The Patient Physician Johanna Nuding, Paul Smith, Chris Fullbright

This podcast episode, recorded at the 2024 ACGME conference in Orlando, Florida, features Dr. Kathryn Hughes, a Pulmonology and Critical Care Fellow for the Naval Medical Center San Diego. The discussion revolves around Dr. Hughes's ACGME presentation on 'leading from the middle,' a concept focused on how resident physicians and fellows can effectively lead and initiate change within their organizations despite needing to be in top executive positions. Dr. Hughes shares her journey from an internal medicine resident to chief resident, highlighting the mentorship she received and how it shaped her confidence in making a difference from a mid-level position. She introduces a practical framework for effective leadership from the middle. Dr. Hughes's insights guide medical professionals to influence positive change in their environments and to contribute meaningfully to medical education and patient care. This discussion underscores the significance of engagement, asking the right questions, and proactively addressing and solving problems to combat burnout and promote a fulfilling medical career.

In this episode of The Patient Physician podcast, we share some of the voices of doctors and medical professionals we met at the recent ACGME conference in Orlando, FL. Those who weren't afraid to jump on the mic shared what they think to be the future of medicine, what "the patient physician" means to them, and how they're creating meaning in medicine.

On this episode of The Patient Physician podcast, Dr. Lexie Wang shares her inspiring journey from patient to passionate physician. Initially planning a political or legal career before a sudden illness steered her towards medicine, Dr. Wang shares insights into her medical journey, her holistic approach to patient care, and her strong mental health advocacy for both patients and physicians. We discuss the value in developing soft skills and the importance of building trust with patients and maintaining transparency. We also explore some of the current challenges faced by physicians and the importance of clearly documenting patient encounters to protect against malpractice claims, and how AI might streamline the documentation process. Dr. Wang’s dog makes a cameo appearance and opens up a discussion on the power of pets for supporting mental wellness.

On this episode of The Patient Physician, the multifaceted Donna Lee McBride shares her insights on the challenges facing private practitioners. Donna serves as the Director of Business Development at NAU Urology Specialists, where she plays a pivotal role in the growth and health of the practice. Donna is also the co-host of the Armor Men's Health podcast. Anchored by her roles in marketing, community outreach, and public relations, McBride provides practical advice for physicians contemplating private practice. She emphasizes the importance of marketing and community outreach for the survival and growth of private practices. Donna also highlights the need for physicians to be involved in the business side of their practice, suggesting that residency programs should include marketing and business development training.

On this episode of The Patient Physician podcast, we explore the fantastic changes in vascular surgery over the past 30 years with Dr. Alan Dietzek. We also discuss artificial intelligence and how AI might affect medical training and the future of medicine. We explore the quantity-over-quality dynamic resulting from venture capital's involvement in healthcare practices and how that changes medicine for doctors and patients. Dr. Dietzek shares the importance of laughter and comedy in his daily practice and the idea of a Physician's Health Day so doctors can walk the walk and stay on top of their personal wellness.

On this episode of The Patient Physician podcast, we get a behind-the-scenes look at Graduate Medical Education with Dr. Thomas Blackwell, the Associate Dean for GME and Professor of General Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch. We discuss choosing a specialty path that plays to your natural strengths and interests, and Dr. Blackwell shares success stories and cautionary tales for residents. We explore changes occurring in medicine to improve residents’ wellness. And ways the digital revolution in the medical industry has transformed how residents are taught, and medicine is practiced. Dr. Blackwell shares his perspective on managing through disasters and the importance of ushering in an era of healthier doctors and patients.