Stress, anger, anxiety, and sleep issues can all be improved with the power of box breathing. But when our negative emotions reach a level 5 or higher, our mind triggers the fight, flight, or freeze response. This can lead to physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and even panic.…
In this episode, we welcome Stephanie Straeter, a clinical psychologist. The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy and thankfulness, but for many people, this is not the case. In fact, 3 percent of individuals struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the holidays. This episode explores the…
Being a successful clinician requires more than just delivering top-notch patient care. It also requires a level of self-awareness and the ability to work effectively with others. Gone are the days where leaders can simply give orders and expect everyone to fall in line. Today's leaders must be able to…
As a society, we hold the medical profession in high esteem and trust. And that's because all doctors are leaders in their own way. Whether you hold a formal leadership title or not, you have the power to influence and guide. But leadership comes in different forms. Some doctors are…
In this episode, we are joined by Peter Angood, MD, CEO and president, American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL). We explore the increasing value of physician leadership in health care and dive into the findings of a recent white paper produced by the AAPL. Discover why physician leadership has become…
It's important to understand and clearly communicate the importance of advance directives and end-of-life planning, not only for the benefit of our patients, but also for ourselves. We will all eventually face our own mortality, and it's crucial to have a clear understanding of what we want for ourselves in…
The nursing home industry faces a significant challenge in that staff can become desensitized to the frequent occurrence of death. When death is not taken seriously and becomes a routine occurrence, it's a concerning sign for the state of care being provided. It's crucial to maintain a sense of empathy…
In this episode, we welcome Alan Lindemann, an obstetrics-gynecology physician, to discuss the issue of autonomy and treatment for elderly patients. He shares his experiences in the long-term care setting, and the disturbing trend of interpreting do not resuscitate (DNR) orders as orders not to treat a patient. He recounts…
For physicians with a spark of entrepreneurial spirit, the first step towards pursuing their idea is to build their network and establish themselves as a physician with entrepreneurial ambitions. This can be accomplished by becoming an advisor, influencer, or early adopter for startups in their area. To find these opportunities,…
As physicians, it's important to understand the role of utilization review staff in the healthcare system. While nobody likes to play the game of ensuring proper admission status, it's a necessary part of ensuring the hospital gets paid for the care provided. If the admission status is incorrect, the hospital…
In this episode, we welcome special guest Ronald A. Zent, a family physician, to discuss the ongoing opioid crisis. With a fourfold increase in opioid prescriptions and overdose deaths from 1999-2010, Ronald shares his insights on how the medical community has been duped and the role of big pharmaceutical companies…
Building emotional strength is key to navigating life's challenges, and there are many practices you can engage in to strengthen your emotional resilience. Mindfulness, meditation, and resilience-building exercises can help you build the emotional muscle you need to get through difficult situations. Bad things will happen, but if you have…
Being surrounded by happiness while feeling sad can be especially challenging for one's mental health. The dissonance between how you're feeling and what you think you should be feeling can add an extra layer of suffering to the pain. For example, when a loved one dies, feeling sad is a…
In this episode, we welcome Jennifer Shaer, a pediatrician, to discuss the issue of physician suicide rates and how the holidays can impact mental health. Despite being one of the happiest countries in the world, Scandinavian countries like Finland and Denmark have some of the highest suicide rates, higher than…
Clinicians are more than just their degrees and the opp ortunities for professional growth and fulfillment are abundant. Gone are the days where physicians are limited to a hospital, surgery, or clinic setting. The definition of what it means to be a clinician is now incredibly varied, and there are…
Navigating the healthcare system can be a daunting task for patients, and it's important for clinicians to be their guide and advocate. While healthcare can be challenging for clinicians, it's even harder for patients who are trying to navigate through the maze of bureaucracy. Patients need support and guidance to…
In this episode, I'm on the other side of the microphone. I'm interviewed by Adam Sewell at the Medical Entrepreneur podcast. I share insights on the non-linear paths physicians can take with their degrees and their options beyond clinical medicine. We also delve into the topic of physician burnout and…
Referring to hospice and palliative care sooner and educating medical staff on the importance of patient rights is crucial in end-of-life treatment. It's not about the doctor's ego or keeping someone alive at all costs, it's about considering the patient's quality of life and making informed decisions. For example, administering…
An advanced directive is a crucial document for anyone who wants to ensure their medical wishes are respected in the event of an emergency. Despite its importance, only 30% of people in the United States have one. In an ideal world, advanced directives would be the first thing healthcare providers…
In this episode, we sit down with patient advocate Althea Halchuck to discuss the importance of advance directives in end-of-life care. We delve into the story of Dr. Gerald Greenberg, a New York dentist who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and executed a living will stating his preferences for end-of-life…
Knowing your medical records is a crucial aspect of healthcare. Having a concise and organized copy of your medical records can be a lifesaver when visiting multiple doctors or in an emergency situation. It's important for patients to understand the details of their own health and medical history. Too often,…
Patient empowerment is a crucial aspect of healthcare. It empowers patients to take an active role in their own care and make informed decisions. To me, patient empowerment means that patients are equipped with the knowledge and resources to be a central part of their healthcare team. They don't just…
In this episode, Ann M. Hester, a board-certified internal medicine physician, dives into the perfect storm brewing in the U.S. health care system and what we can do to prepare for it. The country is facing a projected shortage of doctors and the increasing number of elderly citizens with chronic…
Balancing clinical duties with administrative responsibilities is a challenge faced by many physicians in academia. An academic contract should provide adequate administrative time, but this is not always the case. With some contracts offering as little as 4 patient contact hours per month, it can be difficult to manage both…