The Podcast by KevinMD

Medical student Chuka Onuh and orthopedic surgery resident Ogechukwu Onuh discuss their article, "A sibling's guide to surviving medical school." They share lessons learned as siblings navigating medical training, focusing on the critical need to be intentional with time and avoid the "illusion of productivity." Chuka and Ogechukwu emphasize that study habits must be adaptable (like switching from Anki to practice questions for USMLE exams) and that students must learn to advocate for themselves. The conversation also explores the biggest challenge of the medical school journey: protecting your identity outside the white coat, prioritizing relationships, and building resilience to...

Retired nurse practitioner Heidi Sykora discusses her article, "The case for regulating, not banning, kratom." She provides an evidence-based perspective on why kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) should not be treated as a dangerous opioid, clarifying the significant pharmacological difference between the natural kratom leaf and the potent, synthesized 7-OH. Heidi explains that while kratom dependence is possible, its addiction and withdrawal profile is much milder than classical opioids, and that severe psychiatric risks are rare and often linked to adulterated products. This discussion centers on the failure of prohibition and advocates for sensible regulation, like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act...

Family physician Rebecca Thompson discusses her article, "The weight of genetic testing in a family," an excerpt from her book. She shares a profoundly personal story from the memoir about a woman who is a carrier of the Huntington's disease mutation and an expectant mother facing the agonizing wait for her baby's genetic test results. Rebecca explores this powerful narrative, the emotional detachment used as a shield during the pregnancy, and the devastating impact of Huntington's disease on the family described, particularly the grandmother. The discussion explores the complex, personal ethics of genetic testing, the burden of knowledge, and...

Emergency physician Resa E. Lewiss and health care executive Jake Horowitz discuss their article, "Why women ER doctors earn $21,000 less than men." They reveal staggering new data that shatters the myth that the gender pay gap does not exist in emergency medicine, showing how it persists even after controlling for hours, experience, and patient volume. Resa and Jake explore the hard numbers: women ER physicians earn $21,000 less annually, a salary disparity that widens to over $40,000 late in their careers. This is not about output, it is about systemic inequity in the health care system that contributes directly to physician...

Nationally recognized psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "How insulin resistance may cause Alzheimer's disease." Muhamad introduces the paradigm-shifting concept of Alzheimer's as "Type 3 diabetes," arguing that insulin resistance in the brain is the root cause. He explains how this metabolic dysfunction starves neurons (especially in the memory-critical hippocampus), leading to the toxic beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles associated with cognitive decline. Muhamad highlights the crucial link between diabetes and Alzheimer's risk and discusses breakthrough diagnostic tools (like new blood tests) that can identify the disease before memory loss begins. Discover the practical...

Health care executive Ronke Lawal discusses her article, "Digital mental health's $20 billion blind spot." Ronke explains how the booming digital mental health industry is systematically failing 40 percent of the U.S. population (racial and ethnic minorities), ignoring a $20 billion market opportunity. She argues that the "one-size-fits-all" model, based on Western-centric care, is a product failure that leads to algorithmic bias, misdiagnosis in diverse patients, and culturally incompetent artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. This failure in digital mental health doesn't just alienate users; it creates real financial consequences for health systems, including higher emergency department use and readmission rates. Ronke makes...

Fertility specialist Oluyemisi (Yemi) Famuyiwa discusses her article, "How timing affects chemical exposure risks." Yemi introduces her fascinating concept of "chrono-exposomics," explaining how the time of day you are exposed to environmental chemicals may be as important as the dose. She reveals how our body's circadian rhythms (like liver detoxification and skin permeability) change over 24 hours, meaning the same exposure at 8 p.m. is not the same as at 8 a.m. Using the example of a manicure, Yemi explores how endocrine-disrupting chemicals (like phthalates and TPO) in nail products might be absorbed more heavily in the evening, posing a...

Psychiatrist and author Arthur Lazarus discusses his article, "Finding integrity at the end of a career." Arthur shares the poignant narrative of Dr. Raul Morales, a community internist facing retirement with a deep sense of despair, questioning if his forty-year medical career truly mattered. Through the powerful fable of the "cracked pot," Arthur explores how a physician's perceived failures, regrets, and "leaks" are often the unrecognized source of their greatest impact and legacy. This episode reframes the concept of professional integrity: moving it away from perfection and toward the simple, profound act of presence. Learn how to find meaning...

Health care strategist Dana Y. Lujan discusses her article, "Grief and leadership in health care." Dana shares her devastating personal story of losing both her son's father and, six years later, her only son, Joey, and how this profound grief exposed the failures of the health care system when faced with pain that cannot be captured by a diagnostic code. She describes her own experience (including a suggested 72-hour psychiatric hold) and how the system offered labels like complicated grief and PTSD but not true understanding. Dana contrasts this with her career in health care leadership, arguing that true...

Oncologist and health care executive Yousuf Zafar discusses his article, "When cancer costs too much: Why financial toxicity deserves a place in clinical conversations." Yousuf explains the concept of "financial toxicity," a severe burden caused by both direct medical bills and indirect costs (like time off work or child care) associated with cancer treatment. He reveals the sobering statistic that over forty percent of patients deplete their savings within two years, but emphasizes that this distress is more than just a financial problem: it directly compromises treatment adherence, forcing some to skip appointments or forgo prescriptions. Yousuf highlights the...

Licensed attorney Anu Murthy discusses her article, "A lawyer's guide to physician side gigs." Anu details why the pandemic caused an explosion in physician side gigs (from telehealth to passion projects) and why many doctors are seeking new income streams, driven by everything from burnout to the FIRE movement. She reveals the number one risk to a doctor's medical license: their primary employment contract. Anu explains the complex legal hurdles doctors must navigate, including contract prohibitions, conflicts of interest (like pharma consulting or expert witness work), the need for separate malpractice insurance, and intellectual property considerations. Discover the essential...

Pediatric emergency medicine physician Bronwen Carroll discusses her article, "The childhood risk we never talk about." Bronwen explains the staggering data showing child sexual abuse is far more common than many other hazards (like choking or drowning) that parents routinely prioritize for prevention. She explores why this epidemic of sexual abuse lives in the shadows: the topic feels taboo and the solutions often seem vague compared to installing a car seat. Bronwen breaks down a practical, three-pronged approach to child safety, focusing on access, compliance, and (most critically) secrecy. She provides a simple, non-threatening, and powerful conversation starter for...

Nationally recognized psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "The rise of digital therapeutics in medicine." Muhamad explains what prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) are, emphasizing they are not wellness apps but Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared, evidence-based software prescribed by clinicians to treat specific diagnoses. He explores the groundbreaking examples already authorized by the FDA, including software for substance use disorder, a video game for pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and a new adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder. Muhamad breaks down how these digital therapeutics are designed to work alongside (not replace...

