The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned. Wisdom Shared.

In this "mini-lesson" episode, Dr Thomas White explores the topic of trust, a fundamental element of the physician-patient relationship, and how trust in the medical establishment, including physicians, has deteriorated in recent years. He begins with a very personal family story. He goes on to share some common examples of distrust in daily practice, and offers suggestions on how we as family physicians might work to restore and maintain trust with our patients and the public. He ends with some (hopefully heeded) advice for his 10 year old grandson! 

In this episode of The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared, Dr Thomas White speaks with Dr Mark McNeill, the current President of the NCAFP. Raised in Raeford NC from a family of educators, Dr McNeill describes his journey to establishing his unique, independent, patient-centered, portal-facilitated practice in Asheville in 2012. He clearly describes how good practice management is the key driver of professional satisfaction.  Dr McNeill shares his personal experience with Hurricane Helene and his suggestions on how Family Physicians might prepare for and respond to such disasters in the future. Lastly, hear what a mentor taught Dr McNeill early in his career about the one word that signifies the ultimate virtue of the "good" Family Physician. (Hint: the word starts with an A and ends with a Y.)By the way, go to thefamilydoctorpodcast.com for our new website and blog.  Dr Lee Beatty shares his thoughts on the latest shared lessons and wisdom from our distinguished guests.

In this edition of the podcast, Dr Thomas White talks with Dr Brian Lanier, the founder, owner, and medical director of Promina Health in Wilmington NC. Dr Lanier shares his experiences as a young man growing up in eastern NC, his early interest in music, his somewhat bumpy college career, his service as a Marine, his life-changing automobile accident, and his decision to pursue a career in medicine.  He describes how he planned and launched his Direct Primary Care  practice directly out of residency. You will be impressed with his commitment to family, community, and country. This is one of the most memorable and emotional interviews we have recorded. 

"It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is Time" - Steve Jobs.This Family Doctor "mini lesson" focuses on the subject of "Time"  as it relates to the education of Family Physicians, and to the day-to-day practice of Family Medicine. Dr White shares a very personal story about his career after nearly 40 years in practice. His story may resonate with many community physicians: how we manage time affects our relationship with patients, family, and our own self-image. Dr. White offers possible time management solutions, including the pros and cons of each strategy. Healthy time management will require both personal practice choices from physicians and systemic, value-based change from health care leaders and administrators.And most importantly, you will hear a heartfelt wish by Dr White that Family Medicine be the most attractive, rewarding, and sustainable specialty possible. Thank you for listening. 

In this month's episode, Dr Thomas White speaks with Dr Rebecca "Becky" Love from Shelby NC. Dr Love's journey has been unique. She grew up in rural Cabarrus County, the daughter of a minister and a teacher. After a successful career in banking and finance, she pursued a career in medicine. She has served her community as a Family Physician, providing care to the underserved and those with increased needs and, as a committed and involved citizen, promoting healthy lifestyles and collaborative approaches to solving problems. You will find the lessons she imparts about respecting others, showing love by listening, the importance of honesty, and pursuing the truth very impactful and moving. Another inspiring example of Family Medicine in North Carolina at its best! 

This month the podcast welcomes Dr Carson Rounds, a Family Physician from Charlotte NC and long time leader in Family Medicine in our state. A former president of the NCAFP, Dr Rounds shares his perspectives on truly caring for patients, his love of the exam room, and his ideas on administrative burden. You will be impressed with not only his "answers" but even more so by the "questions" he raises. Listen to this thoughtful Family Physician and be moved! 

Dr Tommy Newton of Clinton N.C. returns to the podcast this month! Listen as he and Dr Thomas White discuss Dr Newton's professional and personal activities since he retired from clinical practice in 2021, his perspectives on when and how to retire, his belief in the value of mentoring and serving as a mentor, and his views on the future of Family Medicine. Notably, Dr Newton pays tribute to the “Godfather of Family Medicine” in North Carolina: the late Dr Jim Jones.  Dr Newton brings a wise and experienced perspective to the podcast. Listen and learn! 

How do we get through difficult times? In this "Mini Lesson," Dr Thomas White shares the teachings of a major college basketball coach on the importance of her players "handling harder better". Dr White goes on to explore the concept of "resiliency", which we have heard examples of many times on this podcast. He expands that to the the broader concept of "grit." This podcast will give you an opportunity to pause and contemplate how you might be better prepared to handle those difficult times in your life and career, and support others in your life. A serious but much needed discussion, applicable to us all. 

