the emergency medicine mindset, the pitfalls of the bottom-up approach, and why experienced clinicians focus on acute interventions and dangerous conditions. Finally, we discuss how humility and strategic communication with patients can make all the difference in mitigating risk and building trust. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest bio: Reuben Strayer is an emergency physician based in Brooklyn, at Maimonides Medical Center. He tweets @emupdates and blogs at EMupdates.com on a variety of emergency medicine topics. His clinical areas of interest include airway management, analgesia, opioid misuse, procedural sedation, agitation, decision-making, and error. His extra-clinical areas of interest include sweeping generalizations and jalapeño peppers. We Discuss: A Critique of Medical School Training and the Bottom-Up Approach Top-Down Approach and Ophthalmology Insights The 8 Responsibilities of Emergency Physicians The Wheel of Dangerous Conditions Top-Down Thinking in Practice Humility and Communication in Emergency Medicine Mentioned in this episode: 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link The UnBurnable Course Career Longevity. Self Mastery. Anti-Burnout. Next cohort begins Sept 2025. The UnBurnable Course Doctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized Wins Every other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh. Sign up for our Newsletter…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
Nonverbal Communication | From facial expressions to tonal authority 31:33

11 weeks ago31:33

31:33

Mastering nonverbal communication can be an elusive task, but the fact remains: what’s unsaid leaves a significant footprint in any interaction. Nowhere is this more palpable than in the medical exam room, where trust and connection between physicians and patients often hinge on subtle, nonverbal cues. So, how can one build trust through facial expressions and tone of voice alone? In this episode, we break down how to silently establish rapport, effective use of pauses, the curious role of your eyebrows, impact of end-of-sentence inflection, how to convey uncertainty with confidence, and why learning a patient’s eye color can pay dividends. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest bio: Bradley Block, MD, is a private practice otolaryngologist on Long Island, New York, where he lives with his wife and three young sons. He is a partner at ENT and Allergy Associates and creator of the Physician’s Guide to Doctoring Podcast . He realized that rapport was the key to gaining trust, seeing patients efficiently, enjoying his practice, and building his reputation. He tried to find a podcast that would help him improve at doctor-patient communication, but there was none, so he created Physician’s Guide to Doctoring! The topics quickly expanded to “everything we should have been learning while we were memorizing Kreb’s Cycle.” We Discuss: The "Interest and Authority" Framework for Nonverbal Communication Facial Expressions: Conveying Interest Humor and Likability in Patient Interaction Making Eye Contact and Noticing Eye Color Attitude and Authority in Patient Care Effective Communication Techniques Addressing Patient Concerns and Fears Mentioned in this episode: Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link Doctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized Wins Every other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh. Sign up for our Newsletter…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
Why You Can't Be Bad at Meditation 18:10

13 weeks ago18:10

18:10

What’s the biggest mistake people make about meditation? Thinking they’re bad at it. Why do they think this? Because they’ve tried meditating, and their mind just won’t shut up! It’s a common misconception that meditation means clearing your mind of all thoughts. But in reality, meditation has little—or nothing—to do with that. If your mind wanders or feels like a crowded room full of shouting voices when you close your eyes, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what’s supposed to happen! A wandering mind isn’t failure—it’s expected, even for seasoned meditators. In this episode, we break down the exact steps of how to meditate, what to do with a wandering mind, and why a flurry of thoughts—popping up like popcorn—doesn’t mean you’re bad at meditation. In fact, it means your mind is working exactly as it should. Ultimately, meditation isn’t about thinking less; it’s about changing how you engage with your thoughts, making it a skill you simply can’t fail. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Mentioned in this episode: Doctoring Done Well | Bite-Sized Wins Every other week, a few minutes of career-elevating insight delivered straight to your inbox. The Doctoring Done Well Newsletter is never lame, never spammy, and always fresh. Sign up for our Newsletter…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
What's It Like To Be A Transgender Physician? 48:31

