The Black Doctors Podcast

Quiet Quitting Medicine: A Calling or a Career?In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, host Dr. Steven Bradley, a critical care anesthesiologist and medical ethicist, begins by sharing personal news about becoming a father, before diving into a discussion on recent articles examining the shift in work-life balance preferences among physicians. Younger doctors increasingly prioritize more flexible schedules and personal time, challenging the traditional expectation of unrelenting dedication to the profession. This generational divide is explored through an article from the Wall Street Journal (Younger Doctors Balk at Medicine’s Workaholic Culture), which highlights differing views between senior and junior doctors on the nature of the medical profession and its demands.Dr. Bradley also touches on the impact of corporatization in healthcare, noting how increased administrative burdens and the shift toward physicians being employees rather than independent practitioners contribute to burnout. He delves into how some institutions and older physicians view this evolving mindset as detrimental to professional standards, while younger doctors see it as essential for preventing stress and maintaining wellbeing. The conversation is enriched by references to another article from the New England Journal of Medicine, (On Calling- From Privileged Professionals to Cogs of Capitalism) which addresses the broader systemic and cultural changes impacting the medical profession.To conclude, Dr. Bradley offers practical advice for avoiding burnout and establishing healthy boundaries, such as setting clear work hours, prioritizing self-care, and learning to say no. He emphasizes the necessity for systemic changes within healthcare institutions to support better work-life balance without compromising patient care. Listeners are encouraged to focus on self-care and sustainable practices while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of medical practice.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 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. 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.

Underdog Physicians: Navigating Careers and BurnoutIn this episode, Dr. Steven Bradley, a critical care anesthesiologist and medical ethicist, reflects on his journey hosting the Black Doctors Podcast, the feedback and support from listeners, and the various inspiring guests he's had on the show. He discusses the importance of understanding one's value in the medical profession, the complexities of staffing, and the issues that contribute to physician burnout. He reviews the book, "Physician Underdog*" that was written by Dr. Navin Goyal, an anesthesiologist and entrepreneur. This book is a must-read for current residents and attendings to fully understand the evolving healthcare landscape where physicians are employees and report to administrators and big business.*Amazon Affiliate LinkDr. Bradley also delves into his recent explorations in creating ambient music for sound healing, with the aim of helping healthcare workers and others combat stress and anxiety. He concludes by sharing his experiences and thoughts on roles and responsibilities within medicine, the importance of pushing back against being undervalued, and exciting personal and professional updates, such as the upcoming birth of his first child and launching a new podcast project for medical students interested in anesthesiology.Check out this new podcast: Culture Shock Therapy: Your Health Equity Rx by Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Katrina GipsonInterested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FM Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all 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. 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 engaging episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley interviews Dr. Joseph Thomas, a hospitalist and deputy editor of the Journal of Hospital Medicine. Dr. Thomas shares his unique journey of balancing a demanding medical career with his passion for music as the drummer for the classic rock band, Mayday Buffalo. He discusses how music served as a crucial outlet and means of connection during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with his deep-rooted ties to Buffalo, New York. Inspired by his pediatrician father, who was also a drummer, Dr. Thomas reflects on his educational path at the University of Buffalo and his decision to specialize in internal medicine, highlighting his gratifying experiences within Buffalo's diverse cultural landscape.The conversation emphasizes Dr. Thomas's successful work-life balance achieved through a flexible private group practice, allowing him to engage in personal hobbies and teaching without the pressures of research mandates typically associated with academic roles. He elaborates on the importance of preoperative risk assessment and his editorial responsibilities, which include creating visual abstracts and producing digital educational content. This is particularly vital in countering medical misinformation that emerged during the pandemic. Dr. Thomas also highlights the significance of narrative medicine and the impact of storytelling in advocacy, urging greater civic engagement and the need for concise communication in both his op-eds and social media.The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of representation in medicine, as Dr. Thomas reflects on his contributions to the journal and his enjoyable experiences performing at Buffalo's largest 90s party. He encourages medical professionals to explore editorial and digital media fellowships, emphasizing the enriching blend of professional and personal fulfillment that can arise from pursuing diverse interests.Check out this new podcast: Culture Shock Therapy: Your Health Equity Rx by Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Katrina GipsonInterested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FM Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all 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. 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, we are joined by Dr. Franck, a dedicated sports medicine physician with a compelling personal story shaped by his heritage as the child of Haitian immigrants. Dr. Franck’s father, a lawyer and political activist, was exiled from Haiti during the Duvalier regime, which instilled in Dr. Franck a resilience and commitment to success that has defined his medical career.Dr. Franck takes us through his journey from overcoming cultural challenges during his school years to developing a deep passion for community service and medicine. He shares how these experiences guided him through his education at Emory University and Florida State University College of Medicine. Now practicing in Miami, Dr. Franck discusses his approach to sports medicine, emphasizing not only orthopedic care but also the holistic health of athletes.We dive into the unique challenges faced by underrepresented minorities in medicine, and Dr. Franck highlights the critical need for medical professionals who reflect and understand the communities they serve. He shares his own experiences of breaking barriers in sports medicine and gives insight into his role as a head team physician, where he oversees the health and safety of athletes both on and off the field.Dr. Franck also talks about the importance of representation in healthcare and the difference it makes in building trust and improving health outcomes. He describes his efforts to give back by mentoring young professionals and volunteering at his alma mater and local schools, encouraging future generations of minority physicians.Tune in to hear Dr. Franck’s thoughts on leadership, his love for sneakers and travel, and his vision for increasing diversity in sports medicine. This episode is an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance, the impact of representation, and the importance of staying connected to the communities we serve.Instagram: @DrGFranckCheck out this new podcast: Culture Shock Therapy: Your Health Equity Rx by Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Katrina GipsonInterested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FM Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all 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. 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 discusses the latest current events in the medical field, including a controversial euthanasia device known as the Sarco pod. The device gained attention after its first use by a 64-year-old American woman in Switzerland, sparking ethical and legal debates about medical aid in dying and euthanasia laws. Dr. Bradley provides detailed insights into the functioning of the device and the complex discussions surrounding its use, particularly its implications on the legal and moral landscapes of assisted dying technologies.Dr. Bradley also addresses recent ethical concerns at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, where a body donation program was suspended due to the misuse of unclaimed bodies for research without adequate family notification. This case has raised significant ethical questions about the historical and ongoing mistreatment of bodies belonging to marginalized communities, echoing past injustices and highlighting the need for transparent and respectful handling of deceased individuals in medical research.In the final segment, Dr. Bradley underscores the importance of participating in the upcoming elections, noting that many healthcare-related measures, such as abortion rights, drug pricing, and Medicaid expansion, are on the ballot in various states. He emphasizes the impact of these decisions on healthcare access and encourages listeners to vote and stay informed about the issues that directly affect their well-being and the broader healthcare system. Additionally, Dr. Bradley mentions an upcoming project, the Medical Student's Guide to Anesthesiology, and seeks third-year medical students interested in contributing to this initiative.Check out this new podcast: Culture Shock Therapy: Your Health Equity Rx by Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Katrina GipsonInterested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FM Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all 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. 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 builds on last week's discussion about sham peer reviews, sharing his personal experiences with microaggressions during his residency. He highlights how prevalent these microaggressions are in homogenous medical environments and advises on handling such situations. Dr. Bradley emphasizes the importance of documenting instances of discrimination and carefully navigating formal complaints to avoid adverse outcomes and maintain professionalism.Dr. Bradley delves into how minority residents are often disproportionately removed from programs and the structured process that should ideally follow to ensure fairness. He outlines the steps involved in performance evaluation, remediation plans, probation, and potential dismissal from residency. Dr. Bradley stresses the importance of knowing your institutional policies, gathering objective data, and seeking mentorship to advocate effectively for yourself throughout these processes.The episode concludes with Dr. Bradley offering practical advice for both current and aspiring medical professionals on maintaining their mental well-being. He introduces his ambient music project, ambient.Rx, designed to alleviate stress and combat burnout among healthcare providers. Listeners are encouraged to follow his social media for mindfulness content and potential updates on his upcoming ambient music album.Check out this new podcast: Culture Shock Therapy: Your Health Equity Rx by Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Katrina GipsonInterested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FM Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all 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. 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 delves into the critical issue of sham peer reviews and their discriminatory effects on minority physicians. He highlights how these reviews, often weaponized for personal or institutional agendas, unfairly target and discipline healthcare providers, particularly black and minority physicians, for reasons unrelated to clinical competence or patient care. The episode explores the signs of sham peer reviews, such as baseless allegations, lack of due process, conflicts of interest, and secrecy, and offers practical advice on how to navigate and protect oneself from these unjust practices.Dr. Bradley shares his personal experience with unfair treatment during his residency, illustrating the real-life consequences and systemic biases that minority physicians face. He underscores the importance of documentation, seeking legal counsel, maintaining professionalism, and building a strong support network to counteract these unjust reviews. Dr. Bradley also provides a call to action for awareness and institutional accountability to foster a fair and transparent peer review system.Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, know their rights, and lean on professional organizations for guidance. Additionally, Dr. Bradley reminds the audience of his weekly 'Mindfulness Monday' sessions and expresses his gratitude for the continued support and feedback from the podcast's community.Check out this new podcast: Culture Shock Therapy: Your Health Equity Rx by Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Katrina GipsonInterested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FM Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all 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. 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.

