The Podcast by KevinMD

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

Former American College of Physicians treasurer and infectious disease physician Janet A. Jokela discusses her article, "Internal Medicine 2025: inspiration at the annual meeting." She shares her personal reflections on the profound value of attending the American College of Physicians annual internal medicine meeting, drawing from decades of experience. Janet highlights the three core pillars of the event—education, inspiration, and community—emphasizing the exceptional quality of clinical updates, the energizing atmosphere of professional excellence, and the deep sense of camaraderie among colleagues. The conversation covers how the meeting has evolved to cater to physicians at all career stages and serves as a vital touchstone for advancing the ACP's mission. Janet passionately conveys why this annual gathering is more than just a conference; it's a place for renewal, connection, and a reaffirmation of the core values in medicine. The key takeaway is: The ACP annual meeting offers internal medicine physicians an unparalleled opportunity for top-tier education, profound inspiration, and invaluable community building, making it an essential experience for professional growth and personal enrichment. 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

Health care executive Traci Sweet discusses her article, "The role of contingency management in addiction treatment." She makes a compelling case for the increased use of contingency management—an evidence-based approach utilizing positive reinforcement—to improve outcomes for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Traci explains how this method, which rewards positive behaviors like treatment engagement, can effectively leverage the brain's reward system and is particularly beneficial given the high relapse rates associated with traditional treatments. The conversation explores practical applications of contingency management, including app-based digital incentive programs, and highlights its success in her own practice. Traci also outlines a broader vision for the future of SUD care, emphasizing the need to embrace innovation, technology such as AI and digital therapeutics, emerging pharmacological treatments like GLP-1 agonists and psychedelic-assisted therapy, and holistic interventions to create more personalized and effective recovery pathways. The key takeaway is: To address the ongoing addiction crisis, the health care system must move beyond one-size-fits-all models and actively integrate innovative, evidence-based strategies like contingency management alongside cutting-edge technologies and a wider range of therapeutic options. 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

Registered dietitian Ava Safir and physician advocate Kim Downey discuss their article, "Why patients need a registered dietitian on their health care team." They highlight the often-overlooked yet crucial role registered dietitians play in improving patient health outcomes and supporting physicians. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, Ava and Kim explain how dietitians offer specialized, in-depth nutritional counseling that goes beyond the scope of typical medical appointments, addressing everything from chronic conditions to overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the comprehensive approach of dietitians, who dedicate significant time to understanding patients' lifestyles, food psychology, and specific needs, thereby fostering sustainable dietary changes and myth-busting misinformation. They argue that integrating registered dietitians more actively into health care teams can lead to reduced medication reliance, better management of conditions like pre-diabetes and GI issues, and enhanced patient empowerment. The key takeaway is: Patients and health care providers alike should recognize registered dietitians as essential team members whose expertise in medical nutrition therapy can be a game-changer for achieving long-term health and quality of life. 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

Certified coach Kathleen Muldoon discusses her article, "The cost of presence: a lesson in listening." She recounts a poignant experience observing a health care student disengaged during a powerful presentation by a mother sharing her life as a caregiver to children with disabilities. Kathleen, who is also a medical school faculty member and mother to a child with complex health needs, reflects on the immense value of such shared stories for interprofessional students and the "cost of presence" willingly paid by these community educators. The conversation delves into the critical need for future health care professionals to cultivate presence, active listening, and empathy, even amidst academic pressures. Kathleen emphasizes that while technical skills are vital, truly seeing and hearing patients is foundational to compassionate and effective care. The key takeaway is: Medical education must actively foster an environment where students learn to honor patient narratives and engage with genuine human connection, as these qualities are as indispensable as clinical knowledge for the future of health 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

Health care executive and patient advocate Aja Best discusses her article, "How early CKD diagnosis can save lives: a transplant survivor's journey." She shares her harrowing personal experience with a delayed diagnosis of IgA nephropathy during pregnancy, which led to a challenging path through dialysis and ultimately to a life-saving kidney transplant. Aja highlights the often-silent progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a growing global health crisis, and points to critical gaps in the health care system that prevent timely intervention. The conversation explores the importance of early screening, proactive and coordinated care, the potential of technology and predictive analytics to improve patient outcomes, and the power of patient advocacy. Aja passionately calls for systemic changes and greater awareness to ensure others don't face the same missed opportunities she did. The key takeaway is: Early CKD detection through routine screening and a more integrated, patient-centered health care approach can significantly alter disease progression, improve lives, and reduce the burden of this widespread condition. 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

