The Podcast by KevinMD

Independent emergency physician Kenneth Ro discusses his article, "From survival to sovereignty: What 35 years in the ER taught me about identity, mortality, and redemption." He shares his deeply personal journey, from growing up as a bullied Korean American boy in Texas who used academic achievement as "armor," to a 35-year career on the front lines of the ER. Kenneth explains how the unprocessed trauma from his work—bookended by the AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics—led to a life of compartmentalization and addiction, creating two versions of himself: one who saved lives and one who sabotaged his own. The conversation explores his spiritual awakening and how he began to dismantle an identity built on perfection and pain. Kenneth introduces his new personal mission, the Nova Oath™, which evolves the Hippocratic principle of "do no harm" to "do more good" by prioritizing integrity, self-care, and presence over performance. This is a story of turning scars into scaffolding and choosing to consciously write a new, more honest chapter in life. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Certified coach Kathleen Muldoon discusses her article, "Choosing between care and country: a dual citizen's Independence Day reflection." As a dual U.S. and Canadian citizen and mother to a child with complex health care needs, she explores the profound tension of navigating two vastly different systems. Kathleen recounts the painful, personal decision to turn down a job in her native Canada after discovering its universal system, while philosophically aligned with her values, would likely fail to provide the timely, specialized support her son requires. The conversation delves into the "quiet grief" of choosing the fragmented but fast-moving U.S. system to meet her son's needs at the cost of her own well-being and a return to her homeland. Kathleen explains how this trade-off informs her work in medical humanities, highlighting how health care systems reflect deep cultural priorities about interdependence and worthiness, and the hidden emotional costs for the caregivers who must live within them. The key takeaway is that no system is perfect, and true citizenship involves loving a country enough to name its limits and bravely holding the tension of uncomfortable choices. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Infectious disease physician Janet A. Jokela discusses her article, "Measles is back: Why vaccination is more vital than ever." Recounting her own experience diagnosing a case in the 1990s, Janet contrasts that contained incident with the current crisis in 2025, which has seen over 1000 cases and the first pediatric deaths in the U.S. in 22 years. The conversation covers the critical 95 percent vaccination rate required for herd immunity, a threshold the country is falling below, and explains why measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. Janet dismantles dangerous misinformation about the MMR vaccine and ineffective alternative treatments, emphasizing that the vaccine is 97 percent effective and has saved millions of lives. For listeners, the key takeaways are to understand the severe, and sometimes fatal, complications of measles—such as pneumonia and encephalitis—and to recognize that the benefits of the MMR vaccine far outweigh any risks. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article, "Why judgment is hurting doctors—and how mindfulness can heal." She argues that the culture of medicine is steeped in judgment—from the language of "noncompliant" patients to the intense scrutiny of training—and that this culture is crippling physicians. Jessie explains that while judgment is often disguised as a tool for maintaining high standards, it actually drives shame, blame, and exhaustion rather than excellence. The conversation explores the high cost of this mindset, which drains energy and creates disconnection from patients and purpose. As a radical alternative, Jessie introduces the concept of Maitri, or unconditional friendliness, a mindfulness practice of replacing reflexive judgment with curiosity, compassion, and generosity. Listeners will learn practical ways to reframe feedback, opt out of the judgment cycle, and use mindfulness to protect their energy, build healthier teams, and begin to heal medicine from the inside out. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Nationally recognized psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "How deep transcranial magnetic stimulation is transforming mental health care." He shares his experience with deep TMS (dTMS), a non-invasive neuromodulation therapy that offers rapid relief for patients with severe depression, OCD, and other conditions that have resisted conventional treatment. Muhamad explains how recent accelerated protocols can condense weeks of therapy into a single five-day period, achieving remission rates as high as 79 percent. Contrasting this with the slow progress and side effects of many medications, he highlights the safety of dTMS, which requires no anesthesia and does not cause memory impairment like ECT. Through powerful patient stories, the conversation serves as a call to action for clinicians, patients, and policymakers to overcome insurance barriers and lack of awareness, advocating for a new standard of care where rapid, profound healing is not just an aspiration, but a reality. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Cardiologist and author Eric Topol discusses his article, "What super agers can teach us about longevity and health span," which is an excerpt from his new book, Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity. He introduces the critical difference between lifespan (total years lived) and health span (years lived in optimal health). Eric shares the surprising results of his "Wellderly" study, which sequenced the genomes of over a thousand healthy adults over age eighty. The study found that their exceptional health was not primarily due to protective genes, but was instead strongly correlated with lifestyle factors like being thinner, exercising more, and having robust social connections. Contrasting this group with the 60 percent of U.S. adults who have at least one chronic disease, he argues that the goal shouldn't just be a long life, but a long and healthy one. The conversation clarifies two paths to this goal—slowing aging itself or delaying disease—and makes the case that focusing on preventing and delaying chronic illness is the most evidence-based approach we can all take to maximize our health span. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Cardiologist Lauren Weber and critical care physician Jess Bunin, co-founders of All Levels Leadership, discuss their article, "Not all heroes wear capes: Sometimes they just speak up in meetings." They reframe medical heroism, arguing that the most courageous acts often happen not in a code blue, but in a conference room. Lauren and Jess define this as moral courage: the quiet bravery to question a dismissive attending, flag an unsafe policy, or challenge the status quo, even within the rigid hierarchy of medicine. Drawing on the work of thinkers like Ira Chaleff, they explore the role of the "courageous follower" and assert that true professionalism includes speaking up, not staying silent. The conversation makes the case that these small, uncomfortable acts of integrity create a "courageous contagion," empowering colleagues and building safer systems one conversation at a time, and that these everyday heroes deserve our full support and solidarity. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Pediatrician Daniel Johnson discusses his article, "From isolation to innovation: the power of learning communities in health care." He reflects on the collaborative, case-based learning that makes medical training exciting and contrasts it with the professional isolation many physicians experience after graduation. To combat this, Daniel champions Project ECHO, a global telementoring model that creates virtual learning communities. He describes ECHO as "hospital rounds on Zoom," where an "all teach, all learn, all support" environment connects community practitioners with specialists to solve real-world patient cases, from the early days of AIDS to modern challenges like pediatric obesity. The conversation serves as a powerful call to action to formally integrate this model into the entire medical education system, ensuring clinicians remain part of a supportive, collaborative community throughout their careers. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Pediatrician Arti Lal discusses her article, "Why ADHD in women is finally getting the attention it deserves." She explores why new ADHD diagnoses nearly doubled for adult women from 2020 to 2022 and the unique barriers they face in getting proper care. Arti explains how historical gender biases have led to misdiagnosis, as female hyperactivity often presents as internal racing thoughts or chattiness rather than the classic external restlessness seen in boys. The conversation delves into the significant, under-studied impact of hormonal cycles on symptom severity, from the menstrual cycle to menopause. To overcome diagnostic challenges and provide personalized care, Arti advocates for integrating objective, data-driven testing alongside subjective assessments. This approach not only provides a clearer clinical picture but also validates the lived experiences of women who may have internalized their symptoms as character flaws for years. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Physician coach Nicole Perrotte and physician advocate and physical therapist Kim Downey discuss their article, "Love, empathy, and the triangle of exhaustion: Why humanity must come first." Nicole introduces her powerful framework, the Triangle of Exhaustion, which describes the profound fatigue experienced by caregivers, physicians, and parents of atypical children. This exhaustion is composed of three parts: the emotional fatigue from constant advocacy, the social isolation from feeling alone, and the relentless responsibility of care with no off switch. Nicole and Kim argue that our society often makes empathy conditional, reserving it for those with a specific label or diagnosis. They propose a fundamental shift toward unconditional kindness. The conversation offers three actionable solutions to break the cycle: normalize differences, create judgment-free zones, and lead with love, providing listeners with a new lens for fostering genuine human connection. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Emergency physicians Resa E. Lewiss and Courtney M. Smalley discuss their article, "Why point-of-care ultrasound belongs in emergency department triage." Amid the crisis of overcrowded waiting rooms and long wait times, they argue for the immediate integration of a powerful, underutilized tool: point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Resa and Courtney use compelling clinical examples, like identifying a collapsed lung or a ruptured ectopic pregnancy in under two minutes, to show how POCUS can dramatically improve risk stratification and save lives before a patient even leaves the triage area. They counter potential objections by explaining that emergency physicians are already highly trained in POCUS, the technology fits existing workflows, and it is a billable procedure that can generate revenue. The conversation serves as a direct call to action for hospital leaders to redesign triage spaces and protocols, making POCUS a standard of care to ensure the sickest patients are identified and treated without delay. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Certified financial planner Brian Case discusses the article, "Personal financial planning shouldn't be a taboo subject." They explore the often-overlooked link between financial stress and the crisis of physician burnout, turnover, and the alarming rate of physician suicide. Brian, Jerry, Jonathan, and Anders explain that despite high earning potential, many physicians struggle with poor financial literacy and significant student debt, which negatively impacts their professional satisfaction and mental health. The conversation also addresses the high level of mistrust physicians have for traditional financial services due to conflicts of interest. The authors argue that breaking the stigma around personal finance and providing access to transparent, unbiased resources is a vital, preventative component of physician well-being. Listeners will learn why integrating financial education throughout a medical career can empower physicians, giving them greater autonomy and enhancing the quality of patient care. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Internal medicine physician and author Robert C. Smith discusses his article, "Medicine's mental health crisis: why the system is failing us." He reveals the shocking disparity in care, where only 25 percent of patients with mental illness receive any treatment compared to 70 percent for physical conditions. This crisis, Robert explains, stems from a fundamental failure in medical training: primary care clinicians handle over 75 percent of mental health cases but receive only 2 percent of their training in this area. The conversation delves into the historical roots of this neglect, citing the centuries-old "mind-body split," and argues that medicine continues to ignore the scientifically superior and integrative biopsychosocial model. Ultimately, Robert issues a powerful call to action for the public to become informed and demand political change, drawing parallels to successful citizen-led movements that mandated seat belts and banned harmful chemicals, offering listeners a clear path to help reform our nation's approach to mental health care. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "Physician patriots: the forgotten founders who lit the torch of liberty." Muhamad calls for a remembrance of the five physician-patriots—Dr. Benjamin Rush, Dr. Josiah Bartlett, Dr. Lyman Hall, Dr. Matthew Thornton, and Dr. Oliver Wolcott—who signed the Declaration of Independence, risking everything for the principles of equality and unalienable rights. He contrasts their revered role with the current plight of physicians who face persecution, silencing, and legal battles within a politicized health care system, citing violations of First, Fourth, and Sixth Amendment rights. Muhamad emphasizes Dr. Benjamin Rush's profound influence beyond medicine, in shaping the nation's moral and educational fabric. The conversation serves as a rallying cry for contemporary physicians to reclaim their heritage as defenders of liberty, to organize, speak out against injustice, and fight for the ability to practice medicine ethically and without political interference, much like their predecessors did. Muhamad asserts that this new revolution is just beginning, with doctors ready to defend life, liberty, and patient dignity on new battlefields like clinics, courtrooms, and the internet. