Muted in Medicine

Saba Fatima MD
  • 4.4 (7)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Muted in Medicine, the podcast that amplifies the often-silenced voices in healthcare. Join us as we dive into the hidden struggles and unspoken challenges faced by healthcare professionals. From the trauma of litigation and the weight of PTSD to the impact of errors and the journey towards mental health, we explore the raw and real experiences that shape the medical field.Subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes and join the conversation as we break the silence and shed light on the crucial issues affecting healthcare professionals. Together, we can foster a more open, supportive, and resilient medical community.Follow us on Social Media:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MutedinMedicine. Contact us: mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

  1. DEC 9

    E33:Silence to Action-The Essential Role of Physicians in Healthcare Advocacy(w/Dr Jennifer Cowart)

    In this episode of Muted in Medicine,  Host Dr. Saba Fatima speaks with Dr. Jennifer Cowart about the critical role of advocacy in healthcare. They discuss the importance of physician advocacy, the barriers that prevent doctors from engaging in advocacy, and how physicians can get involved at local, state, and federal levels. Dr. Cowart shares her experiences with current healthcare issues, including rural access to care, food insecurity, and the impact of Medicaid cuts. The conversation also highlights the challenges posed by prior authorization processes in patient care, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and advocacy in the healthcare system. In this conversation, Jennifer Cowart discusses the evolving dynamics of hospital care, emphasizing the shift towards outpatient services and the challenges faced by families in providing care. The discussion also highlights the pressing issue of food insecurity, particularly its impact on children and families, and the importance of community support. Cowart advocates for healthcare workers, addressing workplace safety and the need for systemic reforms. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by rural healthcare providers, particularly regarding visa issues for international physicians. Cowart encourages healthcare professionals to engage in advocacy, providing practical steps for involvement while navigating the potential risks of political engagement. The discussion concludes with a hopeful outlook on future generations and their commitment to justice and equity in healthcare. Dr. Jennifer Cowart is a practicing academic hospitalist and Associate Professor of Medicine. She has more than ten years of experience in patient safety and quality improvement, which led her to develop an interest in healthcare policy and legislative advocacy. She has served on policy committees for Society of Hospital Medicine and Society of General Internal Medicine. Her opinions expressed here are her own and not representative of her employer nor any medical society of which she is a member.  takeaways Advocacy is essential for improving patient care. Physicians often hesitate to advocate due to fear of politics. Small actions can lead to significant changes in healthcare. Engaging with local policymakers can improve community health. Advocacy can start with identifying daily frustrations in care. Physicians can participate in advocacy days organized by medical societies. Meetings with lawmakers can be productive and engaging. Medicaid cuts lead to increased healthcare deserts and access issues. Prior authorization processes can delay necessary patient care. Advocacy is a moral responsibility for healthcare providers. Moral injury is prevalent in healthcare due to tight turnaround times. Hospitals are no longer places for recovery but for acute care. Food insecurity is a growing concern, especially for children. Community support is vital in addressing food insecurity. Staff safety is directly linked to patient safety in healthcare settings. Advocacy can start at the local level and be impactful. Physicians should be aware of their organization's media policies. Younger generations are passionate about creating a more just world. There is a need to increase the number of American medical trainees. Engaging in advocacy can begin with small, practical s The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. © 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

    58 min

  2. NOV 24

    E32:When Doctors Navigate the System-A Physician’s Journey with Her Child’s Disability-Dr Umara Raza

