Looking back, I realize the importance of self-compassion. It's a choice how we talk to ourselves, and I wish I had been more aware of this earlier on. I would have acknowledged the challenges I faced and recognized that it didn't define me as a person. In addition, I would…
It's important to pay attention to our thoughts and feelings. When we experience intense emotions like anxiety or anger, it's crucial to understand the root cause of those feelings. In my experience, when I feel angry because a family member won't listen to my advice, it's often because I believe…
Join us in this insightful podcast episode as we welcome Karen Leitner, an internal medicine-pediatrics physician and life coach, to discuss the unique challenges physicians face when their loved ones need medical care. Karen shares her personal experiences and sheds light on the logistical, internal, and resistance-related obstacles that can…
Imagine walking into a doctor's office where a camera takes your blood pressure, temperature, and records your voice to determine your mental state. This futuristic technology could soon become a reality, as healthcare professionals look for ways to streamline patient care and improve outcomes. According to experts, this integrated system…
In this episode, we talk with Harvey Castro, a physician and health care consultant, about how artificial intelligence (AI) can help tackle the physician and nursing shortages in the United States. We discuss the contributing factors behind the shortages, the ongoing efforts to address them, and the potential role of…
Keeping the awareness and narrative alive is crucial. It's been almost nine months since the start of the revolution in Iran, and peaceful demonstrations are taking place not just in America but all over the world. We're fighting for our basic human rights, including the right to practice our religion…
I still believe that this country is one of the best places to live in. We are incredibly fortunate and have opportunities that people in countries like Iran may not have. It's heartbreaking to see the persecution of young people who are fighting for basic rights that we take for…
Join us in this episode as we dive into the incredible bond between Sharyar Baradaran, a periodontist, and Arya Shamie, an orthopedic surgeon. Despite their different religious backgrounds and specializations, these two childhood friends from Iran have come a long way to excel in their respective fields and become thought…
What are some things trainees should avoid when giving difficult feedback to their superiors? Well, one of the biggest red flags is giving feedback in a blaming way. It's easy to fall into this trap, even I do it myself sometimes. When we use language that starts with "you" or…
I'm always surprised by how much leaders can accomplish, even when things seem out of their control. When I'm called in to help, it's usually because things are going poorly - numbers are down, turnover is high, and employees are burning out. But I've learned that it's easy for leaders…
In this episode, we are joined by clinical psychologist and health systems leadership consultant, Nicola F. De Paul, to discuss the importance of psychological safety in health care environments. Nicola shares her personal experience of addressing psychological safety concerns at an academic medical center and the impact of implementing changes…
Primary care is the backbone of healthcare, but it's facing a crisis. Despite its proven ability to improve health outcomes and reduce costs, we're failing to train enough primary care clinicians every year. And the consequences are staggering. By neglecting primary care, we're not only putting patients at risk, but…
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on the healthcare system, and frontline workers have been bearing the brunt of the burden. With long hours, heavy workloads, and little time for rest, healthcare workers have been pushed to their limits. Despite these challenges, many have continued to persevere, putting in…
In this podcast episode, we have Michael Fine, a family physician and author of On Medicine as Colonialism, sharing his insights on the changing landscape of primary care. He reflects on his experience of practicing in a time when family doctors lived in and supported the communities they served. However,…
When it comes to patient care, family members can be an invaluable resource for the clinical team. By listening to their insights and involving them in the care process, we can create a more personalized and compassionate experience for patients and their loved ones. Family members often know their loved…
When it comes to critical care, involving family members in the process can be incredibly beneficial for both the patient and their loved ones. By leading with questions and encouraging family members to ask questions and take an active role in their loved one's care, we can create a more…
In this episode, guest Sara L. Merwin, co-author of The Informed Patient: A Complete Guide to a Hospital Stay, shares her experience helping a family navigate their loved one's hospital stay during the height of the COVID pandemic. With visitors not allowed in the ICU, Sara served as a remote…
When it comes to peer reviews, politics can play a major role in determining who gets scrutinized and why. Unfortunately, there are many cases where physicians are targeted for behavior issues or political reasons that have little to do with their actual performance. Some examples of behavior issues that might…
Join us for this episode with guest Farid Gharagozloo, a cardiothoracic surgeon, as we discuss the unintended consequences of the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 (HCQIA). While the act was designed to protect public health and safety by enhancing the peer review process and providing a national repository…
In this episode, we discuss personalized medicine with guest Ketan Desai, a physician-executive. We explore how Henry Ford's mass production method influenced the pharmaceutical industry, and how personalized medicine presents new challenges. CAR T-cell therapy is an example of personalized medicine, but it cannot be mass-produced and is expensive, costing…
As we strive to grow and lead more fulfilling lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of relying on sheer willpower and pushing ourselves to exhaustion. But true growth and fulfillment often come from the opposite approach: softening and connecting with our true selves and honoring our human needs.…
As we reflect on our professional careers, it's natural to wonder what we might have done differently. For me, I think one of the most important things I would change is to trust myself more and not always listen to what others are telling me. It's easy to get caught…
In this episode, we welcome Maria Xiang, a pediatric neurologist, join us to share her personal journey and insights on how to remain emotionally present in the midst of life's challenges. Maria opens up about how she believed that virtue and self-sacrifice were her protection, leading her to overwork and…
As a healthcare educator, I've had the privilege of working with students from all walks of life. When I moved to the Caribbean 10 years ago, I was struck by the remarkable stories of these students who had overcome incredible odds to pursue a career in medicine. Watching them graduate…