Tell Me More

Christine Meyer
  • 5.0 (23)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

“My doctor doesn’t listen”. Miscommunication between patients and their healthcare team can have a tremendous impact on patient trust AND their health. With 20 years of practice, Dr. Christine Meyer has had thousands of conversations with patients-not all of them great. Join us as we explore the keys to restoring patient trust, creating a better patient experience, and improving healthcare outcomes simply by having better conversations.

  1. 07/24/2024

    Tell Me More: Better Conversations in Healthcare - Trailer

    “My doctor doesn’t listen”. Miscommunication between patients and their healthcare team can have a tremendous impact on patient trust AND their health. With 20 years of practice, Dr. Christine Meyer has had thousands of conversations with patients-not all of them great. Join us as we explore the keys to restoring patient trust, creating a better patient experience, and improving healthcare outcomes simply by having better conversations.

    3 min

  2. 07/24/2024

    When Testing Gets in the Way

    When a patient comes to me with complicated symptoms, I typically order a series of tests to arrive at a diagnosis. But what happens if those tests all come back normal? There are conditions that can’t be identified by CAT scans, blood tests or ultrasounds. And sometimes testing only adds to a patient’s anxiety and makes them feel worse. So, how do you decide when testing is necessary and when it isn’t? On this inaugural episode of Tell Me More, I sit down with my pediatrician husband, Christopher, to discuss how his approach to testing differs from mine and why testing children often does more harm than good. We explain why American doctors tend to over-rely on tests, and I share a case study of a patient whose tubal ligation post ablation syndrome couldn’t be diagnosed with a CAT scan, ultrasound or lab work. Listen in to understand how poor communication leads to patient mistrust and learn how to diagnose patients and communicate clearly—without over-relying on tests. Key Takeaways How my pediatrician husband Christopher’s testing philosophy differs from mine The question Christopher asks before ordering a test for a patient Why doctors in India look down on American physicians for our overreliance on tests How my patient with tubal ligation post ablation syndrome couldn’t be diagnosed through testing Why testing in children often does more harm than good An example of a young leukemia patient who could have been diagnosed sooner with lab work Why doctors tend to write off patients when their tests come back normal How power of suggestion makes us believe a problem is much worse How a doctor’s inability to communicate leads to patient frustration and mistrust The power in showing confidence and humility in communication with patients Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email: christine@christinemeyermd.com Resources Atul Gawande

    24 min

  3. 07/24/2024

    "It's a familial digestive problem!" Nope. It was hypothyroidism

    For many years, Keri suffered from debilitating gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, weight fluctuation, and depression before she was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism. And she has had more than her fair share of conversations with doctors. How did the experience improve once Keri felt heard? How did effective communication impact her health? And what does effective doctor-patient communication look like? On this episode of Tell Me More, Keri joins me to describe the mental and physical symptoms of hypothyroidism and discuss how long it took to get an accurate diagnosis. Keri explains the power in building trust with your healthcare team and shares her maddening experience with a doctor who discounted how she felt because her numbers were “normal.” Listen in for Keri’s advice to listeners who think they might have hypothyroidism and learn why doctors can’t rely on data alone to treat human beings. Key Takeaways How long Keri suffered from GI issues before she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism Keri’s experience with a doctor who discounted how she felt because her numbers were “normal” How Keri’s fatigue, GI issues, weight gain and depression were symptoms of hypothyroidism How often Keri checks her TSH, T3 and T4 to make sure they’re in the range she feels best The power in finding a doctor who makes you feel heard Why asking open-ended questions facilitates more effective communication with patients The frustration of retelling your story over and over to new doctors (especially with a chronic condition) How hypothyroidism impacts your mental health Keri’s advice for listeners who think they might have hypothyroidism Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com

    29 min

  4. 07/24/2024

    Arrogance in Medicine: Is It Ever Ok?

