In this episode of 'The Patient Physician,' meet Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, a former undocumented immigrant turned entrepreneur and eye surgeon. Dr. Shehz explains family mental health challenges and immigration issues that shadowed his formative years. He shares insights on pathological ambition driven by childhood expectations, the isolating experience of burnout in medical training, and the path to self-awareness and self-care. We discuss the critical act of finding community in overcoming burnout. Dr. Shehz also introduces his initiative, Visionary Doc, and how he leverages AI for personal transformation and emotional well-being. This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the importance of empathy, patience, and genuine connection in providing patients with the highest level of care.

MEET OUR GUEST: Shehzad Batliwala, DO, MGM

Dr. Shehz is a board-certified eye surgeon, entrepreneur, space advocate, and financial freedom advocate. Shehzad Batliwalla was born in India. As a boy, his family transplanted to the piney woods of East Texas. Amidst financial uncertainties during his teenage years, Shehz transformed a casual interest into SmartPhone ER, a local cell phone sales, repair, and refurbishment company that flourished into a franchise of seven thriving retail stores across East Texas. The young entrepreneur was guided to medicine and the field of ophthalmology, carving his path as the first DO admitted into a prestigious MD residency program. He nurtured a childhood fascination for space, securing an internship at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where Shehz delved into visual impairment issues astronauts encounter in zero gravity.

Following residency, Dr. Shehz acquired advanced training in intraocular lenses and keratorefractive surgery. His fascination with space endured, leading him to earn a specialized business degree to understand the emerging space economy. Dr. Shehz uses his Visionary Doc platform to inspire medical residents and professionals facing burnout, as well as high school and college students who are uncertain about their life paths, to transform their own trials into triumphs, one shared story at a time.

Listen to Visionary Doc Podcast | Connect with Dr. Shehz on LinkedIn

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:18 Meet Dr. Shehz: A Journey of Resilience

01:23 Breaking Barriers and Embracing Diversity

02:09 The Drive Behind the Ambition

03:47 Choosing Medicine: Passion or Expectation?

06:22 Challenges in Medical Training

08:20 Personal Struggles During Residency

09:45 Burnout and Finding Support

18:05 The Impact of Financial Freedom

24:51 The Reality of Medical Training

27:16 Setting Goals and Achieving Success

27:31 The Power of Community and Relatability

29:47 Financial Freedom and Physician Challenges

32:29 Rediscovering Passion for Medicine

35:04 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

40:23 Leveraging AI for Personal Transformation

47:09 Cultural Stigma and Mental Health

54:24 The Patient Physician: A Personal Reflection

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This episode of 'The Patient Physician' features Dr. Carol Bernstein, Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Well-being in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Montefiore Medical Center, to discuss the critical subject of mental health and well-being among medical professionals. She shares the history and evolution of addressing mental health in graduate medical education (GME). The conversation explores stigma, access to mental health services, and the need for systemic changes in the treatment of mental health within the medical field during training. Dr. Bernstein shares her insights and opportunities for improving mental health support for residents & fellows.

MEET OUR GUEST: DR. CAROL BERNSTEIN

Dr. Carol A. Bernstein is a psychiatrist at Montefiore Medical Center, a premier academic medical center and nationally recognized leader in patient care, research, and community service located in the Bronx, New York. With over 20 years of experience, she is a Professor and Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Well-being in the Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center.

Dr. Bernstein’s expertise includes emotional support and well-being, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has published research on stress, burnout, and depression in graduate medical education, as well as the impact of the pandemic on pediatric faculty burnout.

As a board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Bernstein is dedicated to providing high-quality patient care and contributing to the advancement of psychiatric knowledge and practice.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:11 Introducing Dr. Carol Bernstein

