Girl Doc Survival Guide

Christine J Ko, MD
  • 4.8 (12)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Young doctors are increasingly in ‘survival’ mode.    Far from flourishing, the relentless pressure of working in medicine means that ‘balance’ is harder than ever to achieve.   On the Girl Doc Survival Guide, Yale professor and dermatologist Dr Christine J Ko sits down with doctors, psychologists and mental health experts to dig into the real challenges and rewards of life in medicine.    From dealing with daily stressors and burnout to designing a career that doesn’t sacrifice your personal life, this podcast is all about giving you the tools to not just survive...    But to be present in the journey.

  1. 2D AGO

    EP206: The Art and Science of Diagnosing: Dr. Raymond Barnhill on Melanocytic Lesions

    Dr. Raymond Barnhill on Diagnostic Drift, Uncertainty, and the MPATH-Dx V2.0 Approach to Melanocytic Lesions In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine interviews Dr. Raymond Barnhill, a world-recognized dermatopathology expert known for work on diagnostically challenging melanocytic lesions, melanoma pathology references, and contributions to WHO skin tumor classification and AJCC melanoma staging. Dr. Barnhill shares career anecdotes and key communities at Yale and in Boston, collaborations with numerous melanoma leaders, and the founding of the North American Melanoma Pathology Study Group and the International Melanoma Pathology Study Group, as well as participation in the NIH-funded MPATH Study Group. The discussion focuses on overdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, and diagnostic discordance in melanocytic lesions, including evidence of diagnostic drift toward calling more lesions melanoma over time and the overlap between melanoma criteria and atypical/dysplastic nevi. He describes MPATH research, explains the revised MPATH-Dx V2.0 schema, explicitly recognizing uncertainty along a continuum rather than a strict benign/malignant threshold. He emphasizes practical diagnostic approaches including measuring lesion size (noting a 4 mm threshold associated with conventional dysplastic nevi and increasing concern at larger sizes), focusing on key architectural features (junctional nest variation/disarray and lentiginous proliferation), using nuclear size relative to keratinocyte nuclei (including a 1.5× threshold and counting atypical cells per high-power field) while accounting for site-specific pitfalls such as scalp nevi. The conversation also covers “gestalt” versus systematic review, the importance of due diligence using full clinical and morphologic information before ancillary testing, and cautions against overreliance on immunohistochemistry or molecular tests. Dr. Barnhill closes with career advice ends with a message that setbacks can be opportunities for growth. 00:00 Welcome + Meet Dr. Raymond Barnhill (Dermatopathology Legend) 01:51 Career Origins & Melanoma Pathology Mentors (Yale → Boston) 03:59 Building Melanoma Pathology Study Groups (North American & International) 05:57 Overdiagnosis, Diagnostic Drift & Why Discordance Happens 09:43 Inside the MPATH Study: Measuring Interobserver & Intraobserver Agreement 11:39 MPATH-Dx V2.0 Explained: Standardized Classes & Treatment Guidance 13:59 Redefining “Low-Risk” Melanoma: Stringent pT1a Criteria + Embracing Uncertainty 18:47 Practical Grading Tips: Lesion Size, Architecture & Nuclear Atypia Thresholds 22:42 Gestalt vs Due Diligence: Avoiding Traps + Using IHC/Molecular Wisely (PRAME) 28:39 Career Advice: Passion, Mentors, Community + Final Reflections

    31 min

  2. FEB 11

    EP205: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy with Dr. Thomas Helm

    Balancing Careers and Family: Insights from Dr. Thomas Helm In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine invites Dr. Thomas Helm, MD, for his second appearance on the podcast. Dr. Helm, former Head of Dermatology and Director of Dermatopathology at Buffalo Medical Group, now working at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, shares his extensive experience and personal anecdotes. They discuss generational changes in the medical field, challenges faced by women in medicine, and the importance of work-life balance. Dr. Helm emphasizes the significance of understanding work culture, making intentional career decisions, and maintaining work-family harmony. He reflects on his career transition to academia and the rewarding relationships he has built along the way. The conversation delves into the importance of community, mentoring, and the profound impact of prioritizing meaningful relationships over individual autonomy. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:45 Personal Anecdotes and Family Influence 01:22 Changes in Medical Field Demographics 02:10 Challenges for Women in Medicine 02:39 Balancing Career and Family 04:50 Mentorship and Career Advice 06:46 Prioritizing Relationships and Community 10:53 Transition to Academia and Personal Growth 18:52 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

    20 min

  3. FEB 4

    EP204: Overcoming Decision Paralysis with Dr. Mary Steffel

    Overcoming Decision Paralysis: Insights from Dr. Mary Steffel In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, we welcome Dr. Mary Steffel, an Associate Professor of Marketing at Northeastern University. Dr. Steffel delves into the phenomenon of decision paralysis, drawing from her extensive research on consumer judgment and decision making. She shares personal anecdotes, including her illustrative experience playing Cinderella, and discusses practical strategies for managing complex decisions. Key solutions include delegating decision-making to others and simplifying choices. Dr. Steffel also offers advice for healthcare providers to help patients navigate medical decisions. The conversation covers the importance of recognizing decision fatigue and planning decision-making for optimal times. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:56 Personal Anecdote: Cinderella and Decision Paralysis 02:15 Understanding Decision Paralysis 03:54 Real-World Example: Medicare Drug Plans 05:25 Delegating Decisions: A Practical Approach 09:58 Medical Decision Making: Simplifying Choices 14:07 Overcoming Decision Fatigue 15:49 Conclusion and Farewell