"The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared" is back, and you will be the beneficiary! In this episode Dr Thomas White talks with Dr Shauna Guthrie, a Family Physician in Henderson NC and former President of the NCAFP. You will love hearing about her very famous grandfather and dedicated grandmother, and their contributions to medicine and health care in the Midwest. You will be reminded of the critical role we as Family Physicians play in the advocacy issues of the day, and the importance of forming relationships with local elected officials and other decision makers. You will be inspired by her commitment to her community, particularly during the pandemic, and as we continue to battle the opioid crisis. And you will be motivated to emulate her philosophy of "walking alongside of the patient" and serving as their trusted "consultant." Enjoy, and benefit! 

Pearls are considered synonymous with beauty and perfection. Pearls are coveted and considered valuable. In this month's podcast, Dr Thomas White shares "clinical pearls" gleaned from wise colleagues, pearls intended to help us be better clinicians in the exam room and at the bedside. You will find this episode to be both practical and inspiring. Listen, reflect, and add these to your "peripheral brain"! 

This month Dr White talks with Dr Bill Dennis, a now-retired Family Physician from Henderson NC. Hear Dr Dennis's fond memories of his childhood, his career role models, his first career as a journalist, and his determined achievement of a life's goal to become a physician. You will appreciate his sense of humor, his storytelling, and his deep appreciation of serving as the personal physician for his friends and neighbors. Dr Dennis is yet another example of the truly admirable and inspiring Family Physicians with which our state has been blessed! 

This month Dr Thomas White talks with another one of his mentors and role models - Dr. Christopher "Reb" Snyder. This is a very honest, heart-felt, introspective conversation, which will assist all physicians in their personal journey to be present for their patients, to provide comfort when needed, and to care for themselves and avoid the all-too-common tragedy of professional "burn-out." Listen, and re-listen closely, learn, and apply to your professional life. The lessons shared in this episode, and the wisdom imparted, are invaluable. 

In this episode of "The Family Doctor," we chat with Dr. William Hedrick, who recently retired after 61 years in practice in the same location in Raleigh. Listen as we learn about Dr. Hedrick's journey into family medicine, and how he developed his own "residency" with training in internal medicine, OB-Gyn, psychiatry, and pediatrics before the advent of actual Family Medicine residency programs. You will also hear Dr. Hedrick's perspective on the changes in medicine over his six decades of service to patients, including the fight to gain recognition and acceptance of Family Medicine as a specialty, the introduction of insurance and the electronic health record into the practice of medicine, and the loss of independence among physicians. This is a not-to-be-missed documentary! 

How does the Family Physician make an effective referral? How does the Family Physician create and foster beneficial relationships with subspecialty colleagues in the medical community? How do we negotiate with our patients regarding consultations? What is the role of office staff to facilitate referrals? How have these issues changed over the years? In this month's podcast, Drs White and Beatty draw on their experiences in practice to share their perspectives on this critical yet often overlooked topic. You will hear about such forgotten historical oddities as the "doctor's lounge", "physician-to-physician conversations," and the "fax machine" - and how family Physicians practicing today might draw lessons from the best practices of yesteryears, and develop strategies relevant to today's environment. Sit back, drive, or better yet, walk, as you listen and learn. We welcome your own pearls and feedback at thefamilydoctorpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you! 

In May of 2023, Family Medicine lost a friend, a mentor, a leader, a trailblazer, a remarkable human being.  Dr. Jim Jones was a respected community family doctor who practiced full scope medical care, a revered educator instrumental in establishing the medical school at East Carolina University, and a leader in both North Carolina and American Family Medicine.  In short, Dr. Jim Jones was a giant of Family Medicine.  We family doctors are here because of Dr. Jones.Dr. Albert Schweitzer, Jim's boyhood hero, once said that the purpose of human life is to serve, to show compassion and the will to help others.  Dr. Jones lived, practiced, and taught those ideals.It is important that Family Medicine remembers and honors the solid bedrock on which we have built our house.  Dr. Jones, we will "Go Forth, and Do Well."