Urologist William Lynes discusses his article, "The decline of the doctor-patient relationship." William explains why he believes this relationship, the critical center of medical care, is broken after 40 years of insidious deterioration. He argues that physicians (including himself) gradually relinquished control of clinical decisions, allowing non-clinicians, committees, and government agencies to take over. William discusses how this loss of physician autonomy and the rise of medical bureaucracy have led to delayed, inefficient, and frustrating patient care. This is a call for physicians to "claw back" control of the health care system. Learn why restoring this relationship is the only...

Gerontologist Michael Pessman discusses his article, "Why what you do in midlife matters most." Michael explains why the ages of 45-55 are a critical window and final opportunity to build healthy habits that profoundly impact future aging. He highlights new research on "super-agers" and the power of strength training (reducing early death risk by up to 20 percent), the importance of community, and the proven benefits of a Mediterranean diet. Michael also explores the crucial role of a positive mindset toward aging and the concept of "gerodiversity," reminding us that aging well is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Learn how intentional...

Pediatric anesthesiologist Irim Salik discusses her article, "The hidden danger in pediatric dental offices." Irim reveals a terrifying oversight in ambulatory pediatric dental care: children are suffering neurologic injuries or dying during routine sedation, and there is no national database to track these adverse events. She explains how the convenience of office-based procedures (versus hospitals) introduces massive risks, including the "single provider model" where the dentist also directs anesthesia. Irim breaks down how inadequate monitoring (like lacking EtCO2 monitors), oversedation, and the inability to manage a respiratory emergency can lead to catastrophe. Learn what every parent needs to know...

Dentist Lincoln Harris discusses his article, "How cloud-based simulation training is revolutionizing dentistry." Drawing on his background as a pilot, Lincoln exposes the critical training gap in modern dentistry, arguing that dentists (unlike pilots) are not prepared for real-world, high-stress scenarios. He explains why traditional dental school and "weekend courses" fail to build the necessary muscle memory for advanced procedures, leading to mixed results and poor patient outcomes, especially in rural areas. Lincoln details how cloud-based simulation technology is changing the game, allowing dentists to practice procedures repeatedly and build confidence without risking patient safety. Learn how this aviation-inspired...

Neurologist Carolyn Larkin Taylor discusses her article, "How medical gaslighting almost cost me my life." Carolyn shares her terrifying personal story of being dismissed by her long-time gynecologist, who labeled her cancer symptoms as "just stress." She details the frustrating journey of seeking a second opinion, the shocking discovery of her malignancy after a results mix-up, and the life-or-death stakes of the diagnostic delay. Carolyn explores the subtle, devastating impact of medical gaslighting, how it erodes a patient's reality (even when the patient is a physician), and why women's health issues are so often misdiagnosed. Learn how trusting your...

Pediatrician Wendy Schofer discusses her article, "Why food perfectionism harms parents." Wendy explains how the intense worry over family eating habits and ultraprocessed foods is often a symptom of a deeper issue: perfectionism. She highlights the crushing stress parents, particularly physicians, face when trying to meet unrealistic, idyllic standards of health (often seen on social media) while juggling real-life chaos. Wendy argues that this perfectionism, combined with exhaustion, fuels black-and-white thinking about food (healthy vs. unhealthy) and a constant feeling of failure. This conversation is a call to say "enough" to these damaging ideals. Learn how dismantling perfectionism and...

Certified financial planner Michelle Neiswender discusses her article, "Why physicians should not be their own financial planner." Michelle explains why physicians, despite being brilliant, often make costly financial mistakes when managing their own money. She argues that financial planning is a complex specialty (just like medicine) and that a doctor's time is too valuable to be spent decoding tax rules or tracking stocks. Michelle highlights the unique tax challenges physicians face as high-income earners and how emotional bias (like fear during a market dip) can derail a financial plan. This discussion covers why delegating to a CFP is a...

Professor and senior associate dean of engagement Janet A. Jokela discusses her article, "Celebrating internal medicine through our human connections with patients." Janet shares moving stories from medical students who are discovering the profound importance of human connection, often for the first time. She explores how these early, sacred connections (like listening to a grieving patient or advocating for the uninsured) are the true reward of internal medicine, reminding us that medicine is not black and white. Janet champions the power of storytelling as a critical tool for patient advocacy and refutes the bias that technical backgrounds preclude compassionate...

Counselor and certified coach Mary Remón and oncologist Tiffany Troso-Sandoval discuss their article, "Clear communication is kind patient care." They explore the common scenario of patients leaving the office more confused and anxious than when they arrived, overwhelmed by medical jargon and frightening online research. Mary and Tiffany address the root causes of poor patient communication, including physician burnout and compassion fatigue, arguing that "unclear is unkind." They offer practical, powerful strategies (like using the teach-back method, addressing patient fears from "Dr. Google" directly, and validating emotions) to improve health literacy and build trust. This conversation explains how c...

Registered nurse June Pomeroy discusses her article, "How physician obesity affects patient care." June explores the complex realities of weight bias within the medical field, examining how a physician's own struggle with obesity can impact patient care. She highlights the professional stigma physicians face and the documented bias from patients, which often leads to reduced treatment confidence and delayed diagnoses for obesity. June digs deep into why obesity is a complex chronic disease (not just a willpower issue) and discusses how the health care system fails both patients and providers by lacking adequate training on obesity. This conversation covers...

Health care strategist Dana Y. Lujan discusses her article "Why direct primary care (DPC) models fail." Dana argues that the DPC community's obsession with "purity" is missing the point, stating that these models don't fail over ideology, they fail because of bad math. She uses the University of Houston's $1 million clinic failure as a prime example of a "fundamental market mismatch," where a DPC model was placed in a low-income area that couldn't sustain its membership fees (a ~70 percent revenue deficit). Dana also debunks the myth that institutions can't run successful DPC programs, citing CHI Health and Johns Hopkins...

Physician and professional certified coach Chrissie Ott discusses her article "How an insider advocate can save a loved one." Chrissie shares a terrifying recent story of a friend's elderly, Spanish-speaking mother who was admitted to the hospital and declined rapidly due to medication and dehydration, highlighting how the patient's daughter suspected abuse while the real, urgent medical issues were being missed. She explains how she acted as an "insider advocate," providing her friend with the exact script (including terms like "agitated delirium" and "acute kidney injury") and the escalation path needed to get her mother life-saving fluids. This episode...

