A podcast that examines the doctor patient relationship - where it's been, where it is and where it could and should be. I'll be interviewing guests about their experiences with the healthcare industry, for better and for worse, and then we'll discuss how to make sure the good stuff keeps happening and the bad stuff stops.
Date: 7/30/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 26 Advocate Toolkit, Hospital EditionEpisode summary:It's so incredibly complicated to be a patient today, as I recently observed when I hung out at the bedside of a sick relative. If you don't have a "doctor friend", you might need to help your friend or family member get the best possible experience in the hospital by becoming their advocate. Hear about my own observations on where and when help is needed, and also hear some tips on how you can get started. Guest(s): noneKey Terms: noneReferences: nonePodcast website: www.drpatientpodcast.comPodcast email, become a guest: drpatientpodcast@gmail.com
Date: 7/22/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 25 The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage, Part 2Episode summary: Part 2 discussing why Medicare Advantage plans are an actual DISadvantage for you and for our country's fiscal system. When you sign up for Medicare, you have a choice of Traditional/Original, Medicare or "Medicare Advantage", which is technically not Medicare and is instead a private health insurance company caring for you on their behalf, like a surrogate. The plans are Uber-restrictive and filled with hidden costs that many people don't recognize until it's too late. They often offer "zero dollar premiums" to lure folks in, then you might have trouble getting back into regular Medicare. Join Alexandra "Al" Eidenberg from The Insurance People, and me to hear all of the details.Guest(s): Alexandra (Al) Eidenberg, President and Founder of The Insurance PeopleKey Terms: noneReferences: The Insurance People homepage: www.theinsurancepeople.comHow to sign up for Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/how-do-i-sign-up-for-medicare
Date: 6/16/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 24 The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage, Part 1Episode summary: Wow, I knew Medicare was complicated but didn't realize just how complicated. I've spent the last few weeks diving deep and was most curious about Medicare Advantage, Part C of Medicare, where beneficiaries can sign up for private health insurance. This week I'll be talking about how bad this is for our federal budget, and how the model simply doesn't work fiscally. Next week, in Part 2, I'll be talking with Al (Alexandra) Eidenberg about why it's also bad for the beneficiaries themselves.Guest(s): noneKey Terms: CMS - Center for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesHMO - Healthcare Maintenance OrganizationBeneficiary or Enrollee - the person signing up for a health planFee-for-service - a model of healthcare where a doctor or hospital gives a service and is then paid for itCapitation - a monthly payment Advantage plans get per patient that are signed up on their planReferences: Video by Congresspeople Mark Pocan, Jan Schakowsky and Ro KhannaCenter for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesHow the Government Updates Payment Rates for Medicare Advantage PlansUnderstanding Medicare Advantage PaymentMedicare Advantage Risk AdjustmentUS Sues Cigna for fraudulent diagnostic codesAdvantage plans overpaid by about $140 billion over last 12 yearsVideo: How to Sign up for MedicareMedicareFAQ: Why Advantage Plans are BadUnderstanding Medicare Advantage PaymentOther podcasts on this topic:Arm and A LegThe Real Investment Show
Date: 6/18/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 23 In Doctors We TrustEpisode summary: What is trust as it relates to the doctor-patient relationship? How is it fostered when the very healthcare system itself works against it? Why is it important, and what can you do to foster it with your doctor?Guest(s): noneKey Terms: noneReferences:Trust, Race and Risk in American Medicine: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hast.1080Patient Trust in Physicians:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1495476/The importance of building trust in the physician-patient relationship:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/the-importance-of-building-trust-in-the-physician-patient-relationshipPhysician perspectives on building trust with patients:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hast.1528?af=RSummary table of survey questions of patients about trust:https://www.drpatientpodcast.com/blog/eps-22-and-23-doctor-satisfaction-and-trust-in-doctors/
Date: 6/11/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 22 Doctors in DistressEpisode summary: The majority of doctors today are dissatisfied with the healthcare system. That's not to say that they don't want to be doctors anymore. It's just that they're fed up with the same system that patients are stuck in and fed up with. It's important that doctors and patients see and understand each other more clearly to strengthen their relationships against the onslaught of external forces that are slowly degrading our health system in the US.Guest(s): Dr. Karen LeitnerKey Terms: noneReferences: Dr. Leitner's site: https://www.karenleitnermd.com/NYTimes article (might require a sign-in, sorry): https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/15/magazine/doctors-moral-crises.htmlPhysicians Foundation report: http://physiciansfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/PF23_Brochure-Report_Americas-Physicians_V2b-1-2.pdf