    16 min

  4. JAN 28

    EP203: Decoding Overdiagnosis: A Deep Dive with Dr. Wolfie Weyers

    In Conversation with Dr. Wolfgang Weyers: The Complexities of Dermatopathology Diagnosis In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine welcomes Dr. Wolfgang Weyers, a highly respected dermatopathologist and author, to discuss his experience and perspectives on medical diagnosis. Dr. Weyers shares a personal anecdote about his influential mentor, Dr. Bernie Ackerman, and dives into a critical discussion on overdiagnosis, the importance of specific diagnosis in dermatopathology, problems caused by partial samples, and the criteria for diagnosing melanoma. He emphasizes the importance of experience, proper training, and the need to biopsy adequately developed lesions. The conversation also touches on the complexity of biological classification and the role of behavior and molecular studies in understanding diseases.  00:00 Introduction to Dr. Wolfgang Weyers 00:46 Personal Anecdotes and Influences 02:05 Discussion on Overdiagnosis 05:04 Criteria for Melanoma Diagnosis 08:34 Challenges in Diagnosis and Solutions 16:48 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

    17 min

  5. JAN 21

    EP202: Understanding Cancer Diagnosis: An Expert Discussion with Dr. Kathleen Kerr

    Overdiagnosis and Medical Decision Making with Dr. Kathleen Kerr In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Kathleen Kerr, a Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Washington, discusses overdiagnosis and medical decision making. Dr. Kerr delves into how patients perceive mammogram results, the difference between overdiagnosis and overcalling, and the challenges pathologists face in diagnosing cancer. She also shares findings from her research on the influence of prior opinions on second diagnoses and the cognitive processes involved in interpreting pathology images. The discussion highlights the complexities and subjectivity in pathology diagnoses and the implications for patient care. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:33 Personal Anecdote on Mammograms 01:25 Understanding Screening and Its Limitations 02:24 Exploring Overdiagnosis 05:59 Research on Dermatopathologists' Perceptions 08:20 Second Opinions in Medical Decision Making 12:26 Pathologists' Diagnostic Process 15:42 Final Thoughts on Diagnostic Criteria

    18 min

  6. JAN 14

    EP201: Decoding Decisions: Eye-Tracking Insights in Diagnostics

    The Impact of Gaze and Fatigue on Medical Decision-Making with Dr. Bulat Ibragimov In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine interviews Dr. Bulat Ibragimov, an Associate Professor of Machine Learning and Medical Imaging at the University of Copenhagen. Dr. Ibragimov shares personal anecdotes and discusses his research on the role of artificial intelligence and eye tracking in medical decision-making. Key topics include the impact of gaze patterns and fatigue on diagnostic accuracy, the potential for AI to recognize when doctors may make errors, and how individualized gaze patterns can indicate the level of expertise and certainty in medical professionals. The conversation explores the implications of this research for improving the integration of AI in medical practices and enhancing training and decision-making processes for healthcare professionals. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:49 Personal Anecdote and Background 01:46 Eye Tracking and Medical Decision Making 03:18 Patterns in Gaze and Error Prediction 11:00 Fatigue and Its Impact on Accuracy 16:09 AI and Gaze Analysis in Medical Training 20:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    20 min

  7. JAN 7

    EP200: Preventing Burnout: Exercise and Mindset with Dr. Oksana Babenko

    Exploring Wellbeing, Motivation, and Lifelong Learning with Dr. Oksana Babenko In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine welcomes Dr. Oksana Babenko, an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta, to discuss themes of wellbeing, motivation, and lifelong learning. Dr. Babenko shares her personal journey from the Soviet Union to Canada, her academic inspirations, and how her experiences in sports have shaped her approach to challenges and burnout. The conversation delves into her research on the importance of exercise in managing burnout among medical students and professionals. Dr. Babenko emphasizes individualized approaches to maintaining psychological needs, the significance of a mastery mindset, and the value of staying curious in a complex world. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:35 Personal Anecdotes and Academic Journey 02:36 Path to Canada and Research Interests 04:19 Wellbeing, Motivation, and Lifelong Learning 05:09 Exercise as a Preventive Measure for Burnout 10:27 The Importance of Consistency and Intentionality 12:19 Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness 14:36 Mastery Mindset and Need Crafting 15:42 Final Thoughts and Staying Curious

    17 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    EP199: Thriving in 2026

    The Girl Doc Survival Guide: Wellbeing in Medicine In this New Year's Eve 2026 short, Christine highlights the focus of this podcast on work-life balance, physician wellbeing, burnout, and self-care; as well as compassion, empathy, career development, and emotional experiences in healthcare. Upcoming episodes will feature conversations with Dr. Oksana Babenko on preventing burnout with exercise and mindset, and Dr. Bulat Ibragimov on decoding decisions using eye tracking. 00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings 00:20 Upcoming Topics and Expert Interviews 01:03 Special Guests and Future Episodes 01:25 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

    2 min
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4.8
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About

Young doctors are increasingly in ‘survival’ mode.    Far from flourishing, the relentless pressure of working in medicine means that ‘balance’ is harder than ever to achieve.   On the Girl Doc Survival Guide, Yale professor and dermatologist Dr Christine J Ko sits down with doctors, psychologists and mental health experts to dig into the real challenges and rewards of life in medicine.    From dealing with daily stressors and burnout to designing a career that doesn’t sacrifice your personal life, this podcast is all about giving you the tools to not just survive...    But to be present in the journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Christine J Ko, MD
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    214
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Girl Doc Survival Guide
  • Show Website
    Girl Doc Survival Guide