Epigenetics is transforming our understanding of fertility. In this episode, fertility specialist Dr. Oluyemisi (Yemi) Famuyiwa joins us to explore how lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and environmental exposures influence gene expression through mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modification. Yemi explains the science behind these ep…

Join us in this episode as we explore the story of a medical student who redefined her career path after a pivotal moment of self-discovery and patient insight. Our guest, Janet A. Jokela, an infectious disease physician, delves into the lessons learned about career alignment, mentorship, and the vital role of compassion in medicine. Together, we d…

We sit down with psychiatrist Morgan Hardy to explore the complex rise in adult ADHD diagnoses. Morgan shares insights on the growing demand for ADHD evaluations, the impact of social and environmental factors, and the fine line between appropriate treatment and overdiagnosis. We delve into the risks and rewards of stimulant medication, the challen…

We’re joined by Anand Parekh, internal medicine physician and author of Prevention First: Policymaking for a Healthier America. We dive into the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring the pivotal role of prevention in health policy. Anand discusses the urgent need for stronger public health leadership, effective crisis communication, and inves…

We dive into the intricate world of food choices, body image, and the science behind nutrition myths with psychologist and author Charlotte Markey. Charlotte unpacks the sometimes overwhelming dietary information people encounter daily, offering insights into making food choices that promote both physical and psychological well-being. From debunkin…

We dive into the powerful story of a physician-mother whose world changed with the onset of COVID-19. Our guest, Arian Nachat, a palliative and emergency medicine physician, shares her journey through the pandemic, balancing the demanding roles of mother and doctor. From navigating childcare crises and homeschooling to reimagining her career beyond…

We discuss the growing challenges within the U.S. health care system, from long wait times and fragmented care to the corporatization of medical services. Our guest, patient advocate Michele Luckenbaugh, shares insights on the lack of continuity in patient care, the rise of urgent care centers, and the strain on both patients and health care profes…

We dive into the essential skills every physician needs to master in contract negotiation. Internal medicine physician Miguel Villagra offers practical advice on navigating the complex clauses and legal language, sharing key strategies for securing a fair, comprehensive agreement that supports career growth and personal well-being. From understandi…

We dive into the personal and professional journey of Ben Reinking, a board-certified pediatric cardiologist, medical educator, and certified physician development coach. We explore the importance of maintaining hobbies, finding balance, and how personal interests can help prevent burnout in physicians. Ben shares valuable insights into the challen…

We sit down with Rebecca Arnold, an author and certified executive leadership coach, to explore the emotional challenges faced by physicians experiencing disillusionment in the health care system. Rebecca shares insights on how to reconnect with your values, manage internal stressors like perfectionism and burnout, and find support among colleagues…

We dive into the pain care crisis in the United States with Cindy Perlin, a social worker and chronic pain expert. We explore the epidemic of chronic pain, the limitations of conventional treatments, and the risks of opioid addiction. Cindy shares insights on alternative therapies, including mind-body approaches, nutritional medicine, and emerging …

Join us for a conversation with Fazlur Rahman, a hematology-oncology physician and author of Our Connected Lives. In this episode, we explore how Fazlur's journey from physician to patient transformed his understanding of empathy. He reflects on the importance of personal connection in medicine, the impact of a lack of empathy on both doctors and p…

We sit down with Paula Muto, a vascular surgeon, who discusses the challenges she’s faced in a health care system on the brink of collapse. From hospital closures driven by private equity to network restrictions that limit patient access, Paula shares her candid insights on how we can rebuild a better system. She advocates for banning network restr…

We dive deep into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in health care with Muhamad Aly Rifai, a practicing internist and psychiatrist. We explore how AI is not only shaping clinical care but also transforming the enforcement of health care regulations. With a focus on the ethical dilemmas and potential risks of AI in medicine, Muhamad Aly s…

In this episode, nurse consultant Beth Boynton joins us to discuss the transformative power of the Medical Improv Toolkit in clinical settings. We dive into how playful, experiential activities can enhance communication, reduce conflict, and foster psychological safety among healthcare teams. Beth shares how these simple yet powerful tools can be s…

We dive into the power of expressive writing with guest Aine M. Greaney, an accomplished writer. Aine shares her personal journey through caregiving, journaling, and emotional healing during a difficult time in her husband’s life. She reflects on how her writing evolved from raw rage to self-reflection, ultimately guiding her toward mercy and under…

