Muted in Medicine

Saba Fatima MD
  • 5.0 (8)
  • 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. Oct 19

    Muted in Medicine — 50 Episodes, Grief, and the Story Behind the Podcast

    In this solo episode marking 50 episodes of Muted in Medicine, host Saba Fatima reflects on the podcast’s origins, her experiences with medical trauma, and the sudden loss of her father. She shares how facing a malpractice lawsuit and the aftermath of an unexpected patient death—including depression, survivor’s guilt, and second victim syndrome—helped inspire her to create a space for the difficult stories medicine often leaves unspoken. The episode is also a tribute to her father: a poet, mentor, and devoted supporter who encouraged her creativity and helped the podcast grow. Saba speaks candidly about grief, loneliness, anxiety, and the challenge of imagining future achievements without the person she most wanted to share them with. She closes with two lines from her father’s poem, in Urdu and English. In this episode Saba marks 50 episodes of Muted in Medicine and reflects on her father’s sudden death. She shares how her father nurtured her creativity and supported the podcast. She recounts the medical trauma and second victim syndrome that inspired her to create the show. She speaks candidly about grief, loneliness, anxiety, and how loss has changed her ambitions. She closes with a poem her father wrote, in Urdu and English. Sound  bites "This is the valley of my life" "I didn't pay enough attention to his cold" "My dad believed in me and this podcast" Timestamps 00:00 — Celebrating 50 episodes and thanking the community 01:00 — The personal story Saba had planned to share 01:57 — Dedication to her father 03:23 — Her father’s sudden death 05:21 — Growing up in Karachi and her father’s creative influence 08:19 — A malpractice lawsuit early in her career 10:41 — An unexpected patient death and its emotional aftermath 11:41 — Second victim syndrome and feeling alone 13:00 — Searching for support and learning self-forgiveness 14:47 — The experiences that inspired Muted in Medicine 15:36 — The difficult topics the podcast makes room for 16:03 — Her father as the show’s first audience and biggest supporter 19:13 — How grief reshapes the experience of earlier hardships 20:42 — Loneliness and missing her father’s optimism 23:23 — Anxiety and the fear of another sudden loss 25:02 — Ambition and the ache of having no one to share milestones with 27:45 — Anger that life keeps moving through grief 28:39 — Why she isn’t offering a silver lining or redemption arc 30:38 — A milestone that mattered to both of them 31:09 — Her father’s poem in Urdu and English   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

  2. Oct 5

    E50: The Life I Didn’t Plan-Cancer, Motherhood, and Leaving Medicine(w/Dr Alison Trainor)

    In this episode, Dr. Alison Trainor shares with Host Dr Saba Fatima, her deeply personal journey of navigating cancer diagnosis during pregnancy, balancing her identity as a physician and mother, and finding meaning amidst adversity. Her story highlights resilience, the complexity of medical knowledge, and the importance of authentic storytelling.  keywords medical journey, cancer diagnosis, physician mother, resilience, storytelling, mental health, healthcare challenges, chronic illness, personal growth Dr. Alison Trainor is a board certified pulmonary and critical care physician. She completed her medical school training at Thomas Jefferson University in 2016. Following that she went to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for her internal medicine residency training where she was also selected to do an additional year as Chief Resident. She then did a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the Harvard Combined Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center, finishing in 2023. Her career interests include medical education and advocating for physician mothers. She is also the host of the “Moms of Medicine” podcast where she interviews physician mothers and also shares her own experience being a mother and a physician while going through cancer treatment.   key  topics Personal journey of cancer diagnosis during pregnancy Balancing medical career and motherhood The impact of medical knowledge on patient experience Emotional challenges of living with incurable cancer The importance of authentic storytelling in healthcare Dealing with grief, fear, and hope The role of support systems and self-care Reflections on identity and purpose after diagnosis  sound  bites "Life is completely random" "I felt like I had won the lottery" "I just go crazy with fear and anger" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Alison Trainor's story 01:55 Balancing medical training and motherhood 04:13 Diagnosing cancer during pregnancy 07:07 Living with incurable cancer and clinical trials 11:54 The curse of medical knowledge 17:00 Leaving the medical profession due to health 21:54 Navigating identity as a physician and mother 32:02 Talking to children about illness 39:04 Managing fear and emotional valleys 44:05 The importance of authentic sharing and reflection 55:03 Finding joy in ordinary moments    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

  3. Sep 17

    E49:When We Stay Silent-Social Media, Misinformation & Medicine(w/Dr Alok Patel)