You want passion? You got it in this month's edition of The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared." Hear Dr White talk with Dr Conrad Flick who practices in Raleigh and serves as Co-President and Co-Medical Director of Community Care Physician Network (CCPN) in North Carolina. Dr Flick is a former President of the NCAFP and former Board Member of the AAFP. Medical students and residents just beginning their careers and contemplating their futures will be particularly motivated by Dr Flick's love for patient care and the virtues of Family Medicine. Thank you for listening and for sharing with your friends and colleagues! 

In this episode of "The Family Doctor”, Dr. Thomas White talks with Dr. R.W. "Chip" Watkins, former President of the NCAFP and current Senior Regional Medical Director for Community Care of North Carolina. Dr Watkins has had a remarkably diverse Family Medicine career - laboratory medical director, integrative medicine practitioner, medical educator, and advocate for independent community-based family physicians.  He draws on his childhood and professional experiences to share invaluable lessons on caring for patients, family, and oneself. You will enjoy hearing from this multi-talented and engaging Family Physician! 

“The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared” introduces a new approach to the podcast this month, a more focused and in-depth discussion between Drs. Thomas White and Lee Beatty on a specific topic which has surfaced in many of our monthly podcasts. These “Lessons” will be periodically added to the traditional physician interview format, when inspiration and interest dictate. This special edition is devoted to the power and importance of  “Touch” in the physician-patient relationship. Listen as Drs. White and Beatty share memorable cases, cite academic perspectives, and offer practical pearls for the practicing clinician. Download, listen intently, and be touched! 

Followers of "The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared," you are in for a special treat this month as Dr Thomas White chats with Dr Mott Blair of Wallace NC. Dr Blair is a 4th generation primary care physician, former President of the NCAFP, recipient of the NCAFP Family Physician of the Year award, and previous member of the AAFP Board of Directors. As you will hear, he is a great story teller, dedicated community servant, and the consummate Family Physician. Sir Winston Churchill's quote - "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - takes on a new meaning and significance in this episode. Listen and enjoy. 

Happy New Year from the Family Doctor.  This month, Drs. Thomas White and Lee Beatty offer up some of their favorite quotes  from their podcast guests.It has been a challenging past three years, but maybe it's time to count our blessings and remind ourselves of the gifts and grace of our careers, our mentors, our patients, and our communities.Expressing gratitude is inspiring and calming, and it doesn't cost a thing. So, thank goodness for Family Medicine!

Selected by the medical students and the Family Medicine Department at The University of North Carolina School of Medicine as the recipient of the prestigious 2022 North Carolina Academy Of Family Physicians' Foundation Community Teaching Award,  Dr Vickie Fowler was born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, returned to her hometown after residency to establish Mt Jefferson Family Medicine, and now practices and teaches in Raleigh. In this episode of The Family Doctor Podcast - Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared - Dr Thomas White speaks with Dr Fowler as she shares her admirable life story. You will hear her perspectives on the sanctity of the trusting doctor-patient relationship, the importance of work-life balance, and the art of the physical examination. Set aside some time to absorb and reflect on the wisdom of this month's guest. You will enjoy and benefit! 

In this month's edition of The Family Doctor, guest host Dr. Lee Beatty talks with Dr. Charles Rhodes of Mount Pleasant North Carolina.  Co-founder of the innovative Cabarrus Family Medicine residency training program, past president of the NCAFP, North Carolina Family Physician of the Year in 2009, president of an international missions organization, and local country doctor still doing house calls, Dr. Rhodes has had a 40 year career of caring, teaching and service. Dr. Rhodes reminds family doctors that we are not PCP's, we are Family Physicians, chosen because of our insatiable curiosity, our vast academic appetites, and our faith in the continuous,  comprehensive, and deeply personal relationship with our patients and families.  He challenges us to plant deep roots in the community we serve; for the greatest joy of being a family physician is living, working, and playing in the place where we practice.  Dr. Rhodes' story should be heard by every family medicine faculty member, every resident, and every medical student. His ten Lessons Learned are priceless and poignant.  

From dipping ice cream in his father's "drug store" as a teenager, to returning to his hometown of Hope Mills N.C. to practice, and then serving as President of the NCAFP, President of the AAFP, and finally as the Executive Vice-President and CEO of the AAFP, Dr Doug Henley shares his story with Dr Thomas White in this latest episode of The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared. In this sometimes emotional interview, you will hear Dr Henley's lessons on leadership, management, effective communication, and attitude. Listen and appreciate how far Family Medicine has come over the years, and where Dr Henley sees our specialty going in the future. Thank you for your support of our podcast! 

