The Black Doctors Podcast

In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley, an anesthesiologist and critical care medicine physician, offers insights on the importance of research for pre-med students. He discusses various types of research and their significance, and provides practical advice on how to find research opportunities, even with no prior experience. Dr. Bradley emphasizes the value of persistence and clear communication when reaching out to potential research mentors. He also highlights ways to make the most of your research experience and how to effectively talk about it in medical school applications. Additionally, the episode features a special project collaboration with Dr. Bianca Bush on helping students overcome test-taking anxiety. Dr. Bradley celebrates the podcast's five-year anniversary and thanks listeners for their support.Interested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FMDr. Bianca Busch, Mindfulness Mantras or Listen on your favorite streaming platform Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all TrueLearn USMLE, COMLEX and Residency Smartbanks.  Do you need help with relaxation and decreasing stress? Check out AmbientRx on YouTube for music therapy and sound baths or stream the NOISE-1 album on Spotify.Interviewing for the big attending job? Check out the Physician's Contract course developed by Michael Johnson Legal. Use this affiliate link to receive a discount! If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend and leave a comment and rating on iTunes. TBDP is a volunteer passion project with the goal of inspiring all who listen.In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.

In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley, a board-certified anesthesiologist, discusses the various types of sedation used in dental procedures. He explains the purposes, benefits, and safety considerations of each type, including minimal, moderate, deep sedation, and general anesthesia. Dr. Bradley emphasizes the importance of proper training, monitoring, and equipment in ensuring patient safety, especially in children and medically complex patients. He also encourages patients to ask questions and be well-informed about their sedation options and care. Dr. Bradley ends by promoting resources for students dealing with test anxiety and highlights his ambient music album designed to aid relaxation.Interested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FMDr. Bianca Busch, Mindfulness Mantras or Listen on your favorite streaming platform Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all TrueLearn USMLE, COMLEX and Residency Smartbanks.  Do you need help with relaxation and decreasing stress? Check out AmbientRx on YouTube for music therapy and sound baths or stream the NOISE-1 album on Spotify.Interviewing for the big attending job? Check out the Physician's Contract course developed by Michael Johnson Legal. Use this affiliate link to receive a discount! If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend and leave a comment and rating on iTunes. TBDP is a volunteer passion project with the goal of inspiring all who listen.In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.

This episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, hosted by Dr. Steven Bradley, explores the ethically complex and emotionally charged case of Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old nurse in Georgia who was declared brain dead while being nine weeks pregnant. The hospital refused to take her off life support due to Georgia's law granting legal personhood to the fetus, igniting a nationwide debate on reproductive rights, medical consent, and dying with dignity. Dr. Bradley, an anesthesiologist and ethicist, delves into the definitions and criteria for brain death, discusses the four pillars of bioethics—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—and examines the legal, medical, and ethical implications of continuing life support against the family's wishes. He also highlights the broader impact of restrictive abortion laws, the need for legal and medical clarity, and the role of racial disparities in healthcare. The episode concludes with a call for compassionate and consent-driven laws and mentions Dr. Bradley's future podcast episodes and collaborative projects.Interested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FMDr. Bianca Busch, Mindfulness Mantras or Listen on your favorite streaming platform Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all TrueLearn USMLE, COMLEX and Residency Smartbanks.  Do you need help with relaxation and decreasing stress? Check out AmbientRx on YouTube for music therapy and sound baths or stream the NOISE-1 album on Spotify.Interviewing for the big attending job? Check out the Physician's Contract course developed by Michael Johnson Legal. Use this affiliate link to receive a discount! If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend and leave a comment and rating on iTunes. TBDP is a volunteer passion project with the goal of inspiring all who listen.In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.