Date: 4/64/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 21 How We Learn to Be a Patient, Part 2Episode summary: Continuing from the end of last season, Ep 12, where I talked with my own daughter about her experience going to an urgent care center alone for the first time, here's the follow up with a group of young women going through similar challenges of trying to understand health insurance, how to make an appointment, how to make healthcare decisions for themselves, and more.Guest(s): Berit, JeeSoo, Maya, Gabby, Lena and AshleyKey Terms: noneReferences: none
Date: 5/28/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 20 Short Stories on Being a PatientEpisode summary: I have this never-ending quest to help doctors and patients understand each other better. This collection of short stories on what it's like to be a patient are meant to do just that. These are a few years old - I wrote them when I had breast cancer in 2020-2021 and went through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Hope they paint a realistic picture for you.Guest(s): noneKey Terms: noneReferences: none
Date: 5/21/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 19 US Drug Costs Are Insane, Part 2Episode summary: Part 2 follows the last episode, where I reviewed how we got to where we are with insane drug costs in the US and a bit on how the Pharma system works. This week I did a deep dive on how someone can save on their medication costs. I review some cost comparing websites, online pharmacies, direct discounts from manufacturers and more.Guest(s): noneKey Terms: noneReferences:Convoluted drug cost diagram from last episode: https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/12/14/pharmacy-benefit-managers-the-middleman-that-decides-what-you-pay-for-medicationsHow to shop around: https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/features/medication-shop-aroundHow does a place like GoodRx work: https://support.goodrx.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004944026-What-is-GoodRx-How-does-it-workOzempic.com with discounts and coupon info: https://www.ozempic.com/savings-and-resources/save-on-ozempic.html?utm_medium=banner&utm_source=goodrx&utm_campaign=trizone&utm_content=wstpay25&utm_id=nmtDC00004081General ideas on how to save: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/save-money-on-prescription-drugs/How Medicare drug costs work: https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverageGetting help with Medicare drug costs: https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/costs-in-the-coverage-gap/5-ways-to-get-help-with-prescription-costsOverview of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefits: https://www.kff.org/medicare/fact-sheet/an-overview-of-the-medicare-part-d-prescription-drug-benefit/Cost comparing websites:GoodRxRxSaverWebMDRxRxPriceQuotesSingleCareNeedyMedsOnline pharmacies: HoneybeeHealthDiRXMark Cuban's CostPlus DrugsMarley Drug
Date: 5/07/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 18 US Drug Costs Are Insane, Part 1Episode summary: Wow, drug costs in the US have skyrocket in recent years. The popularity of Ozempic and other weight loss drugs have really brought this issue into the light lately. Why do our drugs cost so much more than the same medications sold in other countries? How is the system set up? Who sets the list price? Hear answers to all these questions and more in this episode, part 1 of a 2 part series. Guest(s): noneKey Terms: noneReferences: CONVOLUTED DIAGRAM OF US DRUG COSTS: https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/12/14/pharmacy-benefit-managers-the-middleman-that-decides-what-you-pay-for-medicationsFlow of Money Through the Pharmaceutical Distribution System: https://healthpolicy.usc.edu/research/flow-of-money-through-the-pharmaceutical-distribution-system/Why do your prescription drugs cost so much: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-do-your-prescription-drugs-cost-so-much-202401183007Prescription Drug Payment Policy: Past, Present and Future: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193453/Here's How Much More Ozempic Costs in the U.S. Compared to Other Countries: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-how-much-more-ozempic-costs-in-the-u-s-compared-to-other-countriesBernie Sanders's letter to Novo Nordisk CEO: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-from-Sen.-Bernard-Sanders-to-Novo-Nordisk.pdfPharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Industry: Definition: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/070215/what-pharmacy-benefit-management-industry.asp