This month's guest on the The Family Doctor podcast exemplifies a rare blend of courage, humility, and humanity. You will be moved and touched by what you hear, and what you feel, as Dr Thomas White talks with Dr Rhett Brown, a Family Physician from Charlotte NC. Dr. Brown discusses his personal journey as a gay physician starting practice in the early 90s, and shares how he became an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender patients.  Dr Brown is a graduate of Davidson College, attended the Medical University of South Carolina, and completed his residency in family medicine at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte NC. He served as President of the NC Academy of Family Physicians in 2017. Certified in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, Dr Brown was awarded the Equity of Care Award by the Greater Charlotte Healthcare Executives Group in 2019.  Dr. Brown remains a passionate advocate for diverse patient populations and works to educate other primary care physicians on how to provide gender affirming care. The lessons to be learned and the wisdom shared in this episode are not to be missed! 

This month, Dr Thomas White chats with Dr Shannon Dowler, former president of the NCAFP and currently the Chief Medical Officer for North Carolina Medicaid in the Dept. of Health and Human Services. In this podcast, Dr Dowler shares how her parents' example instilled in her an intellectual curiosity, a love for reading,  and a desire to provide assistance and support for those in need. You will find her refreshingly candid and entertaining, as well as insightful and passionate. Recognized as an educator and advocate for sexual health, Dr. Dowler has just published a book on the subject which will be of interest to all Family Physicians and their “older” sexually active patients! Known as “Rap Dkta D”, Dr Dowler explains how she came to love rhymes and rhythms; and if you listen to the end, you will get to hear her recite one of her clever limericks about a sexually transmitted infection! Listen and enjoy! 

One year ago, The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared podcast was launched. This month, Greg Griggs, the CEO and Executive Vice-President of the NCAFP, speaks with Dr Thomas White, one of the creators and Moderator of the podcast. Hear Dr White share  how the podcast originated (in the floor of his mother's kitchen!), what lessons he took away from each of the physicians interviewed to date, and what he and Dr. Beatty plan for the next year. This review will no doubt motivate you to re-listen to the past year's episodes, and continue to listen in the coming months. 

In this month's edition, Dr. Thomas White interviews Dr Allen Dobson, a NC family physician for nearly 40 years, and a leader in health care at the local, state, and national level. A true visionary and someone not afraid to “roll up his sleeves” to accomplish the task at hand, Dr Dobson shares stories from his early days in practice, and how he and his partners grew Cabarrus Family Medicine from one little office to a flourishing network of 9 offices and over 50 physicians, with a model residency training program directly embedded into local communities. Most notably, you will hear his passion for family medicine and his belief that our relationship with our patients and community form the foundation of our specialty. 

In this month's episode of "The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared", Dr. Thomas White talks with Dr. Alisa Nance, former President of the NCAFP. Dr. Nance describes her upbringing in Mooresville N.C., her role models, and what helped her establish a successful practice in her hometown. Known as an excellent educator and lecturer, Dr. Nance shares how her communication skills in the exam room translated to her comfort and effectiveness in the CME setting. You will also hear, based on her very personal experience, Dr. Nance's advice for physicians who may develop their own illness and need to navigate the health care system themselves. This episode is definitely worth a careful listen! 

In this month's edition of “The Family Doctor”, Dr. Lee Beatty continues his interview with Dr. Mark Robinson, family physician, scholar, and co-founder of the innovative Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency Program in Concord and surrounding communities.Dr. Robinson describes his experience as a patient, and how that experience has shaped his approach to medical care and teaching.  Now retired, he colorfully lists those aspects of practice that he misses the most, and the least.And listeners should not miss Dr. Robinson's "Lessons Learned", clinical pearls of wisdom that will add joy, wonder, and humanity to the practice of every Family Doctor.

In this episode, we interview Dr. Karen Smith, who has spent her entire career in rural eastern North Carolina in the small town of Raeford.  Dr. Smith is a past NCAFP President, a past NCAFP and AAFP Family Physician of the Year, and is now on the AAFP Board of Directors.  Don't miss this inspiring episode.  