Pt. 2 of Overcoming Adversity: Dr. Tosin Odunsi's Persistence and PassionIn this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, the host interviews Dr. Tosin Odunsi, an OB/GYN in Chicago, about her remarkable journey into medicine. Dr. Odunsi shares how she was inspired by her father, a GYN oncologist, to pursue a career in medicine from the age of three. Despite numerous challenges, including rejections and repeated attempts at medical exams, Dr. Odunsi's perseverance and passion for women’s health led her to successfully become a physician. She discusses her educational path from Cornell to medical school and her determination to follow her calling against all odds.Dr. Odunsi opens up about the significant personal loss of her husband during her intern year of residency and how this tragedy shaped the trajectory of her life and career. She emphasizes that this defining moment made her re-evaluate her identity and pushed her to confront and manage her grief and PTSD while continuing her medical training. Through sharing her story publicly on social media and her platform 'Life by Tosin,' she found therapeutic solace that inspired many others facing similar struggles.Highlighting her late diagnosis of ADHD at age 35, Dr. Odunsi reflects on the missed opportunities for support during her academic years. She discusses her unique approach to teaching and patient care that accommodates diverse learning and cognitive styles, emphasizing routine and systematic approaches. Dr. Odunsi's transparency, resilience, and the consistent message of perseverance resonate through her discussions, providing motivation and guidance for future physicians navigating their own challenges in the medical field.Check out this new podcast: Culture Shock Therapy: Your Health Equity Rx by Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Katrina GipsonInterested in starting a podcast? Check out Riverside for your remote recording needs: RIVERSIDE.FM Use the discount code: BDPODCAST and save $25 off all 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. 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.