The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned. Wisdom Shared‪.‬ Dr. Thomas White

"The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared" is back, and you will be the beneficiary! In this episode Dr Thomas White talks with Dr Shauna Guthrie, a Family Physician in Henderson NC and former President of the NCAFP. You will love hearing about her very famous grandfather and dedicated grandmother, and their contributions to medicine and health care in the Midwest. You will be reminded of the critical role we as Family Physicians play in the advocacy issues of the day, and the importance of forming relationships with local elected officials and other decision makers. You will be inspired by her commitment to her community, particularly during the pandemic, and as we continue to battle the opioid crisis. And you will be motivated to emulate her philosophy of "walking alongside of the patient" and serving as their trusted "consultant." Enjoy, and benefit! 

Pearls are considered synonymous with beauty and perfection. Pearls are coveted and considered valuable. In this month's podcast, Dr Thomas White shares "clinical pearls" gleaned from wise colleagues, pearls intended to help us be better clinicians in the exam room and at the bedside. You will find this episode to be both practical and inspiring. Listen, reflect, and add these to your "peripheral brain"! 

This month Dr White talks with Dr Bill Dennis, a now-retired Family Physician from Henderson NC. Hear Dr Dennis's fond memories of his childhood, his career role models, his first career as a journalist, and his determined achievement of a life's goal to become a physician. You will appreciate his sense of humor, his storytelling, and his deep appreciation of serving as the personal physician for his friends and neighbors in his hometown. Dr Dennis is yet another example of the truly admirable and inspiring Family Physicians with which our state has been blessed! 

This month Dr Thomas White talks with another one of his mentors and role models - Dr. Christopher "Reb" Snyder. This is a very honest, heart-felt, introspective conversation, which will assist all physicians in their personal journey to be present for their patients, to provide comfort when needed, and to care for themselves and avoid the all-too-common tragedy of professional "burn-out." Listen, and re-listen closely, learn, and apply to your professional life. The lessons shared in this episode, and the wisdom imparted, are invaluable. 

In this episode of "The Family Doctor," we chat with Dr. William Hedrick, who recently retired after 61 years in practice in the same location in Raleigh. Listen as we learn about Dr. Hedrick's journey into family medicine, and how he developed his own "residency" with training in internal medicine, OB-Gyn, psychiatry, and pediatrics before the advent of actual Family Medicine residency programs. You will also hear Dr. Hedrick's perspective on the changes in medicine over his six decades of service to patients, including the fight to gain recognition and acceptance of Family Medicine as a specialty, the introduction of insurance and the electronic health record into the practice of medicine, and the loss of independence among physicians. This is a not-to-be-missed documentary! 

How does the Family Physician make an effective referral? How does the Family Physician create and foster beneficial relationships with subspecialty colleagues in the medical community? How do we negotiate with our patients regarding consultations? What is the role of office staff to facilitate referrals? How have these issues changed over the years? In this month's podcast, Drs White and Beatty draw on their experiences in practice to share their perspectives on this critical yet often overlooked topic. 
You will hear about such forgotten historical oddities as the "doctor's lounge", "physician-to-physician conversations," and the "fax machine" - and how family Physicians practicing today might draw lessons from the best practices of yesteryears, and develop strategies relevant to today's environment. Sit back, drive, or better yet, walk, as you listen and learn. We welcome your own pearls and feedback at thefamilydoctorpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you!