Food allergy advocate Lianne Mandelbaum discusses her article "Why Hollywood's allergy jokes are dangerous." As the mother of a child with a life-threatening food allergy, Lianne shares her personal trauma and outrage over media portrayals that turn anaphylaxis into a punchline, citing a new film that misrepresents the condition and the use of epinephrine. She argues that these "jokes" are not harmless; they directly contribute to public misunderstanding, bullying, and a dangerous lack of seriousness from airlines, schools, and restaurants. This conversation explores how media misinformation increases the burden on allergy families and why treating a medical trauma as...

Public health professional Nishat Uddin discusses her article "Why culturally compassionate care matters for South Asian communities." Nishat explains why South Asians, one of the fastest-growing U.S. populations, face disproportionate rates of diabetes, heart disease, and PCOS. She highlights the key cultural and systemic barriers (like dietary disconnects, language barriers, and deep-seated stigma around mental health and infertility) that prevent individuals from seeking or following care. This episode dives into practical, compassionate strategies for clinicians to bridge these gaps, such as adapting dietary advice to include staple foods (like rice and chapati) and understanding collective family decision-making. Learn...

Certified financial planners Michael Lynch and Alisa Olsen discuss their article "Create your own financial vision for independence," an excerpt from their book Taking Care of Your Future: Your Simple System for a Big Retirement. Michael and Alisa explain why your financial plan must be driven by your personal vision, not someone else's. They share a critical concept for planning: your income drives your working life, but your expenses drive your retired life. This single shift in perspective determines how much you need to save and what your financial independence will look like. This episode explores how to set...

Certified financial planner Paul Morton discusses his article "Physician practice ownership: risks, rewards, and reality." Paul breaks down the massive differences between an employed physician's financial journey and that of an equity owner physician, exploring the reasons doctors choose the high-risk, high-reward path of private practice: the desire for control over patient culture, the "visionary" mindset, and the potential for a nonlinear financial reward. Paul dives into the challenging realities of managing overhead, dealing with inconsistent income from reimbursements, and the critical importance of strategic tax planning. This episode is a must-listen for any physician weighing the risks of...

Diagnostic radiologist Rakesh A. Shah discusses his article "A critique of medicine's response to RFK Jr." Rakesh argues that major physician organizations have failed in their duty to protect public health by remaining silent and timid in the face of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine misinformation. He contends that this "cowardice" prioritizes institutional self-interest over patient welfare and endangers not just immunization programs but the future of medical research, including promising mRNA-based cancer treatments. This episode explores the crisis of leadership in organized medicine, the difference between being apolitical and surrendering to a public health threat, and why...

Health attorney Dennis Hursh discusses his article "First physician employment agreement mistakes." Dennis shares his amazement after 30 years in health law at the timidity of new attending physicians during contract negotiations. He explains why the "seller's market" created by a massive physician shortage means that young doctors have far more leverage than they think. Dennis debunks the myths of the "standard contract" and the fear of "losing the job" by asking for reasonable, median compensation. This episode is a critical guide for any new physician, exploring why the employer is the "motivated buyer" and why the competition is already...

Health care executive Kimberly Smith discusses her article "Why clinicians must lead health care tech innovation." Kimberly explains why clinicians, who are on the front lines of patient care, are in the unique position to solve health care's most complex challenges. As a registered wound care nurse, Kimberly has seen how technology like AI and advanced EHRs can both help and hinder clinical workflows. She argues that for health care tech to be effective, it must be developed with clinicians, not just for them, to ensure new tools ease administrative burdens and enhance patient care. This conversation explores how...

Patient advocate and author Irene Tanzman discusses her article "A mother's question about PCOS and her son's autism." Irene shares her personal journey as a mother to a son with severe autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), exploring the challenging but necessary questions about the link between maternal PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), the modern metabolic crisis, and fetal neurodevelopment. Irene advocates for looking "upstream" at maternal health before conception, questioning if fertility treatments are addressing the underlying hormonal environment needed for optimal development. This episode dives into the realities of caregiving for severe autism, the need for better...

Cardiologist Saurabh Gupta discusses his article "Physicians must lead the vetting of AI." In this episode, Saurabh explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping medicine and why its future depends on physician leadership, not passive adoption. Drawing from his experience in cardiology and AI development, he explains why every algorithm influencing clinical care must meet the same rigorous standards as any medical device or drug. Saurabh emphasizes that unvetted AI, not AI itself, is the real risk, underscoring the need for continuous validation, bias testing, and transparency. Viewers will learn how clinicians can move from users to stewards of technology...

Psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article "The crisis in inpatient psychiatric care." In this episode, Muhamad examines the growing dysfunction within the nation's psychiatric hospital system, where patients in crisis are too often turned away or kept too long because of policy failures, financial pressures, and insurance algorithms that override clinical judgment. Drawing from two decades on the front lines, he describes the moral tension faced by psychiatrists navigating laws that punish both over- and under-admission, and insurers that cut coverage precisely when patients begin to improve. Muhamad calls for a new social...

Patient advocates Alan P. Feren and Joyce Griggs discuss the article "Why agency and partnership are vital in modern health care." In this episode, Alan and Joyce explore how collaboration, advocacy, and shared responsibility create stronger, more effective care. Together, they unpack the four pillars of good medicine—agency, advocacy, responsibility, and partnership—and highlight how each empowers patients to play an active role in their health. Through Alan's personal story about a missed follow-up that could have had serious consequences and Joyce's perspective on navigating the system as an advocate, they reveal why mutual trust and communication are esse...

Family physician Grace Yu discusses her article "The backbone of health care is breaking." In this episode, Grace reflects on the urgent decline of the primary care workforce and the growing crisis facing family medicine. She shares personal stories from more than two decades of practice—delivering babies, guiding families, and caring for patients across generations—to illustrate why strong, relationship-based primary care remains essential for equitable and effective medicine. Grace explores how debt, burnout, and institutional culture drive medical students away from primary care and calls for reforms in education, payment, and technology that honor its value. Viewers will...

Psychiatrist Yekaterina Angelova discusses her article "Are you addicted to false urgency?" In this episode, Yekaterina explores how modern professionals, including physicians, get caught in a cycle of constant busyness and fabricated emergencies that drain focus, health, and joy. She explains the neuroscience behind the "mere urgency effect," where our brains prioritize quick tasks over meaningful ones, and how this addiction to urgency fuels burnout and anxiety. Drawing on both research and clinical experience, Yekaterina offers practical strategies to pause, regain perspective, and break the reward cycles that keep us trapped in stress. Viewers will learn how to reclaim...