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Founding director of the Doctor of Medical Science program at The College of St. Scholastica, Kenneth Botelho, discusses his article, "In the absence of physician mentorship, who will train the next generation of primary care clinicians?" Kenneth highlights the accelerating crisis caused by the erosion of physician mentorship, particularly impacting physician associates (PAs) in primary care who historically relied on close, hands-on guidance. He explains that with an aging physician workforce and doctors leaving primary care, this traditional apprenticeship model is breaking down, leaving many new PAs with minimal supervision and high-pressure roles, increasing risks of burnout and clinical error. Kenneth argues that while the old system cannot be revived, innovative solutions like postgraduate PA fellowships and residencies, supported by Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) programs, offer a path forward. He details how these programs can create a new pipeline of PA leaders equipped with advanced clinical competence, leadership skills, and an understanding of value-based care and health care economics, enabling them to fill mentorship gaps and improve a strained health care system. Kenneth stresses that this is a system issue requiring bold, collaborative action to support learners and ensure patient safety. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Hospitalist Jasminka Vukanovic-Criley discusses her article, "When grief hits all at once: a morning of heartbreak and love." Jasminka shares a deeply personal account of a Saturday morning where unexpected news of the passing of two friends, Natasa's mother Mirjana and her friend Thomas, both from cancer, suddenly immersed her in profound grief. She reflects on the fragility of life and the ripple effect of these losses, which led to a cascade of memories: her grandfather who would have turned 116, his mother who passed away on his birthday 49 years prior, and her own mother, whose 486th day of absence she was marking. Jasminka explores the experience of noticing signs and seeking meaning in numbers like 486, pondering the universe's mysterious ways of connecting events and emotions. The conversation delves into the nature of grief as an overwhelming yet navigable ocean, emphasizing the importance of cherishing loved ones, expressing love openly, and allowing oneself to feel sorrow, ultimately finding strength in remembrance and the enduring power of love. Jasminka's narrative is a poignant reminder to live fully and love fiercely, even amidst the inevitability of loss. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Medical students Kaitlynn Esemaya, Anamaria Ancheta, and Annique McLune discuss their article, "Why vaccine access still fails America's most vulnerable groups." They highlight how social determinants of health drive pervasive inequities in vaccination rates among marginalized U.S. communities, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kaitlynn, Alexis, and Annique cite CDC data showing updated COVID-19 vaccine uptake for Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults at 8 percent, nearly half that of white adults (15 percent) for 2023–2024. This disparity extends to other vaccines like HPV and influenza, with poverty being a key factor. The discussion covers the post-pandemic drop in childhood vaccinations due to access barriers like lack of insurance and provider shortages, particularly in rural areas. They also touch on HPV vaccine disparities, where only 76 percent of U.S. children received one dose by 2022, and varying awareness levels, such as only 40 percent of adults with less than a high school education being aware of HPV compared to 78 percent of college graduates. Kaitlynn, Alexis, and Annique point to the resurgence of measles, with 301 U.S. cases by March 2025, and address the critical issues of vaccine hesitancy, medical mistrust, and misinformation, noting that these challenges even affect health care workers. The conversation emphasizes the need for increased education, public promotion of vaccinations, and improved access to address these persistent failures. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Surgeon Suhaib J. S. Ahmad discusses his article, "Why even the best employees are silently quitting health care." Suhaib explores the phenomenon of highly competent and once-passionate health care professionals disengaging and leaving their roles, often without overt complaint. He argues that this "silent quitting" stems not just from issues with the system or individual leaders, but critically from a dysfunctional organizational culture characterized by a lack of clear values, poor communication, and an environment where mediocrity and toxicity can thrive. Suhaib contrasts this with a thriving culture where employees feel empowered and listened to, referencing the Google walkout as an example of employees feeling safe to speak up. He emphasizes that leaders must actively engage with staff, understand their needs, and foster open dialogue to shift the culture from "survival mode" to one of growth and shared vision. For employees feeling stuck, Suhaib suggests that actively choosing to move to a better environment or to stay and strategically work on issues is preferable to silently disengaging. The conversation offers a call to action for leaders to ask their teams: What don't we talk about around here that we should be talking about? Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Medical students Vineeth Amba and Archita Goyal discuss their article, "What's driving medical students away from primary care?" They share the widespread discouragement medical students encounter regarding primary care careers, despite initial aspirations to serve communities. Vineeth and Archita highlight the ongoing crisis in primary care, evidenced by a decline to just 25 percent of the physician workforce, high burnout rates, and a projected U.S. shortage of approximately 68,000 PCPs by 2036, which impacts patient access for about 100 million people. They argue that underinvestment is a core issue, contrasting the 5–7 percent of health care spending primary care receives with the 35 percent of visits it handles. The discussion explores how increased investment, as exemplified by initiatives in states like Delaware, Rhode Island, and Oregon, and the proposed PC4YOU legislation in Massachusetts, can transform the field. Vineeth and Archita explain that PC4YOU aims to shift to value-based care, mandate 15 percent primary care spending by 2029, and incentivize innovations to improve health equity and make primary care a more sustainable and attractive specialty for future physicians. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Family physician and certified executive leadership coach Lisa Herbert discusses her article, "From burnout to breakthrough: How a coaching culture transforms health care." Lisa shares her personal journey with physician burnout, a crisis affecting 54 percent of physicians, and how discovering coaching revolutionized her approach to leadership and her career. She explains that a coaching culture, which emphasizes curiosity, continuous growth, and collaborative problem-solving over traditional command-and-control management, is a powerful antidote to burnout. Lisa outlines a roadmap for physician leaders to build this culture, starting with self-awareness, mastering fundamental coaching skills, and institutionalizing coaching practices. The conversation highlights the ripple effect of coaching, extending beyond physician well-being to improve patient interactions, medical training, and even personal relationships, ultimately benefiting health care organizations through better retention and patient experience. Physician leaders are encouraged to explore coaching, while executives should assess how organizational systems can support this transformative shift. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Physician coach and marriage and family therapy graduate student Jillian Rigert discusses her article, "Fear of other people's opinions nearly killed me. Here's what freed me." Jillian shares her harrowing journey through medical discharge from the military and transitioning out of surgery residency, which plunged her into guilt, shame, and a near-fatal struggle with self-worth tied to her career and others' approval. She describes how isolating and starving herself, she reached a rock bottom where apathy paradoxically led to a turning point: publishing deeply personal articles on KevinMD. This act of vulnerability, initially a way to get her story out before an anticipated death, brought unexpected support and began to lift the shame. Jillian explains her process of recovery, which involved detaching her worth from career achievements and, crucially, from the fear of other people's opinions. She emphasizes that understanding others' judgments as reflections of their own biases, and cultivating a curious, compassionate, and non-judgmental mindset towards herself and others, were key to her freedom. Jillian's powerful message is that your life is paramount, and she encourages listeners to question why they might prioritize external validation over their own self-perception, advocating for self-compassion and seeking support to reclaim their narratives. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Nephrologist Saad S. Alshohaib discusses his article, "Why truth still matters in the courtroom: lessons from a physician witness." The conversation provides a profound reflection on his decade of experience serving as a medical expert witness, a role he describes as walking a "narrow bridge between medicine and the law." Saad shares his seven core principles for physicians called to testify, emphasizing that their ultimate loyalty must be to the truth, not the side that hired them. The discussion covers the importance of integrity over convenience, clarity over complexity, and honesty over comfort. He makes a compelling case for seeing the humanity in both the patient in the chart and the clinician accused of making an error, and using testimony not just to judge, but to heal the system. This episode is an essential guide for any medical professional on navigating the ethical complexities of the legal system while holding fast to the truth. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Historian and ethicist Nigel Cameron discusses his article, "How DrKoop.com rose and fell: the untold story behind the Surgeon General's startup." The conversation chronicles the dramatic history of the iconic dot-com era company, from its modest beginnings as a personal medical record system to its meteoric rise as the world's top health site. Nigel explains how the company's core strategy was to leverage the unparalleled credibility of former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, leading to a wildly successful IPO that raised over $84 million. The discussion then details the company's rapid collapse, focusing on the ethical blunders, like blurring the line between advertising and information, that eroded public trust. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about brand credibility, startup hubris, and the ultimate indignity Dr. Koop faced when his name and brand were sold in a fire sale after accumulating over $200 million in losses. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article, "Physician wellness is a strategic imperative—not a moral crusade." The conversation focuses on why physicians must shift their advocacy for well-being from a reactive, moral argument to a strategic one that aligns with institutional priorities. Jessie explains that effective change comes not from complaining, but from understanding two key things: how physicians' own training contributes to the culture of unwellness, and what leadership truly values. She provides a framework for physicians to step out of victimhood and into leadership, learning to "speak the language" of executives by framing wellness as a necessity for retention, financial sustainability, and quality patient care. This episode is a guide for doctors who want to stop just enduring the system and start strategically shaping it from within. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Entrepreneur, AI enthusiast, and wellness advocate Vaishali Jha discusses her article, "Gen Z is already transforming mental health care—are we listening?" The conversation explores the vital need for new perspectives in health care, arguing that the system often overlooks the voices of young people. Vaishali explains how Gen Z, having come of age during numerous health crises, brings an essential viewpoint rooted in lived experience, digital fluency, and a desire for more human-centered care. The discussion highlights how young people are already taking the lead in normalizing mental health conversations, building culturally relevant digital tools, and advocating for their peers. This episode serves as a call to action for health care systems to invite young people to the table not as future leaders, but as current, essential voices who can help build a more inclusive, responsive, and compassionate future for all. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Retired surgeon, psychotherapist, and author Patrick Hudson discusses his article, "Why we fear being forgotten more than death itself." The conversation explores the profound difference between the biological act of dying and the existential fear of vanishing from the story of the world. Patrick explains that for many, the true anxiety surrounding death is not about the end of life, but the end of mattering. He shares how his own heart attack transformed this question from a medical abstraction into a personal reality, revealing that dying is often a slow erosion of self that happens long before our final breath. The discussion delves into how our need to leave a legacy is an attempt to outlive ourselves and how the only antidote to the fear of losing control of our narrative is to live with clarity, love honestly, and forgive early. This episode offers listeners a chance to reflect on mortality not as something to be fixed, but as a concept that can teach us how to live more fully in the present. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Physician executive Sreeram Mullankandy discusses his article, "Bridging the digital divide: Addressing health inequities through home-based AI solutions." The conversation highlights that while the future of health care delivery is moving into patients' homes, this shift risks leaving the most vulnerable populations behind. Sreeram explains that non-medical factors, or Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), can influence up to 80 percent of health outcomes but are often missed by traditional systems. He argues that artificial intelligence, when deployed thoughtfully, can be a powerful equity enabler. The discussion covers how AI can identify hidden SDOH patterns with high accuracy, bridge language and literacy barriers for the nearly 36 million U.S. adults who need it, and serve as a force multiplier for community health workers. Sreeram also addresses the critical need for fairness audits to prevent AI from perpetuating bias and the massive economic incentive for building a more just system, which could save $1.7 trillion in health care costs. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Pediatrician Sarah Webber discusses her article, "Why it's so hard to admit when we don't like our jobs." The conversation is a vulnerable look into her personal experience with burnout just nine months into what she thought was her dream job as a pediatric hospitalist. Sarah shares her journey of feeling drained and unhappy, and her initial attempts to "fix" things with more mindfulness, gratitude, and journaling, only to find the dread remained. She explores the profound identity crisis she faced, where her self-worth was completely woven into her professional identity, making the thought of not wanting to be a doctor feel selfish and wrong. The episode centers on an emotional breakthrough that led to the freedom of honesty, the courage to leave her role, and the powerful realization that by letting go, she not only opened a door for someone else but also for herself to see the many different ways one can be a healer in the world. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

LGBTQ+ journalist BJ Ferguson discusses the article, "Why physician voices matter in the fight against anti-LGBTQ+ laws." The conversation serves as a call to action for medical professionals, arguing that their duty to protect patient health now extends beyond the clinic and into the legislative arena. BJ outlines how anti-LGBTQ+ laws, particularly those targeting gender-affirming care, directly threaten patient well-being and undermine a physician's core commitment to do no harm. The discussion provides five clear, actionable steps for doctors to engage politically, from testifying at hearings and meeting with officials to using media and organizing their peers. Citing recent examples where physician testimony helped halt harmful legislation, this episode makes the powerful case that advocacy does not compromise medical ethics—it fulfills them. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article "The broken health care system doesn't have to break you." Jessie discusses the profound changes in the practice of medicine that no longer align with traditional training models. She identifies outdated beliefs prevalent in medicine, such as self-sacrifice, service at all costs, and avoiding discussions of compensation, which contribute to widespread physician burnout and mental health issues. Jessie emphasizes that the pressures of electronic health records, administrative burdens, and corporate medicine demand a new approach rooted in adaptability and self-awareness. She offers actionable strategies for physicians to reshape their approach, including recognizing harmful conditioning, setting boundaries, cultivating a growth mindset, managing energy, and advocating for systemic change. Jessie highlights mindset coaching as an evidence-based approach to rewiring old thought patterns, enabling physicians to reclaim their purpose and passion in a challenging health care environment. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Anesthesiologist Maire Daugharty, who expanded her expertise by earning a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, discusses her article "Why ADHD isn't just a childhood disorder and what that means for adults." Maire discusses the critical importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, highlighting its negative impacts on self-esteem, mood disorders, substance use, and even criminality when left unaddressed. She clarifies that ADHD is not solely a childhood disorder, with many adults having missed diagnoses, particularly girls due to different symptom presentations. Maire delves into the predominantly genetic nature of ADHD and discusses factors contributing to its complexity and the reluctance to treat it. She emphasizes that accurate diagnosis requires a careful history and medical examination beyond assessment scales, and outlines multi-modal treatment approaches, including psychoeducation, behavioral therapy, and medication. Maire also discusses the core role of executive function deficits in ADHD and offers practical strategies for environmental modification and task management that benefit both children and adults. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Physician Scott Abramson discusses his article "How doctors' words can make or break patient care." Scott shares two compelling scenarios illustrating the profound impact of a physician's communication. He recounts a family conference where a doctor's use of medical jargon like "lesion" completely obscured the diagnosis of cancer for a concerned family, highlighting the barrier that medical language can create. Conversely, Scott details the powerful influence of a surgeon, Dr. Susan Heckman, who, faced with a patient's holistic beliefs and initial refusal of surgery for a suspicious breast lump, used empathetic and culturally resonant language—calling the "blemish" a "guardian angel giving you a wake-up call"—to foster understanding and facilitate timely, life-saving intervention. Scott emphasizes that effective communication, beyond clinical expertise, is crucial for patient understanding, trust, and ultimately, positive health outcomes. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Public policy analyst Julia Drydyk discusses her article "Human trafficking isn't what you think: Why education is key to stopping it." Julia clarifies the crucial distinction between human smuggling and human trafficking, explaining that trafficking involves exploitation through coercion regardless of geographic movement, often occurring within communities rather than solely at borders. She addresses how popular media perpetuates misconceptions, leading people to overlook the subtle, psychological tactics traffickers employ, often involving individuals known and trusted by the victim. Julia emphasizes that traffickers target vulnerabilities like poverty, homelessness, and mental health disorders, posing as caring figures to establish control. She highlights the urgent need for public education to recognize the real signs of trafficking, such as behavioral changes, unexplained absences, or signs of control by another person, enabling Canadians to bridge the gap between good intentions and effective action. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Endocrinologist Michael Morkos discusses his article "Mastering the art of efficient patient encounters: tips for physicians." Michael shares practical strategies for optimizing the patient encounter to enhance both efficiency and patient satisfaction. He delves into effective documentation techniques, emphasizing the importance of maintaining eye contact while touch-typing in the exam room, and adapting clinic setups with adjustable carts and laptops. Michael explains his system for ordering future labs during visits in lab-heavy specialties like endocrinology, ensuring all necessary data is available for follow-up appointments. He also outlines his streamlined EHR workflow, including pre-charting, side-by-side review of outside records, and transparent patient communication during the visit. Michael highlights how these methods enable him to complete all notes and charges by the end of the day, significantly reducing after-hours work and contributing to burnout prevention. