In this episode, interventional physiatrist Francisco M. Torres shares a poignant story about missing the signs of depression in a patient. He reflects on the challenges of limited time with patients in modern health care and the importance of truly listening to patients and paying attention to what is between…
When it comes to lawsuits, it's important to take an active role and be a front-seat participant. As you navigate through the legal process, it's important to consider what resources and support you may need. It can be difficult for physicians to admit vulnerability and ask for help, but this…
When it comes to lawsuits, it's important to understand the difference between discussing the facts and specifics of your case and how the lawsuit affects you personally. Your attorney may advise you not to discuss the ins and outs of the case, but it's important to address the impact it's…
In this episode, we explore the emotional impact of medical malpractice lawsuits on physicians and how they can navigate the process. Attorney Christine Zharova shares her insights on how these lawsuits can affect relationships with colleagues, staff, family, friends, and the self. She emphasizes the importance of seeking support and…
The operating room is not what you see on TV. It's not just one person calling the shots, it's a team effort. Everyone plays an important role and works together towards the same goal. And with the culture of safety that we have now, anyone at any time can speak…
The power of trust in medicine is truly remarkable. As doctors, we may only interact with our patients for a short time, but the bond formed is undeniable. Even when our patients are asleep for the majority of our interactions, there is still an intimacy and shared humanity that cannot…
David Alfery is a cardiac anesthesiologist who shares his experiences in the operating room and intensive care unit. In this discussion, he reflects on the lessons he learned about life, death, and the balance in between through his encounters with patients. He offers a unique perspective on the profession, providing…
EMRs needs to do more than just handle the coding and billing aspects. It should assist physicians in their daily practice by streamlining the process and reducing the administrative burden. This allows physicians to focus on what truly matters - providing the best possible care for their patients. One way…
As a clinical pharmacist, I am passionate about patient care, especially in oncology. These patients often face a difficult and potentially life-threatening illness, which can be an overwhelming time for them. Navigating the complex regimens, and the various healthcare providers can be challenging. In my role, I can meet with…
In this episode, we will be discussing the role of health system specialty pharmacies in improving patient outcomes. Our guest, Chelsey Lindner, is a clinical pharmacist who will share her insights on the unique combination of expertise and resources that these pharmacies offer to provide holistic support for cancer patients.…
It's surprising that more people aren't aware of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) when it's such a debilitating disease. HS is characterized by painful nodules or abscesses that can resemble boils. These abscesses can become extremely painful over the course of a few weeks and often open up, draining pus and blood.…
As medical professionals, we all entered this field with the goal of helping patients. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, we encounter patients who struggle with conditions that seem impossible to manage. These can be frustrating experiences for both the patient and the doctor. For me, it was the realization…
In this episode, we speak with Christopher Sayed, a dermatologist who has dedicated his career to studying and treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). HS is a condition that causes painful boils in areas like the underarms, groin, and around the breasts, and it can be a nightmare for those living with…
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, one thing has become clear: science is constantly evolving. What was once considered true and accurate information can quickly become outdated and misleading. As physicians, it can be overwhelming to sort through the vast amounts of data and studies…
Navigating the complexities of palliative care can be overwhelming. As we shared our journey with my loved one, we encountered a well-informed doctor with great suggestions, but ultimately they were not the right fit for our unique situation. It's important to remember that every individual and their needs are different.…
In this episode, Nancie Wiseman Attwater discusses her husband Bill's struggle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Despite the doctor's advice to change his diet, Nancie realized that it was probably too late for that to make a difference. Instead, she focuses on making him comfortable in his remaining days and encourages…
It's important to be aware of the contracts you sign and the terms that they contain. I learned from my father, who is also a surgeon, that you must review every contract and understand every paragraph to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible. It's also important to…
You may think that you have job security, that you will always be able to find work in this field. However, in reality, many factors can impact our job security, such as pandemics like COVID-19 or changes in facility administration. This can be a worrying thought, but it's important to…
In the world of medicine, job security is not a given. In this episode, we speak with Aaron Morgenstein, an orthopedic surgeon who discusses the challenges and uncertainties of being an employed physician. He explains the implications of the 90-day notice provision in most employment contracts and the risks and…
We are often faced with difficult decisions about withholding or withdrawing care for our patients. It can be a tough and emotionally charged situation, but I believe it's important to have open and honest conversations with patients and their loved ones about their options and what they want. I remember…
We often encounter patients who have already been through a lot in their lives, particularly those who come to us from nursing homes. Their quality of life may already be compromised and they may face difficult care decisions. In these situations, it can be easy to default to standard procedures…
End-of-life care is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of health care. In this episode, we speak with Kevin Haselhorst, an emergency physician and author who shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in this area. He discusses the limitations of the current Medicare system and the importance of…
Today, I choose to celebrate life like it's my birthday every single day. Because, let's be real, life is precious and should be cherished every moment. It's not just about celebrating one day out of the year, it's about celebrating every day and making the most of every single moment.…
I couldn't help but notice the striking similarities between a life-changing diagnosis and a life-changing storm. Both can be incredibly difficult to navigate and can leave you feeling lost and alone. But just like how a storm can bring out the best in people and bring a community together, a…