In this podcast episode, Dr. Anthony Orsini discusses the value of difficult conversations in the medical field, reflecting on how his podcast has allowed him to connect with incredible people over the years. He reintroduces Dr. Robert Pearl, a former CEO of Kaiser Permanente, who first appeared on the podcast in 2021. Dr. Orsini highlights Dr. Pearl’s work and his new book, "ChatGPTMD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine," which explores the role of AI in healthcare. Dr. Pearl emphasizes the broken state of the healthcare system, particularly the inefficiencies and challenges surrounding chronic disease management. He advocates for the integration of AI in medicine, arguing that it can enhance patient care, reduce costs, and ultimately save lives if clinicians are willing to embrace the technology.

Dr. Pearl discusses how generative AI, like ChatGPT, can revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered by providing tools that make the practice more efficient and effective. However, both he and Dr. Orsini acknowledge the importance of maintaining the human element in medicine. They stress that while AI can assist with diagnoses and administrative tasks, the physician's role in building relationships and providing compassionate care remains irreplaceable. The conversation ends with a call for healthcare professionals to actively engage with AI to harness its potential while preserving the critical human touch that defines quality patient care. Please hit the subscribe button now!

Host:

Dr. Anthony Orsini

Guest:

Robert Pearl, M.D.

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Difficult Conversations Podcast

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It’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony Orsini

Robert Pearl, MD Website

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Robert Pearl, M.D. LinkedIn

ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine by Robert Pearl, MD

Difficult Conversations Podcast-Episode 153: Uncaring Conversations about Physician Culture with guest Robert Pearl, M.D.

On this episode, Dr. Anthony Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ introduce guest, Laura Diaz-Freeland, whose twin daughters were born at the very limits of viability at just 23 weeks gestation. Laura’s memoir, “Not What I Had in Mind,” is discussed, highlighting the emotional journey and the deep empathy found in motherhood that she experienced following the birth of her extremely premature daughters. Dr. Orsini was part of the team who cared for her twins and they discuss the bond that Laura forged with the medical staff. Laura discusses at length the emotional rollercoaster, exhaustion and helplessness that she and her family experienced. The episode covers the profound advancements in neonatal care and the ethical dilemmas faced by parents and medical professionals in the treatment of such young infants. As a seasoned professional in marketing and creative writing, Laura’s poignant reflections highlight the importance of informed choices in the face of life’s most fragile beginnings, giving voice to the silent struggles and triumphs of preterm birth.

Laura advocates for parental choice and informed decision-making in cases of extreme prematurity, sharing insights from her 224-day hospital experience with her twins. She stresses the need for compassion from healthcare providers and the importance of informed consent. Dr. Orsini and Laura delve into the delicate conversations that occur in neonatal care, emphasizing the need for a supportive team approach to patient care. Laura recounts how, despite feeling alone during the initial decision-making process, she later felt part of a team at the Hospital that was committed to her twins’ survival. Laura also mentions the unique nicknames she has for the medical staff, like ‘The Godfather’ for Dr. Orsini, and ‘Behemoth Hands’ for the surgeon, reflecting their impactful roles in her and her daughters’ lives. For parents navigating this journey, we end with Laura sharing advice to parents to educate themselves, be gracious with themselves, and to not yell at the medical staff. Please hit the subscribe button now!

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Hosts:

Dr. Anthony Orsini

Liz Poret-Christ

Guest:

Laura Diaz Freeland

For More Information:

Difficult Conversations Podcast

The Orsini Way

The Orsini Way-Facebook

The Orsini Way-LinkedIn

The Orsini Way-X/Twitter

drorsini@theorsiniway.com

It’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony Orsini

Laura Diaz Freeland Website

Laura Diaz Freeland Instagram

Not What I Had in Mind: A Motherhood Origin Story by Laura Diaz Freeland

COFFEE + CRUMBS-“Delusional Hope” by Laura Diaz Freeland

In this episode, Dr. Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ are joined by guest, Dr. Samantha Winemaker, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care at McMaster University in Ontario, and co-author of the book, Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 keys for navigating a life changing diagnosis. Dr. Winemaker, an advocate for open communication, emphasizes the importance of patients expressing their need for honesty in their healthcare interactions, even when it involves tough conversations. Her work in palliative care, recognized by numerous awards and her co-hosting of “The Waiting Room Revolution” podcast, reflects her dedication to improving the healthcare journey for patients. She shares her personal path into palliative care, shaped by her medical interests and her desire to move away from internal medicine. Frustrated by the healthcare system’s delayed engagement with palliative care, she calls for a change, pushing for better public mortality awareness and suggesting that providers integrate palliative skills without necessarily labeling them as such to combat societal discomfort with death.

Dr. Winemaker’s critique of the healthcare system extends to the misconceptions surrounding palliative care and the need for rebranding to reflect its comprehensive role. She argues for mandatory training in communication and palliative care skills in medical and nursing schools to ensure providers are well-equipped to support patients effectively. She shares a story about a patient with lung cancer, to highlight the importance of informed decision-making and understanding the progression of illness. This episode also features insights into the book, Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest, which offers 7 keys for navigating life-changing diagnoses, aiming to empower patients in managing their health. Dr. Winemaker aligns with Liz’s experiences with chronic illness, agreeing that patients should feel free to request full disclosure from their physicians to mitigate the fear of the unknown. She expresses her view on dying, considering it a natural chapter of life, and hopes to live her best life until the end without fear. Dr. Winemaker also shares her goal for the podcast and book, which is to educate patients worldwide, empowering them to navigate the healthcare system effectively and to manage their illnesses with confidence and knowledge.

Hosts:

Dr. Anthony Orsini

Liz Poret-Christ

Guest:

Dr. Samantha Winemaker

For More Information:

Difficult Conversations Podcast

The Orsini Way

The Orsini Way-Facebook

The Orsini Way-LinkedIn

The Orsini Way-Instagram

drorsini@theorsiniway.com

It’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony Orsini

Dr. Samantha Winemaker Website

Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis by Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow

The Waiting Room Revolution Podcast