In this episode of 'The Patient Physician,' meet Dr. Georgeanne Freeman, a family medicine physician known as the 'Downtown Doctor' in Austin, Texas. Dr. Freeman shares her journey from practicing in rural America to establishing a concierge practice in Austin. She discusses her diverse experiences, including overcoming professional and personal challenges while working in rural Appalachia and the impact of life coaching. Dr. Freeman also elaborates on her transition away from traditional insurance models, underscoring the benefits of direct patient care and preventative medicine. Her story emphasizes the importance of holistic wellness and reclaiming physician autonomy.

MEET OUR GUEST: DR. GEORGEANNE FREEMAN

Board-certified in family medicine, Dr. Freeman has worked in emergency rooms, hospitals, and clinics. She is also trained in bio-identical hormones and botox and juvederm cosmetic procedures. As a country doctor, she learned much about medicine and made house calls. A favorite memory of Dr. Freeman is delivering flu shots on horseback with insulated saddlebags to an elderly couple who lived nearby.

Freeman Medical Clinic in downtown Austin, TX, offers a full spectrum of care. You can find services from ADHD evaluation and treatment to well-women and well-men exams. In addition, the clinic provides walk-in urgent care and even makes house calls. A particularly popular treatment is IV hydration (www.hippohydrate.com) - a custom mix of vitamins, electrolytes, medication, and IV fluids for migraine headaches, athletes, and those seeking optimal health.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to The Patient Physician

00:42 Meet Dr. Georgeanne Freeman

01:15 Dr. Freeman's Journey in Rural Medicine

02:43 Experiences and Challenges in Rural Practice

12:22 Transition to Austin and Personal Struggles

18:00 Starting a Concierge Practice in Austin

23:59 The Future of Healthcare and Insurance

31:31 The Reality of Insurance and Negotiation

32:05 Facing Catastrophic Events Without Insurance

36:59 The Future of Medicine: A New Approach

39:30 Preventive Medicine and Insurance

44:03 Transitioning to a Concierge Practice

47:29 Embracing Change and Personal Growth

51:29 Balancing Professional and Personal Life

57:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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This episode of 'The Patient Physician' tackles the common theme of overwhelming stress and lack of non-medical education among physicians and the power of coaching for change. Dr. Ben Reinking, a board-certified general pediatrician and pediatric cardiologist, has layered in professional coaching to assist both learning and seasoned physicians through his program, The Developing Doctor. "Dr. Ben" shares his journey from medical training to facing professional burnout and how coaching helped him develop a positive mindset and new skills. He elaborates on the role of a coach in assisting physicians to thrive through small, impactful changes. Dr. Ben emphasizes the importance of a supportive and forward-looking approach. The episode provides valuable advice on burnout prevention, achieving work-life harmony, and redefining success through personal and professional development.

MEET OUR GUEST: Dr. Ben Reinking

Dr. Ben Reinking is a board certified General Pediatrician and Pediatric Cardiologist. He is also a Master Certified Physician Development Coach and member of the International Coaching Federation. His clinical interests include general pediatric cardiology, echocardiography, fetal cardiology, and the care of patients with single ventricle congenital heart disease.

Dr. Reinking has served in many different roles at his institution including Medical Director of Pediatric Echocardiography, Medical Director of Clinical Pediatric Cardiology, Associate Fellowship Program Director, Fellowship Program Director, and Faculty Director of a medical student learning Community. In addition, he has been a formal and informal mentor to medical students, residents, fellows, and new faculty. Learn more about his coaching practice, The Developing Doctor, here.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to The Patient Physician

00:38 Common Challenges Faced by Physicians

02:52 Introducing Dr. Ben Reinking

03:28 Dr. Reinking's Journey to Coaching

06:40 The Impact of Coaching on Physicians

14:17 Developing Doctor: Helping Physicians Thrive

25:48 The Weight of Expectations

26:56 Coaching Programs and Their Benefits

28:41 Preventing Burnout as a Coach

30:12 Challenges in Coaching and Client Relationships

33:54 Empowering Physicians to Thrive

37:17 Transitioning from Training to Practice

40:55 The Ripple Effect of Coaching

44:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In this episode of The Patient Physician, delve into the inspiring story of Janna Champagne, a professor, retired nurse, herbalist, and patient advocate whose life took a transformative turn following a debilitating immune health collapse in 2012. Janna had to pause her training as a nurse practitioner but found a new path through cannabis therapy, which not only aided her recovery but also helped her daughter’s autism. Since becoming a cannabis specialty nurse in 2015, Janna has helped thousands of patients optimize their cannabis therapy outcomes through an individualized and well-informed approach. She teaches and mentors healthcare professionals, and educates the public and medical community about the benefits of targeted cannabis therapy. The episode explores Janna's personal and professional journey, her challenges and successes in parenting a child with autism, the difficulties of integrating cannabis into mainstream medical practice, and her ongoing advocacy for better-informed and ethically sound healthcare.

MEET OUR GUEST: Janna Champagne | www.jannachampagne.com

Janna Champagne is a professor, retired nurse and herbalist. She began work as a cannabis-specialty nurse in 2015, but she began as a cannabis patient after suffering a debilitating immune health collapse in 2012. She educates and mentors nurses and other medical professionals, serving as a professor of Medical Cannabinoid Science for John Patrick University’s Integrative Medicine Degree Programs.

Janna is a founding member of Cannabis Nurses Network. She serves on their Speaker's Bureau, and has received peer-awarded designations every year since 2019: from Leader of Nursing, to Outstanding Author, Educator of the Year, and Contributor of the Year, plus an honorable mention as Nurse Mentor of the Year.

Janna volunteers on the Oregon Ryan’s Law team, and the Oregon Cannabis Healthcare Act Coalition, and she is the founder and Executive Directors for nonprofit Autism Safe Haven.

LINKS TO THINKS DISCUSSED:

• Referral Resource – Free guidance call scheduling link: www.cannabisnurseapproved.com
• 501c3 Autism Safe Haven: www.autismsafehaven.org
• Cannabinoid Science JPU program Info
• Epilepsy Testimony Article (Epidiolex vs whole plant CBD comparison)
• Janna's article on Cannabis for Autism Harm Reduction, which includes the research supporting this approach.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to The Patient Physician

00:38 Life's Unpredictable Journey

01:25 Introducing Janna Champagne

03:45 Janna's Health Crisis and Cannabis Journey

08:23 The Science Behind Cannabis and Health

11:26 Cannabis in Medical Practice

14:11 Janna's Personal Experience with Cannabis

19:15 Educational Advocacy for Cannabis

20:26 Cannabis and Autism: A Personal Story

30:45 Reflecting on a Decade of Impact

31:22 Educating Medical Professionals on Cannabis

32:19 A Personal Story of CBD and Epilepsy

34:26 Challenges in Autism Care and Cannabis

37:27 Advocating for Cannabis Inclusive Care Homes

38:50 Educational Resources and Future Plans

40:49 Creating a Safe and Dignified Living Environment

42:03 Addressing Long-Term Care Concerns

45:31 The Importance of Patient-Centered Care

50:07 Thoughts on the Meaning of The Patient Physician

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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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