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The Black Doctors Podcast
What med school never taught you about navigating a career in medicine
In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley, a critical care anesthesiologist and medical ethicist, shares invaluable insights for those stepping into their first role as an attending physician. With his extensive experience in the medical field and over four years of podcasting, Dr. Bradley addresses the common challenges new attendings face and the strategies to overcome them. He introduces listeners to the OODA loop, a decision-making framework encompassing Observation, Orientation, Decision-making, and Action, which serves as a crucial tool for new doctors to smoothly transition into their roles while avoiding common pitfalls.
Dr. Bradley emphasizes the importance of understanding the institutional culture and setting both personal and career goals early on. He discusses how to engage in continuous learning and the significance of financial literacy, including tips on achieving board certification. Moreover, Dr. Bradley delves into practical advice on balancing work and personal life, avoiding burnout, and navigating the often-complex institutional politics that new attendings might encounter.
Listeners will also find detailed discussions on topics such as moonlighting, military salary considerations, and the fairness of work distribution. Dr. Bradley encourages new attendings to be mindful of their worth and to make informed decisions as they build their careers. The episode wraps up with strategies for creating a support network and maintaining a mindset geared towards continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring long-term success 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 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.
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28. From HBCU to Heart Health and Equity Commons: Dr. Aubrey Grant's Inspiring Journey
32:30||Season 10, Ep. 28In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, host Steven welcomes sports cardiologist Dr. Aubrey Grant. A Meharry Medical College alum and a new father, Dr. Grant shares his journey from an athlete to a leading figure in sports cardiology and health equity. He discusses the inspirational role his family played in his career choice, the impact of his late grandmother, and the importance of trust in the patient-clinician relationship. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Grant highlights his experiences at various prestigious institutions, including Emory and Georgetown, and his passion for addressing cardiovascular disease in the Black community. Additionally, Dr. Grant dives into his innovative work with Equity Commons, a platform using virtual reality to combat implicit bias in healthcare. He discusses the importance of empathy training and how his tool is making measurable strides in improving the clinician-patient dynamic. Dr. Grant's journey is a testament to the power of empathy, community, and innovative thinking in driving health equity forward.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 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.27. Administrative Harm, Anesthesia and Insurance Corporations | Current Events
21:19||Season 10, Ep. 27In this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, host Dr. Bradley, a critical care anesthesiologist and medical ethicist, discusses recent headlines and their implications for healthcare professionals, focusing on administrative harm. The podcast covers the shocking murder of a major insurance group’s CEO in New York and its impact on public discussions about insurance policies and their ethical ramifications. Dr. Bradley reflects on how this event has fueled debates over the effects of insurance company policies on patient care and ethics.Dr. Bradley also revisits a symposium he organized on administrative harm—decisions by healthcare administrators that unintentionally harm patients and systems. He highlights examples like prior authorizations, short-staffing, and the reassignment of medical students during COVID-19. He further discusses how insurance companies interfere with the physician-patient relationship, contributing to burnout and suboptimal care.The episode also covers controversial insurance policies, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield’s proposal to limit anesthesia reimbursement, and their broader impact on healthcare. Dr. Bradley emphasizes the financial and administrative burdens these policies place on providers, urging for fair reimbursement practices. He encourages listeners to support the podcast, stressing the importance of representation and ongoing discussions about challenges faced by underrepresented groups in medicine.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 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.26. Diversity Without Inclusion: The Constant Need to Conform Within Medicine