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Nurse practitioner Surani Hayre-Kwan discusses her article "Are you protecting your career? 5 essential questions about your NP liability insurance." Surani discusses the critical need for nurse practitioners to secure their own professional liability insurance, highlighting how relying solely on employer-provided coverage can leave significant gaps. She provides insights into common pitfalls, such as employer policies often excluding licensing board complaints or having shared liability limits. Surani explains the crucial differences between occurrence and claims-made coverage and the importance of understanding "tail" and "nose" coverage to ensure continuous protection when switching jobs or carriers. She also offers actionable advice on how robust documentation, including adherence to SOAP note standards and careful patient engagement, can serve as a powerful defense against legal challenges. Surani emphasizes that comprehensive malpractice coverage is vital for protecting an NP's license, career, and financial stability. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Internal medicine and pediatric physician Charles LeBaron discusses his article "How the CDC's opioid rules created a crisis for chronic pain patients." Charles discusses the 2016 CDC opioid guideline, initially framed as a solution to over-prescription and overdose deaths, and critically examines its actual impact. He reveals how the guideline, despite being based on "low quality of evidence," led to widespread restrictions on opioid prescriptions by states, federal agencies, insurance companies, and pharmacies. Charles highlights the severe, unintended consequences for chronic pain patients, including increased pain, worsened quality of life, and a rise in suicides and overdoses among those whose opioid dosages were reduced or discontinued. He also touches on the devastating impact on cancer patients experiencing undertreated pain and discusses criticisms from pain specialists and the damning report by Human Rights Watch, which characterized the de facto denial of pain relief as a potential human rights violation. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Otolaryngologist Kevin C. McMains discusses his article "The hero's journey: Understanding professional identity formation in graduate medical education." Kevin discusses the ongoing crisis of burnout and mental health issues in medical training, critically examining traditional educational and environmental interventions. He identifies a gap in the current narrative surrounding work-life balance, suggesting that framing work and life as dichotomous can inadvertently diminish the intrinsic rewards of caring for others. Kevin proposes an alternative, more emotionally powerful narrative for professional identity formation: the hero's journey. He explains how this framework, rooted in universal storytelling traditions, can help medical trainees find deeper meaning in their sacrifices and engage more profoundly with their patients, fostering a more resilient and compassionate generation of health care professionals. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Osteopathic medical student Scarlett Saitta discusses her article "The school cafeteria could save American medicine." Scarlett discusses the profound connection between childhood nutrition and long-term health outcomes, drawing from her personal experiences and observations in her hometown. She highlights how current food systems contribute to chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and how misleading food marketing exacerbates the problem. Scarlett shares her proposed solution: The American Farm and School Nutrition Support Act, a federal policy amendment aiming to expand Farm-to-School programs by reallocating existing funds to support whole, locally sourced foods in schools. She emphasizes that this initiative not only improves child health but also supports rural economies and addresses health disparities. Scarlett explains the political process of advocating for such a bill, stressing the importance of listening and building bridges across political divides. She also shares data supporting the efficacy of improved school nutrition standards and discusses how this work is a part of the future of medicine, focusing on holistic well-being beyond clinical settings. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Licensed clinical psychologist and health care ethicist Jenny Shields discusses her article, "DSM-5 doesn't name it, but moral distress is everywhere in medicine." Jenny illuminates the pervasive issue of moral distress among clinicians, defining it as the psychological toll exacted when they know the ethically appropriate action but are systematically prevented from taking it by institutional constraints such as hospital policies or insurer mandates. She carefully distinguishes moral distress from burnout or trauma, characterizing it as a chronic erosion of professional identity that occurs when daily work consistently conflicts with the core values that drew clinicians to their profession. Examples cited include understaffing in the face of rising executive compensation and adherence to insurer-driven care plans over sound medical judgment. Jenny describes the accumulation of "moral residue"—a lasting emotional injury—and a form of institutional gaslighting where systemic issues are presented as improvements, causing clinicians to doubt their own perceptions. She argues that by not naming moral distress, diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 contribute to medicalizing symptoms like burnout, thereby avoiding the underlying ethical fractures in a health care system primarily designed around revenue and efficiency, which consistently deprioritizes ethics. The article calls for a shift away from focusing on individual clinician resilience towards demanding fundamental systemic changes to address this profound ethical crisis. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "When rock bottom is a turning point: Why the turmoil at HHS may be a blessing in disguise." Muhamad offers a counterintuitive perspective on the recent wave of layoffs and leadership changes sweeping through federal health agencies like the NIH, CDC, and FDA. He argues that this "rock bottom" moment, rather than signaling collapse, presents a critical opportunity for a fundamental overhaul of a system that has lost public trust. He points to events like the perceived disengagement of many HHS employees during the COVID-19 pandemic's peak in 2021 and the 2021-2022 baby formula crisis as catalysts for this erosion of faith. Muhamad contends that the U.S.'s status as the "sickest wealthy nation," plagued by high maternal mortality, rampant chronic diseases, an addiction crisis, and falling life expectancy, demonstrates the failure of the old guard and conventional approaches. He suggests that the criticism of newly appointed "unconventional" leaders overlooks the desperate need for new thinking. The article calls for these institutions to become truly human-serving, prioritizing patient-centered care, transparency, and direct community engagement over bureaucratic inertia and data-driven detachment, ultimately aiming to rebuild a health system that genuinely protects and serves the American public. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Physician and clinical researcher Chris Apfel discusses his article, "Functional precision oncology: a game changer in cancer therapy." Chris explains that functional precision oncology takes a highly personalized approach by testing a patient's live tumor cells outside the body (ex-vivo) against a panel of cancer drugs to directly observe which treatments are most effective against that specific cancer. This method, he argues, can significantly improve cancer response rates and survival while reducing costs and unnecessary side effects, by moving beyond the limitations of standard pathology (which identifies cancer type but not optimal treatment) and genomic sequencing (which identifies mutations but provides actionable targets for only a minority of patients). Chris recounts the history of functional testing, its initial promise, its decline with the rise of next-generation sequencing, and its current resurgence, supported by studies demonstrating its high predictive accuracy for clinical outcomes. Despite its potential to complement genomics and truly personalize care, he notes that functional precision oncology faces slow adoption due to its general absence from standard NCCN treatment guidelines, hospital restrictions on external tissue testing, and a systemic preference in health care for standardization over innovative, individualized approaches. Chris strongly encourages patients, particularly those facing difficult or unresponsive cancers, to educate themselves about functional precision oncology and actively advocate for access to these tests. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Health care attorney Dennis Hursh discusses his article, "What independent and locum tenens doctors need to know about fair market value." Dennis explains why understanding fair market value (FMV) is crucial for independent and locum tenens physicians, not only for securing appropriate payment but also for ensuring compliance with federal laws like the Stark Law. He breaks down the Stark Law's definition of FMV as compensation arising from bona fide bargaining between well-informed parties not in a position to generate business for each other, and introduces the vital concept of "commercial reasonableness"—meaning an arrangement should make sense for the parties' goals, even if not directly profitable for the hospital regarding that specific physician's services. Dennis provides a practical method for locum physicians to estimate their minimum acceptable rate by calculating the total hourly cost of an equivalent employed physician, factoring in salary, benefits (typically 20 to 30 percent of compensation), paid time off, and amortized bonuses, offering a family medicine physician example where this cost exceeds $216 per hour. He advises locums to consider situational factors like a hospital's urgent need or difficulty in recruitment as leverage, and to proactively research and ask insightful questions to ensure their contributions are properly valued. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Physician executive Jay Anders discusses his article, "Health care's data problem: the real obstacle to AI success." Jay asserts that the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in health care is fundamentally dependent on the quality of the underlying clinical data. He explains that while tools like large language models and conversational AI show promise in synthesizing information and easing documentation, their reliability is compromised when fed with data from repositories often filled with inconsistencies, errors, and gaps. This can lead to an "increased workload paradox," where clinicians spend more time verifying and correcting AI-generated outputs, and a failure to produce the structured data vital for regulatory compliance, quality metrics, and analytics. Jay emphasizes that the "garbage in, garbage out" principle severely hampers interoperability and contributes to significant financial and clinical risks, including medical errors and inefficient workflows. To counter this, he advocates for robust data validation and normalization, enhancement of clinical terminologies, and the use of AI paired with evidence-based algorithms to rectify historical data issues, stressing that establishing trusted data sources is paramount before AI can truly revolutionize health care delivery. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Patient advocate Tami Burdick discusses her article, "How collaboration saved my life from a rare disease doctors couldn't diagnose." Tami shares her personal and arduous journey with granulomatous mastitis (GM), a rare and poorly understood condition, and how embracing collaborative health care in three key ways led to her successful remission. She details the crucial partnership between her conventional Western medicine doctor, surgical breast oncologist Dr. Kelly McLean, and her functional medicine practitioner, Jared Seigler, which allowed for innovative testing and a broader perspective on her illness. Tami also highlights the power of patient-to-doctor collaboration, emphasizing how her own relentless research and self-advocacy were instrumental in uncovering answers that the traditional system initially missed, largely due to time constraints on physicians. Furthermore, she underscores the profound impact of patient-to-patient collaboration through her support group, where shared experiences and knowledge provided critical guidance and helped others navigate the complexities of GM. Tami's story is a testament to the potential of integrating different medical approaches, the necessity of patient empowerment, and a call for systemic changes in health care to foster more such collaborations, including better insurance coverage for alternative practices and more dedicated time for doctor-patient interactions. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Patient advocate Lianne Mandelbaum discusses her article, "What Avarie's death in Rome teaches us about the gaps in food allergy education." Lianne reflects on the tragic death of Avarie, a young American student with a known tree nut allergy who died in Rome due to anaphylaxis, contrasting this loss with the promising advancements in food allergy research and treatment. She meticulously outlines the systemic failures in Avarie's case: despite informing the restaurant of her allergy, she was served pesto containing cashew; her first epinephrine auto-injector reportedly failed; and the responding ambulance lacked the appropriate medication. Lianne underscores how lived experience with anaphylaxis shapes risk perception and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, lifelong food allergy education starting from a young age. This education must cover crucial skills such as safe food ordering, self-advocacy in various settings including when studying abroad, and clear emergency response protocols. She points to a pervasive societal underestimation of food allergies and calls for widespread education at all levels—for patients, families, schools, universities, the hospitality industry, physicians across specialties to ensure timely allergist referrals, and particularly for first responders to be properly equipped and trained. Lianne advocates for making the knowledge and use of epinephrine as normalized and accessible as CPR, urging the community to translate knowledge into action to prevent further avoidable deaths. