Healthcare facilities often serve our most vulnerable populations, especially people of color and low-income individuals. These communities frequently rely on these facilities due to limited access to primary services. Hospital buyouts and financialization of medicine are making the situation worse by affecting Medicaid and Medicare patients. This trend is exacerbating…
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of rituals and superstitions in surgery with Carmen Fong, a colorectal surgeon. Discover how these seemingly irrational practices impact surgeon performance, confidence, and patient outcomes. Carmen shares personal anecdotes and insights on the psychological mechanisms behind these rituals, balancing evidence-based practices…
When I first started writing about anorexia, I had so much information that I felt compelled to share. There was so much pain and misunderstanding around the topic that I couldn't stay silent. It began slowly, with incremental posts, but I knew the importance of sharing truthful stories. People called…
Is it possible to halt cancer-related lymphoedema, or is lifelong compression the only option? Our clinical trial suggested just four weeks of compression. If numbers improved or stabilized, no more compression was needed. However, chronic lymphoedema requires lifelong compression, which can be very uncomfortable, especially during heat waves. Yet, when…
We sit down with Scott Abramson, a retired neurologist with over 40 years of experience, to discuss the pervasive issue of physician burnout and moral injury. Scott shares his insights on the external pressures from EMR guidelines, hospital administration, and big pharma, as well as the internal myths that contribute…
Reducing your exposure to microplastics might be simpler than you think. In this video, I share some practical steps you can take to minimize your daily intake of these tiny particles. First, pay attention to the type of food you consume. Next, consider the fiber content in your clothing. Also,…
Feeling like I could die and not knowing where to turn, I was isolated and buried myself under a rock for five years, grappling with survivor's guilt. Then I wrote an article titled, I Risked My Career To Save My Life, which helped me begin to release the guilt and…
We sit down with Ellie Qian, a medical student, to discuss the profound experiences that shape the journey of becoming a compassionate health care professional. Ellie shares a transformative encounter from her first year in medical school, where she practiced medical interviewing with a standardized patient, Chris, who has stage…
Worried that exercise will make lymphoedema worse? It may actually help. In this video, I explore the early detection and treatment options for lymphoedema, starting with the basics like wearing a compression sleeve or glove for four weeks. We also discuss decongestive therapy, which can include massage and specialized machines.…
From serving in the army to rescuing farm animals, my husband and I have had quite the journey. After retiring in 2010, we started a nonprofit farm animal rescue, born from the community's need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Were also proud parents to 11 children, ranging from ages 3 to…
Surviving a severe eating disorder pushed me to find meaning in my experience, and your platform played a crucial role in that process. There were moments when I felt utterly isolated, especially knowing that my presence online could negatively impact others with similar conditions. Balancing the responsibility of how I…
We sit down with Carine Carmy, a health care executive, to explore the often overlooked world of pelvic floor health. Carine shares her personal journey and sheds light on why many women, like herself, discover the importance of pelvic floor health far too late. We dive deep into the pervasive…
Understanding schizophrenia means recognizing both its positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms include hallucinations, such as hearing or seeing things that others don't. Negative symptoms, on the other hand, are less known but equally significant. These involve a lack of motivation and reduced interaction, making individuals appear more withdrawn. Additionally,…
Join Deborah C. Smith, a nurse who shares her courageous battle with T-cell lymphocytic leukemia and aplastic anemia. Diagnosed in 2017, Deborah navigated extreme fatigue, frequent transfusions, and challenging chemotherapy regimens before finding hope in ATGAM equine immunotherapy. Despite facing severe side effects and a subsequent diagnosis of congestive heart…
Our oldest children are now beginning to live on their own and make financial decisions independently. Our oldest son has joined the military and is currently stationed in Arizona. Three of these children have tried to stay local but found it impossible due to high housing prices. They struggle to…
Reducing your daily exposure to microplastics might be easier than you think. First, pay close attention to the foods you eat and the type of clothing you wear. Be mindful of the makeup products you use, especially those with high levels of phthalates. While it's impossible to completely eliminate phthalates,…
Isn't it great that we're making strides to reduce the stigma around mental health issues? We see initiatives for depression, PTSD, and support for veterans, which are all incredibly important. But think about itwhen was the last time you heard of a benefit or a walk specifically for schizophrenia patients?…
In this episode, we explore the Augusta Rule, a unique tax strategy that allows homeowners to rent out their property for up to 14 days annually without paying taxes on the rental income. Our guest, Alexis E. Gallati, a tax strategist, will break down the fundamentals of the Augusta Rule,…
Pursuing a master's in therapy has been a lifelong dream of mine, and now I'm finally taking the steps to make it happen. I'm driven by a mission to help others tune into their values and focus on what truly matters in their lives. When I reflected on my own…
Fertility rates are plummeting, and it's more alarming than ever. It used to be one in eight, but now it's one in six. For female physicians, it's even worseone in three face fertility issues. Countries like South Korea have fertility rates below replacement levels. I've noticed a steady decline in…
In today's special sponsored episode, we feature Texila American University College of Medicine (TAUCOM) in Guyana. Dr. Dheeraj Bansal, dean of medicine, and Dr. Nisarg Patel, director of admissions. provide an in-depth look into why TAUCOM is a compelling choice for aspiring medical students. They discuss the university’s unique curriculum,…
Why don't large reductions in medical debt lead to better financial outcomes? In this video, I explore the surprising findings on how medical debt forgiveness affects credit scores, delinquencies, and other financial measures. It turns out that preventing or forgiving medical debt might not free up money as much as…
We dive into the intriguing world of endurance exercise and cardiovascular health with our guest, John C. Hagan III, an ophthalmologist and veteran endurance athlete. John shares his personal journey with long-distance running and the unexpected health challenges he encountered. We explore the latest research on the potential risks of…
Weight loss isn't just a one-size-fits-all solution; it often requires careful coordination with primary care doctors. Before diving into any weight loss plan with a patient, I always make sure to consult their primary care physician. This isn't just a courtesy; it's crucial to avoid stepping on toes and ensure…