Discovering that my own hospital was suing patients was a shock that turned into anger and shame. During a visit to the county courthouse in Rhode Island, I uncovered that single working mothers and disabled individuals were being targeted. Hospitals and debt collectors were reporting low-income patients debts to credit…
Almost everyone in this room has likely lost someone to addiction, a harsh reality we need to face. I've attended more funerals than I can bear to recount, and the pain is overwhelming. These aren't just statistics; these are people I loved deeply, friends, uncles, cousinsgood people. Some were just…
Join us in this episode as we explore the challenges of balancing social media and device use with the essential aspects of life. Our guest, Dawn Baker, an anesthesiologist, shares her insights from a recent physician wellness conference where she discussed this very topic. We'll delve into the benefits and…
When a patient shares something deeply painful, how do you respond? In this video, I recount a poignant moment with a long-standing patient who trusted me enough to share her story. We have a history that spans many years, and this was just the latest chapter in our journey together.…
It's surprising how much neglect and lack of importance is given to women in midlife, especially when it comes to perimenopause. Women aged 35 and above often experience symptoms that are biological in nature. We know that the average age for menopause is 52, while perimenopause kicks in around 47.…
Join Maryal Concepcion, a family physician, as she shares her inspiring story of transitioning from a traditional health care role to direct primary care (DPC). Discover how the values of social harmony and interconnectedness from her collectivist upbringing influenced her approach to patient care, and learn about the transformative power…
Imagine being so afraid of medical bills that you delay seeking critical care. In this video, I share the heart-wrenching story of a woman who ignored a treatable cancer for six months because she feared the financial burden. By the time she came to us, it was too late, and…
Can we truly earn our patients' trust while being part of a system that burdens them with insurmountable medical debt? It's heart-wrenching to know that those in financial distress often avoid necessary care, leading to worse health outcomes. Medical debt forces Americans to make impossible choices, sometimes even costing them…
Join us for a conversation with George M. Abraham, former president of the American College of Physicians (2021-2022) and a professor of medicine. We'll explore the vital role of international medical graduates (IMGs) in the U.S. health care system. Discover how IMGs enhance cultural competence, improve access to care in…
How do we navigate the emotional toll of working in healthcare? Each of us, whether a radiologist, nurse, or tech, bears witness to the suffering of others every day. We all have a choice and a responsibility to attend to our own emotional needs in ways that are nurturing and…
Understanding the importance of safety in the process of coming out is crucial. For many children, the fear of negative repercussions keeps them from revealing their true identities. They're worried about being kicked out, subjected to conversion therapy, or worse. This fear often leads to harmful coping mechanisms like self-harm…
Imagine being told that your struggles with obesity aren't your fault, and feeling a wave of relief wash over you. That's the kind of difference a compassionate conversation can make. As a doctor, I always start by reassuring my patients that they're not to blame for their current situation. Seeing…
How do you let patients know you genuinely care? After leaving a room where I've hugged someone or shared a tear, I often tell medical students to find their own way to show love to patients. Not everyone is a hugger, and that's okay. There are countless ways to use…
Ultimately, the fear that I share with so many of my patients is that we will slip even further into the abyss without action. We need to chart a path forward where a new diagnosis doesn’t mean financial ruin. No one should have to choose between life and life savings,…
Investing in American health leads to better long-term outcomes. I reinvented myself with purpose. Now, as a physician and researcher, I’m on a mission to improve cancer care in America. I want to turn my hard-earned lessons into a better future for patients. The fear many of my patients and…
Understanding the four key areas of well-being can transform your life. In this video, I discuss how your external environment, behavior, social support, and mental and spiritual components all play a crucial role in your happiness and quality of life. From nature and social settings to sleep and nutrition, each…
In this episode, we delve into the profound emotional experiences of Ryan McCarthy, an internal medicine physician. Ryan shares heart-wrenching moments from his practice, including the day his heart metaphorically rolled off his arm and crashed on the exam room floor as he comforted a grieving patient, Ginny. We explore…
Think obesity is just about calories in versus calories out? Think again. Science and new medications are showing us that it's much more complex. These tools help address food cravings and the hunger hormone dysregulation in our brains. Of course, eating well and staying active are still crucial. But it's…
Understanding the urgency of reaching out to patients before they reach a breaking point is crucial. Many transgender individuals face an alarmingly high suicide rate, not because of their identity, but due to societal treatment. This toxic environment often leads them to consider taking their own lives. No doctor ever…
Join us for a conversation with John C. Hagan III, an ophthalmologist, as we delve into the innovative use of beta-blockers for treating acute migraines. Discover the journey behind the discovery of Timolol’s efficacy in migraine relief and the challenges faced in securing pharmaceutical support. Gain insights into the potential…
The future of medicine depends on our ability to stay committed despite the challenges. Whether it's taking a sabbatical, reorganizing our lives, or seeking support from our networks, it's crucial that we make those moves. People want to help us succeed because our success benefits entire communities and promotes healthier…
Navigating cancer care can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like no one understands what's truly important to you. Recently, I had a consultation with a man battling advanced bladder cancer who felt lost and unsupported by his medical team. After discussing his priorities, we discovered his biggest concern was…
What really happened during President Biden's debate? As his doctor, it's my responsibility to figure out why he performed the way he did. Why didn't he call his defense secretary by his first name, but by his race instead? Being a doctor is a 24/7 job, and sometimes the most…
I really have to come out and tell you, medical school in the eighties was a different world for someone in the LGBTQ community. I wasn't taught anything about it, and even as a queer person, I never shared my sexuality. The fear of the unknown was real, and my…