24:18||Season 10, Ep. 26Gratitude and Diversity in Medicine: Personal Reflections and Academic InsightsIn this episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, host Steven, a critical care anesthesiologist and medical ethicist, discusses the importance of gratitude and shares his recent research publication. Steven reflects on his busy week, which included extensive night shifts in the ICU and delivering presentations on medical ethics and artificial intelligence. He highlights his collaboration with Dr. Adam Milam on a paper titled 'Diversity Without Inclusion: The Constant Need to Conform Within Medicine,' published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The paper addresses the challenges faced by diverse medical professionals, particularly regarding hair and appearance norms, advocating for the inclusion and acceptance of authentic identities in medicine.Steven also shares personal stories of gratitude, recounting the numerous people who supported him through his educational journey, from undergraduate studies to his medical career. He emphasizes the significance of small acts of kindness and challenges listeners to acknowledge and appreciate the support they have received while also striving to support others in meaningful ways. Additionally, Steven mentions his ambient music project, AmbientRx, aimed at reducing stress through music and invites listeners to follow and support his creative endeavors.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 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.25. How Dr. Gerald Onuoha is Inspiring the Next Generation of Black Doctors
33:00||Season 10, Ep. 25In this episode of The Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley is joined by Dr. Gerald Onuoha, an internal medicine physician from Nashville, who shares his inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles and his dedication to community service. Dr. Onuoha discusses his initiatives, including Everybody Versus Racism and Caviar and Collard Greens, both of which focus on combating systemic racism and providing scholarships for African American students aspiring to enter the medical field. He reflects on his upbringing in Huntsville, Alabama, and the significant financial and social barriers he overcame to become a physician, emphasizing the role of resilience and community support in achieving success.Dr. Onuoha and Dr. Bradley discuss their efforts to honor the legacy of HBCUs through initiatives like Project Dream, which supports underrepresented students pursuing careers in medicine and dentistry. The episode underscores the value of mentorship programs and the importance of representation in inspiring the next generation of Black professionals.In addition to his medical career, Dr. Onuoha is deeply engaged in grassroots initiatives addressing systemic issues in Nashville. Programs like Everybody Eats, Everybody Reads, and Everybody Wins tackle food insecurity, literacy, and Black representation in professional fields. The episode concludes with a hopeful vision for a future where racial disparities are eradicated, stressing the importance of collective action and community-driven solutions to create lasting, equitable change.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 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.24. The Importance of HBCUs and Diversifying Medicine w/ Dr. Gerald Onuoha
35:04||Season 10, Ep. 24In this episode of The Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Steven Bradley is joined by Dr. Gerald Onuoha, an internal medicine physician from Nashville, who shares his inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles and his dedication to community service. Dr. Onuoha discusses his initiatives, including Everybody Versus Racism and Caviar and Collard Greens, both of which focus on combating systemic racism and providing scholarships for African American students aspiring to enter the medical field. He reflects on his upbringing in Huntsville, Alabama, and the significant financial and social barriers he overcame to become a physician, emphasizing the role of resilience and community support in achieving success.The conversation also highlights the crucial role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in fostering Black excellence. Despite resource limitations, HBCUs provide strong support networks and mentors that help students thrive. Dr. Onuoha and Dr. Bradley discuss their efforts to honor the legacy of HBCUs through initiatives like Project Dream, which supports underrepresented students pursuing careers in medicine and dentistry. The episode underscores the value of mentorship programs and the importance of representation in inspiring the next generation of Black professionals.In addition to his medical career, Dr. Onuoha is deeply engaged in grassroots initiatives addressing systemic issues in Nashville. Programs like Everybody Eats, Everybody Reads, and Everybody Wins tackle food insecurity, literacy, and Black representation in professional fields. The episode concludes with a hopeful vision for a future where racial disparities are eradicated, stressing the importance of collective action and community-driven solutions to create lasting, equitable change.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.23. Quiet Quitting Medicine: A Calling or a Career?
33:14||Season 10, Ep. 23Quiet 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.22. Underdog Physicians: Navigating Careers and Burnout
29:52||Season 10, Ep. 22Underdog 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.21. Drumming Up Change: Dr. Joseph Thomas on Storytelling and Civic Engagement in Healthcare
28:04||Season 10, Ep. 21In 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.20. The Incredible Impact of Team Physicians with Dr. Geden Franck Your Neighborhood Sports Doc
30:30||Season 10, Ep. 20In 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.