Internal medicine physician Robert C. Smith discusses his article "Why medicine needs a second Flexner Report." In this episode, Robert explores how modern medical education has fallen behind the science it was built on, leaving today's physicians unprepared to address mental health, chronic disease, and prevention. He examines how the historical "mind-body split" continues to shape curricula and care delivery, calling for a new nationwide investigation—akin to Abraham Flexner's 1910 report—to ensure medicine once again aligns with the most current scientific understanding. Viewers will gain insight into how reforming physician training could restore medicine's scientific integrity, improve health outc...

Neurologist Scott Abramson discusses his article "Why 'the best physicians' risk burnout and isolation." In this YouTube-optimized episode, Scott reflects on the ancient Talmudic teaching that warns how pride and perfectionism can become a physician's downfall. He explores how the culture of grit, self-sacrifice, and fear of vulnerability leads many doctors to burnout and emotional isolation. Drawing on decades of medical experience, Scott emphasizes humility, connection, and the courage to seek help when the weight of responsibility becomes too heavy. Viewers will gain insight into how physicians can protect their well-being, sustain empathy, and rediscover meaning in medicine by...

Internal medicine physician Harry Oken discusses his article "mRNA post vaccination syndrome: Is it real?" In this episode, Harry explores the science, uncertainty, and human stories surrounding post-vaccination syndrome (PVS) linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Drawing on clinical data and personal experience, he explains how lingering immune reactions may affect patients and why research is urgently needed to clarify causes and treatments. Harry emphasizes compassion, scientific rigor, and the importance of investigating rare outcomes without undermining public trust in vaccines. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of PVS, ongoing studies like Yale's LISTEN project, and how medicine continues to...

Physician executive Mona Potter discusses her article "When anxiety runs the show: How medication can help kids thrive." In this episode, Mona explores how clinical anxiety differs from everyday worry, why it can become paralyzing, and how medication can be a key part of restoring balance in children's lives. She emphasizes that medication alone isn't a cure, but when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, it can create the mental space kids need to learn coping skills and regain confidence. Mona also explains the importance of giving treatments enough time to work, understanding the difference between helpful and harmful anxiety...

Emergency physician Drew Remignanti discusses his article "A world without vaccines: What history teaches us about public health." In this conversation, Drew reflects on historical lessons from smallpox, polio, and measles to reveal what life looked like before modern immunization. He explores the dangers of misinformation, the importance of science-based health care guidance, and the global success stories that vaccination campaigns have produced. Drew also explains how confirmation bias and the spread of anti-vaccine sentiment threaten progress toward disease eradication. Listeners will gain insight into how to evaluate evidence critically, advocate for public health, and understand the human cost...

Board-certified pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article, "Why don't women in medicine support each other?" She explores how scarcity, competition, and cultural conditioning have discouraged women physicians from advocating for themselves and one another. Jessie shares how authentic connection, praise, and recommendations can shift the culture of medicine toward abundance and mutual growth. Viewers will learn how small acts of support, like recognition, referrals, and celebration, can transform careers, confidence, and the collective well-being of women in medicine.

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Certified coach and professor Kathleen Muldoon discusses her article, "The humanity we bring: a call to hold space in medicine." She shares how her experience as a mother in the neonatal intensive care unit transformed her understanding of empathy and reshaped how she teaches future clinicians. Kathleen explains why health care professionals must hold space for patients and themselves, embracing presence, storytelling, and authenticity as tools for healing. Viewers will learn how humanity is not separate from medicine but its foundation, and how connection and compassion can restore both patients and practitioners.

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Physician executive Joseph Pepe discusses his article, "A doctor's guide to preparing for your death." He shares practical and compassionate advice on planning for life's inevitable end, from organizing essential documents and creating a "death folder" to protecting loved ones through wills, trusts, and life insurance. Joseph explains why facing mortality head-on allows people to live more freely and meaningfully. Viewers will learn how thoughtful preparation transforms fear into peace and why readiness is the greatest gift you can leave behind.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

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Internal medicine physician Augusta Uwah discusses her article, "The dying man who gave me flowers changed how I see care." She shares the emotional story of a terminally ill patient whose simple act of gratitude transformed her understanding of compassion, presence, and what it means to truly care. Augusta reflects on the challenges of patient care, the importance of listening, and the quiet moments that redefine medicine beyond treatment. Viewers will learn how empathy and presence can leave lasting impacts, even in the face of loss.

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Hematology-oncology physician Adeel Khan discusses his article, "Universities must tap endowments to sustain biomedical research." He explains how declining federal support for the National Institutes of Health threatens America's position as a global leader in medical science and why universities must use a fraction of their massive endowments to sustain research innovation. Adeel highlights the moral and economic case for investing in science, the urgency of supporting early-career investigators, and the need for academic institutions to bridge funding gaps left by federal cuts. Viewers will learn why this call to action matters for medicine, patients, and the future of...

Internal medicine physician Rajeev Khanna discusses his article, "I passed my medical boards at 63. And no, I was not having a midlife crisis." He shares his journey of studying for the ABIM exams decades after medical school, balancing family skepticism, humor, and determination. Rajeev reflects on aging in medicine, the evolution of study tools, and the deeper purpose behind lifelong learning. Viewers will learn how passion, perseverance, and self-belief can redefine success at any age, and why ambition does not expire; it simply adapts. This episode delivers insight and motivation for anyone chasing a goal later in life.

Neurologist Ray Dorsey discusses the article "Expanding the Parkinson's universe of care for patients, caregivers, clinicians, and communities." In this episode, Ray reimagines Parkinson's care through a cosmic analogy, with patients as the sun at the center and caregivers, specialists, technologies, and advocacy networks orbiting around them. He highlights challenges such as access barriers, stigma, and fragmented gatekeeper systems, and proposes a hub-based model that colocates interdisciplinary specialists, integrates research with care, and emphasizes bidirectional relationships between patients and providers. Ray also explores how technologies like telemedicine and wearables serve as satellites to extend care access. Listeners will gain...

Physician and coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article "Stepping down in medicine is an evolution." In this episode, Jessie challenges the cultural belief that stepping down from medical roles is a sign of weakness, reframing it instead as "graduating." She explains how physicians often hold onto positions out of fear, habit, or identity attachment, even after the role no longer fuels them. Jessie shares how recognizing restlessness, depletion, or loss of joy can serve as invitations to evolve rather than warnings of failure. She introduces tools like Martha Beck's Body Compass to guide decision-making and advocates for normalizing transitions...

Professor and patient advocate Edward G. Rogoff discusses his article "How to choose the right doctor for you." In this episode, Edward explains why selecting the right physician is one of the most important health decisions a patient can make. He shares practical guidelines such as finding a doctor who specializes in your condition, evaluating service orientation and training background, and applying a "chemistry test" to assess personal connection and trust. Edward emphasizes that patients should not settle for rushed encounters or profit-driven practices but instead seek physicians who act as teachers, motivators, and true partners in care. Listeners...

