Between Two White Coats

In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Michelle Plaster, NP Amber Foster, and our guest, Dr. Sammy Chang, tackle a critical issue: workplace burnout. Dr. Chang, a former ER doctor, shares his journey from experiencing extreme stress in emergency medicine to realizing he needed a healthier work-life balance for himself and his family. Together, they break down what burnout is, identifying it as a cycle where professionals never get to fully release stress, leading to feelings of dread, anger, and emotional exhaustion.This episode dives into the science behind burnout, explaining it as a prolonged "fight-or-flight" response that never finds resolution. They discuss how this impacts healthcare workers especially, who often shift from crisis to crisis without a pause, but also explore how burnout affects many professions. Dr. Plaster and Amber highlight symptoms like frustration, lack of joy, and difficulty separating work from personal life, pointing out that recognizing burnout is a first step to recovery.Dr. Chang’s story provides a compelling look at how recognizing burnout can lead to necessary change, offering hope for those feeling trapped by stress. This episode is the first in a three-part series, setting the stage for practical advice on managing burnout and reclaiming balance in upcoming episodes. Tune in to learn more about the signs of burnout and find encouragement to take control of your well-being.

In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster welcome patient Sletta Peters, who shares her powerful story of transformation and renewed hope. Feeling constantly fatigued and short of breath, Sletta initially attributed her symptoms to aging and weight, but after visiting Our Family Health, she found herself on a path to recovery. This episode sheds light on the importance of advocating for one’s health, trusting new perspectives, and the vital role healthcare providers play in truly listening to their patients!

In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Plaster and Amber are joined by special guest Jane Robinson, a mental health professional, to explore the crucial topic of insomnia. They discuss how sleep deprivation impacts both mental and physical health, emphasizing the need for better sleep hygiene and natural solutions over prescription medications.The conversation covers practical advice for improving sleep quality, including reducing screen time before bed, creating calming nighttime routines, and making simple lifestyle changes like cooler room temperatures and consistent sleep schedules. They also dive into the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia, which helps individuals identify and address underlying stressors and anxiety that disrupt sleep. Jane highlights relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, and guided meditation as effective tools for better sleep.This engaging episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with sleep issues or seeking holistic alternatives for better health. Tune in to learn how to reclaim your rest and improve your mind, body, and soul!

In this episode of Between Two White Coats, join Dr. Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber as they discuss the growing concern of overprescribing and the potential harms of prescription medications. As healthcare providers, they recognize the importance of responsible medication use and the need for open conversations about the risks and benefits. They delve into the concept of polypharmacy, the importance of medication reviews, and how to empower yourself to make informed decisions about your healthcare. 

In this episode of "Between Two White Coats", Dr. Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber dive into the surprising rise of magnesium as a hot topic. Once overlooked, magnesium is now touted as a remedy for everything from insomnia to anxiety. We explore the science behind these claims, the different types of magnesium, and their effects on the body. Should everyone be supplementing with magnesium? And how does it impact things like headaches, muscle cramps, and even stress?

In this episode of "Between Two White Coats", join Dr. Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber as they dive into the intriguing world of deliberate cold exposure. They explore the science behind cold plunges, cryotherapy, and the remarkable effects these practices can have on your metabolism, mental toughness, and overall health. Whether you're curious about the benefits or just wondering if it's worth the chill, this episode will leave you informed and perhaps even inspired to take the plunge yourself!

In this episode of Between Two White Coats, we welcome Jane Robinson, LMSW, CPSC, to discuss the intricate relationship between mental health and physical health. Jane shares her insights on how unresolved mental health issues like anxiety and trauma can manifest as physical symptoms such as chronic pain, digestive issues, and fatigue. We delve into the importance of addressing both physical and mental health to achieve overall wellness, highlighting real-life examples and practical approaches to holistic care.

In this episode of "Between Two White Coats," we are thrilled to have nurse practitioner Kathy Hatmaker join us to discuss the world of medical aesthetics. With over 24 years of healthcare experience and nearly 14 years in medical aesthetics, Kathy shares her journey into the field and demystifies popular treatments like carboxy facials, microneedling, PRP facials, chemical peels, Botox, and dermal fillers. Tune in to learn the benefits, differences, and what to expect from these transformative services, and gain insights on how to achieve and maintain a youthful appearance.