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…
We have a unique opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. Whether we're working with patients or mentoring future clinicians, we can learn their stories and help them navigate their paths to success. For students who may come from a different background or face different challenges, it's especially…
In this episode, we're joined by Heidi Chumley, dean at the Ross University School of Medicine, to discuss the barriers facing aspiring physicians in their journey to residency. Heidi will delve into the challenges of the residency matching process, including the cost of applications and travel expenses, as well as…
Our liver is an essential organ that plays a vital role in our overall health. It's important to take care of it throughout our lives and not put it at risk of viruses like hepatitis. This means practicing moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, as smoking…
Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The cause of Alzheimer's is neuroinflammation, which is closely linked to the immune system and brain function. This is why it's essential to focus on a non-inflammatory diet. But what does that mean exactly? Some items in our…
Join us on this episode as we welcome Arnold Eiser, an internal medicine physician, as he shares his insights on Alzheimer’s disease. Arnold believes that Alzheimer’s may be largely preventable, despite conventional wisdom suggesting otherwise. He argues that the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s is largely extracranial and that environmental toxins play…
As a physician, diabetes was no stranger to me. It was part of my bread and butter, something I dealt with on a daily basis. So, when I was diagnosed with diabetes myself, I thought I knew what to expect. But the truth is, it was a completely different experience…
As healthcare professionals, we know that each patient is so much more than just a snapshot of their visit. Behind every patient is a story, a life full of complexity and challenges that we may never fully understand. That's why it's so important to approach each visit with empathy and…
Join us with guest Kimberly Jackson-Bekemeier, a family physician with a personal story of managing Type 1 diabetes amidst the pandemic. Kimberly shares her journey of struggling with the diagnosis, feeling lost and alone, until she discovered the power of life coaching. She shares how this process allowed her to…