What happens when your definition of being a good doctor leads to burnout? I used to think a good doctor never took breaks, always self-sacrificed, and put everyone else first. But this mindset left me so exhausted that I became useless to both myself and those around me. Its taken…
In this episode, Shirin Towfigh, a surgeon and hernia specialist, delves into the often-overlooked issue of hernias, particularly in women. The discussion highlights the challenges patients face when dealing with chronic pelvic pain and undiagnosed hernias. From gender disparities in diagnosis to the latest advancements in surgical treatment, this conversation…
What does the metric left without being seen really tell us about patient care? This is a common issue in the emergency room, and it's important to understand its implications for both patient safety and hospital operations. On one hand, it highlights the need to ensure that sick patients are…
Taking ownership of our decisions is crucial, much like managing our taxes. Sure, we can have experts guide us, but ultimately, the responsibility falls on us. Just as you can't blame your accountant for a tax mishap, you can't offload accountability for your own choices. This concept resonates deeply in…
Mentoring and supervising medical students and residents used to be a whole different ballgame. Back in the day, academic physicians worked in for-profit hospitals without formal academic contracts. I remember writing a blog post about 20 or 30 years ago on this very topic. It was a significant issue when…
We sit down with Christina Stach, a medical student who shares her powerful journey of navigating the financial hardships of medical education. Christina's story sheds light on the unique challenges faced by first-generation, low-income students and the impact of these struggles on mental health, diversity in specialized fields, and the…
Balancing work and personal time felt almost impossible, and I nearly walked away. It wasn't just the workload but also my struggle to set boundaries and manage my calendar. Through significant changes in our system and my own approach, we've made real improvements. It's far from perfect, and anyone from…
Balancing finances and maintaining control is crucial for physicians, especially those in the direct patient care movement. From early on, I was exposed to this mindset and learned a lot about financial management from my father. By the time I was 10 years into my career, I had established an…
Join us as we explore two compelling case studies featuring Jon Appino, the driving force behind Contract Diagnostics. In the first, three interventional radiologists, earning over $700k but under-compensated by market standards, sought Jon's expertise to update their outdated eight-year pay structure. Despite paying their own malpractice insurance and having…
Imagine being forced to see patients in the waiting room just to make it seem like wait times are improving. In our latest video, I discuss how these practices, aimed at boosting profits, have led to unattainable and unsafe expectations for physicians and staff. We also look into the troubling…
Receiving a heartfelt letter from a patient's family can be one of the most moving experiences in a medical professional's career. In this video, I share the incredible story of how a senior physician's words deeply impacted me. This letter wasn't just any letter; it was from the patient's grandfather,…
In this episode, we dive into the complexities of obesity with gastroenterologist Pooja Singhal. Together, we explore the media's portrayal of new obesity medications, the harmful misconceptions surrounding obesity, and the vital need for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Pooja sheds light on the barriers patients face in accessing care,…
Negotiating your compensation as a physician can feel like a maze, especially when it comes to supervising residents. Remember the days when administrative tasks were just a set fee? Things have certainly evolved, but how do you ensure you're getting a fair deal now? In this video, I discuss the…
Receiving a heartfelt letter from a patients family can be one of the most touching moments in our profession. During the pandemic, a patient well known to our unit was admitted and her condition quickly deteriorated to a point where it was no longer survivable. Despite the challenges, our hospital…
In this episode, we sit down with Jay Anders, a physician executive, to discuss the evolving landscape of health care. We explore his unique insights on leadership, the challenges facing today's medical professionals, and the critical role of technology in shaping the future of patient care. Tune in for an…
Loving what you do can sometimes become a challenge when the environment drastically changes. When I started in emergency medicine, the thrill of caring for patients during their most vulnerable moments was deeply fulfilling. At Carney, serving the diverse Dorchester neighborhood felt like the perfect fit for my career aspirations.…
Navigating workplace politics can be daunting, but understanding the dynamics is key to ensuring your safety and well-being at work. In this video, I highlight the importance of being mindful of how you present yourself and staying true to your values. I'll also discuss the significance of knowing your workplace…
In this episode, we sit down with Amaka Nnamani, a pediatrician who shares her powerful story of starting her residency while four months pregnant. Amaka discusses the unique challenges she faced balancing her medical training with motherhood, the shortcomings of maternal leave policies in the United States, and the broader…
Understanding the balance between joy and hardship in end-of-life situations is crucial in the medical field. When I speak to medical students, I emphasize that although these moments are challenging, they are also profoundly human. Contrary to popular belief, most of our pediatric patients actually recover, with a mortality rate…
In this episode, we explore the urgent need to redefine physician identity in today's health care landscape. Joined by health care executive Olivia Morris and physician advocate Kim Downey, we delve into the challenges physicians face in maintaining their well-being, the impact of systemic issues on their sense of self,…
Seeing agreements titled Specialty Residency Supervision Agreement is a surprising twist in the medical field. These agreements essentially pay physicians for supervising residents, which has traditionally been just another part of the job. Usually, physicians receive a salary that covers a range of duties including charting, teaching residents, and perhaps…
Witnessing the strain on emergency departments across the country has been eye-opening. From skyrocketing patient-to-nurse ratios to dangerous boarding levels, the challenges keep mounting. The pandemic only made things worse, with higher costs, infection rates, and mortality. Medicine has shifted from patient safety to profit-driven decisions, compromising care quality. Staff…
Join us in this episode as we dive into the powerful story of "Max," a patient who steadfastly refused all vaccines despite his well-controlled HIV infection. Through persistence, respect, and trust, our guest Janet A. Jokela, an internal medicine and infectious disease physician, shares how she gradually guided Max to…
Physicians interested in the intersection between clinical medicine and industry often wonder how to make the leap effectively. My biggest piece of advice is to be honest with the companies. Many think that if they don't say what the company wants to hear, they won't be considered. In reality, companies…