01:45 The Importance of Mental Health in Medical Training

02:33 Dr. Bernstein's Journey and the ACGME Task Force

06:09 Challenges in Mental Health and Well-Being

08:47 Addressing Stigma and Access to Mental Health Services

12:49 Defining Good Mental Health

17:08 Barriers to Mental Health in GME

19:51 The Importance of Anonymity and Dedicated Mental Health Services

26:21 Understanding Mental Health Analogies

26:49 The Importance of Therapy and Medication

28:55 Personal Experiences with Mental Health

29:49 Grading Mental Pain

31:48 Generational Differences in Mental Health Perception

33:02 De-stigmatizing Mental Health in Medicine

34:34 Encouraging Mental Health Support in GME Programs

39:39 The Importance of Self-Care for Physicians

43:43 Cultural Shifts in Mental Health Acceptance

49:02 The Human Side of Physicians

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In this episode of The Patient Physician, hosts Paul Smith and Chris Fullbright are joined by Dr. Michelle Sexton, ND, a Texas native now practicing medicine in San Diego, CA. Dr. Sexton's expertise lies in the endocannabinoid system and holistic medicine, focusing on mind-body healing. The conversation delves into her background in midwifery and naturopathic medicine, the nuances of the endocannabinoid system, and the challenges faced by naturopathic doctors in the conventional healthcare landscape. They discuss the importance of addressing sleep, trauma, and the patient-doctor relationship in delivering comprehensive care. Dr. Sexton also shares her experiences integrating natural medicine into conventional systems and the significant role of patient-reported outcomes in improving quality of life.

MEET OUR GUEST: Dr. Michelle Sexton, ND | @dr.michellesexton | ecsdoctor.com

Dr. Sexton is the author of "Eat, Sleep, Relax, Protect, Forget: An Endocannabinoid (ECS) Guide to Systems Wholeness for Women"

Dr. Michelle Sexton, ND, is an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the University of California, San Diego Department of Anesthesiology. She is a physician/scientist with extensive clinical experience and basic, translational, and clinical research experience. Dr. Sexton's clinical research and work focus on body/mind healing. Having studied cannabinoid pharmacology for 6 years at the University of Washington, she has been helping her patients fine-tune their Endocannabinoid Systems since 2008.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:21 Dr. Michelle Sexton's Background

01:40 Understanding the Endocannabinoid System

03:46 Naturopathic Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine

06:57 Challenges and Growth in Naturopathic Medicine

10:46 The Importance of Patient-Physician Relationship

17:37 The Critical Role of Sleep in Health

21:25 Training Differences: Naturopathic vs. Traditional Medicine

26:22 Fear of Obsolescence in Medicine

27:05 Fragmentation of Medical Care

29:12 The Role of Naturopathic Doctors

31:37 Challenges in Patient Care

32:39 Integrative Medicine and Business Models

35:08 Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences

39:15 Building Trust with Patients

45:02 Keys to Whole Body Wellness

46:49 Future Plans and Reflections

48:17 The Patient Physician Concept

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This episode of 'The Patient Physician’ features Virginia Simmons, director of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at UTMB. Virginia shares her 30-year journey in the GME arena, highlighting the unique structure and success of UTMB’s GME programs. The discussion covers the comprehensive support system for residents, fellows, and their families, emphasizing wellness programs and community involvement. Virginia discusses the balance of maintaining a structured yet caring environment and the importance of personal connections. The podcast also explores the utility of serving others, maintaining personal wellness, and innovative approaches to onboarding new residents and fellows. Gain insights into strategic efforts aimed at recruiting high-quality doctors and the significance of human connections in medical education.

MEET OUR GUEST - VIRGINIA SIMMONS, Administrative Director for Graduate Medical Education at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)

Virginia has served as the administrative director of all aspects of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at UTMB for over 30 years. In collaboration with the Associate Dean of GME, Virginia works as a liaison, developing and maintaining communication and relationships with other entities locally and nationally. This includes overseeing the budget, institutional office and personnel, GME credentialing, and accreditation of all programs and house staff. Connect with Virginia via email at vsimmons@utmb.edu.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome

00:08 Spotlight on Virginia Simmons and Her Role in GME

00:57 Exploring the Success of GME Programs

04:01 The Importance of Care Beyond Protocols in GME

05:36 Celebrating Resident and Fellow Appreciation

08:56 Enhancing Onboarding with Orientation and Vendor Expos

13:02 Incorporating Spouses and Families into the GME Community

17:09 Personal Touch and Support in Challenging Times

23:33 A Day in the Life: Juggling Personal and Professional Crises

25:49 The Essence of Being Human in Healthcare

27:32 Going Beyond the Call of Duty: Stories of Leadership and Compassion

30:29 Elevating Training Programs: The Importance of Staying Human

39:06 Innovative Approaches to Supporting Staff and Trainees

42:31 Concluding Thoughts: Staying Competitive by Staying Human

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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.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Opening Remarks at the ACGME Conference

00:26 Introducing Dr. Kathryn Hughes: A Journey to Leadership

02:31 The Framework for Leading from the Middle

03:17 Understanding Organizational Needs: The First Step

09:45 The Power of Asking 'Why?' and Aligning Visions

23:37 Communicating Effectively for Change

24:54 Navigating New Ideas and Leadership Challenges

26:27 Empowering Others Through Delegation and Teamwork

26:54 A Real-World Example of Empowerment and Initiative

29:35 Leadership and Management: Understanding the Balance

31:34 Personal Growth and Mentorship in Leadership

33:56 Engaging and Influencing Across the Organization

38:48 Practical Advice for Implementing Change and Avoiding Burnout

41:43 Looking Ahead: Continuing to Drive Change

44:04 Reflecting on the Patient-Physician

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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 annual educational 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.

