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How to lead from the heart in a system that rewards the intellect [PODCAST]
Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article, "Why the future of medicine depends on leading from the heart." Drawing from her experience leading a workshop for women cardiologists, she explores the sacred irony of physicians who are experts in the heart yet rarely tend to their own. Jessie explains how medical culture, especially for women leaders, rewards overwork and expects self-sacrifice, leaving no room for reflection. The conversation introduces her core leadership philosophy, which is grounded in the biological principle of diastole—the essential rest phase of the heartbeat. Jessie argues that this sacred pause is not a luxury but a necessity for sustainable leadership. Listeners will learn how to shift from leading with intellect and control to leading with intention, authenticity, and a wisdom that comes from the body, ultimately fostering deeper connection, a steadier presence, and a healthier future for medicine.
The hidden cost of racism in sickle cell disease treatment
Systemic inequities, stigma, and lack of resources contribute to substandard care and outcomes for people with sickle cell disease, particularly among African American populations, necessitating increased awareness, research, and equitable access to treatment.
How AI is finally fixing the electronic health record [PODCAST]
Physician executive Laura Kohlhagen discusses her article, "Here's what providers really need in a modern EHR." She argues that since electronic health records were originally designed for billing and compliance, they have created disjointed workflows, cognitive fatigue, and clinician burnout. Laura explains how modern AI technologies are finally transforming EHRs into the clinical tools they were always meant to be. She details how ambient listening technology automates documentation, allowing physicians to focus on patients instead of computers, while predictive analytics improve operational efficiency and help identify at-risk patients. AI is also solving long-standing interoperability challenges by normalizing and summarizing data from different sources. For patients, AI-powered platforms can offer proactive engagement and personalized education based on social determinants of health. The key takeaway is that while AI offers a path away from burnout and toward better care, it must be implemented responsibly, with clinical usability and patient safety as the highest priorities.
Why America's medical training pipeline is failing our future [PODCAST]
Academic physician executive William Wertheim discusses his article, "America, our health care workforce training isn't evolving alongside our needs." He argues that the U.S. medical system is training professionals who will not meet the needs of the country's rapidly aging population. With the number of Americans over 65 expected to reach 82 million by 2050, specialties like geriatrics are in decline, with only 42 percent of fellowship positions filled in 2023. William explains that this problem extends to projected shortages in primary care, oncology, and other specialties, which is especially acute in rural areas where "distance decay" limits access to care. He identifies a critical bottleneck in the training pipeline: while medical school enrollment is high, a lack of corresponding residency positions prevents qualified doctors from entering the workforce. While tools like AI and telehealth can help, they cannot replace the need for a comprehensive strategy to expand training capacity and align medical education with the demographic realities of today and tomorrow.
How gut bacteria shape your mental health and mood
Disruptions in gut microbiota are linked to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, and emerging evidence suggests that targeting the gut-brain axis with interventions such as probiotics, diet, and fecal transplants may help improve mental health.
Fatty liver disease in young adults [PODCAST]
Gastroenterologist Anuj Vikrant Sharma discusses his article, "Fatty liver disease is no longer reserved for older adults." He warns of a quiet epidemic of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious liver condition now increasingly appearing in people in their 20s and 30s who may not appear outwardly unhealthy. Anuj explains that a primary, and often overlooked, driver is the gut-liver axis. The modern Western diet, high in ultra-processed, low-fiber foods, disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to a "leaky gut" that allows harmful substances to travel to the liver and cause inflammation and fat accumulation. The conversation explores why this connection explains the rise of MASH in younger, non-obese patients and makes a compelling case for a "gut-first" strategy. Listeners will learn why we need earlier screening and a renewed focus on food quality over calorie counting to prevent and reverse this silent but progressive disease before irreversible damage occurs.
Is "do no harm" the most misunderstood phrase in medicine? [PODCAST]
Psychiatrist Sabooh S. Mubbashar discusses his article, "Why 'do no harm' might be harming modern medicine." He reveals that the principle "First, do no harm," or Primum non nocere, is not part of the original Hippocratic Oath but a later, misattributed addition that has become a dangerously oversimplified slogan. Sabooh argues that a literal interpretation makes medicine impossible, as every intervention, from surgery to medication, technically inflicts harm. This creates a dissonance for clinicians and can paradoxically lead to overly aggressive care, especially at the end of life, where the pressure to "do everything" causes more suffering than benefit. The conversation explores how the interplay of this flawed mantra with patient autonomy and fear of liability can lead to choices that are legally defensible but ethically and clinically harmful. As a solution, he suggests returning to the oath's original, more honest language, which calls on physicians to use their "ability and judgment" to weigh risk and benefit, acknowledging that real ethics live not in mottos but in the nuanced, gray areas of clinical practice.
Why we need a transparent standard for presidential cognitive health [PODCAST]
Nationally recognized psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "How President Biden's cognitive health shapes political and legal trust." While carefully observing the ethical constraints of the Goldwater Rule, he analyzes the public discourse surrounding the cognitive health of former President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. from a medico-legal standpoint. Muhamad explains how the former president's known medical history, including surgeries for cerebral aneurysms, creates a clinical basis for concern about potential cognitive decline consistent with vascular dementia. He argues that public moments of cognitive lapse, combined with practices like the use of an autopen for official signatures, raise legitimate questions about a leader's decision-making capacity and the validity of their actions. The core of his argument is an unequivocal call to establish clear, impartial, and publicly accountable protocols for cognitive health assessments for all national leaders, asserting that this is essential to uphold public trust and the integrity of the office.
Why your digital first impression matters more than ever [PODCAST]
Health care marketing strategist Sara Meyer discusses her article, "First impressions happen online—not in your exam room." She explains why a physician's online presence is often the deciding factor for potential patients and highlights the common gap between high-quality clinical care and an outdated digital brand. In an increasingly competitive market, patients are comparison-shopping online, making snap judgments based on search rankings, website appearance, and patient reviews. Sara outlines a simple, three-step plan for physicians who feel overwhelmed but want to improve their online footprint: Google your practice to see what patients see, build out a complete Google Business Profile, and actively prioritize gathering patient reviews. The key takeaway is that providers don't need to do everything at once; instead, they should focus on high-impact activities to ensure their digital brand accurately reflects the quality of care they provide, ultimately building trust and connecting them with the patients they are meant to serve.