Pediatrics On Call How Medical Satire Leads to Advocacy: Exclusive Interview with Dr. Glaucomflecken – Ep. 259
Aug 26, 2025
Will Flanary, known as Dr. Glaucomflecken, is a comedian and ophthalmologist who blends humor with healthcare advocacy. He shares his journey of using satire to highlight the complexities of the American healthcare system. The discussion also dives into how social media can amplify personal stories for systemic change and the challenges pediatricians face in navigating professionalism while advocating online. Plus, he introduces innovative techniques for assessing visual acuity in children, making for an engaging and insightful listen.
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Keeps Practicing For Authenticity
- Will Flanary continues to practice ophthalmology four days a week to stay connected to patient care.
- He says that practicing keeps his content authentic and improves his comedy about medicine.
Saved By CPR, Then Became An Advocate
- Will Flanary survived ventricular tachycardia after his wife performed CPR and saved his life.
- That experience pushed him to make videos explaining the healthcare system from a patient perspective.
Physician Perspective Isn't Enough
- Navigating the healthcare system as a patient revealed its labyrinthine complexity to Will Flanary.
- He realized even physicians struggle with prior authorizations, denials, and surprise billing.