EP451 - Exploring Medical Curiosity with Dr. Anthony Breu

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Curiosity isn’t just a trait—it’s a tool for better medicine. In this episode, Dr. Anthony Breu joins Dr. Bradley Block to explore how asking "why" transforms medical practice and patient care.

They discuss the origins of the Curious Clinicians Podcast, born from social media "why" questions during the COVID era, and how it evolved into a platform for uncovering medical mysteries. Dr. Brau shares mind-blowing insights from the show like why elephants rarely get cancer, how furosemide works beyond diuresis, and the potential for oral insulin to revolutionize diabetes care. The conversation also covers practical takeaways, such as rethinking elevated lactate assumptions and wearing goggles to chop onions tear-free.

With a mix of humor, science, and real-world applications, this episode is a masterclass in staying curious, challenging dogma, and bringing fresh perspectives to medicine—both in and out of the exam room.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Stay Curious to Stay Sharp: Ask "why" about the things you see daily—whether it’s a patient’s response to meds or a biological oddity—to deepen your understanding and improve care.
2. Challenge Medical Assumptions: Don’t assume elevated lactate means hypoperfusion—consider beta-2 agonists like albuterol as a cause to avoid unnecessary treatments.
3. Apply Podcast Lessons to Life: From wearing contacts to cutting onions without crying to appreciating furosemide’s vasodilatory effects, small insights can enhance both personal and professional practice.

About the Show:

The 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. Anthony Breu is the Director of Resident Education at VA Boston Healthcare System and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. A board-certified internist and hospitalist, he co-hosts the Curious Clinicians Podcast. With a BA in Bioethics and MD from Brown University, Dr. Breu trained at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. His interests include medical education, clinical reasoning, and tackling intriguing medical mysteries.

Website and Podcast:
https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/profile/anthony-breu/

https://curiousclinicians.com/

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.