Date: 4/30/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 17 Big Hospital Break UpEpisode summary: I'm breaking up with my hospital. I live in Chicago, with its plethora of academic medical centers. I've long believed that these are generally good places to receive healthcare, but I've become exhausted at how hard I have to work to receive the actual care. As a retired physician, and a daughter and sister of physicians, I cannot help but to speak out about the troubling way that today's healthcare is being practiced. I did not name the hospital out of respect, but I'll be sending them a copy of this break up letter, and also releasing it as a mini-episode on my podcast, Dr. Patient. Guest(s): noneKey Terms: noneReferences: none
Date: 4/23/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 16 Race and Healthcare: Teaching Med StudentsEpisode summary: Episode 3 of 3 of a miniseries on racial disparities in healthcare. We've heard from Linda Villarosa on how we got to where we are today and what some of the harsh realities of health disparities are, from Michael Tyler on a real life story of how his race actually impacted his care. Today we're pivoting towards solutions as I speak with Dr. Patricia Poitevien, Associate Dean at Brown University's medical school on how to teach this stuff to the next generation of physicians.Guest(s): Dr. Patricia Poitevien, Senior Associate Dean of Diversity, Inclusion & Equity at Brown University's medical school. https://diversity.biomed.brown.edu/people/patricia-poitevien-md-msc-faapKey Terms:[22:57] MCAT - Medical College Admission Test; the test that college students take to be able to apply for medical school[22:58] STEP - the examination that medical students take close to the end of school to be able to apply for residency training[32:48] FTE - full time equivalent - 1.0 means a full time jobReferences:none
Date: 4/16/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 15 Race and Healthcare: One Man's Story Episode summary: Last week we heard from Linda Villarosa on the impact slavery still has on our modern healthcare system and how it leads to racial health disparities in the US. Today we'll hear from Michael Tyler, children's author, about his specific experience with race impacting his care.Guest(s): Michael Tyler, children's author: www.michaeltylerwrites.comKey Terms: [00:36] – link to something about how all old studies were on white men[07:02] PSA – prostate specific antigen, a blood-based screening tool for prostate cancer [08:30] BPH – Benign Prostate Hypertrophy, a condition where the prostate enlarges and causes urinary symptoms. Annoying, but generally not dangerous[08:38] Biomarkers - https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/biomarkers-for-better-prostate-cancer-screening#:~:text=Biomarkers%20are%20%22chemicals%22%20that%20can,and%20potentially%20catch%20it%20early [10:35] “Broke the seal” and Prostatectomy – a tumor has “broken the seal” of the prostate when it grows outside of the actual prostate wall. A prostatectomy is the partial or complete removal of the prostate[19:35] “Prostate cancer gene” – some cases of prostate cancer are caused by genetics. There are some genes that can be inherited (sort of like the BRCA breast cancer genes for women. Men with variants in these genes have a high risk of developing prostate cancer and, in some cases, other cancers during their lifetimesReferences: 2014 Study about the difference in location of prostate biopsies depending on race: “Pathological examination of Radical Prostatectomy Specimens in Men with Very Low Risk Disease at Biopsy Reveals Distinct Zonal Distribution of Cancer in Black American Men”: https://www.auajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1016/j.juro.2013.06.021
Date: 4/9/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 14 Slavery and Modern HealthcareEpisode summary: Many of the health inequities that we see in healthcare today stem from beliefs held in the time of slavery that have led to "myths" about black bodies and black health. Compounded by historical policy making related to socioeconomics, red lining, civil rights and more, people of color in the US are still facing inequity in healthcare today, from access to treatment to outcomes. Linda Villarosa is an author on race and health in America, professor and journalist in residence at The City College of New York, contributing writer to the NY Times and a contributor to the 1619 project.Guest(s): Linda VillarosaKey Terms:11:12 – Drapetomania11:32 – Spirometer23:04 – Momnibus billReferences: 03:29 – Black women in the US have a higher death rate in pregnancy than white women with the same socioeconomic status03:39 – Big review article showing how black patients receive pain meds less often 03:45 – Study from University of Virginia 2016 medical students beliefs about black body myths04:04 – Race correction on PFTs (pulmonary function tests)05:51 – A black woman with a PhD is more likely to die in childbirth than a white woman with a high school degree07:51 – The history of Dr. J Marion Sims09:23 – Statue of Dr. J Marion Sims taken down in NYC09:39 – Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey (The Mothers of Gynecology) art installation in Montgomery, AL09:47 – Say Anarcha book10:20 – Dr. Cartwright12:32 – (Lack of) science behind the spirometer race correction15:07 – Weathering book21:23 – CA maternal death rates23:41 – Dr. Mary Bassett, NY Health Commissioner, requires anti-bias training26:03 – “Lightly Black and Green” movement at HBCUs