Health care public relations leader Melanie Doupé Gaiser discusses her article, "Antimicrobial resistance needs a publicist." She highlights antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as an urgent and deadly public health crisis that is not receiving the attention it warrants, particularly in the U.S. Melanie shares her personal stake in the issue, living with a critical antibiotic allergy, and underscores the looming threat of a post-antibiotic era where common infections could become fatal. The conversation covers the staggering potential human and economic costs of AMR, the reasons behind its low public profile despite these risks, and legislative efforts. Melanie issues a compelling call to action for everyone—researchers, health care professionals, patients, and the general public—to become "AMR publicists" by sharing stories, engaging with media, and advocating for policy changes. The key takeaway is: Collective public and professional advocacy is crucial to elevate AMR on the national agenda, drive innovation in antibiotic development, and implement policies to combat this growing global threat. 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 student Rishma Jivan discusses her article, "Medical curriculum 2.0: Integrating technology and innovation in medical education." She argues for an urgent update to medical training, embedding technology and innovation as core components to prepare future physicians for a digitally transformed health care landscape. Rishma highlights the necessity for medical students to become active contributors to health technology, not just end-users, to address pressing issues like physician burnout and patient distrust, and to bridge the gap between tech development and clinical needs. The conversation explores integrating concepts like the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach from the tech world into medical thinking, fostering collaboration between medical professionals and technology developers. She proposes a curriculum enriched with hands-on experiences, partnerships with innovators, and inclusion of diverse voices to ensure new solutions are equitable and effective. The key takeaway is: It is imperative to evolve medical education to equip the next generation of physicians with the skills to co-create and implement innovative solutions for better patient care and a more sustainable health care system. 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

Gastroenterologist Shamita B. Shah discusses her article, "How doctors can help IBD patients manage symptoms between visits." Addressing the rising prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the U.S., Shamita highlights the challenges patients face managing unpredictable symptoms like pain and diarrhea, even while on therapy, often leading to undertreatment and complications. She outlines three key ways physicians can empower patients for better self-management between appointments: First, engaging patients to track symptoms using tools like wearable devices or digital platforms incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs), citing studies showing these methods can predict flares and significantly reduce emergency room visits (by 48 percent) and hospitalizations (by 78 percent). Second, educating patients on the diet-disease connection, recommending approaches like the Mediterranean diet and the use of food diaries (potentially via apps) to identify individual triggers. Third, providing patients with a comprehensive health maintenance checklist, such as the one from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, to ensure accountability for crucial screenings (cancer, mental health) and vaccinations, especially important for those on immunosuppressive therapies. Actionable takeaways focus on physicians proactively equipping patients with these tracking tools, dietary guidance, and checklists to foster better disease control and quality of life. 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

Practicing internist and psychiatrist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "How America became overmedicated—and what we can do about it." He raises concerns about the high rate of psychotropic medication use in the U.S., citing CDC data suggesting nearly 1 in 4 adults may be taking these drugs, often without clear long-term plans or exit strategies. Muhamad contrasts this with U.K. NICE guidelines that emphasize structured deprescribing protocols, highlighting a significant gap in U.S. clinical guidance. He points to systemic issues like short medication management visits, lack of industry incentives for deprescribing, and the need for better physician training in distinguishing withdrawal symptoms from relapse. Dr. Rifai advocates for a national shift towards wellness, emphasizing medication optimization, integrated behavioral health (including therapy and trauma-informed care), addressing social determinants of health, and fostering recovery-oriented conversations that explore non-pharmacologic approaches like peer support, nutrition, and exercise. Actionable takeaways include the need for robust deprescribing guidelines, investment in holistic and integrated care models, and a conscious effort by clinicians to discuss not just starting medications, but also safely stopping them when appropriate. 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