    In this conversation, Dr. Umara Raza shares with Host Dr Saba Fatima, her profound journey as a mother of a child with special needs while navigating her career as a physician. She discusses the emotional challenges of parenting, the impact of the healthcare system on families, and the importance of empathy in medical practice. Dr. Raza emphasizes the need for community support, the significance of communication in partnerships, and the journey of acceptance and advocacy for special needs children. Her insights provide valuable lessons for both parents and healthcare professionals. Dr Umara Raza is a Cardiologist at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston and is a special needs advocate. Her daughter was born deaf and was diagnosed with #Waardenburgsyndrome while she was in Cardiology Fellowship. takeaways Dr. Umara Raza shares her journey as a mother and physician. Navigating a child's diagnosis can be overwhelming for parents. The dual role of being a physician and a parent brings unique challenges. Grief is a natural part of accepting a child's special needs. The healthcare system can be a barrier for families seeking support. Empathy in medical practice is crucial for patient care. Misinformation about special needs can lead to stigma and blame. Finding a supportive community is essential for special needs families. Communication between partners is vital in managing stress and responsibilities. Balancing career and family is a personal journey that varies for each parent. keywords #parenting , #specialneeds , #healthcare , #empathy,  #advocacy , medical challenges, community support, #physician  experience, grief, acceptance #waardenburgsyndrome #trending #deafcommunity  00:00 Introduction to the Journey of a Physician-Parent 02:45 Navigating the Diagnosis of Complex Needs 08:30 The Emotional Landscape of Parenting a Child with Special Needs 11:20 Transitioning from Grief to Advocacy 16:42 The Reality of the Healthcare System from a Patient's Perspective 20:17 The Impact of Personal Experience on Medical Practice 27:00 Finding Perspective in Grief 29:24 Transforming Medical Practice Through Personal Experience 30:35 The Importance of Empathy in Healthcare 31:52 Navigating Misinformation in Autism Awareness 33:35 Social Isolation and Inclusion Challenges 36:08 Building a Supportive Community 39:54 Advice for Parents and Physicians 40:53 Balancing Career and Family Responsibilities 48:43 Systemic Changes Needed in Healthcare for Special Needs 50:03 Celebrating Pro The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. © 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

    53 min

  3. NOV 11

    E31:Finding the Courage to Speak-Honesty After Medical Harm(w/Leilani Schweitzer)

    In this conversation, Leilani shares with Host Dr Saba Fatima with her profound journey from personal tragedy to becoming a patient advocate, emphasizing the importance of communication and compassion in healthcare. She discusses her experiences with hospitals after the loss of her son, the need for authentic apologies, and the challenges faced by healthcare workers. Leilani highlights the significance of understanding and transparency in healing, both for patients and providers, and introduces her current work aimed at improving communication in healthcare settings. Leilani Schweitzer is a patient safety advocate who helps healthcare systems respond to medical harm with compassion, honesty, and accountability. Her journey into patient advocacy began after the death of her 20-month-old son, Gabriel, in 2005 due to a series of medical errors. Following this tragedy, Stanford offered her a position working with patients and families who experienced medical harm, where she served for twelve years as Assistant Vice President for Communication & Resolution.  Leilani co-founded Comms Corps, which trains healthcare professionals to communicate clearly and compassionately with patients and families after medical harm. The organization’s Certified Medical Harm Communicator course offers CME credit and practical tools to help institutions meet ethical, legal, and regulatory expectations for transparency. Leilani is a former Board President of the Collaborative for Accountability & Improvement at the University of Washington and serves on the Patient Safety Advisory Board for Philips Healthcare and AHRQ’s Technical Expert Panel. She is also a champion for Patients for Patient Safety US. Leilani's work has been recognized in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN. Her TEDx talk about the need for transparency and compassion in healthcare has been viewed more than 245,000 times and is used in physician and nursing trainings worldwide. She has also been featured on the Ted Radio Hour and RadioLab podcasts, sharing her insights on patient safety and the importance of open communication in healthcare. In addition to her advocacy and healthcare work, Leilani is also an artist, creating large-scale art installations, often in hospitals. #patientcare  #advocacy,  #healthcare #communication, authentic #disclosure,  #compassion,  #litigation, healthcare workers, bad outcomes, communication models, empathy, trust Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Silence 02:58 Leilani's Journey into Patient Adv The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. © 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

    53 min

  4. OCT 28

    E30: AI in Medicine-Tool or Threat?(w/Dr Graham Walker)