Date: 4/2/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 13 Claim Craziness Pt 1 Episode summary: Have you ever spent hours, days or weeks trying to get money back from a health insurance claim? If you have, this episode will let you know that you're not alone. If you haven't, this will give you some insight into the process. This week's episode is just me, letting you in on an insane claim fiasco that I'm going through with my health insurance company. The claim is for about $108, and at another time in my life I might just give up on trying to get that money back because of all of the roadblocks my insurance company is putting up. But for your sake (and mine), I'm not giving up. Join me for some Claim Craziness part 1.Guest(s): none Key Terms: noneReferences: none
Date: 3/25/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 12 Bosom BuddiesEpisode summary:Today's episode is a fly-on-the-wall perspective for you of how friends talk about cancer. A couple of my friends and I all had cancer within a couple of years of each other, and this is a full-length, unedited conversation that we had about it last year. Warning there's some foul language and tough discussions.Guest(s): Laura and MelissaKey Terms: portacath [15:04] - a device that is placed under the skin, usually on the right side of the chest, with a tube that goes deeper into a blood vessel. Medications and IV fluids can be given through itmedical oncologist [multiple times] - a doctor that specializes in the chemical treatment of cancers, primary chemotherapy surgical oncologist [multiple times] - a doctor that specializes in performing surgical removals of cancersecchymosis [29:36] - this is the medical term for a bruiseReferences: none for this episode
Season 2 is coming soon! During this break I've been spending more and more time on the healthcare of my friends and family lately. I continue to act as a doctor friend to whomever needs it, helping guide people through the healthcare landscape to get done what they need, whether it's finding a doctor, figuring out how to actually have a phone conversation with your doctor, getting an urgent appointment, or getting a second opinion on a diagnosis. Hopefully by telling some of these stories this season, you too will get something helpful out of them. Or, you'll just enjoy hearing them. This season, I'm changing format of the podcast a bit. I'll be doing more frequent, shorter episodes without guests, and then sprinkling in longer episodes and miniseries with guests like the upcoming one on racial disparities in healthcare.
Date: 7/19/22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 11 How We Learn to Be a PatientEpisode summary:My daughter had an encounter at a doctor's office recently, which was her first time going for a health visit by herself. What ensued was confusion and hilarity. It got me thinking that I haven't really prepared my kids to be the kind of patient that I think people need to be today: self advocating, informed, comfortable asking questions.
A rundown of who's who in hospital, ER and clinic settings. It can be really confusing to be a patient and not know what each person's role is when you're receiving health care.
Date: 6/13/22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 10 Pushback, Part 2Episode summary:How did we get to where we are today, where health insurance companies dictate how medicine should be practiced between a doctor and their patient? This episode reviews the origins of Medicare, and reviews Medicare For All as an alternative to the over-privatization of current Medicare plans. This is yet another way that physicians (and patients) can pushback on a dysfunctional system.Guest(s):Dr. Susan Rogers, President of Physicians for National Health Program Key Terms:Medicare – federal insurance for people 65 and older, some younger people with disabilitiesMedicare Parts A, B, C, D – A provides inpatient/hospital care, B is for outpatient coverage, C offers an alternative way to get your benefits, D provides prescription drug coverageMedicare For All – a single payer, national health insurance program concept; would provide everyone in the US with comprehensive health care coverageMedicare Advantage – Part C plans; private companies provide the careFee For Service, FFS – system of health insurance payment where a doctor or other health care provider is paid a fee for each service renderedSingle Payor System – health care system where one entity (a single payer) collects all health care fees and pays for all health care costsAffordable Care Act, ACA – legislation from 2010 that provided more affordable health insurance to more people, expanded the Medicaid program and supports innovative medical care delivery methods to reduce costs. Also called “Obamacare”Direct Contracting Entity, DCE – Private 3rd parties that provide an alternative payment model for healthcare. They act as the intermediatry between the government and the beneficiaryCapitation – the payment of a fee to a doctor per patient; often is about $10k per year per patient whether the doctor sees that patient 1 time or 20 times during the year References:Physicians for National Health ProgramHow do Medicare Advantage Plans work? Social Determinants of HealthUS Health Insurance System (overview)A Brief history of Medicare in AmericaHistory of Health Insurance in the United StatesMedicare and the Affordable Care ActThere goes your Medicare: The trouble with DCEsSingle-Payer Healthcare vs. Universal Coverage
