The Doc Talk Podcast

Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe and Dr. Shazma Mithani

Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe have spent years navigating the health care system. Not just as doctors for their patients, but as moms for their kids, and patients themselves. And they know it's not always straightforward. Every two weeks they'll take a real question from a real patient, and provide in-depth answers with a clear path to action, with help from other trusted experts. No jargon. No time wasted. Just real talk about real issues from two doctors who've seen it all. And they'll give you the inside scoop on how to navigate the health care system like a pro. This is The Doc Talk.  Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor.  Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. 

  1. 4D AGO

    28. Perimenopause: What’s Happening to Me?!

    Perimenopause can feel confusing, frustrating, and at times overwhelming and most of us aren’t taught what to expect.  We usually start with a listener question, but this time, it’s Dr. Shaz asking Dr. Sheila all the real-world questions about perimenopause. The ones patients bring to clinic every day. The ones many are Googling at 2 a.m.  From symptoms to lifestyle shifts to medication options and how to know what’s right for you, we break it down clearly and practically. Perimenopause isn’t just about hormones, it’s about being heard. We talk about how to prepare for appointments, what to ask, when to investigate further, and how to advocate for yourself in a system that doesn’t always prioritize midlife women’s health.  You deserve evidence-based information. You deserve options. You deserve care that takes your symptoms seriously. With the right support, this phase can be navigated with clarity and confidence.  Tune in and share with someone who needs this conversation.  We’re in this with you. Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com.  Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only and does not replace medical advice from your own health care provider.  Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

    36 min

  2. FEB 3

    27. Clot or Not? The Blood Clot Symptoms You Can’t Afford to Miss

    Blood clots are common, often preventable, and still widely misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe and Dr. Shazma Mithani unpack what people actually need to know about deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), conditions we see every day in clinic and the ER. We talk through real-world risk factors, symptoms that should never be ignored, and why clots don’t always present in obvious or dramatic ways. We also cover practical prevention strategies, how clots are diagnosed, and what treatment typically looks like. Whether you’re a healthcare worker or someone trying to understand your own risk, this episode focuses on awareness, early recognition, and why acting quickly matters. In this episode, we cover: •What DVTs and PEs are and why they can be dangerous •Who is at higher risk and why risk isn’t evenly distributed •Symptoms that should prompt urgent medical care •What prevention actually works •How blood clots are diagnosed and treated •Clinical pearls for healthcare workers Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com. Disclaimer Thank you for tuning into The Doc Talk Podcast. This podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

    20 min

  3. JAN 20

    26. Sick, Stuck, or Waiting: How Do You Navigate Care in Canada?

    In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, we break down how the Canadian health care system is actually structured and how to navigate it safely when access is limited,  from the perspectives of an emergency room doc and family doctor. With more Canadians living without a family doctor and emergency departments under increasing strain, this episode offers practical, honest guidance on where to go for care, what different parts of the system are designed to do, and how to advocate for yourself and your loved ones. What we cover: How Canada’s publicly funded, provincially run health care system worksThe central role of family doctors and what happens when that hub is missingHow referrals and specialist care function — and where delays happenWhat to expect if you don’t have a family doctorThe real role of walk-in clinics, virtual care, and community health centresWhat emergency departments are designed (and not designed) to doA clear explanation of ER triage and why waiting works the way it doesWhat tests and referrals the ER can reasonably provideWhen hospital admission happens and how discharge planning worksKey takeaway: You should not need insider knowledge to stay safe in the health care system — but until access improves, information can reduce harm. Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSCA for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only and does not replace medical advice from your own health care provider. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

    22 min

  4. JAN 12

    The Doc Talk × The Pitt Recap Season 2: Episode 1

    This is our last episode breaking down the Pitt and we’re closing this chapter with an episode we’re really proud of. As always, we watch through two clinical lenses as Dr. Shaz as an emergency physician giving us the actual behind the scene truths. We dig into the emergency medicine moments that stood out, the intense cases, the new characters, and yes… Dr. Robbie’s no-helmet choices. What felt real, what felt like TV, and what life in the ER actually looks like behind the scenes. Thank you for watching along with us and for all the thoughtful messages and questions. New episode of The Doc Talk Podcast is live.  A Quick Reminder The Doc Talk is for general information only. It’s not medical advice — even though we are doctors, we’re not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for personal care.  Follow us on Instagram: @TheDocTalkPod

    21 min

  5. JAN 6

    25. Keep, Skip, or Caution: Sorting Exercise Fact From Fiction with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple

    The exercise and wellness space is louder than ever and often full of confident, conflicting advice. In this episode, we sit down with exercise physiologist and researcher Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to cut through the noise using a simple framework: Keep, Skip, or Caution. Together, we tackle some of the most common questions and trends people are confused about right now, especially in midlife. We break down what’s evidence-based, what’s overhyped, and where nuance matters. In this episode, we discuss: Weighted vests and who they may (or may not) be helpful forHow much cardio people actually need each weekStrength training myths, including whether heavier is always betterHow often you really need to lift weightsCardio vs strength training and how to prioritizeProtein needs for muscle health in midlifeCreatine, who may benefit, and who should be cautiousMidsection weight gain in midlife and common misconceptionsCold plunges, recovery, and timing around workoutsVO₂ max and longevityDEXA scans and body composition dataVibration platesCycle timing and exerciseWe close with one of the most important conversations of the episode: how to decide who to trust online when it comes to fitness and health information. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by exercise advice or unsure what actually matters, this episode is for you.  Disclaimer This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your own healthcare provider. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak with your healthcare provider about your personal health needs. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and send us your questions.

    40 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    24. Does My Cough Need Antibiotics?

    As cold and flu season ramps up, coughs and breathing concerns are one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In this episode, Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe break down how to think about coughs during respiratory season, when antibiotics are helpful, and how to manage symptoms safely while your body recovers. In this episode, we discuss: Why most coughs during cold and flu season are not treated with antibioticsSituations where antibiotics may be appropriateRed flags that should prompt medical assessmentHow long post-viral coughs can realistically lastPractical, evidence-based ways to manage cough and chest symptoms at homeSpecial considerations for children and over-the-counter cough medicationsWheezing, chest tightness, and when breathing symptoms need urgent careOther common non-infectious causes of persistent coughTeaching Corner (Health-Care Providers & Learners): Antibiotic stewardship and expectation-setting in patients with acute coughIdentifying red flags and higher-risk patients earlyFraming supportive care as active clinical managementDisclaimer This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your own healthcare provider. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak with your healthcare provider about your personal health needs. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and send us your questions.

    30 min
  7. The Doc Talk × The Pitt: Season 1 Finale Recap (Episodes 14 & 15) × Dr. Jacob Lentz

    12/23/2025

    The Doc Talk × The Pitt: Season 1 Finale Recap (Episodes 14 & 15) × Dr. Jacob Lentz

    We’ve reached the end of Season 1 of The Pitt — and what a shift it’s been. In this finale episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jacob Lentz, one of the medical advisors for The Pitt, who took time while filming Season 2 to share a behind-the-scenes look at how the show brings emergency medicine to life with such realism, care, and emotional depth. As we close out season 1's recap episodes, we want to thank everyone who watched along with us, sent in thoughtful questions, and shared what this show stirred up for them.  Whether you work in health care or simply love a series that doesn’t shy away from the emotional and human weight of medicine. We’re so grateful to be able to take you behind the curtain of emergency medicine and to have this community of curious, engaged listeners alongside us. The Doc Talk is for general information only. It’s not medical advice — even though we are doctors, we’re not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for personal care. Follow us on Instagram: @TheDocTalkPod

    32 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    23. How to Avoid Medical Mishaps Over the Holidays

    The holidays look cozy online, but in clinics and emergency rooms, this time of year can be really hard if you're sick or injured. In this episode, we break down what actually spikes over the holidays: GI flare-ups, slips and falls, viral illnesses, alcohol-related issues, and the mental load that quietly pushes people to the brink. We talk through what’s common, what’s preventable, when to seek care, and how a simple home health kit can save you hours in a packed ER. Plus: vaccination reminders, “holiday heart,” decorating injuries, and a quick holiday true-or-false based on real hospital patterns. Practical, honest, and designed to help you get through the season with fewer mishaps and some permission slips to get more rest. Thank you to our episode sponsor, FIGS.  In our line of work, we basically live in our scrubs, and we love FIGS for making ones that are comfortable, breathable, durable, and actually flattering. Beyond great scrubs, FIGS builds real community for healthcare workers with meaningful events, conversations, and (let’s be honest) the best memes online. If you work in healthcare or know someone who does, visit wearfigs.com and use code FIGSCA for 20% off your first order. Be sure to follow us @thedoctalkpod and rate, review and send us your questions. We love hearing from you.

    28 min
See All (42)

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe have spent years navigating the health care system. Not just as doctors for their patients, but as moms for their kids, and patients themselves. And they know it's not always straightforward. Every two weeks they'll take a real question from a real patient, and provide in-depth answers with a clear path to action, with help from other trusted experts. No jargon. No time wasted. Just real talk about real issues from two doctors who've seen it all. And they'll give you the inside scoop on how to navigate the health care system like a pro. This is The Doc Talk.  Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor.  Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe and Dr. Shazma Mithani
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Doc Talk Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Doc Talk Podcast

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