    In this conversation, Dr. Graham Walker discusses with Host Dr Saba Fatima the evolving role of AI in healthcare, addressing both its potential benefits and concerns. He emphasizes the importance of clinical judgment, the impact of AI on job security, and the need for regulation and standards. Dr. Walker also highlights the biases inherent in AI systems and the ethical considerations surrounding their use in medical education and patient care. He expresses cautious optimism about the future of AI in medicine, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes patient safety and clinician engagement. Graham Walker, MD is an emergency physician and health tech leader based in San Francisco. He serves as Co-Director of Advanced Development at The Permanente Medical Group, where he drives innovation and digital transformation for Kaiser Permanente’s 4 million Northern California members. As a clinical informaticist, he leads emergency and urgent care strategy for KP’s electronic health record. Graham is also a software developer and entrepreneur. He founded MDCalc, the leading evidence-based medical calculator platform, and Offcall, a new digital hub supporting the physician workforce. His work bridges clinical practice and systems-level innovation, with a focus on reducing friction and burnout across care delivery. He writes frequently on AI, tech, and the future of medicine, and authored The Physicians’ Charter for Responsible AI — a framework to guide safe, fair, and clinically sound AI adoption. takeaways AI in healthcare brings both promise and concerns. Generative AI is often misunderstood as the entirety of AI. AI can replace busy work but not clinical judgment. Job security in emergency medicine is less threatened by AI. AI's role in specialties like radiology may evolve. Patients must be cautious when using AI for healthcare advice. AI can assist in medical education by generating realistic scenarios. Bias in AI reflects human biases and can impact healthcare disparities. The ethical use of AI in medicine is still being defined. Future AI tools must prioritize patient safety and clinician engagement. keywords #ai #healthcare #generativeAI, clinical judgment, job security, medical education, patient privacy, healthcare disparities, bias in AI, ethical use of AI, future of medicine #aihealthcare #chatgpt #openevidence Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Healthcare 03:48 The Promise and Concerns of AI 06:53 AI's Role in Clinical Work 09:51 The Future of AI in Specialties 12:47 Pitfalls of AI in Patient Care 15:58 AI in Medical Education and Practice 18:43 Regulations and Standards for AI 21:46 Bias in AI and Healthcare Disparities 24:47 Understanding AI's Role in Predictive Medicine 26:45 The Evolution of AI in Healthcare 28:43 Ethical Considerations in Medical AI 30:42 The Impact of AI on Medical Education 32:58 Future Prospects of AI in Medicine 34:45 Challenges and Risks of AI Adoption 36:49 The Human Element in AI-Driven Care 38:36 Navigating AI's Limitations and Misconceptions 40:48 The Balance of Compassion and Efficiency in AI 42:40 Final Thoughts on AI's Role in Healthcare 49:21 Conclusion The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. © 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

    50 min

  5. OCT 14

    E29: Talking About Death-What Doctors Get Wrong (w/Dr Jared Rubenstein)

    In this conversation, Dr Jared Rubenstein discusses with host Dr Saba Fatima, the importance of palliative care, the emotional challenges faced by healthcare professionals, and the need for open conversations about death and dying. He emphasizes the role of teamwork in providing care, the misconceptions surrounding palliative care, and the necessity of addressing cultural attitudes towards death. The discussion also highlights the importance of communication with families, coping strategies for healthcare workers, and the need for improved medical training on these topics. Jared Rubenstein is a pediatric palliative care doctor and medical educator at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX, USA. As a fellowship program director he works to train the next generation of healthcare workers in providing person-centered care. His academic interests include serious illness communication, biases around palliative care, and antiracism training. He is passionate about helping people talk about difficult things and believes that the use of satire, animation, and humor can facilitate these conversations. His Youtube channel contains original animated videos utilizing these principles and addresses topics including serious illness, mental health, gender equity, and racism in medicine. The videos have been viewed over 150,000 times and are used nationally and internationally as teaching tools. When he’s not talking about palliative care, he loves traveling and spending time in nature with his wonderful wife and two hilarious kids. https://youtu.be/BbNi_-wYXJE?si=A39z5krdg951e15t Takeaways Palliative care is a team sport, essential for patient support. Conversations about death are often avoided in medical training. Coping strategies are vital for healthcare professionals dealing with death. Cultural attitudes towards death vary significantly. Palliative care should be introduced early in the treatment process. Communication with families about death is crucial but often lacking. Empathy and compassion are different but both are necessary in care. Misconceptions about palliative care can hinder patient support. A good death is defined by the individual and their family. Healthcare workers need to support each other emotionally. #palliativecare, #death , #dying , #healthcare , communication, #empathy , #compassion , #medicaltraining, emotional challenges, cultural attitudes #endoflifecare #hospicecare #endwell Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Palliative Care and Death 02:03 The Journey to Palliative Care 04:39 Challenges in Discussing Death 06:34 Cultural Attitudes Towards Death 10:52 Finding Peace with Death 16:56 Understanding Palliative Care Misconceptions 24:27 The Importance of Early Palliative Care 26:06 Emotional Challenges in Palliative Care 27:30 Reforming Medical Education for Death Conversations 30:05 Navigating Conversations About Death 33:18 Defining a Good Death 36:06 Cultural Perspectives on Death and Honesty 40:33 Communicating with Children About Death 42:11 Burnout in Palliative Care 43:48 Final Thoughts and Resources for Healthcare Workers 51:17 Conclusion The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. © 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