    Danielle doesn’t feel like a medical miracle. But after experiencing a stroke at the age of 33, being misdiagnosed for several months and enduring complications from brain surgery, her health journey is truly extraordinary. Unfortunately, Danielle and her husband Stan had a number of difficult conversations with the not-so-sympathetic specialists who treated her along the way. What were those conversations like? Should we tolerate a certain amount of arrogance from medical professionals at the top of their field? And what is the best way to approach healthcare conversations when your life is at stake?  On this episode of Tell Me More, Danielle joins me to explain why her husband, Stan questioned her initial diagnosis of AVM and walk us through her interactions with the three high-profile neurosurgeons she went to for a second opinion.  Danielle describes how she learned that she had been misdiagnosed and was still in danger, sharing her experience with surgery to fix the irregular connection in her brain and why she didn’t love her doctor’s bedside manner—but trusted his confidence. Listen in to understand why it’s crucial to have an advocate when your health is compromised and learn to listen to your gut in challenging conversations with healthcare providers. Key Takeaways Danielle’s experience of having a stroke as a 33-year-old mom Why Danielle’s husband Stan questioned her initial diagnosis of AVM How the neurosurgeon reacted to a request for a second opinion Danielle’s interactions with the 3 high-profile specialists her husband sought out How Danielle learned she had been misdiagnosed How the vascular neurosurgeon delivered the news that Danielle was still in danger Why we tolerate arrogance in a physician when paired with skill How Danielle was blindsided by the possibility of needing a craniotomy The relationship between a positive attitude and a positive health outcome How Danielle’s doctor reacted to her complications from surgery Danielle’s advice on listening to your gut when talking to healthcare providers Why it’s crucial to have an advocate if your health is compromised Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com

    34 min

  5. 07/24/2024

    It's All In Your Head: Navigating the Mental Health Conversation.

    A lot of us feel a little blue during the holiday season. But for some, that blueness is much more significant. It can be a medical diagnosis of clinical depression or anxiety that disrupts their lives.  And as good as medicine has gotten over the years, we still do a pretty rotten job when it comes to talking to patients about their mental health. There's this stigma that if life is pretty good, and you have a lot going for you, you should just be able to pick yourself up by the bootstraps. So, how can clinicians broach the subject of mental health with patients who may need support? And how do you start a conversation with your doctor if you happen to be struggling? On this episode of Tell Me More, I introduce you to a patient of mine named Amy who describes the physical symptoms she’s experienced off and on since college and discusses how she was finally diagnosed with anxiety and seasonal depression. We explore why it’s crucial for clinicians to be open to feedback if medication isn’t working, and Amy explains what she did beyond taking citalopram to engage in self-care and improve her mental health.  Listen in for Amy’s advice to clinicians on being compassionate to patients with mental health issues and learn how to open up to your doctor to improve your mental wellness and enhance your quality of life! Key Takeaways How Amy experienced mental health symptoms in college but didn’t understand the diagnosis Why it’s crucial for clinicians to show their work and explain the why behind a treatment Amy’s physical symptoms of brain fog, exhaustion, IBS and a short fuse How Amy was finally diagnosed with anxiety and seasonal depression (and how those conditions manifest differently in different seasons of life) What Amy did to improve her mental health beyond taking medication Amy’s willingness to share her mental health challenges with others How having a full serotonin bucket gives Amy the mental clarity to pause before she reacts Amy’s advice to clinicians on how to speak to patients with mental health issues What drove Amy’s decision to stop taking her medication (and how she felt when she had to start again) Amy’s advice for listeners on how to talk to clinicians about your mental health Why it’s crucial for clinicians to be open to feedback if the first prescription isn’t working Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com

    38 min

  6. 07/24/2024

    The Doctor Who Dismissed Kim vs. the Doctor Who Saved Her Life

    11 years ago, Kim woke up with a headache that refused to go away. After five days of suffering, she went to her primary care doctor and was diagnosed with adult-onset migraines. But four months and 23 medications later, she was admitted to the hospital for pain control. None of the treatments had worked. That’s when the hospital neurologist accused Kim of faking her symptoms to get attention. And Kim started to wonder if she was losing her mind. On this episode of Tell Me More, Kim joins me to discuss the physical symptoms she experienced in the four months leading up to her hospitalization and describe how the chronic pain led to suicidal ideations.  She walks us through the long list of specialists she saw and treatments she tried before a neurosurgeon asked the right questions and discovered her displaced cervical spine. Listen in to understand what the neurosurgeon who saved Kim did differently from the neurologist who dismissed her and learn how to confront a doctor who does you wrong in a way that makes them better. Key Takeaways How Kim was initially diagnosed with adult-onset migraines (yet medication didn’t help) The symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea Kim suffered in addition to her headache Kim’s experience of trying 23 different medications and countless treatments with no relief How Kim’s chronic pain and dizziness led to suicidal ideations Kim’s reaction to the hospital neurologist who accused her of faking symptoms for attention The neurosurgeon who discovered Kim’s displaced cervical spine and resolved her pain Kim’s post-op confrontation with the neurologist who dismissed her Why a good physician will not be offended if you advocate for yourself and ask for a second opinion Kim’s advice to PCPs on creating a team of colleagues to support patients who aren’t doing well What the neurosurgeon who saved Kim did differently than the other doctors she’d seen Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com