Physical therapists Kim Downey, Ziya Altug, and Shirish Sachdeva discuss their article "How physicians can reclaim resilience through better sleep, nutrition, and exercise." In this episode, Kim, Ziya, and Shirish explain how the triad of sleep, balanced nutrition, and physical activity forms the foundation of physician resilience. They outline practical strategies such as circadian-friendly sleep routines, meal planning to stabilize energy and mood, and integrating aerobic activity with mindful practices like yoga. The conversation emphasizes small, sustainable changes, institutional supports, and peer accountability systems that make self-care realistic for busy clinicians. Listeners will come away with actionable lifestyle medicine...

Neurosurgeon Jeffrey Hatef, Jr. discusses his article "Guilty until proven innocent? My experience with a state medical board." In this episode, Jeffrey shares the shocking story of how his medical license was summarily suspended without a hearing and how incomplete records, flawed expert testimony, and questionable legal tactics created a process stacked against him. He recounts how independent reviews from spine surgeons and letters of support from nearly sixty physicians affirmed his standard of care, yet the board pursued the case with relentless determination. Jeffrey emphasizes the dangers of a system that prioritizes winning over fairness, the impact on...

Veteran attorney Dennis Hursh discusses his article "Private practice employment agreements: What happens if private equity swoops in?" In this episode, Dennis explains how private equity acquisitions of medical practices complicate the traditional path for employed physicians who expect eventual ownership. He highlights risks such as working years at below-median pay without ever reaching partnership and inheriting underpaying contracts after a sale. Dennis also offers strategies for physicians to negotiate protections, including provisions for equity-equivalent bonuses or safeguards in case of a private equity takeover. He emphasizes that while some private equity firms bring resources and technology, others impose...

Family nurse practitioner Erica Dorn discusses her article "ChatGPT in health care: Risks, benefits, and safer options." In this episode, Erica explains how clinicians are experimenting with ChatGPT to help with HPI prompts, procedure documentation, and discharge instructions, while also cautioning against its risks such as inaccuracy, lack of HIPAA compliance, and limited integration with EHRs. She highlights the advantages of AI medical scribes, which provide secure, real-time, and health care-specific documentation solutions. Erica emphasizes practical takeaways for providers: use ChatGPT carefully for brainstorming, but adopt specialized AI tools for safer, more efficient, and compliant documentation.

Kidney transplant recipient Charlie Cloninger and nephrologist Nauman Shahid discuss their article "How early care saved my life from silent kidney disease." Charlie shares his personal story of being diagnosed with kidney disease while feeling healthy, making lifestyle changes with the help of his care coordinator, and ultimately receiving a transplant before dialysis. Nauman explains how early detection, coordinated care, and proactive treatment models are transforming nephrology and giving patients better outcomes. Together they highlight the importance of patient education, lifestyle support, and health care systems that reward prevention over crisis management. Listeners will take away both a patient's...

Psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article "It's time to operationalize physician wellness." Muhamad explains why wellness cannot remain a slogan or a poster in the breakroom but must be embedded into the structure of health care systems. He outlines practical steps such as protecting confidentiality, revising credentialing practices, investing in real peer support, and creating opt-out touchpoints to normalize help-seeking. He also emphasizes the difference between burnout and mental illness, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Listeners will gain a blueprint for how leaders and organizations can reduce stigma, prevent suicide, and build a...

Licensed counselor and coach Mary Remón discusses her article "A mindset shift for physicians: Retrain your brain to see what's going well." Mary explains how physicians are trained to scan constantly for risks, but that habit can carry over into daily life and lead to stress and burnout. She shares how intentional practices like reflecting on what went well each day can rewire the brain, strengthen relationships, and enhance diagnostic accuracy. Mary also highlights research showing how positive emotions fuel creativity and problem-solving, and she offers practical ways physicians can reconnect with meaning in their work. Listeners will t...

Amanda Heidemann, family physician and senior clinical content consultant for clinical effectiveness at Wolters Kluwer Health, discusses her article, "Gen Z's DIY approach to health care." Amanda explains how digital natives are turning to TikTok, friends, and online research as their primary sources of health information, often disregarding professional guidance in favor of accessible advice. She highlights the rise of telehealth, retail clinics, and urgent care as central parts of Gen Z's health ecosystem, and the need for providers to adapt to this consumer-driven shift. Amanda also emphasizes the importance of collaboration, encouraging health care professionals to meet patients...

Infectious disease physician Tyler B. Evans discusses his article "Meeting transgender patients where they are: a health care imperative." Tyler, an infectious disease specialist and author of Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics: Decoding the Social and Political Drivers of Pandemics from Plague to COVID-19, shares striking data on violence, mental health, and HIV disparities affecting transgender and nonbinary communities worldwide. He recalls formative patient experiences that reshaped his understanding of gender affirming care, emphasizing the need to move beyond outdated disease models and rigid medical training. Tyler explains why social determinants from housing to acceptance are critical to health outcomes...

Health care data strategist Lee Ann McWhorter discusses her article "Why health care reform must start with ending monopolies." Lee Ann explains how monopolistic control by entities like GPOs, PBMs, EHR vendors, and MMIS platforms drives up costs, suppresses innovation, and undermines patient safety. She highlights how opaque contracts and data silos leave hospitals flying blind, why favoritism often trumps performance, and how COVID-19 revealed the dangers of centralized sourcing models. Lee Ann emphasizes that hospitals have the power to break this cycle by rejecting monopolistic contracts and investing in transparent, independent, and sustainable solutions. Listeners will learn why...

Surgeon Fateh Entabi discusses his article "A surgeon's take on God, intelligence, and cosmic responsibility." Fateh reflects on how the complexity of the human body inspired him to think more broadly about intelligence, consciousness, and the idea of God—not as a distant creator, but as an evolving intelligence embedded in the universe itself. He explains how this perspective shapes his sense of responsibility as both a physician and a person, drawing parallels between healthy cells in the body and ethical individuals in society. Fateh also explores how religious belief systems evolve, why adaptability is a sign of life, an...

Neurologist Scott Tzorfas discusses his article "The crushing bureaucracy that's driving independent physicians to extinction." Scott shares his firsthand experience as a neurologist in private practice for three decades, where endless pre-authorizations, insurance denials, and regulatory burdens have eroded the physician-patient relationship. He explains how excessive rules and third-party interference have pushed many doctors to sell their practices or retire early, leaving patients with fewer choices and longer wait times. Scott also highlights his petition calling for policymakers to roll back unnecessary regulations and restore the autonomy of independent physicians. Listeners will take away a deeper understanding of how...

