Imagine stepping into what you think is a powerhouse role, only to find out it's mostly a title with little influence. That's exactly what happened to the Surgeon General in the mid-1960s. Despite initial excitement about joining the cabinet, the position was stripped of major responsibilities, leaving just a few…
Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article, "Physician wellness is a strategic imperative—not a moral crusade." The conversation focuses on why physicians must shift their advocacy for well-being from a reactive, moral argument to a strategic one that aligns with institutional priorities. Jessie explains that effective change comes…
Entrepreneur, AI enthusiast, and wellness advocate Vaishali Jha discusses her article, "Gen Z is already transforming mental health care—are we listening?" The conversation explores the vital need for new perspectives in health care, arguing that the system often overlooks the voices of young people. Vaishali explains how Gen Z, having…
Imagine if someone close to you needed medication and it wasn't available. It's a preventable tragedy that we have the power to address. In this video, we explore the importance of responding to harmful jokes with thoughtful dialogue. It's not about banning speech, but about promoting meaningful conversations. What are…
Retired surgeon, psychotherapist, and author Patrick Hudson discusses his article, "Why we fear being forgotten more than death itself." The conversation explores the profound difference between the biological act of dying and the existential fear of vanishing from the story of the world. Patrick explains that for many, the true…
Physician executive Sreeram Mullankandy discusses his article, "Bridging the digital divide: Addressing health inequities through home-based AI solutions." The conversation highlights that while the future of health care delivery is moving into patients' homes, this shift risks leaving the most vulnerable populations behind. Sreeram explains that non-medical factors, or Social…
Pediatrician Sarah Webber discusses her article, "Why it's so hard to admit when we don't like our jobs." The conversation is a vulnerable look into her personal experience with burnout just nine months into what she thought was her dream job as a pediatric hospitalist. Sarah shares her journey of…
Are non-competes for physicians as tricky as they sound? Let's chat about how varied they are across the US and the surprising ways they can impact healthcare workers. I'm spilling the tea on a big win in Maryland, where we scored a partial victory against non-competes for healthcare workers. Did…
LGBTQ+ journalist BJ Ferguson discusses the article, "Why physician voices matter in the fight against anti-LGBTQ+ laws." The conversation serves as a call to action for medical professionals, arguing that their duty to protect patient health now extends beyond the clinic and into the legislative arena. BJ outlines how anti-LGBTQ+…
Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article "The broken health care system doesn't have to break you." Jessie discusses the profound changes in the practice of medicine that no longer align with traditional training models. She identifies outdated beliefs prevalent in medicine, such as self-sacrifice, service at all…
Anesthesiologist Maire Daugharty, who expanded her expertise by earning a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, discusses her article "Why ADHD isn't just a childhood disorder and what that means for adults." Maire discusses the critical importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, highlighting its negative impacts on…
Physician Scott Abramson discusses his article "How doctors' words can make or break patient care." Scott shares two compelling scenarios illustrating the profound impact of a physician's communication. He recounts a family conference where a doctor's use of medical jargon like "lesion" completely obscured the diagnosis of cancer for a…
Big tobacco was once a giant in Congress, wielding immense power. Jesse Helms, a major player, backed the industry due to his social conservative stance. Smoking rates in the US were around the mid-30% range, slowly declining but still significant. A writer described the situation as a gentlemanly rivalry between…
Public policy analyst Julia Drydyk discusses her article "Human trafficking isn't what you think: Why education is key to stopping it." Julia clarifies the crucial distinction between human smuggling and human trafficking, explaining that trafficking involves exploitation through coercion regardless of geographic movement, often occurring within communities rather than solely…
Endocrinologist Michael Morkos discusses his article "Mastering the art of efficient patient encounters: tips for physicians." Michael shares practical strategies for optimizing the patient encounter to enhance both efficiency and patient satisfaction. He delves into effective documentation techniques, emphasizing the importance of maintaining eye contact while touch-typing in the exam…
Nurse practitioner Surani Hayre-Kwan discusses her article "Are you protecting your career? 5 essential questions about your NP liability insurance." Surani discusses the critical need for nurse practitioners to secure their own professional liability insurance, highlighting how relying solely on employer-provided coverage can leave significant gaps. She provides insights into…
Internal medicine and pediatric physician Charles LeBaron discusses his article "How the CDC's opioid rules created a crisis for chronic pain patients." Charles discusses the 2016 CDC opioid guideline, initially framed as a solution to over-prescription and overdose deaths, and critically examines its actual impact. He reveals how the guideline,…
We're diving into a topic that's super important yet often misunderstood. Food allergies are not just a choice or a diet. They are a real disease that people can't control, just like you can't control your heartbeat! In this video, we'll explore why it's crucial to educate everyone on what…
Otolaryngologist Kevin C. McMains discusses his article "The hero's journey: Understanding professional identity formation in graduate medical education." Kevin discusses the ongoing crisis of burnout and mental health issues in medical training, critically examining traditional educational and environmental interventions. He identifies a gap in the current narrative surrounding work-life balance,…
Feeling stuck because of a non-compete clause? Let's chat about how financial planning can break those chains. Imagine having the freedom to explore new opportunities just like you did when you first became a doctor. It's all about regaining your power and choosing your path. Are you ready to take…
Osteopathic medical student Scarlett Saitta discusses her article "The school cafeteria could save American medicine." Scarlett discusses the profound connection between childhood nutrition and long-term health outcomes, drawing from her personal experiences and observations in her hometown. She highlights how current food systems contribute to chronic illnesses like type 2…
Licensed clinical psychologist and health care ethicist Jenny Shields discusses her article, "DSM-5 doesn’t name it, but moral distress is everywhere in medicine." Jenny illuminates the pervasive issue of moral distress among clinicians, defining it as the psychological toll exacted when they know the ethically appropriate action but are systematically…
Let's talk about something that hits close to home for so many of us dealing with allergies. I had a chat with my physician and dug deep into the policies, making sure I'm all set with my medication and food. But here's the thingwhy should anyone be thrown off for…
Psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "When rock bottom is a turning point: Why the turmoil at HHS may be a blessing in disguise." Muhamad offers a counterintuitive perspective on the recent wave of layoffs and leadership changes sweeping through federal health agencies like…