Date: 6/7/22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 9 Pushback Part 1Episode summary:Part 1 of stories about doctors and patients who are pushing back on a broken healthcare system. Learn about concierge care and direct primary care, from two doctors that left traditional fee for service practice models for these alternatives. Guest(s):Dr. Charles Dillon, University Associates in ChicagoDr. Cindy Rubin, In Touch Pediatrics & Lactation in Chicago Key Terms:[11:42] - physical extender - someone certified in basic medical training - Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife[14:47] - Guillan-Barre Syndrome - immune disorder where your body's immune system attacks itselfReferences:Dr. Dillon site: https://www.doximity.com/pub/charles-dillon-mdDr. Rubin site: https://intouchpediatrics.comDirect Primary Care Coalition: https://www.dpcare.orgDCP Nation: https://dpcnation.orghttps://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/difference-between-concierge-and-direct-care
Date: 5/31/22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 8 Medical Errors Episode summary:This is a three part episode: part 1 is a story about a medical error with devastating consequences, part 2 is a minor medical records error that has much larger ripple effects and part 3 is my own story of a medical error. Medical errors are unfortunately not that uncommon, and range from medication errors, hospital acquired infections, missed diagnoses, delays in treatment and more. Guest(s):Eve from ChicagoRandi from Florida Key Terms:[01:27] Preeclampsia – complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and more[01:39] HELLP syndrome – life threatening pregnancy complication which is a variant of preeclampsia, defined by the breakdown of red blood cells, low platelets (easy bruising and bleeding) and elevated liver tests[05:29] – Braxton Hicks – mild, irregular contractions during pregnancy, not the same as actual labor contractions References:Study Suggests Medical Errors Now Third Leading Cause of Death in the U.S. – study by Johns HopkinsMedical errors may stem more from physician burnout than unsafe health care settings – study by Stanford Medical Center
Date: 5/24/22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 7 Doctor Burnout and Moral InjuryEpisode summary:Physician burnout is very prevalent in the US, and is predicted to rise in the coming years as the pandemic lingers, the doctor shortage intensifies, and the population of elderly shoots up. In addition, adolescents and young adults today are reporting all time high rates of depression and anxiety, and they're not even in medical school yet. Raising awareness about burnout and it's partner, moral injury, is crucial to beginning to prevent, instead of treat, this workplace phenomenon. My guest is Dr. Karen Leitner, a medicine-pediatrics doctor and now coach to women physicians. Guest(s): Dr. Karen Leitner of Karen Leitner MD CoachingKey Terms: [08:11] - PA process; prior authorization - the process medical offices need to go through with insurance companies when something they want their patient to have is not covered by the patient's insurance company[22:07] - MA; Medical AssistantReferences: AMA article What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Physician BurnoutWorld Health Organization's definition of burnout2019 article by Wendy Dean MD, Simon Talbot MD and Austin Dean ‘Reframing Clinicial Distress: Moral Injury Not Burnout' and their organization, Fix Moral InjuryArticle on the history of burnoutArticls ‘50+ Shocking Physician Burnout Statistics You'll Never Believe'Karen Leitner MD Coaching
Date: 5-17-22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 6 How Doctoring Used to Be Episode summary:In the old days of medicine, doctors had more time and more freedom to practice their art as they saw fit. Nowadays many doctors are affiliated with big hospitals or groups, and have lost the freedom to design their day so to speak. Many don't have a say over how much time they get with patients, how billing works and more. In this story you'll hear a few stories about how things used to be, and also how those older healthcare providers see today's healthcare delivery.Guest(s): Anne Johnston, Dr. Jack Martin Key Terms:[08:30] EKG – short for Electrocardiogram, it's a test that looks at the electrical activity of your heart. [09:37] pacemaker – a device that's implanted into the chest to regulate your heartbeat and rate[10:05] – PVCs – Premature ventricular contraction, considered an “extra” heartbeat that originates in one of the lower chambers, ventricles, and leads to the feeling of fluttering or an extra heart beat[10:08] – pacemaker in situ – a pacemaker that's “in place”[10:54] – echocardiogram, basically an ultrasound of your heart, it checks how blood is pumping in all parts of your heart and the main vessels[29:28] – CME – Continuing Medical Education. Doctors need to log a certain number of hours per year to retain their medical license