    53 min

  6. SEP 30

    E28: Limited Resources, Unlimited Commitment-Stories from Rural Medicine(w/Dr Jennifer Bacani McKenney)

    In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Bacani McKenney shares her journey with Host Dr Saba Fatima, as a rural health advocate and physician in Fredonia, Kansas. She discusses the challenges and rewards of practicing in a rural setting, including the importance of community relationships, the impact of healthcare policies, and the need for innovative solutions to improve access to care. Dr. McKenney emphasizes the significance of building trust with patients, navigating emergency situations, and the unique experiences that come with rural medicine. She also highlights the importance of community engagement and leadership in fostering a healthier environment for all. Jennifer Bacani McKenney, MD, FAAFP, is a family physician in her hometown of Fredonia, Kansas, a community of approximately 2,200 people. She has owned and managed her practice Fredonia Family Care alongside her father and other great colleagues since 2009. Dr. McKenney was named the “2021 Rural Health Practitioner of the Year” by the National Rural Health Association and received the “Early Career Achievement Award” by the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2021.  She serves as the Wilson County health officer as well as the Fredonia city health officer. She is the Associate Dean of the Office of Rural Medical Education at the KU Medical Center where she focuses on rural health issues and rural workforce. She served as the President of the KAAFP and serves on the board of directors and as the Vice-Chair for the Kansas Health Foundation. She is a member of the Kansas Patients and Providers Engaged in Prevention Research (KPPEPR) board and participates in practice-based research. Contributing to the rural health pipeline, Dr. McKenney created the Fredonia Medical Academy, a two-week program for high school students to gain valuable exposure to medicine. She also established the Fredonia Area Community Foundation and Cultivate Fredonia, a community-wide growth initiative, and she serves on the board of directors for both. Dr. McKenney provides outpatient, inpatient, emergency department, surgical, and endoscopic services to her community. She is also the medical director of the local home health and hospice agency. She has made numerous recent appearances on national news and television programs covering COVID-19 and rural health, including CNN, CNBC, CBS, MSNBC, the New York Times, Washington Post, the Today Show, and NPR. takeaways Rural medicine presents unique challenges, including access to specialists. Emergency situations can be particularly daunting in rural settings. Building trust with patients is crucial for effective care. Healthcare policies significantly impact rural communities. Innovations like telemedicine can help bridge gaps in care. Combating isolation and burnout is essential for rural physicians. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rural Healthcare Challenges 02:18 Dr. McKenney's Journey to Rural Medicine 06:23 The Landscape of Rural Healthcare 09:12 Navigating Specialty Care in Rural Settings 12:32 The Role of Community in Healthcare 15:29 The Personal Touch in Patient Relationships 18:02 Challenges of Misinformation and Public Health 21:07 Impact of Policy Changes on Rural Health 23:55 Innovations and Future of Rural Healthcare 27:15 Staffing Challenges in Rural Medic The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. © 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

    49 min

  7. SEP 16

    E27: Why So Many Doctors Feel Like Frauds-Impostor Syndrome in Healthcare (with Aashi Arora)

