HuMed with David Spiro, MD

David Spiro
  • 4.3 (13)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

HuMed goes beyond diagnoses and procedures to explore the profound human experiences of medical professionals. Join Dr. Spiro as he engages in deep, candid conversations with fellow doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. They share the often-unseen realities of their work in the demanding hospital environment – the challenging cases, the emotional toll, and the ethical dilemmas they navigate daily.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Night Shift Anxiety with Dr. Chi Oraedu

    This episode of HuMED dives deep into the "dark side" of medicine—the life of the nocturnist. Dr. David Spiro sits down with Dr. Chi Oraedu, an academic hospitalist and founder of Yale Aura, to discuss why working against the biological grain is one of the greatest challenges in healthcare today. From the "Season and Reason" of choosing night shifts as a young mother of twins to the sobering reality of a 40% increase in all-cause mortality for shift workers, Dr. Chi shares how she’s helping healthcare heroes reclaim their metabolic health. In This Episode, We Discuss: The "Season and Reason": Why Dr. Chi chose the night shift to balance residency and raising newborn twins. The "Dr. House" Effect: How being the solo attending at 3:00 AM builds a unique brand of clinical resilience and confidence. The Circadian Conflict: The biological "upstream swim" against melatonin and cortisol. The Metabolic Cost: Understanding why night shifts lead to truncal obesity, insulin resistance, and "The Twinkie Trap." The Nocturnist Blueprint: Practical survival tips, including "Chrono-nutrition," blue-light blocking strategies, and the "68°F Rule" for restorative sleep. #nightshift #hospital #stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m

  2. MAR 31

    The Power of Listening: How Curiosity Transformed a Student's Life

    summaryIn this episode, Hillary Mayberry, a physician assistant and educator at UAMS, shares her transformative experience with a student facing performance anxiety, emphasizing the importance of humility, curiosity, and listening in healthcare and education. The discussion explores mental health stigma, accommodations in healthcare education, and effective communication strategies for supporting students and patients. #stories #doctors #medicalstories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min

  3. MAR 24

    Why This Doctor Left U.S. Medicine for Canada | Burnout, Mental Health & Starting Over

    Dr. Rob Beck shares his deeply personal journey from burnout in the U.S. healthcare system to building a more fulfilling medical career in Canada. In this episode, we explore physician mental health, the differences between American and Canadian healthcare, and the courage it takes to completely change your life. key topics: Physician burnout and mental health Differences between US and Canadian healthcare systems The process and challenges of emigrating as a physician Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HUMED and Dr. Rob Beck 02:00 Dr. Beck's Journey Through Medicine and Burnout 06:00 The Move to Canada: A New Beginning 09:59 Transitioning from a For-Profit to a Single-Payer System 16:01 The Impact of Prior Authorizations on Healthcare 21:51 Understanding Internal Medicine in Canada 28:54 Reflections on Pressure and Patient Care 32:01 Navigating Emotional Turmoil 33:51 The Importance of Patient Follow-Up 36:04 Mental Health Awareness in Medicine 39:57 Family Dynamics During Relocation 45:42 Cultural Differences and Personal Growth 49:44 Acknowledging Indigenous History 53:44 The Genesis of a Podcast Journey #Medicine #DoctorBurnout #PhysicianBurnout #MentalHealth #Healthcare #CanadianHealthcare #USHealthcare #DoctorLife #MedicalPodcast #HuMed #InternalMedicine #PhysicianWellness #HealthcareSystem #Podcast #MedEd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m

  4. MAR 19

    The Surprising Link Between Gut Microbiome and Hormones You Need to Know

    Most women don’t realize that the pelvic changes from childbirth can impact their bladder and vagina in ways that often go unnoticed for years. Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, the first female board-certified urogynecologist in the U.S., reveals how understanding these shifts can drastically improve quality of life—and how common treatments like Botox and pelvic rehab transform health for patients. You’ll discover the surprising links between menopause, andropause, and microbiome health—exploring how gut bacteria influence hormones, mood, and even fertility. Betsy shares her journey from a challenging surgical career to becoming a leader in integrative and functional medicine, showing how personalized, root-cause approaches can counteract aging’s natural decline and prevent chronic issues before they start. We break down the science behind bladder retraining, hormone therapies for men and women, and the real impact of antibiotics on your microbiome. You’ll learn actionable steps to optimize your health, from diet choices that support your microbiome to stress management strategies that harmonize hormones. This episode is perfect for anyone eager to unlock the secrets of aging gracefully and reclaim vitality through cutting-edge, holistic medicine. Dr. Greenleaf—an accomplished surgeon turned innovator—is passionate about empowering patients with knowledge and medical tools to thrive at any age. If you're curious about how the microbiome shapes your health or seeking expert insights into hormone balance, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire real change. Whether you’re battling urinary issues, navigating menopause, or simply curious about the future of personalized medicine, this episode offers invaluable guidance. Tune in to discover the science-backed strategies to stay active, energetic, and confident well into your later years—because the best is yet to come. Why this works: This compelling episode description immediately teases a transformative approach to aging and women’s health, appealing to listeners interested in holistic, science-based solutions. The blend of personal storytelling, practical insights, and future-focused strategies creates curiosity and emotional resonance, encouraging clicks and sustained engagement. #stories #doctors #humanmedicine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  5. MAR 11