Occupational medicine physician Robert Nathan Clapp discusses his article, "Why you should take a closer look at occupational and environmental medicine." Addressing the pervasive issue of physician burnout, Robert introduces occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) — a specialty under preventive medicine — as a compelling but often overlooked field boasting high job satisfaction and low burnout. He notes that despite its appeal, only about 20 percent of OEM residents knew about the specialty before finishing medical school, leading many to transition later in their careers. Robert explains that OEM focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating workplace and environmental injuries and illnesses, uniquely blending clinical care with public health principles. Key advantages drawing physicians to OEM include extremely diverse career paths (ranging from 100 percent clinical to 100 percent non-clinical in various settings like corporations, government, and academics), excellent work-life balance with minimal call or weekend work, a focus on functional outcomes rather than volume metrics, competitive salaries, and high demand. Furthermore, residency training is accessible (often two years, or even one year for those with prior GME) and includes a master of public health (MPH) degree, with prior specialty experience often being highly valued. Actionable takeaways encourage physicians feeling dissatisfied or burnt out, as well as medical students, to explore OEM as a pathway to a more sustainable and rewarding medical career. 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

Journalist and patient advocate Carol Steinberg discusses her article, "Alzheimer's impact on the young should be an open book." She argues that while Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are known to affect the whole family, children under 18 are often excluded from conversations about a loved one's condition, leading to fear, confusion, and missed opportunities for connection. Carol details the emotional toll on children witnessing cognitive decline, the distinct difficulties for those with a parent with younger-onset ADRD, and the significant challenges faced by the 5.4 million caregiving youth in the U.S., who often experience adverse mental, physical, and academic outcomes. The discussion highlights a growing consensus among experts urging truthfulness and age-appropriate involvement for children, calling on the medical community and others to better recognize and support young carers. Carol introduces her children's book, Come Grandpa Meow, Let's Fly, as a tool to facilitate these difficult conversations and promote meaningful intergenerational activities, allowing families to connect and "meet in the moment" despite the disease's progression. Actionable takeaways emphasize the importance of candor, using resources to educate children, fostering continued relationships, and advocating for greater support systems for affected youth. 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

Pediatrician and holistic wellness expert Noemi Adame discusses her article, "Having a female doctor is better for your health, but not for hers." She highlights research indicating patients often experience better outcomes—including lower mortality, readmission, and post-surgical complication rates—when treated by female physicians, potentially linked to factors like longer visits and stronger adherence to guidelines. However, Noemi contrasts this with the significant personal toll on female doctors, who face higher burnout rates, a greater burden of uncompensated tasks like EMR messages (receiving 25 percent more requests), and a concerning lack of the longevity advantage seen in the general female population. She critiques the corporate medical system for failing to adequately support or compensate female physicians for the qualitative differences in their care delivery and the associated emotional labor. Noemi strongly advises female colleagues to protect their own well-being by considering alternatives to corporate employment, such as Direct Primary Care (DPC), independent contracting, or building a personal brand, while also acknowledging the unique challenges women face in setting boundaries within these models. Actionable takeaways emphasize the critical need for female physicians to prioritize self-care, implement sustainable practice systems, and advocate for themselves, whether inside or outside traditional employment structures. 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

Hematology-oncology physician Yousuf Zafar discusses his article, "The personalization of cancer care in 2025." He traces the evolution of cancer treatment over the past two decades, moving through waves of cytotoxic chemotherapy, biologic therapies, immunotherapies including groundbreaking CAR-T therapy, and now precision oncology, which targets treatments to the specific molecular profile of a patient's cancer. While these advancements have significantly improved survival and quality of life, Yousuf highlights the resulting increase in care complexity and the widening gap in outcomes between specialized centers (where only 20 percent of U.S. patients are treated) and community practices (where 80 percent of care occurs), particularly impacting rural areas where 66 percent of counties lack an oncologist. The conversation explores how digital health solutions, such as remote case reviews connecting community oncologists with subspecialists, can help bridge this divide and improve access. Importantly, Yousuf stresses that personalized care extends beyond treatment to encompass vital patient support for financial burdens, mental well-being, and survivorship. Actionable takeaways emphasize the need for collaboration, resources for community oncologists, investment in digital health tools, and a continued focus on patient-centered support throughout the cancer journey. 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

Health care executive Blake Walker discusses his article, "From caregivers to collectors: Navigating the new landscape of patient payments." He describes a perfect storm impacting provider groups: the significant rise in patient financial responsibility due to high-deductible health plans, the growth of health care consumerism where patients demand better experiences (with up to 50 percent willing to switch providers over billing issues), and the overwhelming administrative burden placed on staff using outdated systems not designed for patient collections. Blake argues that traditional practice management systems, prioritizing insurance reimbursement, are ill-equipped for today's landscape, leading to lost revenue and patient frustration. The conversation emphasizes the need to unbundle patient billing from these systems and adopt modern, consumer-friendly solutions offering automation, transparency, clear communication (like omnichannel options recovering 70 percent of payments quickly), and multiple payment methods. Actionable takeaways include recognizing patient billing as a critical touchpoint, investing in technology that improves the patient financial experience, and automating routine tasks to free up staff and improve collections. 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

