As a physician, it's important to remember the value of creativity in our lives and to take the time to nourish it. One way to do this is by practicing free writing. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to come up with a polished piece right away, allow yourself to…
As creative individuals, it's important to honor and nurture our abilities, especially in a field like medicine that can be all-consuming. It can be easy to lose touch with our passions and who we are outside of our careers, but it's crucial to take the time to connect with our…
In this episode, we talk to Claire Unis. She reflects on her experiences as a pediatrician and how small moments of contentment and satisfaction, like seeing a healthy baby or a budding tree, led her to realize the importance of an aesthetic appreciation in her practice. She shares the story…
It's crucial to remember that we are all part of a team. Each role - nurse, dietician, housekeeper, chaplain, and others - plays a vital role in the care of our patients. But one of the most impactful things we can do is make sure our documentation in the medical…
It's important to understand the perspectives of the doctors you work with. When you understand what they're going through and what their life looks like, it can improve communication and interactions between the two professions. That's why I wanted to share some anecdotes and tips from my experience in the…
As an emergency physician, I know the importance of looking at vital signs. The same principles apply when it comes to investing in your career and professional life. That's why it's concerning to see organizations focusing on cost and revenue, while neglecting the vital sign of wellbeing and burnout. Your…
In this episode, we dive into the physician-nurse relationship and explore the different communication styles and preferences of physicians. Our guest, Ronald Hirsch, is a medical director for case management at a community hospital and shares his insights as a physician on things that nurses should know when communicating with…
If you have some capital that you want to invest in real estate, always look for new and exciting investment opportunities. While syndications are a favorite of mine, they are far from the only option available. Did you know that there are so many other ways to invest in real…
In this episode, we are joined by Harry Nima Zegarra, a critical care physician, as we dive into the world of real estate syndications. This type of group investment, where several people come together to acquire a large asset like an apartment complex, has gained popularity in recent years due…
Direct primary care (DPC) is revolutionizing the way primary care physicians provide care to their patients. The shift towards DPC has led to an increase in professional satisfaction and autonomy among primary care physicians. Gone are the days of being bogged down by insurance restrictions and overwhelming patient loads. DPC…
The affordability crisis in healthcare is a growing concern for many Americans. However, it's important to approach the problem with a broader perspective. Consider this: by redirecting just a portion of the current healthcare budget towards a monthly subscription fee for direct primary care (DPC) for every American, we could…
The U.S. health care system ranks poorly among high-income countries, but the direct primary care (DPC) model offers a potential solution. In this model, primary care providers are paid a consistent fee through a retainer or membership program, rather than relying on insurance billing. This frees up providers to spend…
It can be challenging when we encounter patients who have seen multiple specialists but still don't have a clear diagnosis. It's important to remember that the patient's symptoms are real and valid, regardless of a lack of explanation. In these cases, it's crucial to listen and validate their experiences. Here…
Are you considering taking the entrepreneurial route as a physician but wondering if an MBA is necessary? There are pros and cons of obtaining an MBA for physician entrepreneurs. Many argue that an MBA's real value is its network, but is it really worth the investment? Julien L. Pham is…
When I first decided to pursue a career in healthcare, I knew that it would be a challenging field. But what drew me in was the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. And while the healthcare system can sometimes feel like a big machine, with electronic health…
I believe that a thorough evaluation is the key to providing excellent care for my patients. During my training, I learned that a good interview is the foundation of good work, and that's why I spend up to two hours evaluating each person who comes to see me. I ask…
In this episode, we talk to Holly MacKenna, an integrative psychiatrist, about her experience as a chronic patient in the health care system. Holly shares how emotional and overwhelming the process was, and how she was able to draw on her own experience to better understand and support her patients.…
As a physician, one of the most challenging aspects of the job is understanding our worth and how to assess our value. We often find ourselves comparing ourselves to our colleagues, and asking ourselves if we are good enough. But the reality is that we are all clinically superbly qualified,…
I believe in the power of alternative and holistic approaches to treating pain. Pharmaceutical and surgical interventions are not the only options available and often, they are not the safest or most effective for managing chronic and acute pain. There is a wealth of knowledge and resources out there for…
In this episode, we welcome Cindy Perlin, a licensed clinical social worker and chronic pain survivor, to discuss the ongoing issue of prescription painkiller abuse and the dangers of relying on medication to treat pain. Research shows that physicians continue to prescribe large amounts of opioids for patients with minor…
As physicians, we often put the needs of our patients before our own. But it's important to remember that we are human beings too and sometimes we need to reach out for care. My passion for the well-being of physicians stems from my belief that when physicians are at their…
Don't make the same mistake I did: speaking from personal experience, I didn't handle COVID-19 the way I should have. I thought I could just "tough it out" on my own, without reaching out for help from my primary care physician. But when a colleague noticed how poorly I was…
In this episode, we hear from Alen Voskanian, a palliative care physician, who shares his personal experience with COVID-19. Dr. Voskanian reflects on the mental coping mechanisms he used to try and understand how he contracted the virus and the guilt he felt about potentially exposing his family. He also…
I believe that one of the most important things we can offer our patients is the space to talk and be heard. Often, patients come to us with complex and challenging issues that can't be fully resolved in a single visit. But simply taking the time to listen and acknowledge…