15 weeks ago48:31

48:31

It started in medical school, when I witnessed the stark reality of the hidden curriculum: a transgender patient referred to as "it" by an attending physician. Over the years, I saw more subtle but no less harmful behaviors—snickers, misused pronouns, quiet biases. I often felt lost in how to respond. Today, transgender identity feels more politically charged than ever. But beyond the politics, what’s it like simply to be transgender? What challenges do transgender patients face—physically, medically, socially, and emotionally? And how do you navigate a world that sees you differently after transitioning? In this episode, Dr. Jailyn Avila shares her story. We cover the deeply personal aspects of transition, from conversations with her wife and kids to navigating professional dynamics as an internationally recognized expert. Dr. Avila offers candid insights into her experience as a physician presenting as both male and female, practical advice for providing better care for transgender patients, and strategies for addressing pronouns and mistakes with grace. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest bio: Jailyn Avila is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, transgender woman, wife, and mother of three. She has been heavily involved in medical education with an emphasis on bedside ultrasound and runs Core Ultrasound, delivering online educational content. In 2021, Jailyn began her gender transition and “completed” said transition in 2023. Jailyn is currently Core Faculty for the UHS SoCal MEC Emergency Medicine Residency in Temecula, California where she also functions as the Associate Ultrasound Director and the Director of Faculty Development. Coming Out to Her Wife Navigating External Frictions and Gender Identity Balancing Personal and Professional Identity The Gradual Process of Transition Work and Social Dynamics Experiences as Both a Male and Female Physician Managing Emotions: The RAIN Method Caring for Transgender Patients in the Emergency Department Impact of Jailyn's Transition on Her Family and Children Understanding Gender and Biological Variations Mentioned in this episode: Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025 Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
Regression to the Mean Isn’t as Boring as it Sounds 37:37

17 weeks ago37:37

37:37

Why do our minds seek explanations for everyday patterns, even attributing a cause where none may exist? "Regression to the mean" offers a statistical lens on why extreme experiences naturally revert to the norm. In medicine, this concept reveals why critical observations and repeated assessments are essential to avoid overreactions to abnormal results. In this episode, we explore the nuances of regression to the mean, breaking down its impact on medical decision-making, patient assessments, and even how we view high-stakes scenarios in healthcare. Finally, we delve into how understanding this principle can enhance clinical judgment and reduce unnecessary interventions. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest bio: Josh Russel, MD, is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine and is double board-certified in Palliative Care and Emergency Medicine. Apart from his clinical practice, he is a writer, educator, entrepreneur, and trivia enthusiast. We Discuss: Superstitions in the Emergency Department Understanding Regression to the Mean Is It a Good Idea to Chastise Fighter Pilots? Blood Pressure Lives on a Bell Curve The Importance of Control Groups Pediatric Visits For Fever Natural History of Disease Processes: Some Are Outliers The Test of Time Balancing Urgency with Thoughtful Testing Thresholds Mentioned in this episode: 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
Five Ways to Connect With Patients 52:08

19 weeks ago52:08

52:08

Being a patient can feel like a lonely experience, especially when you sense your doctor is disconnected. A rushed or disengaged interaction can leave patients feeling unheard and uncared for, no matter how clinically skilled the physician is. At the same time, doctors struggle with overwhelming workloads, which can lead to unintentional detachment from those they treat. In this episode, we explore five ways to build connection in the exam room quickly, why small gestures matter, and how intentional preparation can change the entire dynamic. Finally, we dive into the emotional complexities of patient care and the essential role of listening and presence in preventing burnout. Our conversation centers around the ‘Presence 5 Practices’ from this article . 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest Bio: Clay Smith, MD, is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Vanderbilt University. He is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Pediatrics and the founder of JournalFeed , which provides concise, daily summaries of top medical journal articles. We Discuss: The Disconnect Between Patients and Physicians Why Genuine Doctor-Patient Connections Matter More Than You Think Easing Patient Anxiety and Shame The Impact of Preparation and Focus on Patient Care Listening Intently and Completely Aligning Care with Patient Priorities Building Trust by Connecting with the Patient's Story Understanding Emotional Cues The Delicate Balance of Antibiotic Stewardship Understanding Fear Behind Patient Anger Mentioned in this episode: Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
Mel Herbert on Mediocrity, Forgiveness, and the Cost of Holding Grudges 51:33

21 weeks ago51:33

51:33

Holding onto a grudge can feel strangely delicious, but that sense of righteousness often comes at a steep cost. In this episode, EMRAP founder Mel Herbert joins Rob to unpack a rift that’s lingered for over half a decade—and explore the way forward to healing. We also break down why achievement does not demand extraordinary genius or talent but a shift in how we view our perceived mediocrity. Why the idea that we need to be exceptional to succeed fuels imposter syndrome and keeps us from valuing the potential in our "average" qualities. We examine the pressing challenges of modern medicine, where corporate pressures often clash with the need for human connection, and how clinicians can reclaim compassion and autonomy. Finally, we address the role of forgiveness and communication in personal and professional growth, revealing how setting boundaries and letting go of resentments can transform relationships and renew purpose. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest Bio : Dr. Mel Herbert is an acclaimed emergency medicine educator, entrepreneur, and speaker renowned for his innovative approach to accessible medical education. An Australian-born, U.S.-trained physician, Mel founded EM:RAP, a leading platform providing engaging, high-quality education for emergency care providers globally. His dedication to equitable access led to EM:RAP GO, a nonprofit extending emergency medical training to underserved communities worldwide. Mel’s philosophy, captured in his debut book The Extraordinary Power of Being Average , champions the idea that anyone can achieve remarkable things through dedication and resilience. Currently a Professor of Emergency Medicine at UCLA, Mel also serves as a consultant on the upcoming TV series The Pitt on MAX. We Discuss: The Power of Embracing Mediocrity The Myth of Extraordinary and Why Determination Outshines Talent Turning Weaknesses into Strengths The Evolution of Medical Education The Squeeze of Modern Medicine Emotional Intelligence in Medical Practice Forgiveness and Personal Growth A Dust-Up and Its Aftermath The Weight of Sadness and Forgiveness The Power of Communication Boundaries and Forgiveness – Healing Without Compromising Safety Entrepreneurial Challenges and Lessons: Balancing Vision and Collaboration Mentioned in this episode: Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
The Fine Print of Crushing It | Small actions for big impact 57:56