Rheumatologist Ananta Subedi discusses his article "The 4 foundations that sustain physicians through burnout and balance." Ananta reflects on his journey from medical education in Nepal to building a rheumatology practice in the U.S., sharing how faith, family, meaningful work, and friendships form the pillars of resilience for physicians. He explains how spiritual grounding shapes compassionate patient care, why work-life integration matters more than rigid balance, and how entrepreneurship allows physicians to reconnect with the purpose of medicine. Ananta also emphasizes the importance of professional friendships and mentoring young physicians. Listeners will gain practical insights into sustaining personal well-being...

Nurse practitioner Elisabeth Evans discusses her article "The critical role of nurse practitioners in colorectal cancer screening." Elisabeth shares why colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the U.S. yet remains under-screened, and why early detection can mean the difference between a 14 percent survival rate and over 90 percent. She highlights the lowered screening age, the role of public figures in raising awareness, and how nurse practitioners and physician associates can normalize conversations, provide multiple screening options, and ease patient fears. Elisabeth also discusses environmental risk factors, the importance of family history, and the potential of emerging technologies like...

Internal medicine physician Sally Daganzo discusses her article "How functional medicine fills the gaps left by conventional care." Sally explains how a systems-based, evidence-informed approach can uncover root causes of complex conditions like fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, digestive issues, and eating disorders, especially when standard lab tests and specialist visits fail to provide answers. She highlights how functional medicine complements conventional care by considering factors such as nutrition, sleep, inflammation, microbiome health, and environmental stressors. Listeners will gain practical insights into how functional medicine reconnects doctors with clinical reasoning, expands treatment tools, and helps patients find healing when traditional...

Anesthesiologist and clinical mental health counselor Maire Daugharty discusses her article "How therapy helps uncover hidden patterns." Maire explains how psychotherapy leverages the brain's pattern-seeking nature to reveal implicit beliefs formed in early life, often outside conscious awareness. She describes how therapy provides a unique relational space for exploring assumptions, processing emotions, and reframing expectations—leading to profound shifts in self-reliance, resilience, and meaning-making. Drawing on depth psychology and Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial growth, Maire illustrates how uncovering hidden narratives can transform relationships, ease life transitions, and help individuals face aging and mortality with integrity. Listeners will learn ho...

Clinical psychologist Annia Raja discusses her article "Why more physicians are quietly starting therapy." Annia explains how growing numbers of physicians are turning to therapy—not because they are failing, but because they are recognizing they cannot carry the weight of medicine alone. She outlines cultural shifts that are breaking down the "invincible doctor" myth, from generational openness to the impact of the pandemic, and highlights what doctors are really seeking in therapy: depth, safety, and understanding. Annia also emphasizes why quiet participation still matters, how therapy can be an investment in career longevity, and how these changes benefit bo...

Physical therapist and physician advocate Kim Downey, mental health counselor Nikolai Blinow, and family physician and physician coach Tonya Caylor discuss their article "Focusing on well-being versus wellness: What it means for physicians (and their patients)." Together, Kim, Nikolai, and Tonya examine why the language of "wellness" often feels performative and unattainable, while "well-being" reflects a dynamic, values-based, and relational practice that supports both physicians and patients. They highlight how well-being fosters flexibility, belonging, and system-level change, while empowering individual clinicians to reconnect with purpose and presence. Listeners will gain insights into how embracing well-being can transform physician culture...

Orthopedic surgeon Michael Day discusses his article "Why it's time for doctors to become performance coaches." Michael explains why public trust in U.S. health care is declining and how patients are increasingly turning to high performers and influencers outside medicine for health inspiration. He argues that physicians must expand their role beyond disease treatment to become performance coaches—providing accountability, context, and specialized knowledge to help patients pursue fitness, resilience, and longevity. Michael emphasizes the lessons learned from elite athletes, the power of exercise in preventing chronic disease, and the importance of patient ownership in a tech-enabled health fu...

Certified coach Michael Carlini discusses his article "Why physicians with ADHD are burning out." Michael explains how high-IQ physicians often mask their ADHD symptoms through hyper-organization, perfectionism, and hyperfocus, which allows them to succeed professionally but takes an immense internal toll. He outlines how misdiagnosis, overcompensation, and lack of accommodations contribute to severe burnout, strained relationships, and declining well-being. Michael also highlights solutions, including increasing awareness of ADHD's diverse presentations, encouraging comprehensive assessments, and building supportive, neurodiversity-affirming environments. Listeners will take away strategies to recognize hidden ADHD in high-achieving physicians and insights on fostering resilience in the medical profession.<...

Health care executive Sujay Jadhav discusses his article "How AI is revolutionizing health care through real-world data." Sujay explains how artificial intelligence tools like machine learning and natural language processing are turning unstructured electronic health record data into actionable insights that accelerate clinical research, drug development, and patient care. He highlights how AI can expand research cohorts, improve trial efficiency, and drive personalized medicine while stressing the importance of high-quality data curation, oversight, and multidisciplinary collaboration to avoid bias and ensure accuracy. Listeners will take away practical perspectives on how real-world data is reshaping diagnostics, treatment plans, and the...

Pediatrician Kelly Curtin-Hallinan discusses her article "My improbable survival of stage 4 cancer." Kelly shares her year-long journey of facing a dire diagnosis, enduring rounds of tests, managing the anxiety of waiting for results, and ultimately experiencing an unexpected recovery with immunotherapy. She reflects on the skepticism she once held about miracle stories, the emotional toll of uncertainty, and the balance between fear and hope that defines living with cancer. Kelly also describes the strain of protecting her daughters from the harshest realities while carrying her own doubts about survival. Listeners will gain insight into the fragility of medical certainty...

Patient advocate Timothy Thomas discusses his article "The Cap'n Crunch philosophy of medicine." Timothy shares his personal experiences with gaps in primary care, from learning of his diabetes diagnosis at a Walmart pharmacy instead of through his clinic, to promised tests never being ordered, to medication changes delivered without clear communication. He uses the metaphor of Cap'n Crunch, a title without true rank, to highlight how many clinics assign responsibility by availability rather than expertise, leaving patients vulnerable to rushed care and dangerous oversights. Timothy calls for greater regulation, stronger accountability, and clear communication standards to ensure patients receive...

Physician Jessie Mahoney discusses her article "Imposter syndrome is not a personal failing." Jessie explains how self-doubt among physicians is less about individual weakness and more about a conditioned mindset reinforced by medical culture. She describes how hypervigilance, relentless preparation, and constant comparison are framed as excellence but instead fuel overwork, burnout, and compliance with unreasonable demands. Jessie emphasizes that imposter syndrome may benefit productivity in the health care system but comes at a profound cost to physician well-being, sustainability, and patient care. She reframes self-doubt as evidence of growth rather than inadequacy and calls for a cultural shift...