This is a special edition of “ The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared”.  We present a tribute to the late Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown of Charlotte. Four physician colleagues who knew OGB over the span of her career share how they first met her, what made her special, and what lessons they learned from her. Dr. Garmon-Brown was a truly remarkable family physician and health care leader. But beyond that, she was a noble human being. As a community servant and advocate, an ordained pastor, a missionary, and a devoted wife and mother, Ophelia blessed and elevated the lives of everyone around her. We are honored to share these memories of our friend and colleague, Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown. 

In this month's edition of “The Family Doctor”, Dr. Lee Beatty interviews Dr. Mark Robinson, family physician, scholar, and co-founder of the innovative Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency Program in Concord and surrounding communities. If you are an aspiring physician, a resident in training, or a practicing family doctor looking to recharge your clinical batteries, this is the podcast for you.Dr. Robinson reminds us that the enthusiasm of our student years can be maintained, or rekindled, with healthy doses of curiosity, compassion, and gratitude. He introduces us to the concept of servant-leadership, a virtuous code of conduct and communication which is a natural fit for family physicians. And you will love Dr. Robinson's description of family doctors as the most adaptable, resilient, and indispensable cells in the Body of Medicine.

In this month's edition of “The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared”, Dr. Thomas White talks with the legendary Dr Mel Pinn. If you are not familiar with Dr Pinn and his career, you absolutely need to listen to this interview! You will hear about his growing up in segregated Lynchburg Virginia, his title of “the best marbles shooter ever”, and his career as a collegiate tennis star. Dr, Pinn is also  a military veteran, and former NCAFP and AAFP Family Physician of the Year, Dr Pinn served as Medical Director of the Neighborhood Family Health Center in Charlotte NC for years, caring for patients and families who previously had very limited access to the health care system. In this podcast, you will learn about the oldest hospital in the country devoted to serving African-American patients, and what well-known landmark now stands on its original grounds. You will be inspired by Dr Pinn's sense of commitment to community, his nonjudgmental approach to patients, and his admonition that we as Family Physicians should “fight” for our patients and participate in the political process on their behalf. There is much to be unpacked here! Listen and benefit!  In this edition, we also respectfully pay tribute to our friend, colleague, and role model, Dr Ophelia Garmon-Brown, who passed away after a long fight with cancer on November 17 2021. 

Dr White's guest this month on The Family Doctor Podcast is Dr Maureen Murphy, a Family Physician from Concord NC and a popular mentor of many medical students and residents throughout her career. Dr Murphy is a Past President of the NCAFP, and a recipient of the NCAFP Family Physician of the Year Award, as well as the AAFP Family Physician of the Year. In this podcast, Dr Murphy shares her journey from athlete and sportswriter to the field of Family Medicine and her career as a community Family Physician and residency faculty. You will laugh and you will cry as she tells stories from her days practicing medicine and from her personal health experiences. You will understand why and how she has positively influenced the lives and careers of so many. Lessons Learned and Wisdom Shared by another amazing Family Physician! 

In this episode, Dr Thomas White talks with Dr Tommy Newton from Clinton NC, a former NCAFP President and NCAFP Family Physician of the Year.  Dr Newton shares the lessons he learned from his childhood and his years in practice, providing very practical advice for effectual doctor- patient interactions and healthy lifestyle tips for the busy physician. You will be moved by this wise, insightful, and expressive Family Physician. Thank you for listening! 

Dr. Thomas White talks to Dr Jim Jones, a North Carolina Family Physician, former President of the NCAFP and the AAFP,  and former Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Often referred to as the “Godfather  of Family Medicine in North Carolina”, Dr Jones shares in this podcast the impact of his faith, the challenges he overcame and barriers he broke as a Native American, stories from his years in practice in Jacksonville NC (including a case you will not forget!), and his efforts to further Family Medicine in his state and nationally.  You will hear lessons you will not forget, and you will be wiser for listening to this Legend of Family Medicine. 

Dr. Thomas White talks to Dr. Lee Beatty, a Family Physician retired from years of practice in his hometown of Mount Holly in Gaston County, North Carolina.   Dr Beatty discusses his love of his hometown, the joys and challenges of Family Medicine, his mentors and medical heroes, and his lessons learned after 40 years caring for his friends and neighbors, including the sanctity of each patient encounter and how teamwork and servant-leadership are essential tools for today's family doctor. Finally, Dr. Beatty shares an important message about avoiding and treating physician burnout, an occupational hazard that affects many in our caring profession.