Date: 5/10/22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 5 Doctoring Above & BeyondEpisode summary:Doctors' lives are so insanely busy, that it stands out even more when someone takes the time to go beyond the expectation of basic care. It could be something small, like simply following through on a mystery illness, or it could be the appointment that you make for a patient that basically saves their life.Key terms:OB [01:06] - Obstetrician-GynecologistHodgkins [01:41] - a type of blood cancer; full name is Hodgkins LymphomaENT [02:36] - Ear, Nose & Throat doctorPulmonology [10:12] - lung doctorCT scans [10:22] - short for computed tomography scan; medical imaging techniqueCardiologist [10:40] - heart doctorEchocardiogram [10:45] - an ultrasound of the heart and its vessels and blood flowRight heart catheterization [10:48] - a procedure where a thin, flexible catheter is guided through a blood vessel to the heart to diagnose certain heart conditionsRheumatologist [10:58] - specialist doctor that sees inflammatory disordersIdiopathic Subglottic Stenosis - a disorder of unknown origin that causes narrowing of the part of the airway just under the vocal cords
Date: 5/3/22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 4 Doctors As PatientsEpisode summary:What happens when the doctor has to take off the stethoscope and lie down in the hospital bed? You'll hear 3 stories today: A pediatrician hospitalist whose own child is in the hospital, a provider that does telehealth with her clients all the time but stumbles through her own telehealth appointment, and me talking about what exactly is so hard about being a doctor-patient.Guests:Dr. Barrett Fromme, University of ChicagoSharon Dornberg-Lee, LCSWKey Terms:Hospitalist [00:41] - a physician who works exclusively in the hospital caring for inpatientsJon Snow [14.58] - reference to the character from Game of Thrones who is often told, "you know nothing, Jon Snow"
What can you do to get the most out of your visit with a doctor? There actually are a few things that you can do! Bringing your list with you, asking questions the right way, and being totally honest are a few.
Date: 4/26/22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 3 Finding Humanity in the HospitalEpisode summary:Hear Grace Lombardo's stories about a role-reversal in the hospital, the blog that she maintains to share about her experiences, and how she got one doctor to think twice about how she practices medicine.Guest:Grace Fauls LombardoKey Terms:Doula [00:40] - a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth.Mastectomy [02:09] - a way of treating breast cancer by removing all of one or both breastsReferences:Grace's blog: www.grancerblog.comShort documentary about Grace's breast tattoo: https://www.self.com/video/watch/grace
Date: 4/19/22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 2 A Day in the Life, DoctorEpisode summary:Let me take you through a day in the life of a busy primary care doctor. Hear about his main challenge of the day, time, and what he needs to do to fit everything in.Guest:Andrew Johnston MD, Site Director, Open Door Fortuna Community Health Center (yes, he's my brother)Key Terms:MyChart [17:07] - an example of an electronic medical record system's messaging sectionFQHC [17:46] - Federally Qualified Health Center, community-based health care providers that receive funds from the HRSA Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areasHMO [17:52] - Health Maintenance Organization, a type of health insurance plan that limits coverage to certain doctors and hospitals that work for or contract with the HMO. It's usually a little cheaper, but more restrictive.References:A study conducted in late 2021 by locumstory.com and Hanover Research of 1000 physicians across the country found that:-- nearly 2/3 of doctors feel more overworked now than when they started their career-- about 40% feel their jobs don't allow them to lead well-balanced lives-- almost 1/4 spend more than an hour per day on paperwork only-- 58% spend less time now with patients than when they started-- 59% want more time to communicate with their patients in person-- 53% think digital communication distracts from patient care-- Over half (55%) said they had considered quitting or leaving medicine in the prior few years
Date: 4/18/22Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode number and title: 1 A Day in the Life, PatientBrief summary:Ever wonder what it's like to be in the hospital? Here's my story of what it was like for me when I had cancer in college. I had so many experiences as a patient that shaped the doctor that I eventually became - hearing people talk outside my hospital door, learning how to endure painful procedures, befriending wheelchair transporters and many more. This is my background story, and sheds light on the patient half of my perspective.Website, to sign up to be a guest: https://www.drpatientpodcast.com
Welcome to Dr. Patient podcast, where I examine the doctor-patient relationship and all that it entails. Episodes coming up feature both patients and doctors, telling their stories about a day in their life, finding humanity in the hospital, doctors that go above and beyond, and more.I am Heather Johnston MD; I was a practicing pediatrician for 10 years and left medicine in 2012. After having some serious health problems myself, I'm circling back to the world of medicine with this podcast to investigate my favorite topic, the doctor-patient relationship.www.drpatientpodcast.com
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