    In this Episode Dr. Alok Patel shares with host Dr Saba Fatima, insights on the impact of social media in healthcare, the importance of physician communication, and how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. This episode explores the power of authentic engagement, managing online presence, and advocating for health equity. Dr. Alok Patel is a board-certified pediatric hospitalist, award-winning medical journalist, and television producer who blends creative storytelling with evidence-based medicine to make health information accessible and engaging. He currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics and the Faculty Director of Communications for the Department of Pediatrics at Stanford Medicine, where he splits his time between treating hospitalized children and leading media strategies for public health advocacy. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Patel is a prominent national media figure, acting as a medical contributor for ABC News, where he hosts the segment "Patel It Like It Is," and previously co-hosting the PBS NOVA digital series Parentalogic. He is also the host of the PITT Podcast on HBO Max.  keywords #socialmedia , #healthcare  #communication , #physicianadvocacy , misinformation, #publichealth , #medicaljournalism, mental health, health equity, digital media, medical education key  topics Impact of social media on healthcare Responsibilities of physicians in digital spaces Strategies for effective health communication Managing misinformation and online backlash The role of social media in health advocacy Mental health challenges for healthcare professionals Global and local health issues in social discourse Balancing clinical work with digital presence Chapters 00:00 Introduction to social media's role in healthcare 01:23 Dr. Patel's journey into medical journalism and social media 04:16 The evolving landscape of digital health communication 08:21 Handling political and social challenges online 14:09 The impact of online engagement on public trust 16:05 Addressing global health issues and advocacy 20:31 The toll of digital activism on healthcare workers 22:28 Balancing metrics and authentic content creation 24:27 Colleagues' perceptions and maintaining authenticity 28:09 Making health information memorable online 35:04 Debunking medical myths and social norms 45:03 Favorite social media platforms for healthcare 46:20 Influential healthcare creators to follow 47:40 The best advice for aspiring medical content creators 50:15 The importance of healthcare professionals' voices 50:49 Reflection on human connection and social media 52:07 Closing thoughts and gratitude    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

  4. Aug 24

    E48: Unsafe at Work-Violence in Healthcare(W/Kimberly Urbanek)

    In this Episode Kimberly Urbanek shares her extensive expertise with Host Dr Saba Fatima on workplace violence in healthcare, exploring its types, causes, and prevention strategies to create safer environments for healthcare workers and patients. Kimberly Urbanek, BA, NREMTP, is an award-winning workplace violence expert, best-selling author, and nationally sought-after speaker.  With over 25 years of clinical, public safety, and trauma experience, Kim is certified as a master level crisis prevention instructor, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) responder, Wellness Facilitator, and is the Co-founder of OPTICS, a groundbreaking, AI-driven platform for violence and risk mitigation. Kim is dedicated to transforming how individuals and organizations understand safety and has been featured on NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, and more. Kim empowers people to strengthen resilience, prevent violence, and cultivate cultures where safety and wellbeing thrive. Connect with her at K.Urbanek@opticshc.org.  keywords #healthcare  #violence , #workplacesafety  #patientsafety , healthcare workers, #violenceprevention , #mentalhealth , conflict resolution, safety culture #workplaceviolence  key topics Types of healthcare violence including verbal, physical, and psychological The impact of workplace violence on healthcare staff and patient care Signs of escalation and early warning indicators of violence Strategies for prevention and de-escalation in healthcare environments The role of organizational culture and leadership in safety Legal and ethical considerations in managing violence Training and education for healthcare staff on safety protocols The importance of support systems and mental health resources for staff Sound Bites "Verbal abuse is often overlooked but is part of workplace violence" "Most healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience violence" "Prevention starts with recognizing early warning signs of escalation" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Workplace Violence 01:56 Kim Urbanek's Background and Passion for Safety 03:52 Types of Violence in Healthcare Settings 08:02 Why Healthcare Violence Is Increasing 12:11 Different Types of Violence and Threats 16:00 Misconceptions About Behavioral Health Violence 22:06 Balancing Empathy and Safety in Care 30:07 Early Signs of Escalation and Risk Assessment 35:03 De-escalation Techniques and Communication Skills 45:00 Organizational Role in Prevention and Support 49:45 Advice for New Healthcare Workers on Safety 55:00 Building a Safety Culture and Boundaries 57:42 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts  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

  5. Jun 30

    E47: Medical Gaslighting-Fact, Fiction, or Something In Between?(w/Dr Alexandra Fuss)