23 weeks ago57:56

57:56

It's often not the big power moves that change our lives; it's the small, intentional actions. By focusing on micro-skills, even the most ambitious goals become achievable. In this episode, we talk with Drs. Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss about their new book, MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact . We explore how financial literacy, self-presentation, concise communication, and allyship can be developed as essential micro-skills for a successful career. We also navigate workplace dynamics, including recognizing and addressing issues like mansplaining and bropropriating. Finally, we discuss the nuances of learning when to say “yes” or “no,” and the art of timely, respectful communication. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 Guest Bios : ADAIRA LANDRY, MD, MEd, is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School who studied and trained at University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles; New York University; and Harvard with almost a decade of experience mentoring students and early-career professionals. She is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and award winning mentor. She co-founded Writing in Color, a nonprofit that teaches the craft of writing. RESA E LEWISS MD is a professor of emergency medicine, TEDMED speaker, TimesUp Healthcare founder, designer, entrepreneur, and award winning educator, mentor, and point-of-care ultrasound specialist. She studied at Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the NIH Howard Hughes Research Scholars Program, Harvard Emergency Medicine, and Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Roosevelt. She hosts the Visible Voices Podcast, amplifying content in the healthcare, equity, and current trends spaces. They have written for CNBC, Fast Company, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Nature, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Science, Slate, STAT News, Teen Vogue, VOGUE, and USA Today. We Discuss: The Concept of Micro-Skills Financial Literacy and Debt Management Performing a Debt Inventory to Understand the Landscape of Your Debt Appearance Matters and Personal Hygiene is a Skill That Doesn't Always Come Naturally Timing and Context are Critical When Checking In or Providing Feedback We’re Trained to be Cumbersome in Communication When What We Need is to be Succinct Don't Bury The Lead Role-Playing to Improve Communication Learning from Experience and Modeling. Do we Leave Too Much Up to Chance? Micro-Skills for Self-Care and Burnout Prevention: The Art of Saying No Responding to Emails Promptly and Respecting Deadlines are Force Multipliers Addressing Mansplaining and Bropropriating The Power of Allyship Recommended Books Mentioned in this episode: 5 Free Tools To Make Medical Practice Easier Scripts for your least favorite conversations. The quick and dirty guide to calling consults. A 10-minute "Driveway Debrief" to switch off from work. My favorite documentation templates. Step-by-step guide for delivering the news of death. Free Resources Link Awake + Aware Bend May 5-7, 2025 | Our in person live event Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Awake + Aware is a game-changing 3-day workshop where you will learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event! Awake + Aware Bend 2025 Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh. If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our Newsletter…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
Registration for Awake + Aware 2025 is Now Open! 4:27

23 weeks ago4:27

4:27

Ready to reset, recharge, and level up? Join us at our live event - Awake + Aware, a game-changing 3-day workshop from May 5-7 in Bend, Oregon. Learn how to stay cool when the pressure’s on and lock in the mindset you need to flourish. Space is limited. 🖱️ Website: Awakeandawarebend.com 🎓 P.S. Yes, this is a CME event!…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
The Lowest Common Denominator of Communication 11:13

24 weeks ago11:13

11:13

How do you handle your authority being challenged under stress? Even minor communication missteps in high-pressure environments like medicine can create lasting rifts and missed details. While the instinct to push back is strong, it's rarely the best response. We share a story of miscommunication between a resident and a nurse, highlighting the importance of humility and inquiry in clinical settings. We examine why leading with curiosity instead of ego can save time, build trust, and improve patient care. 💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡 We Discuss: Because I Said So Cherubic Buddha vs Grumpy Gravel You May Feel Frustrated, That's OK Pushing vs Pulling Tell Me What You're Thinking The Three Reasons Why a Nurse Might Question a Doctor's Order Why Inquiry Saves Time and Improves Care The Other Person's Special Knowledge…

Stimulus - Learn Tools to Crush It in Your Medical Career

1
How to be a Good Boss and Navigate a Bad One 48:53

25 weeks ago48:53