We sit down with anesthesiologist Kolleen Dougherty as she reflects on her experience of career burnout after two decades at a Level 1 hospital. Kolleen shares the internal struggles that kept her in a job that no longer brought her joy and how fear, loyalty, and the “sunk cost fallacy” contributed to her staying longer than she should have. She op…

We sit down with Alisa Sano, a public health auditor, to explore the world of dietary supplements and the critical role Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) play in ensuring product safety and quality. Alisa sheds light on the hidden details behind supplement labels, how consumers can make informed choices, and the importance of GMP certification in …

We sit down with Tod Stillson, a family physician and entrepreneur, to discuss how physicians can regain control of their careers in a system designed to push them toward traditional employment. Tod shares his personal journey from being funneled into the corporate health care world to discovering the freedom and financial empowerment that comes wi…

We speak with Shivana Naidoo, a child psychiatrist, about the critical steps parents can take to prevent youth suicide. Shivana shares practical advice on recognizing early warning signs, creating a safer home environment with the GO SECURE framework, and empowering families to support children dealing with suicidal thoughts. Shivana Naidoo is a ch…

We sit down with Angela Nelson, a seasoned health care executive, to discuss the critical role of parent involvement in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Angela shares insights on how health care professionals can foster collaboration with parents, address challenges in balancing evi…

We dive into the controversial world of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising with health reporter Martha Rosenberg. Drawing from her extensive knowledge, Martha unpacks how DTC drug ads manipulate consumers, fuel hypochondria, and create demand for obscure medical conditions. We also explore the alarming tactics behind soap product advertisements, …

We sit down with Marissa Caudill, a psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult mental health, to explore the findings from the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory “Parents Under Pressure.” We discuss the skyrocketing levels of stress among parents, the balancing act of caregiving, financial struggles, and the mental health toll on both p…

We sit down with Maria Iliakova, a bariatric and general surgeon, to explore the exciting ways AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping clinical practice. Maria shares her experiences using AI to enhance hospital staffing, analyze patient data, and predict patient flow in real time. We discuss how AI can help address health care staffing shortages, impr…

We sit down with Alopi Patel, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician, to explore the gender-based inequities women face in their careers. Inspired by the metaphor of flamingos losing their pink during times of adversity, we delve into the personal, professional, and physical challenges women navigate throughout their lives. Alopi sha…

We sit down with Amol Shrikhande, a nephrologist, to explore the challenges faced by frontline health care workers in an overburdened system. We delve into the real-world impact of budget constraints, staffing shortages, and administrative decisions on patient care, as well as the emotional toll on nurses and physicians. Amol shares his insights on…

We welcome back internal medicine physician Vijay Rajput. Two years ago, he shared his insights on the KevinMD article, "Top 10 things new interns should do." Today, he returns to discuss updates on those recommendations, with a new emphasis on empathy, compassion, and introducing the power of kindness in medical education and clinical practice. Vi…

We sit down with Dennis Hursh, a health law attorney with decades of experience representing physicians in their interactions with hospitals. Dennis shares eye-opening stories of how hospitals use restrictive contracts and aggressive tactics to retain physicians—sometimes even against their will. We explore why these situations occur, what they rev…

We sit down with William Lynes, a urologist, to discuss the complexities surrounding the inclusion of SGID athletes in female sports. William explores the impact of biology on performance, the potential risks for female athletes, and the ethical dilemmas faced by sports organizations today. From historical cases to current controversies at the 2024…

We welcome Ann-Louise Puopolo, a nurse executive, to discuss the critical issue of the nursing shortage crisis and the impact of burnout and technology fatigue on health care workers. Ann-Louise shares insights from her experience at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, exploring how technology can support the nursing workforce, improve patient…

We sit down with Taylor J. Christensen, an internal medicine physician and health policy researcher, to discuss his health care incentives framework. Taylor explains how restructuring financial incentives can encourage providers and insurers to deliver higher value for patients. Tune in as we explore the barriers preventing patients from choosing h…

We sit down with Oluyemisi (Yemi) Famuyiwa, a fertility specialist and founder of Montgomery Fertility Center, to explore the hidden barriers patients face when accessing fertility medications. We delve into the complex role of pharmacy benefit companies and discuss how their influence can create unexpected challenges, delays, and additional stress…

We sit down with Muhamad Aly Rifai, a practicing internist and psychiatrist, to explore the complexities of health care fraud investigations and the profound impact these cases have on physicians' lives and careers. Muhamad shares his firsthand experience of enduring a seven-year federal investigation that ultimately resulted in a "not guilty" verd…