    In this conversation, Aashi Arora shares  with Host Dr Saba Fatima,her journey from a healthcare executive to a coach for healthcare professionals, focusing on the challenges of impostor syndrome and burnout in the medical field. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, cultural influences, and practical strategies to combat impostor syndrome, emphasizing the need for supportive environments in healthcare. Aashi also highlights transformative coaching experiences that empower individuals to find joy and satisfaction in their careers. Aashi is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience in healthcare administration and leadership, spanning both public and private sectors. As the Founder and Principal of iRISE Executive Coaching, she specializes in helping healthcare professionals and leaders enhance their management acumen, emotional intelligence, and resilience through her proprietary iRISE model. A sought-after speaker, Aashi has been invited to present on imposter syndrome and other leadership topics at various institutions. Her work empowers physicians and healthcare leaders to navigate self-doubt, build confidence, and achieve sustainable success in their careers. takeaways Impostor syndrome is prevalent among healthcare professionals. Cultural factors influence feelings of impostor syndrome. Self-awareness is key to overcoming impostor syndrome. Brag booking helps combat feelings of inadequacy. Healthcare environments need to support physicians better. Coaching can transform careers and personal lives. Recognition and praise are crucial for engagement. Aashi emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences. 00:00 Introduction to Imposter Syndrome in Healthcare 10:51 Aashi Arora's Journey and Coaching Philosophy 18:03 Understanding Imposter Syndrome: Feelings and Triggers 24:12 The Role of High Achievement and Perfectionism 26:30 The Burden of Perfectionism in Medicine 28:15 The Cycle of Validation and Imposter Syndrome 31:06 Gender and Racial Dynamics in Imposter Syndrome 32:09 Strategies to Combat Imposter Syndrome 38:24 The Importance of Self-Recognition 42:56 Mindfulness and Presence in Clinical Practice 44:45 Institutional Support for Physicians 46:41 Changing the Narrative Around Healthcare Professionals 47:50 Transformative Coaching Experiences 52:08 Conclusion The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. © 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

    53 min

  8. SEP 2

    EP26:When More Isn’t Better-The Ethical Cost of Medically Ineffective Treatment(w/Dr Alyssa Burgart)

    In this conversation, Dr Alyssa Burgart shares her journey with Dr Saba Fatima into the field of bioethics, discussing the importance of understanding medically ineffective treatment and the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals. She emphasizes the need for compassionate communication with families, the impact of cultural beliefs on medical decisions, and the significance of patient autonomy. The discussion also touches on the intersection of law and ethics, the challenges of moral distress and burnout in healthcare, and the importance of continuous learning in the medical field. Dr Alyssa Burgart is an anesthesiologist and ethicist at Stanford University. She writes about ethics and culture in the house of medicine on her newsletter Poppies and Propofol takeaways Finding joy in medicine often comes from teaching and mentoring others. Bioethics provides a framework for navigating complex moral dilemmas in healthcare. Medically ineffective treatment is a nuanced concept that requires careful consideration. Compassionate communication is essential when discussing difficult decisions with families. Cultural sensitivity plays a crucial role in understanding patient and family perspectives. Patient autonomy is paramount in making healthcare decisions. Healthcare professionals often face moral distress and burnout due to ethical dilemmas. Language used in medical conversations can significantly impact understanding and trust. The law and ethics intersect in complex ways that can challenge healthcare providers. Continuous learning is vital for healthcare professionals to navigate evolving ethical landscapes. #medicine, #ethics, #bioethics, medically ineffective treatment, #patientcare  #autonomy,  #moral  distress, #healthcare  #communication, cultural sensitivity, #decisionmaking,  #compassion  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Medically Ineffective Treatment 02:29 Understanding Medically Ineffective Treatment 04:46 The Role of Ethics in Decision Making 07:27 Navigating Family and Clinician Conflicts 10:27 Cultural and Religious Influences on Decisions 13:16 Compassionate Communication with Families 16:09 The Burden of Decision Making 18:53 Challenges with Misinformation in Treatment Requests 26:52 The Complexity of Cancer Treatment 27:56 Communication in Healthcare 33:21 Cultural Sensitivity in Patient Care 35:53 Legal and Ethical Considerations in Medicine 38:20 Moral Distress and Burnout in Healthcare 46:14 Navigating Medically Ineffective Treatments 50:54 Conclusion The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. © 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

    52 min
See All (33)

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Muted in Medicine, the podcast that amplifies the often-silenced voices in healthcare. Join us as we dive into the hidden struggles and unspoken challenges faced by healthcare professionals. From the trauma of litigation and the weight of PTSD to the impact of errors and the journey towards mental health, we explore the raw and real experiences that shape the medical field.Subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes and join the conversation as we break the silence and shed light on the crucial issues affecting healthcare professionals. Together, we can foster a more open, supportive, and resilient medical community.Follow us on Social Media:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MutedinMedicine. Contact us: mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Saba Fatima MD
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Muted in Medicine
  • Show Website
    Muted in Medicine

You Might Also Like