    The Tale of Two Sedations: A Lesson in Compassion and Competence

    In this deeply moving episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro sits down with Dr. Ben Jackson, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Procedural Sedation at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Ben shares two pivotal patient encounters that serve as the "North and South" poles of his career—one a humbling failure of communication, the other a triumphant display of team-based compassion. #stories #doctors #medschool #emergencymedicine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  6. MAR 3

    The Protein Gap: Why Women Are Starving Their Muscles

    Is your doctor telling you "everything is normal" while your hair falls out and your energy is non-existent? In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro talks with Dr. Ashley Dwyer, a licensed pharmacist turned health coach. Ashley shares her vulnerable story of pushing her body to the brink through competitive bodybuilding and pharmacy school—only to end up with bottomed-out hormones and "U-thyroid Sick Syndrome" despite looking like the "epitome of health." Ashley explains why she walked away from a traditional pharmacy career to found Team BDN Coaching, where she focuses on the root causes of metabolic and hormonal dysfunction. We dive deep into her Five Pillars of Health and discuss the nuances of perimenopause, HRT, and why "sunshine in your eyeballs" might be the best thing you do for your sleep. In this episode, we discuss: The Thyroid Trap: Understanding why T3 levels matter more than a "normal" TSH reading. The 5 Pillars of Health: A breakdown of Nutrition, Movement, Sleep, Nervous System, and Environment. The Protein Problem: Why most women are under-eating protein and losing vital muscle mass. Perimenopause 101: Navigating the 10–15 year "rollercoaster" before menopause. Biohacking Sleep: The truth about melatonin, magnesium glycinate, and circadian rhythms. Whether you are a healthcare professional feeling burnt out or a woman trying to navigate hormonal shifts, Dr. Dwyer’s "foundations-first" method offers a clear roadmap to feeling like yourself again. #stories #podcast #hormonehealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  7. FEB 24

    ONE CHILD'S TRAGEDY SAVES MILLIONS

    What do you do when the person responsible for your child’s death is you?In this unforgettable episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro sits down with Dr. Greg Gulbransen, a pediatrician whose life was irreparably altered 23 years ago by a tragic accident in his own driveway. Instead of succumbing to the weight of his grief, Greg "stood and delivered," turning his personal hell into federal legislation—the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act—which now mandates backup cameras in every new vehicle in America.But Greg’s story didn't stop in Washington D.C. He turned to the lens of a camera to explore the trauma of others. From his high-end private practice in Oyster Bay to the rooftops of the Bronx at 6:00 AM, Greg documents the lives of those on the absolute margins: gang leaders paralyzed by gun violence, fentanyl addicts fighting for survival, and families trapped in the cycle of poverty. #child #safety #humanity #stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  8. FEB 19

    The 40-Year Memory: Why Your Words Matter More Than Your Scalpel

    For a surgeon, it’s another day at the office. For a family, it’s a day that will change their lives forever.In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro welcomes Dr. Greg Albert, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Arkansas Children’s. While Dr. Albert is a nationally recognized expert in complex brain and spine surgeries, this conversation delves into the human heart behind the technical excellence.Dr. Albert opens up about the powerful legacy of his mentor, Dr. Arnold Manizas, and shares a deeply personal story about his brother’s Down syndrome diagnosis—and how a single sentence from a doctor 40 years ago still impacts his family today.In this episode, we discuss:The Power of Presence: Why "treating every child as your own" is the ultimate surgical mantra.T he "Hardest Path": Understanding the philosophy that what is most difficult for the doctor is often what is best for the patient.The Burden of Guilt: How Dr. Albert helps parents navigate the devastating "what ifs" of a brain tumor diagnosis.Residency & Reputation: Breaking the stereotype of the "aloof" neurosurgeon and the reality of compassion fatigue.Long-Term Connections: The unique reward of operating on a newborn and being invited to their wedding 20 years later.Whether you're a medical student facing the grueling path of residency or a parent navigating a difficult diagnosis, Dr. Albert’s insights on empathy and technical mastery are essential listening.Subscribe to HuMed on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube for more stories from the heart of medicine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
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Trailer

4.3
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

HuMed goes beyond diagnoses and procedures to explore the profound human experiences of medical professionals. Join Dr. Spiro as he engages in deep, candid conversations with fellow doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. They share the often-unseen realities of their work in the demanding hospital environment – the challenging cases, the emotional toll, and the ethical dilemmas they navigate daily.

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