In this episode, we delve into a fascinating yet often overlooked medical phenomenon—near-death experiences (NDEs)—with John C. Hagan III, an ophthalmologist and expert on the subject. Despite being reported by as many as one in five patients who survive critical medical events, NDEs remain absent from most medical curricula, leaving physicians unp…

We sit down with Banu Symington, a hematology-oncology physician, to explore a looming health care crisis affecting rural America. As more retirees move to rural communities, the number of health care providers is not keeping pace. Banu sheds light on the growing disparity between rural and urban health care access, the financial challenges threate…

We speak with Heather Luing, a psychiatrist specializing in treatment-resistant depression. As depression rates in the U.S. have tripled over the last year, we explore why traditional treatments may not work for everyone and discuss innovative therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Heather sheds light on how TMS offers hope for pat…

We’re joined by Wael Saasouh, an anesthesiologist; Lisa Scardina, a health care executive; and Kim Downey, a physician advocate and physical therapist, to discuss the urgent need to restore human connections in health care. From tackling clinician burnout and moral injury to enhancing collaboration across silos, our guests share powerful insights o…

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Joseph Lanctot, a nurse practitioner, as he explores the significance of professional identity in healthcare. Joseph shares his personal experiences of being mislabelled as a doctor and explains why embracing the title of nurse is essential for preserving the unique legacy of nursing. Delving into the d…

We sit down with Nicholas Rosenlicht, psychiatrist and author of My Brother’s Keeper: The Untold Stories Behind the Business of Mental Health―and How to Stop the Abandonment of the Mentally Ill. Dr. Rosenlicht unpacks the troubling shift from viewing individuals with mental health issues as "patients" to labeling them as "clients," revealing how th…

Join Manuel Arango, the director of Health Policy & Advocacy at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. We dive into the pressing issue of food marketing to children, exploring how these strategies impact kids' health and dietary habits. Manuel shares insights into the ongoing efforts to regulate unhealthy food and beverage marketing in Canada, …

We welcome Ron M. Aryel, a pediatrician who shares his powerful journey through medical school and residency as a physician with cerebral palsy. Facing discrimination, ableism, and hostility from colleagues and superiors, Ron persevered and built a remarkable career. Join us as we discuss the challenges of navigating medical hierarchies, the import…

We sit down with Michael J. Grace, attorney and author of The Mumbo Jumbo Fix: A Survival Guide for Effective Doctor-Patient-Nurse Communication. We explore how health care communication has evolved before, during, and after COVID. From the rapid rise of telemedicine to the increasing role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, we discuss…

We sit down with Audra King, a surgery resident, to explore the challenges and toxic environments that medical trainees often face during their residency. From instances of disrespect and workplace bullying to the emotional toll of navigating power dynamics in the hospital, Audra shares her personal experiences and insights. We discuss how these si…

We bring together three passionate advocates for physician wellness: Michael Foti, an internal medicine physician; Tushar Bhagat, a research assistant professor; and Kim Downey, a physical therapist. Join us as they share their deeply personal journeys and professional insights on tackling burnout and promoting mental health in health care. From Mi…

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Janet A. Jokela, an internal medicine and infectious disease physician. Janet reflects on her transformative residency at Boston City Hospital, where the "city savages" thrived in the face of immense challenges. We discuss how the intense training shaped her career, the evolution of internal medicine, and…

We explore the unique challenges faced by patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during dental appointments. Our guests, Brian Jones, a health care executive, and Tina Saw, a dentist and health care leader, share insights on how sensory sensitivities, higher oral care needs, and barriers to care impact these patients. They’…

We sit down with Patrick Hunt, a physician executive, to explore one of the most pressing challenges in U.S. health care—the growing physician shortage. With projections indicating a shortfall of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036, Patrick shares his insights on how workforce management technology can help mitigate this crisis. We discuss how these innov…

We are joined by Paul Pender, an ophthalmologist with extensive experience in patient care. We explore the vital role emotional intelligence plays in strengthening the physician-patient bond, particularly in challenging health care environments. Paul shares insights into how self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management enhance caregiving, b…

Join us for an episode featuring Lynn McComas, a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. We’ll discuss the critical importance of hands-on training in medical education and the potential consequences for patient care when students are limited to observational roles. Lynn shares insights on the ch…

We welcome Dean-David Schillinger, an internal medicine physician and public health leader. Dean-David discusses his book, Telltale Hearts: A Public Health Doctor, His Patients, and the Power of Story. Drawing from over three decades of experience in one of the nation’s busiest public hospitals, he shares powerful insights on how listening to patie…