In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley, an anesthesiologist, critical care physician, and bioethicist, discusses the challenges and realities of pregnancy during residency training. Inspired by his wife's recent experience, Dr. Bradley explores how demanding residency can be when combined with the responsibilities of pregnancy and motherhood. He presents data from a national survey of surgical residents, highlighting significant barriers such as unmodified schedules, negative stigma, inadequate maternal leave, and lack of breastfeeding support. Dr. Bradley emphasizes the need for systemic changes, including clear leave policies, lactation support, and better childcare assistance. He also shares personal anecdotes illustrating the importance of community support among colleagues. The episode underscores that pregnancy during residency is a workforce issue impacting morale, recruitment, and retention, and calls for collective advocacy and mentorship to create a more supportive training environment.Interested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FMDr. Bianca Busch, Mindfulness Mantras or Listen on your favorite streaming platform Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all TrueLearn USMLE, COMLEX and Residency Smartbanks.  Do you need help with relaxation and decreasing stress? Check out AmbientRx on YouTube for music therapy and sound baths or stream the NOISE-1 album on Spotify.Interviewing for the big attending job? Check out the Physician's Contract course developed by Michael Johnson Legal. Use this affiliate link to receive a discount! If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend and leave a comment and rating on iTunes. TBDP is a volunteer passion project with the goal of inspiring all who listen.In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.

In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley, a critical care anesthesiologist and medical ethicist, guides listeners through the journey from pre-med or undergraduate studies to medical school. Dr. Bradley emphasizes the importance of building a strong academic foundation with courses like biology, chemistry, and physics, but also highlights the significance of being a well-rounded applicant. He discusses the necessity of leadership roles, research experience, volunteering, clinical exposure, and having hobbies that showcase your personality.Interested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FMDr. Bianca Busch, Mindfulness Mantras or Listen on your favorite streaming platform Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all TrueLearn USMLE, COMLEX and Residency Smartbanks.  Do you need help with relaxation and decreasing stress? Check out AmbientRx on YouTube for music therapy and sound baths or stream the NOISE-1 album on Spotify.Interviewing for the big attending job? Check out the Physician's Contract course developed by Michael Johnson Legal. Use this affiliate link to receive a discount! If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend and leave a comment and rating on iTunes. TBDP is a volunteer passion project with the goal of inspiring all who listen.In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.

In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley, a board-certified critical care anesthesiologist and medical ethicist, delves into the crucial role anesthesiologists play in pain management. He describes the different types of pain—acute and chronic—and how these are treated, emphasizing the importance of effective pain management in improving patients' quality of life. Dr. Bradley provides an overview of both surgical and chronic pain management strategies, including nerve blocks, epidurals, and advanced techniques like radiofrequency ablation and spinal cord stimulators. He also addresses common misconceptions about pain management, such as the over-reliance on heavy medications and the role of anesthesiologists beyond the operating room. This comprehensive discussion underscores how anesthesiologists are equipped to handle various forms of pain both during surgery and in outpatient settings, highlighting the multidisciplinary approach that includes physical therapy and psychological support. Dr. Bradley encourages listeners to seek specialized pain management care through their primary physicians and stresses that effective pain management is integral to overall healing and well-being.Interested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FMDr. Bianca Busch, Mindfulness Mantras Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all TrueLearn USMLE, COMLEX and Residency Smartbanks.  Do you need help with relaxation and decreasing stress? Check out AmbientRx on YouTube for music therapy and sound baths or stream the NOISE-1 album on Spotify.Interviewing for the big attending job? Check out the Physician's Contract course developed by Michael Johnson Legal. Use this affiliate link to receive a discount! If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend and leave a comment and rating on iTunes. TBDP is a volunteer passion project with the goal of inspiring all who listen.In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.

