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 challenges of making accurate ADHD diagnoses, and the potential influence of today’s tech-driven world on attention spans. Morgan Hardy is a...

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 investment in community-based prevention programs. He also shares insights on bridging bipartisan divides to prioritize health care prevention for a...

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 debunking popular nutrition myths to finding body acceptance in a social media-saturated world, this conversation empowers listeners to take control of...

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 the confines of traditional health care, she sheds light on the struggles faced by frontline workers. Listen as she reveals how these challenges...

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 professionals. Together, we explore what’s needed to restore trust, prioritize patient care, and support overburdened health care staff. Michele...

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 understanding contract types to leveraging market data and avoiding common pitfalls, Miguel’s insights empower physicians to negotiate with confidence and...

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 challenges of the medical profession and offers practical strategies for sustaining a fulfilling career and personal life. Ben Reinking is a...

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 who share your commitment to high-quality, patient-first care. Rebecca Arnold is an author, certified executive leadership coach, and founder...

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 technologies that offer hope for those suffering from chronic pain. Cindy Perlin is a social worker. She discusses the KevinMD article, "Why...

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 patients, and the need for medical education to include the humanities to foster compassionate care. This episode dives deep into the role empathy...

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 restrictions, restoring physician authority, and increasing financial transparency. Drawing on her years of experience, she highlights the urgent need...

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 shares his insights on the future of physician autonomy and patient care in an increasingly AI-driven world. Muhamad Aly Rifai is a practicing...

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 seamlessly integrated into meetings and daily routines, creating long-lasting improvements in teamwork and collaboration. Beth Boynton is a nurse...

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 understanding. Aine M. Greaney is a writer. She discusses the KevinMD article, "Secret support for this family caregiver." Our presenting sponsor...

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 opens up about her journey to making the difficult decision to leave and the relief that followed. Kolleen Dougherty is an anesthesiologist. She...

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 protecting public health. If you've ever wondered how to tell the difference between safe and risky supplements, this conversation is for you. ...

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 with self-employment. Tod Stillson is a family physician, entrepreneur, and Amazon best-selling author of Doctor Incorporated: Stop the Insanity of...

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 child psychiatrist. She discusses the KevinMD article, "Prevent youth suicide: essential steps for parents to secure their home." Our presenting...

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 evidence-based practices with parental preferences, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness of interventions for children. Angela Nelson is a health...

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, revealing how fear-based marketing plays on common insecurities to sell products. Martha Rosenberg is a health reporter and the author of Big...

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 parents and children. Marissa shares her insights on how physicians can support parents, foster gratitude, and advocate for systemic changes that...

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, improve the efficiency of call schedules, and provide more personalized care. Maria Iliakova is a bariatric and general surgeon. She discusses the...

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 shares insights on how these challenges impact female physicians and offers solutions to create a more equitable and supportive work environment. ...

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 navigating the delicate balance between quality care and financial pressures, advocating for patient safety, and the silent struggles that many...