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Endocrinologist William Hsu discusses his article, "Reimagining diabetes care with nutrition, not prescriptions." William argues for a paradigm shift in treating Type 2 diabetes, moving away from a primary reliance on medications for symptom management towards a focus on achieving disease remission and regression through comprehensive, nutrition-based lifestyle interventions. He critiques the traditional model that often consigns patients to a lifelong battle with chronic illness and a heavy medication burden, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of the disease, such as insulin resistance and impaired pancreatic beta-cell function, while aiming for optimal body composition and tackling premature aging. William highlights programmatic approaches like the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), used under medical and dietetic supervision, as a promising strategy that not only improves glucose levels and promotes fat-focused weight loss while preserving muscle mass but also fosters deeper cellular renewal and offers a sustainable, long-term plan. He advocates for a "triple bottom line" in diabetes care: achieving remission or regression, addressing underlying mechanisms, and enhancing longevity and quality of life, positioning nutrition-led programs as the new gold standard. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Health reporter Martha Rosenberg discusses her article, "Conflicts of interest are eroding trust in U.S. health agencies." Martha outlines how faith in government health bodies like the FDA and CDC has plummeted due to escalating conflicts of interest, tracing some concerns back to the 1992 Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), which allowed drugmakers to fund aspects of the drug approval process. She points to a pattern of FDA commissioners, such as Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Dr. Robert Califf, and Dr. Margaret Hamburg, having significant financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry, and notes the concerning practice of drug trials being funded by the manufacturers of the drugs under investigation. Martha also examines the CDC Foundation, which accepts private donations, and cites several CDC directors, including Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, Dr. Tom Frieden, Dr. Julie Gerberding, and Dr. Robert Redfield, who faced scrutiny over alleged conflicts or ethical issues. The conversation delves into the pervasive influence of pharmaceutical lobbying on Congress and the increasing tendency of medical journals to publish industry-funded research, highlighting the danger these interwoven interests pose to public trust and patient well-being. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Shane Tenny discusses his article, "Navigating your 457 plan: key steps for physicians changing jobs." He provides crucial advice for physicians, particularly those with non-governmental 457(b) plans, on how to manage these retirement savings vehicles during a career transition. Shane clarifies that a 457(b) is a type of deferred compensation plan offered by state and local governments and certain tax-exempt organizations, differing in key ways from 401(k)s. For physicians leaving employers with non-governmental 457(b)s, he highlights critical considerations such as the likelihood of mandatory distribution upon separation, the general inability to roll these funds into an IRA or another qualified plan (a common option for 401(k)s and governmental 457(b)s), and the potential for the entire plan balance to become taxable income in the year of distribution. Shane outlines actionable steps for physicians, including thoroughly reviewing their specific plan documents, engaging in strategic tax planning, exploring possibilities for scheduled distributions to spread out tax impacts if the plan allows, and assessing the retirement benefits offered by their new employer. He also notes unique features of 457(b) plans, such as the absence of a 10 percent penalty for withdrawals before age 59 ½ and a special catch-up contribution provision for employees in the three years preceding their normal retirement age. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Urologist Diana Londoño discusses her article, "From healers to influencers: How fear took over health care advice." Diana addresses the concerning trend of physicians using fear-inducing tactics on social media, which she argues prioritizes engagement over genuine patient well-being. Instead of guiding and comforting, this approach often leaves people feeling scared and confused about their health choices. Diana explores the potential motivations behind this shift, such as the pursuit of clicks, likes, shares, and a perceived sense of worth tied to follower counts, questioning if a "dopamine rush" fuels this behavior. She advocates for a return to the core principles of the medical profession: to heal and teach by sharing information constructively and easing suffering, rather than perpetuating a cycle of fear. The conversation offers an actionable takeaway for medical professionals to reflect on their communication strategies and for listeners to become more critical consumers of online health content. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article, "What if we stopped sacrificing ourselves to practice medicine?" She explores the pervasive culture of martyrdom and self-sacrifice within the medical field that often leads to physician burnout and a deep yearning for greater peace and purpose. Jessie shares her insights from coaching hundreds of physicians, emphasizing that the issue is not a lack of resilience but a system that discourages well-being. The conversation covers her "7 Cs of transformative change"—Courage, Creativity, Calm, Compassion, Capacity, Commitment, and Community—as a framework for physicians to reimagine their careers and lives. Jessie also recounts her personal journey from feeling depleted to creating impactful wellness initiatives, including retreats and coaching, to help fellow physicians reclaim joy, meaning, and alignment. The key takeaway is: Physicians deserve to prioritize their own well-being, and by embracing self-compassion and intentional change, they can move from a state of sacrifice to one of sustainable purpose and fulfillment, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their patients. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Physical therapist John Corsino discusses his article, "Lifelong learning: a game-changer in diagnosing dizziness." He highlights how often the answers to complex cases, like acute dizziness, are present in the exam room but can be missed due to an over-reliance on diagnostic testing and systemic pressures that undervalue thorough physical examination. John champions the importance of lifelong learning for clinicians and the effective use of specific physical exam techniques, such as the HINTS exam, which can differentiate between peripheral vestibular issues and central nervous system insults with high accuracy, sometimes even outperforming imaging. The conversation delves into how misperceptions about dizziness persist and how a commitment to skilled examination can prevent diagnostic delays, reduce health care costs, and significantly improve patient outcomes. The key takeaway is: Investing time in honing physical examination skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning is crucial for clinicians to provide high-value, accurate diagnoses, especially for challenging symptoms like dizziness, ultimately transforming patient care. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended