The Surgeon General's report uncovers some startling insights into why parents feel twice as overwhelmed as nonparents. Vivek Murthy references a compelling study by the American Psychological Association, examining stress among thousands of American adults. The findings reveal that parents report feeling extremely overwhelmed most of the time, impacting their…
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…
When the surgeon general's advisory was released, I felt a rush of excitement. Leaving my clinical role at Kaiser Permanente in 2022 to launch the parent doctor was a big step, driven by a mission to help reverse the teen mental health crisis. It's a topic getting ample press, especially…
When parents struggle with mental health, kids feel it too. It's not just severe cases; even mild unwellness can impact children negatively. If we're not fully present, our kids miss out on the support they need. The solution? Prioritize our own health to set a strong example. By putting our…
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…
Thinking about the glass half full can truly change your perspective. I've learned that our natural tendency is to dwell on what's missing, but with consistent practice, we can shift our focus to what we've achieved. This simple mindset shift can lead to greater happiness and connection, especially within families.…
Building rapport with parents opens doors to meaningful conversations. Asking simple yet powerful questions like What do you do for yourself? can reveal so much. Sometimes, the answer might be nothing, which sparks deeper dialogue about their choices and desires. It's all about encouraging people to realize they have a…
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”…
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…
As parents, we often forget that our time with our children is fleeting and irreplaceable. It's easy to get lost in future worries, but true happiness comes from savoring the little moments now. We need to be more present, less focused on what's not happening, and cherish what we have.…
Is the landscape of medicine shifting right before our eyes? From my perspective, it seems like it is, with a growing number of doctors from diverse backgrounds entering the field. However, the imbalance remains stark, with significantly fewer minority doctors compared to their white counterparts. This disparity poses a challenge…
City Savagesever wondered where that nickname came from? It was coined by our residency program doctor, who constantly reminded us of the resilience we developed by our third year. We tackled every challenge, ran codes across the hospital, and coordinated with EMTs in the emergency room. Whether it was medicine…
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…
Overcoming obstacles and discrimination has shaped my approach to medicine in a profound way. I've come to believe that everyone, from patients to medical students, has intrinsic value. My goal is to treat each person as an individual, recognizing their unique reality and challenges. Whether it's a patient with a…
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…
Finding myself labeled as an outsider by my fellow students was a harsh reality. Despite my efforts to bridge the gap, they had already made up their minds that I didn't belong. Faced with this, I turned the tables and focused on what I needed to do to finish school…
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…
I became a regional expert on rare diseases through sheer dedication and long hours. Putting in 15-hour days at the clinic was the norm, and my reputation grewif you were really sick, you came to see me. Even intensive care units trusted me with their toughest cases. While others focused…
Unexpected challenges can arise when you're the only resident on duty in the ICU overnight. When the entire hospital lab went down, it was up to a second-year resident to think quickly for a patient with renal failure and hyperkalemia. Monitoring the EKG and T waves became the innovative solution,…
Every person you meet has something to teach you. In my experience, both patients and medical students hold unique value. Interacting with them isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's a two-way street. I find myself learning something new from each individual I encounter. Staying humble allows me to absorb lessons…
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…
Low staffing levels in healthcare can lead to serious issues like patient mortality and hospital-acquired infections. Our research highlights how these challenges also affect patient satisfaction, especially when nursing support is lacking. We've examined the impact of using overtime and agency nurses to manage staff shortages. Interestingly, these strategies can…
Only a small fraction of physicians in the U.S. have physical disabilities, challenging a deeply ingrained stereotype. When a doctor cares for a disabled patient, they're often seen as the hero, standing proudly beside them. But what happens when that very patient grows up to become your boss or even…
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…