Psychiatrist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article "A psychiatrist's 20-year journey with ketamine." Aly recounts his first encounters with ketamine at the National Institute of Mental Health, where its rapid impact on despair reshaped his understanding of depression treatment. He explains the neurobiologic mechanisms, the shift from research to real-world practice, and the FDA's evolving stance on esketamine and off-label IV ketamine. Aly emphasizes the importance of pairing ketamine with psychotherapy, screening patients carefully, and honoring both the power and limitations of this intervention. He also highlights access challenges, safety concerns, and the need for clinicians to build structured...

In this special sponsored episode from Takeda, Angelina Collins, a Nurse Practitioner at a large tertiary inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) center in California, shares insights from her nearly two-decade journey in IBD care. She explores the challenges of diagnosing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, from varied symptom presentation to limitations in early recognition. Emphasizing the potential consequences of delayed diagnosis—including disease progression and increased risk of complications—Angelina advocates for early identification of red flags and a multidisciplinary team approach to treatment and care. She highlights the critical role of advanced practice providers and the importance of expand...

Internal medicine-pediatric physician Chrissie Ott discusses her article "When the pediatrician is the parent: a personal reckoning with childhood obesity." Chrissie shares the deeply personal story of her own child's struggles with weight, the bullying and shame that compounded them, and the tension she felt balancing her medical knowledge with her role as a parent. She explains how reframing obesity as a relapsing, remitting neurobehavioral metabolic disease shifted her perspective, leading to a decision to pursue GLP-1 therapy in addition to lifestyle support. Chrissie candidly describes the relief of moving from blame to action, the transformation in her child's...

Physician-scientist Diego R. Hijano discusses his article "How humor builds trust in pediatric oncology." Diego shares how personal loss and his own cultural and linguistic experiences shaped his approach to care, teaching him that laughter can be a bridge in even the darkest hospital rooms. Through stories of playful exchanges with children, language slips, and inside jokes with families, he explains how humor softens fear, restores humanity, and strengthens the patient-physician relationship. Drawing inspiration from Danny Thomas and the legacy of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Diego emphasizes that presence, not perfection, is what patients remember most. Listeners will...

Primary care physician Jerina Gani discusses her article "My journey to loving primary care again." Jerina shares her deeply personal story of nearly walking away from medicine after burnout, exhaustion, and endless administrative burdens drained the joy from her work. She explains how a shift in mindset — treating her role not just as physician but as CEO of her own practice — helped her reclaim time, energy, and fulfillment. By tracking patterns, optimizing visit flow, protecting time, and building authentic patient relationships, Jerina now works fewer days, earns more, and feels renewed passion for patient care. She offers listeners candid insi...

Chief nursing officer Rhonda Collins discusses her article "Nurse-initiated protocols for sepsis: a strategic imperative for patient care and hospital operations." Rhonda explains why sepsis, the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals and a $62 billion annual burden, demands the same urgency as stroke and STEMI. She highlights the power of nurse-initiated standing orders to speed recognition and treatment, reduce ED congestion, improve outcomes and cut costs. Drawing on real-world results from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, she shows how standardized sepsis protocols supported by FDA-cleared technology reduced mortality by 39 percent, shortened length of stay and...

Physician leader Janet A. Jokela discusses its article "Collective action as a path to patient-centered care." The piece reflects on the evolution of physician unions since the 1980s, beginning with housestaff associations focused on scut work and duty hours, through the Libby Zion case that transformed resident supervision, to today's growing movement of resident and employed physician unions across major institutions. The article explains how administrative burdens, loss of professional autonomy, and physician burnout have fueled interest in collective action not to abandon patients, but to protect their care. Key insights from ACP's policy paper Empowering Physicians through Collective...

Health care executive Ashish Mandavia discusses his article "Why U.S. health care pricing is so confusing—and how to fix it." Ashish explains how systemic misaligned incentives, opaque insurance practices, and weak enforcement drive up patient costs and mistrust in the health care system. He outlines the emotional and financial toll of surprise medical bills and argues for stronger accountability, technology-driven transparency, and shared responsibility across hospitals, insurers, providers, and patients. Ashish offers listeners practical takeaways, such as the role of digital tools in cost clarity, the need for enforcement that closes loopholes, and how patients can advocate fo...

Urologist Fara Bellows discusses her article "When recurrent UTIs might actually be bladder cancer." Fara shares the story of a 91-year-old patient whose recurrent urinary infections masked an underlying bladder cancer diagnosis, illustrating how easily symptoms can be misattributed. She explains risk factors such as smoking, prior radiation, and occupational exposures, and highlights the alarming statistics that nearly 20,000 women will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2025, with close to 5,000 deaths. Fara emphasizes the dangers of delayed diagnosis in women due to symptom overlap with common conditions, and she outlines the three key diagnostic tools—urine cytology, imaging, and cystoscopy—that...

Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article "Why so many physicians struggle to feel proud—even when they should." Jessie explains how medical training conditions doctors to downplay success, deflect compliments, and equate pride with arrogance. She shares her own journey of learning to name and celebrate achievements, and how creating space for physicians to express pride can foster authenticity, confidence, and cultural change in medicine. Jessie highlights moving stories from reflective circles where physicians express pride in acts of courage, resilience, and alignment with values. Listeners will gain insights into how embracing pride can shift the cu...

Psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article "Why kratom addiction is the next public health crisis." Muhamad explains how kratom, a botanical imported from Southeast Asia, has rapidly spread across the U.S., marketed as a natural remedy for pain and opioid withdrawal. He warns that its potent alkaloids act directly on opioid receptors, leading to dependence, withdrawal, psychosis, and even fatalities. Muhamad outlines the surge in use during the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks to youth, and the dangers of contamination and unregulated production. He also highlights the lack of tailored treatments for kratom...

Licensed counselor and certified coach Mary Remón discusses her article "How doctors can turn criticism into collaboration." Mary explains why physicians often react defensively to suggestions from colleagues, citing hierarchy, malpractice fears, time pressures, and challenges to expertise. She reframes criticism as a "gift," using analogies like apples and pears to show how doctors can acknowledge input without necessarily adopting it. Mary shares practical strategies such as proactively inviting opinions, practicing active listening, and creating structured spaces for feedback. Listeners will gain actionable tools to reduce defensiveness, strengthen interprofessional relationships, and improve patient safety and outcomes by fostering a...

