Ep463 - Empathy, Mortality, and Medicine: A Rural Physician’s Cancer Story

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In this episode, host Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Peter Crane, a board-certified family physician from rural Idaho, who faced a life-altering diagnosis of a 28 cm retroperitoneal tumor at age 43. Dr. Crane shares his journey through radiation, surgery, and rehabilitation, revealing how the experience reshaped his perspective on patient care and life. From grappling with the shock of his diagnosis while working an ER shift to navigating the emotional and physical challenges of treatment, Dr. Crane’s story highlights the profound lessons learned from being on the other side of the gown. He discusses how this experience fueled his podcast, Doctors Making a Difference, aimed at helping physicians rediscover joy in their work. This episode offers actionable insights for doctors to cultivate empathy, maintain perspective, and find gratitude in their practice.

Three Actionable Takeaways:  

• Embrace the Patient Perspective – Reflect on what it’s like to be a patient to foster greater empathy, especially during routine interactions, recognizing that each patient’s experience is unique.  
• Find Moments of Impact – Seek out daily moments where your skills make a difference, no matter how small, to sustain motivation and combat burnout.  
• Balance Self-Care and Duty – Prioritize personal health and set boundaries, understanding that your well-being enables you to serve your patients better.

About the Show:

PGD Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Peter Crane is a board-certified family physician practicing in rural Idaho since 2011. Diagnosed with a rare solitary fibrous tumor in 2022, he underwent radiation, surgery, and rehabilitation, which transformed his approach to medicine and life. Dr. Crane hosts Doctors Making a Difference on the Doctor Podcast Network, where he inspires physicians to find joy and purpose in their work while providing tools for success. His journey as both doctor and patient fuels his mission to leave medicine better than he found it.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermcranemd/

Podcast: Doctors Making a Difference 

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

Want to be a guest? Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide

on Instagram and Twitter  

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow! 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.