In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley shares his experiences and reflections from the annual medical education conference hosted by the Student National Medical Association in St. Louis. He highlights key interactions with fellow healthcare professionals and emphasizes the importance of community support and encouragement for his podcasting journey. Dr. Bradley also discusses his collaboration on mindfulness resources with Dr. Bianca Bush, aimed at democratizing access to mental health tools.The main topic of this episode delves into the complex and often challenging concept of medical futility. Dr. Bradley introduces the three primary categories of futility: physiological, quantitative, and qualitative, and provides real-world examples to illustrate each. He underscores the ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals in making treatment decisions that align with patient-defined goals of care while navigating the emotional and clinical nuances involved.In conclusion, Dr. Bradley offers practical advice for healthcare professionals on how to communicate effectively and compassionately about medical futility. He stresses the importance of early and empathetic conversations with patients and families, involving interdisciplinary teams when necessary, and always honoring the patient's values. The episode includes a call for feedback, highlights Dr. Bradley's mindfulness album, and mentions other valuable resources for listeners.Interested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FMDr. Bianca Busch, Mindfulness Mantras Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all TrueLearn USMLE, COMLEX and Residency Smartbanks.  Do you need help with relaxation and decreasing stress? Check out AmbientRx on YouTube for music therapy and sound baths or stream the NOISE-1 album on Spotify.Interviewing for the big attending job? Check out the Physician's Contract course developed by Michael Johnson Legal. Use this affiliate link to receive a discount! If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend and leave a comment and rating on iTunes. TBDP is a volunteer passion project with the goal of inspiring all who listen.In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.

In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley, a critical care anesthesiologist and medical ethicist, delves into the increasingly relevant topic of hyper-specialization in medicine, particularly for medical students and resident physicians on the cusp of significant career decisions. He defines hyper-specialization as the trend of medical professionals focusing on narrower fields of practice, driven by advances in medical technology and expanding knowledge. Dr. Bradley discusses the benefits of hyper-specialization such as improved patient outcomes, innovation in research, and professional advantages, but also highlights the challenges like complexity in patient care navigation, limited geographic job flexibility, and prolonged training with delayed personal milestones. He emphasizes that choosing to pursue a fellowship should be an intentional decision aligned with one's long-term goals and lifestyle preferences rather than just an expectation in academic settings. The podcast advocates for better referral systems, education for patients, and technological tools to efficiently guide patients through the complex maze of sub-specialties. Dr. Bradley concludes by reminding listeners to reflect on their personal and professional aspirations, weigh their options carefully, and proceed with intention in their medical careers.Interested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FM Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all TrueLearn USMLE, COMLEX and Residency Smartbanks.  Do you need help with relaxation and decreasing stress? Check out AmbientRx on YouTube for music therapy and sound baths or stream the NOISE-1 album on Spotify.Interviewing for the big attending job? Check out the Physician's Contract course developed by Michael Johnson Legal. Use this affiliate link to receive a discount! If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend and leave a comment and rating on iTunes. TBDP is a volunteer passion project with the goal of inspiring all who listen.In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.

In this episode of Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley, an anesthesiologist and critical care physician, kicks off a new series to guide pre-med students on their journey to becoming physicians. This episode focuses on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), providing a comprehensive overview of what the MCAT entails, including its structure, key subject areas, and scoring system. Dr. Bradley emphasizes that while the MCAT is crucial, it is only one part of the medical school application process and should not define one's future as a physician.Dr. Bradley shares his personal experiences studying for the MCAT in 2009, offering practical study strategies and resources. He details his own preparation process, which involved taking practice tests and utilizing various study materials. Listeners are advised to create a realistic study timeline, use active recall techniques, and take full-length practice exams under test conditions. Mental preparedness is also highlighted as an essential component, stressing the importance of rest, nutrition, and maintaining a positive mindset.Finally, Dr. Bradley provides additional resources and collaborations, such as ambient music for studying and mantras for relieving test anxiety. Listeners are encouraged to start early, stay flexible, and believe in themselves throughout their preparation. The episode concludes with a personal anecdote about how his path intertwined with a fellow pre-med student, showcasing the importance of community and support in the journey to becoming a physician.Dr. Bianca Busch: The College PsychiatristInterested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FM Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all TrueLearn USMLE, COMLEX and Residency Smartbanks.  Do you need help with relaxation and decreasing stress? Check out AmbientRx on YouTube for music therapy and sound baths or stream the NOISE-1 album on Spotify.Interviewing for the big attending job? Check out the Physician's Contract course developed by Michael Johnson Legal. Use this affiliate link to receive a discount! If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend and leave a comment and rating on iTunes. TBDP is a volunteer passion project with the goal of inspiring all who listen.In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.