For three days, more than 4,400 attendees came together at the largest graduate medical education (GME) gathering in the world to create, innovate, and engage. The conference theme, Meaning in Medicine, underscores the need for sustaining purpose and joy in the work of health care professionals.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to The Patient Physician: A Wellness Journey

00:32 Dr. Tim Laird on the Bright Future of Medicine

01:56 Seema Bajaj on Maternal Mental Health and Trust in Medicine

03:39 John Casey on Finding Meaning in Medicine Through Teaching

06:23 Dr. Amy Matecki's Integrative Approach to Oncology and Wellness

10:05 Louise Tetro and Dr. Wendy Shevar on Personalized Patient Care

11:51 Candyann Humphreys on Wellness Activities for Medical Professionals

13:55 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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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.

MEET OUR GUEST: Lexie Wang, MD

Dr. Lexie Wang is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck region. Dr. Wang was one of two surgeons accepted to train at the highly prestigious American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) accredited fellowship in Beverly Hills with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Paul Nassif (star of "Botched”), Dr. Babak Azizzadeh (founder of the Facial Paralysis Institute and the Center for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery), and Dr. Grace Lee Peng. During her tenure, Dr. Wang treated patients from all over the world, learning the nuances of challenging primary and revision facial aesthetic surgery. Dr. Wang was selected as a Castle Connolly Rising Star for 2023. This recognition puts her among only 7% of all U.S. board-certified physicians!

Born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia, Dr. Wang attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology where her passion for medicine developed. She went on to complete her undergraduate education at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in three years, graduating with cum laude honors. After spending a year working in the UCSD Department of Psychiatry, where she studied the physiology of circadian rhythms, she returned to Virginia to attend the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

Following medical school, Dr. Wang entered a highly competitive 5-year Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery residency at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. During this time, she was able to develop an expertise in the complex and intricate anatomy of the head and neck region. In her final year of residency, she served as Chief Resident in her department.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:11 Dr. Lexi Wang's Journey into Medicine

06:35 Choosing a Specialty and the Impact of Personal Experience

09:52 The Intersection of Physical Appearance and Mental Health

16:38 The Role of Transparency and Soft Skills in Patient Care

25:23 Experiences from a Fellowship: Hiring, Firing, and Networking

26:07 Behind the Scenes of Building a Skincare Brand

26:40 Learning about Business Finances and Malpractice

30:04 The Importance of Documentation in Medical Practice

35:51 Mental Health Advocacy and the Role of Therapy

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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. 

Connect with Our Guest, Donna Lee McBride:

www.armormenshealth.com

https://northaustinurology.com/

0:00 The Patient Physician #4 Featuring Donna Lee McBride

00:07 Introduction and Welcome

00:35 Guest Introduction: Donna Lee McBride

01:00 Donna's Career Journey and Role

02:22 Donna's Funny Patient Physician Story

05:14 The Challenges of Private Practice

07:11 Surviving as a Small Practice

09:25 The Importance of Marketing in Private Practice

21:11 The Armor Men's Health Podcast

27:06 The Importance of Consistent Marketing

27:36 Options for Small Practices

29:26 The Drive Behind Successful Private Practitioners

30:41 The Role of Personality in Private Practice

31:03 The Importance of Seeking Help and Understanding Your Strengths

31:39 Finding the Right Resources and Support

32:46 The Growth and Evolution of a Private Practice

33:16 Maintaining Staff Morale and Engagement

33:38 The Power of Small Acts in Employee Retention

35:10 Balancing Professional Life with Personal Passions

35:31 The Role of Comedy and Charity in Personal Growth

38:17 The Journey into Stand-Up Comedy

41:17 The Challenges and Rewards of Expanding a Practice

42:53 The Importance of Transparency in Practice Management

46:13 The Importance of Regular Meetings in Practice Management

52:20 The Challenges of Hiring in a Growing Practice

53:54 The Meaning of "Patient Physician"

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