    In this episode, Dr. Alexandra Fuss discusses with Host Dr Saba Fatima, medical gaslighting, its systemic roots, and how healthcare providers can foster trust and validation with patients, especially in the context of chronic illnesses like IBD. Dr. Alexandra Fuss, PhD is a licensed GI psychologist who specializes in supporting people living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). She currently serves as the Director of Behavioral Medicine for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at the Crohn’s and Colitis Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, is an Instructor at Harvard Medical School, and maintains a private practice. Dr. Fuss is deeply committed to improving the experience of people living with IBD, particularly around the complex emotional impact of living with a chronic condition. Her published research has primarily focused on medical trauma and medical gaslighting, though she also frequently speaks and contributes to discussions focused broadly on topics relevant to the IBD community at large. Before joining Massachusetts General Hospital, she served as the Director of Behavioral Health in Digestive Diseases and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. She also serves as the co-chair of the Early Career Committee for ROME Gastropsych,as an Associate Editor for Crohn’s & Colitis 360 and is a member of the National Scientific Advisory Committee of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, where she contributes to the Professional Education Committee. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys traveling and taking in the arts with her husband Isaac, spending time with their dog Maisel, and trying new experiences, most recently ballroom dancing and glass sculpting. keywords #medicalgaslighting ,  #patientvalidation ,  #healthcare  system, doctor-patient relationship, systemic bias, trust in medicine,  #chronicillness , GI psychology key topics Medical gaslighting vs. invalidation Systemic factors contributing to invalidation Impact of bias and systemic pressure on provider behavior Strategies for building trust and validating patient experiences The role of communication and empathy in healthcare The influence of social media on symptom interpretation The mind-gut connection and stress impact on GI health  00:00 Introduction to Medical Gaslighting 03:11 Understanding Medical Gaslighting 06:23 The Role of Communication in Patient Care 08:31 Patient Experiences and Perspectives 11:18 The Impact of Systemic Issues on Patient Care 14:28 Navigating Dismissal and Validation in Healthcare 17:28 The Role of Social Media in Patient Advocacy 26:26 The Impact of Social Media on Patient Awareness 27:33 Validating Symptoms: A Double-Edged Sword 28:32 Patient Stories: The Consequences of Dismissal 29:50 Navigating Uncertainty in Healthcare 31:17 The Role of Bias in Patient Dismissal 32:10 Building Trust in the Patient-Provider Relationship 35:10 The Hierarchy in Healthcare Interactions 36:42 Gaslighting: A Damaging Term in Medicine 37:58 Mutual Responsibility in Patient-Provider Dynamics 39:05 Messages for Patients and Providers 42:44 The Mind-Body Connection in GI Issues   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

  6. Jun 15

    E46:The Hidden Toll of Child Abuse Pediatrics-When Protection Comes at a Price(w/Dr Kerri Weeks)

    In this Episode Dr. Kerri Weeks, a child abuse pediatrician with over 20 years of experience, shares insights with Host Dr Saba Fatima on recognizing and managing child abuse, the emotional weight of the work, burnout, and the importance of self-care and system improvements. Dr. Kerri Weeks is a board-certified child abuse pediatrician and full-time faculty at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, KS.  She has been practicing and teaching in the field of child maltreatment for over 20 years.  In an effort to remain resilient and combat burnout in this emotionally difficult line of work, Dr. Weeks has spearheaded wellness initiatives for colleagues locally and nationally.   She is currently the physician lead for Schwartz Rounds at her institution, an international program aimed at increasing compassion in healthcare.  keywords #childabuse  #pediatrics , #burnout,  #medical, #familydynamics, system improvement, emotional resilience Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Child Abuse Pediatrics 03:35 The Emotional Toll of Child Abuse Work 06:16 Navigating Empathy and Professionalism 09:13 Understanding the Complexity of Child Abuse 12:20 The Role of Physicians in Child Protection 15:10 Challenges and Misconceptions in Child Abuse Pediatrics 18:21 Living with the Fear of Being Wrong 21:12 The Impact of Media on Child Abuse Perception 24:06 Empowering Physicians in Child Protection 26:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 29:08 The Importance of Transparency in Conversations 31:06 Understanding Systemic Challenges in Child Welfare 34:02 Balancing Work and Personal Life 38:37 Navigating Burnout in Pediatric Care 42:14 The Role of Legal Systems in Child Protection 43:55 Experiencing and Overcoming Burnout 54:49 Empowering Providers in Child Abuse Recognition   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