Orthopedic surgeon Adil S. Ahmed discusses his article, "Academic medical centers under threat: the impact of funding cuts." He outlines the essential, multifaceted roles of academic institutions in educating future doctors, conducting vital biomedical research, and providing complex care, often for underserved populations—functions distinct from private equity-driven health care models. The conversation highlights the critical dependence of these centers on funding, grants, and donations, particularly from government sources like the NIH, HHS, and CDC, to sustain their tripartite mission. Adil argues that recent government funding cuts, driven by political shortsightedness and a potentially misleading focus on "efficiency," pose a direct threat to medical training opportunities, scientific advancement, and the capacity to care for the most complex patients. Actionable takeaways focus on recognizing the long-term societal value of academic medical centers and the potential dangers of reducing their funding, urging support for policies that bolster science and education. 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

Cardiologist Stanley Liu discusses his article, "5 steps to ride out a non-compete without uprooting your family." He shares his personal experience of being bound by an 18-month, 20-mile non-compete clause after leaving an academic cardiology position and outlines the strategic steps he took to navigate this period without relocating his family. Key points include the critical importance of building a substantial worst-case scenario fund for financial security during negotiations or unemployment, defining clear personal and professional goals for the career transition to maintain focus, and exploring diverse income streams like locum tenens work or non-clinical roles that align with those goals. Stanley also emphasizes the necessity of creating contingency plans (Plan B and C) for potential setbacks and the importance of maintaining professional goodwill by managing the departure process gracefully. Actionable takeaways involve proactive financial planning, intentional career design focused on personal well-being, and strategic navigation of contractual limitations. 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

Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article, "Why physicians find negotiating challenging—and what they can do to negotiate better." She explores why negotiation often feels stressful for physicians, linking it to medical training that emphasizes service, self-sacrifice, and conflict avoidance over self-advocacy, particularly impacting women. Drawing from her own experiences and coaching work, Jessie shares eleven actionable strategies designed to help physicians negotiate more effectively and mindfully. These tips include using breathwork to stay calm, clearly asking for what you want, conducting thorough research, understanding your value and bottom line (including the willingness to walk away), framing requests as mutual solutions, leveraging patience and silence, managing emotions like resentment, and celebrating successful outcomes without guilt. The conversation reframes negotiation not just as a business necessity but as a vital skill for physician well-being, energy protection, and building a sustainable career. 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 and psychotherapist Maire Daugharty discusses her article, "Why real therapy isn't just about crisis." She challenges the common misconception that therapy is only necessary or effective during acute crises ("crisis-hopping"), explaining that this view can lead to premature termination—a "flight to health"—when underlying work remains. Maire emphasizes that periods of calm in therapy are essential for integrating positive changes, processing accomplishments, and solidifying shifts in perspective and self-structure. The conversation also explores the critical importance of respecting patient autonomy and boundaries in both therapeutic and medical settings, acknowledging that clinicians cannot fully know a patient's inner world. Furthermore, Maire clearly distinguishes the deep, exploratory work of psychotherapy, which often involves confronting difficult truths ("approaching the shattered mirror") and altering implicit assumptions, from the explicit skill-building and goal-oriented approach of coaching, which works with the existing self-structure. 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 and food allergy advocate Lianne Mandelbaum discusses her article, "Flying with food allergies: Combating misconceptions and advocating for safety." Sharing harrowing personal experiences with dismissive airline staff that ignited her advocacy work with No Nut Traveler, she highlights the pervasive fear and inadequate safety measures faced by food-allergic passengers globally. Lianne discusses concerning findings, such as a study showing 31 percent of passengers sometimes don't disclose allergies fearing penalties, over a third experiencing unprofessional staff behavior, 70 percent not receiving promised accommodations, and over 12 percent being removed or denied boarding. The conversation critiques misleading media coverage, the dismissal of non-fatal reactions, the alarming lack of required easy-to-use epinephrine (like auto-injectors or nasal sprays) in many airline medical kits as of 2025, and insufficient allergen labeling on U.S. flights. Lianne urges passengers to report incidents and calls upon airlines for better policies and training, and the medical community to counsel patients proactively and advocate strongly for systemic changes, including mandatory epinephrine stocking. 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 physician Kara Pepper discusses her article, "From burnout to balance: 5 stages of career transformation." Drawing from her own journey away from burnout and her experience coaching hundreds of physicians, she outlines five predictable stages doctors often traverse when seeking more autonomy, purpose, and sustainability in their work. Kara describes the progression from Stage 1: Stuck, where burnout feels inescapable, through Stage 2: Noticing, acknowledging the need for change and identifying misalignments; Stage 3: Discovery, actively exploring alternatives and embracing self-compassion; Stage 4: Data Collection, analyzing options like job adjustments or starting a practice and addressing practicalities like finances; to Stage 5: Action, making concrete moves toward a new career path. Throughout the conversation, Kara offers actionable advice for each stage, such as seeking external support, identifying core values, researching possibilities, planning meticulously, and surrounding oneself with supportive peers, ultimately encouraging physicians to take manageable steps toward creating a career that aligns with their well-being. 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 Atharva Joshi discusses his article, "How the system hunts physicians who refuse to kneel." He argues that the health care system often targets minority physicians not through overt actions but via subtle, bureaucratic processes—a form of systemic discrimination based on culture or perceived difference, which he terms a "hunt." Drawing from personal experience and observations, Atharva contends this marginalization is a widespread issue affecting many physicians deemed "Other." Rather than simply enduring, he advocates for strategic resistance, outlining five provocative tactics: the Chameleon Principle (becoming quietly indispensable), Weaponized Absence (allowing one's removal to create a disruptive void), Reputation Obfuscation (diversifying one's professional identity), Narrative Supremacy (controlling one's story proactively), and the Yamdoot Doctrine (strategically releasing documented evidence of injustice when cornered). The discussion centers on empowering targeted physicians to fight back deliberately against systemic bias. 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

Management consultant and author Roger A. Gerard discusses his article, "10 ways health care leaders sabotage their own success—and how to stop." He identifies common, often unintentional, ways health care leaders undermine their credibility and effectiveness, frequently due to a lack of formal leadership training. Roger outlines ten key pitfalls, including failing to clarify priorities, attempting to motivate rather than listen to already dedicated staff, treating professionals as liabilities, leading remotely instead of observing frontline work, permitting blame, breaking promises, and ignoring the wisdom of those doing the daily tasks. To counter these tendencies, Roger proposes five promises every leader should make and keep—focused on listening, support, growth, compensation, and backing staff—along with two crucial actions: "Go and see" the work being done and "Go and do" what's needed to remove barriers and improve processes, ultimately fostering trust and a high-performing culture. 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

Pediatric neurologist Paige Kalika discusses her article, "Why ADHD kids struggle and how we can truly help," sharing insights from her perspective as a pediatric neurologist and parent of a child with ADHD. She outlines compassionate ways to talk to children about ADHD, starting by validating their efforts ("Are you trying harder?") and explaining that ADHD affects focus, not intelligence or worth. Paige emphasizes the importance of diagnosis as a tool to counteract negative self-labels ("lazy," "bad") that children internalize, reframing ADHD as having a brain that works differently, using analogies like the "Ferrari brain with bicycle brakes." The conversation addresses common parental concerns about medication, countering the "natural vs. unnatural" debate and explaining medication's role in addressing neurotransmitter differences, comparing it to "glasses for the brain" or a "bag with a hole" for scattered thoughts ("marbles"). Paige offers practical advice on finding the right medication, stressing that the goal is to empower "neurospicy" children to understand their unique brains and thrive. 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

Research scientist Nichole Cubbage discusses her article, "The silent grief of vanishing twin syndrome: Why words matter in health care." She explains that Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS), the loss of one fetus in a multiple pregnancy, often leads to unique and isolating grief, frequently unacknowledged by health care providers. Nichole shares findings from her research indicating significant dissatisfaction among patients regarding provider communication and the information received about VTS, with over half reporting negative experiences. The conversation highlights how provider language—using terms like "insignificant" or medically unclear phrasing—profoundly affects patients' emotional processing and underscores the lack of standardized clinical guidelines for VTS diagnosis and counseling. Nichole points to initiatives like the Butterfly Project as models for providing structured support and emphasizes actionable steps for providers: including normalizing discussions about chorionicity, acknowledging the emotional impact, offering resources, and referring to support systems, ultimately stressing that compassionate communication is crucial for improving VTS 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