    42 min

  7. 07/24/2024

    Why the System Doesn’t Work for Women Who’ve Experienced Pregnancy Loss

    Molly endured the life-or-death experience of an ectopic pregnancy. Then, when her obstetrician said it was safe, she got pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby boy. Today, she has two children under the age of two. And while Molly is grateful to have had two successful pregnancies, the journey was fraught with the frustration of having to explain her history again and again. So, what can we do to make women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss feel supported? On this episode of Tell Me More, Molly joins me to discuss her first pregnancy, walking us through the nine weeks leading up to an emergency ultrasound and surgery to treat her ectopic pregnancy.  She explains how three different practitioners offered very different prognoses for her second pregnancy and what she did to take charge of the process when she was pregnant for the third time. Listen in to understand why the system doesn’t work for women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss and learn what obstetricians can do to support women during and after an ectopic pregnancy. Key Takeaways How Molly’s first pregnancy was confirmed through a message in her online portal The gas pains, constipation and spotting that led Molly to have a series of bloodwork and exams Why Molly went to Google to find out what her bloodwork should look like Molly’s experience having an emergency ultrasound and surgery to treat her ectopic pregnancy The guidance Molly got on how long to wait before trying to get pregnant again How 3 doctors interpreted the results of Molly’s hysterosalpingogram very differently How Molly had a successful second pregnancy and delivered a healthy boy What Molly did to take charge of the process when she was pregnant for the third time Why the system doesn’t work for women who’ve experienced a pregnancy loss How to advocate for yourself if you’re considering pregnancy for the first time Molly’s advice on navigating the system for women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss What obstetricians can do to support women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com

    49 min

  8. 07/24/2024

    Is Undiagnosed ADD the Cause of Your Mental Health Issues?

    When I was growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, ADD wasn’t a thing. Kids with attention deficit disorder struggled to succeed and often developed anxiety and depression as a result. This is exactly what happened to Kim, and it wasn’t until she was homeschooling her own children during the pandemic that she made the connection: Perhaps the cause of her mental health issues was undiagnosed ADD. But it’s been much more challenging than you might expect for Kim to receive the appropriate treatment. On this episode of Tell Me More, Kim joins me to explain how she was diagnosed with depression as a young adult and why her mental health treatment took a turn for the worse when her psychiatrist added bipolar disorder to the mix in 2017. Kim describes how she was dismissed when she first mentioned adult ADD to her neurologist, what steps she took to get diagnosed by a neuropsychologist, and why her mental health history is still stopping her from getting adequate treatment. Listen in for insight on what it’s like for Kim to live with adult ADD and learn how to honor your intuition and advocate for yourself when a doctor’s mental health treatment plan doesn’t seem right. Key Takeaways When Kim was first diagnosed with and treated for generalized anxiety and depression Why Kim was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2017 and how the meds led to her hospitalization How Kim’s psychiatrist responded to her request to come off bipolar meds and why she brought her husband along for the appointment The revelation Kim had as she was homeschooling her kids during the pandemic and discussing their struggles with ADD How Kim’s neurologist dismissed her when she mentioned adult ADD Kim’s journey to being diagnosed with ADD by a neuropsychologist How Kim’s mental health history is preventing her from getting appropriate treatment for ADD What it’s like for Kim to live with ADD as an adult and how it impacts her relationships Why practitioners should be careful about diagnosing mental health disorders Kim’s advice to patients to honor our intuition and keep searching if something’s not right Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

“My doctor doesn’t listen”. Miscommunication between patients and their healthcare team can have a tremendous impact on patient trust AND their health. With 20 years of practice, Dr. Christine Meyer has had thousands of conversations with patients-not all of them great. Join us as we explore the keys to restoring patient trust, creating a better patient experience, and improving healthcare outcomes simply by having better conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    Christine Meyer
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Christine Meyer
  • Show Website
    Tell Me More