  7. Jun 1

    E45:Rattled-Motherhood, Identity, and Postpartum Depression(w/Dr Nicole Amoyal Pensak)

    n this insightful interview, Dr. Nicole Amoyal-Pensak, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of 'Rattled,' shares her expertise on postpartum mental health, the neurocognitive changes during motherhood, and practical strategies for new parents and healthcare providers. Discover how understanding the science behind 'mom brain,' managing postpartum depression, and supporting mental health can transform the postpartum experience.  Nicole Amoyal Pensak, PhD, is a nationally recognized licensed clinical psychologist certified in Perinatal Mental Health, specializing in anxiety, depression, and OCD treatment. She trained at the Yale School of Medicine, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School, and currently owns a private practice based in Monmouth, New Jersey. Dr. Pensak serves on the Expert Review Board for Parents magazine. #postpartum  #mentalhealth , #mombrain ,  #postpartumdepression , #motherhood , #perinatal OCD, parental support, mental health in healthcare, #postpartumanxiety , maternal identity, #postpartumrecovery  key topics Neuroplasticity and 'Mom Brain' Postpartum depression and anxiety The concept of 'matrescence' and identity shift in motherhood The importance of proactive mental health care Supporting fathers and partners in postpartum mental health Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Postpartum Challenges 03:30 Understanding Matrescence and Identity Shift 06:36 The Reality of Postpartum Mental Health 09:17 The Importance of Proactive Mental Health Care 12:25 Risk Factors and Common Experiences 15:30 The Emotional Journey of New Parenthood 18:12 The Impact of Motherhood on Relationships 21:19 Navigating the Transition Back to Work 26:22 Navigating Postpartum Challenges 31:40 Understanding Mom Brain and Cognitive Changes 35:42 The Importance of Support for New Parents 39:53 Addressing Postpartum Depression and Anxiety 43:25 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Resources You can read her book HERE https://www.amazon.com/Rattled-Anxiety-Power-Postpartum-Brain/dp/1682689786/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NHUwRQLtCR4iSukiNp59Pb5PYd715x5fMY9QLxn-o7hl6A7_tZ7_Llr9hXQM6_Dr.RScOnGhvbGeb8mBBUtDn3aDwKp9Nv0V9p18n3alR7Ng&dib_tag=se&keywords=rattled+by+nicole&qid=1778527103&sr=8-1 Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/  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

  8. May 18

    E44:Purpose, Money, and “Enough”-What Are We Really Working Toward?(w/Dr Jordan Grumet)

    In this episode, Dr Jordan Grumet explores the true essence of purpose, how it relates to happiness, and practical steps for living a fulfilled life. He shares personal stories, insights from hospice work, and advice for doctors and anyone seeking a meaningful existence. Jordan Grumet, born in Evanston, Illinois in 1973, found the spark to become a doctor after a deeply personal event reshaped his life's trajectory. The unexpected loss of his father, an oncologist, ignited a passion within him to practice medicine and instilled a unique vantage point that later melded seamlessly with his financial expertise. This convergence of roles has spurred him to explore profound notions like wealth, abundance, and financial independence with a thoughtful and critical lens. Completing his studies at the University of Michigan, Jordan earned his medical degree from Northwestern University before embarking on a journey in Internal Medicine in Northbrook, Illinois. Presently, he serves as an associate medical director at Unity Hospice. With a profound understanding of both medicine and finance, Jordan unveiled his thoughts through blogging, specifically focusing on financial independence and wellness. This passion culminated in the launch of the Earn & Invest podcast in 2018. His dedication bore fruit in 2019 when he was honored with the Plutus Award for Best New Personal Finance Podcast, followed by consecutive nominations for Best Personal Finance Podcast of the year in 2020 and 2021. In August 2022, Jordan's literary pursuit took shape as his book, Taking Stock: A Hospice Doctor's Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life, was published by Ulysses Press. His second book, The Purpose Code, was published in January 2025 by Harriman House. Jordan's journey intertwines medical insight and financial wisdom, resonating deeply with those seeking a balanced, meaningful life. keywords #Purpose ,  #Happiness , #financialindependence ,  #Medicine ,  #Burnout , Life Fulfillment,  #PersonalGrowth , Purpose Building, Legacy, Self-Development key topics Redefining purpose as present and future actions Lessons from hospice work on life regrets The relationship between money, purpose, and happiness Strategies for doctors experiencing burnout Building purpose through small, intentional steps Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Purpose in Medicine 05:07 Defining Purpose: Beyond Big Goals 10:19 Lessons from the Dying: Insights on Life and Regrets 15:26 Building Purpose: Tools Beyond Money 20:17 Navigating Burnout: Finding Joy in Medicine 25:11 Financial Independence: Balancing Purpose and Profit 29:33 Steps Towards Financial Independence 31:29 Understanding Happiness: Meaning vs. Purpose 36:24 The Legacy We Leave Behind 38:26 The Fluidity of Purpose 39:50 Building Joy Amidst Burnout 41:48 Money as a Tool, Not a Goal 45:31 Teaching Kids About Money and Purpose   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

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5
out of 5
8 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Muted in Medicine
  • Show Website
    Muted in Medicine

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