Clinical psychologist Faust Ruggiero discusses his article "How to rewire your brain with positive language." Faust explains how the words we use internally shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and why negative self-talk can reinforce cycles of anger and dissatisfaction. He introduces a simple but powerful two-step process: consciously shutting down angry thoughts as they arise and replacing them with positive statements. Faust emphasizes that this is a neurological retraining program, requiring repetition and patience, but over time it can shift self-perception, improve relationships, and foster lasting emotional resilience. Listeners will gain practical strategies for breaking negative thought cycles...

Maternal-fetal medicine fellow Frank I. Jackson discusses his article "Affordable postpartum hemorrhage solutions every OB/GYN should know." Frank explains how postpartum hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal mortality, especially in low-resource settings where advanced devices like the JADA® System are inaccessible. He introduces two innovative, low-cost techniques—FOCUS (Foley catheter for uterine suction) and STUT (suction tube uterine tamponade)—that replicate the life-saving mechanism of expensive devices but with tools found in nearly every labor ward. Frank shares evidence from recent clinical trials, describes practical steps for implementation, and emphasizes why every obstetric provider should learn these metho...

Family physician Amir Atabeygi discusses his article "Building trust in dyad leadership partnerships." Amir explains why trust is the foundation of successful dyads, highlighting how implicit follow-through and consistent communication turn a partnership into a cohesive leadership unit. He shares practical strategies for over-communicating, maintaining situational awareness, and ensuring that each partner can speak for the dyad with authority and confidence. Amir illustrates how intentional relationship-building transforms dyads into seamless, high-functioning teams that enhance both organizational outcomes and professional satisfaction. Listeners will take away actionable lessons on cultivating trust, setting expectations early, and treating dyad relationships as central to...

Physician Jessie Mahoney discusses her article "Learning to trust your body again: Healing the hidden wounds of medical training," exploring how the culture of medicine conditions physicians to ignore their basic bodily needs in the pursuit of excellence. Jessie explains how this disconnection erodes trust in self, contributes to burnout, and undermines both personal well-being and professional leadership. She shares how rebuilding trust through mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion allows physicians to heal, lead sustainably, and model healthier practices for patients and teams. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for honoring their bodies, shifting perspective with small changes, and...

Medical student Devin Behjatnia discusses his article "The case for a standard pre-med major in U.S. universities." Devin outlines why he believes a unified pre-medical studies major would better prepare students for the rigor of medical school while also providing a valuable degree for those who choose alternative medical careers. He explains how the curriculum could balance core sciences, general education, and community-focused learning, drawing on the roots of the physician as both healer and teacher. Devin shares a detailed four-year plan, including science prerequisites, humanities, foreign language, and MCAT preparation, designed to produce well-rounded, patient-centered physicians. Listeners...

Health care executive David Fischel discusses his article "How robotics are reshaping the future of vascular procedures." David explains how robotic-assisted systems are overcoming long-standing challenges in endovascular care by improving precision, reducing variability, and easing the physical strain on clinicians. He outlines the technical and practical barriers that limited earlier adoption, from workflow inefficiencies to high costs, and shows how modern platforms—through integration with imaging, user-centric design, and better throughput—are driving a new era of adoption. David also reflects on the evolving role of the surgeon, shifting from hands-on operator to strategic overseer, and highlights the bene...

Health care executive Max Rollwage discusses his article "The promise and perils of AI in health care: Why we need better testing standards." Max highlights the risks of relying on AI systems that are evaluated through artificial scenarios or even other AI models, emphasizing the dangers of circular validation in high-stakes environments like emergency care. He discusses why true readiness requires real-world clinical trials, expert human evaluation, and impact studies on patient outcomes. Max also points to the role of regulators like the FDA and AI Safety Institutes in setting higher standards, and he offers practical insights on how...

Cardiologist Stanley Liu discusses his article "The business lesson new doctors must unlearn." Stanley explains why the habits of being a "good soldier" during residency—such as accepting excessive workloads, never questioning compensation, and suppressing dissatisfaction—can harm physicians as they transition into attending roles. He discusses the importance of reframing one's professional identity from soldier to CEO, emphasizing the need to establish win-win professional relationships, protect valuable clients, and avoid restrictive contracts. Stanley highlights practical strategies for preventing burnout, maximizing career options, and treating medical practice as a personal business. Listeners will learn how adopting this mindset shift can...

Physician Jessie Mahoney discusses her article "Why physicians struggle with caregiving and how to cope with grace," reflecting on the unique challenges doctors face when caring for aging parents and ill family members. Jessie explains how medical training, far from easing the role, can intensify stress through hyperawareness, overresponsibility, and self-judgment. She shares how mindfulness and coaching provide physicians with tools to manage guilt, perfectionism, and anticipatory grief, while fostering presence, perspective, and resilience. Listeners will gain practical strategies to approach caregiving with compassion, balance, and grace—caring for themselves as well as their loved ones.

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Board-certified nurse practitioner Shabeena Hirani discusses her article "From nurse practitioner to quality improvement leader in sleep medicine," sharing her journey from clinical care to driving systemic change. Shabeena explains how her experiences in internal medicine, pulmonology, and sleep medicine revealed gaps in follow-up care, underdiagnosed conditions, and barriers to treatment. She describes initiatives she led to improve outcomes for patients with obstructive sleep apnea and asthma, enhance patient education for labor epidurals, and strengthen care coordination. She also highlights the importance of mentorship, equity, and advancing the role of nurse practitioners as leaders within health care teams. Listeners...

Health care executive Shelli Pavone discusses her article "Why retail pharmacies are the future of diverse clinical trials," highlighting the urgent need to improve representation in clinical research. Shelli explains how barriers like mistrust, cost, and lack of access have historically excluded women and minority populations, leading to less effective treatments and persistent health disparities. She describes how leveraging retail pharmacies—trusted, accessible community hubs—can decentralize trials, expand recruitment, and boost retention. Listeners will gain practical insights on how pharmacies' existing infrastructure can be adapted for clinical research, why inclusivity matters for health outcomes, and how patient-centered innovation can...

Osteopathic medical student Scarlett Saitta discusses her article "Integrating vitamin education in mental health care," highlighting the growing evidence that nutritional deficiencies can profoundly impact psychiatric outcomes. Scarlett explains how deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, and folate are common in patients with depression, and how targeted supplementation can dramatically improve treatment response and reduce hospitalizations. She emphasizes that nutritional psychiatry is evidence-based, not alternative medicine, and advocates for its integration into medical education and clinical practice. Listeners will gain actionable insights on screening for deficiencies, reframing nutrition as science-based care, and adopting low-cost, high-yield strategies to support better mental...