
The Podcast by KevinMD
Social media's leading physician voice, Kevin Pho, MD, shares the stories of the many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from. 15 minutes a day. 7 days a week. Welcome to The Podcast by KevinMD.
Latest episodes

Mar 17, 2025 • 18min
Raising financially savvy kids: a doctor's guide to empowering future leaders
Pediatric gastroenterologist Michele Cho-Dorado discusses her article, "Empowering our children with financial literacy: Raising bold thought leaders and compassionate changemakers." In this episode, Michele draws from her experience as a physician to highlight the financial struggles many doctors face—student debt, lifestyle inflation, and a lack of money management skills—despite years of sacrifice. She argues that teaching children financial literacy can break this cycle, equipping them with the tools to earn, save, invest, and give wisely. Beyond personal finance, Michele emphasizes integrating value creation, empathy, and leadership into financial education. She encourages parents to teach kids to solve problems and serve others, fostering entrepreneurial thinking and social responsibility. Listeners will discover actionable strategies to raise confident, compassionate children who use money as a tool for positive impact, preparing them to be the innovative leaders of tomorrow. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 16, 2025 • 20min
Addressing systemic challenges behind rising ER wait times
Physician executive Aiden Feng discusses the article, "Rising ER wait times signal larger health system challenges." In this episode, Aiden examines how increasing ED wait times reflect deeper systemic issues in the U.S. health care system, including staffing shortages, fragmented digital health solutions, and declining operational efficiencies since the pandemic. He explores the impact of isolated point solutions versus integrated technology approaches and emphasizes actionable strategies such as leveraging AI for triage and automating administrative processes. Aiden highlights the need for comprehensive, system-wide reforms to improve patient flow and reduce delays in emergency care. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 15, 2025 • 17min
How The Far Side reshaped my view of science and medicine
Internal medicine physician Ryan McCarthy discusses the article, "What The Far Side taught me about belonging in science." In this episode, Ryan reflects on the unexpected inspiration he found in Gary Larson's comic strip The Far Side and how it shaped his journey in science and medicine. He explores themes of belonging, the value of embracing one's uniqueness in the scientific community, and the role of humor in bridging the gap between popular culture and medical practice. Actionable takeaways include finding community in unexpected places, harnessing humor as a tool for resilience, and confidently carving out one's space in the world of science. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 14, 2025 • 16min
Embracing compassion in family medicine
Family physician Dan Muntean discusses the article, "The heart of family medicine: a doctor's journey of compassion and care." In this episode, Dan shares his personal journey through 30 years of practice in family medicine, reflecting on the lessons learned from his upbringing in Romania, his diverse training experiences, and the deep connections formed with his patients. He emphasizes the importance of listening, empathy, and sacrifice in patient care, and discusses actionable insights for new family doctors on embracing the true spirit of medical practice. Throughout the conversation, Dan highlights how genuine compassion and commitment transform patient care into a familial bond, ultimately shaping the future of health care one patient at a time. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 13, 2025 • 21min
Compassionate solutions for food allergies in air travel
Lianne Mandelbaum, a leading advocate for airline safety measures to protect food-allergic passengers, discusses the article, "Navigating the uncertainty of food allergies in air travel: a call for compassion and change." In this episode, Lianne shares personal insights into the challenges faced by travelers with food allergies, highlighting inconsistent airline policies, societal skepticism, and the urgent need for standardized procedures. She explains how simple accommodations—like pre-boarding cleaning and effective crew training—can make a critical difference in ensuring safe air travel. Lianne outlines actionable strategies for passengers and airlines alike, emphasizing the role of empathy and proactive policy changes in transforming the travel experience for food-allergic individuals. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 12, 2025 • 21min
Rising health insurance costs challenge small medical practices
Family physician Tony Gerk discusses the article, "Even medical practices aren't immune from the high cost of employer-provided health insurance." In this episode, Tony explains the challenges small medical practices face due to skyrocketing employer-provided health insurance costs. He details the constraints imposed by reimbursement rates, the impact of facility fees on patient care, and the difficult choices small business owners must make between profits, patient access, and employee benefits. Tony also explores potential policy solutions such as capping facility fees and increasing price transparency, offering actionable strategies for small business owners and policymakers alike. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 11, 2025 • 17min
Unpacking the Faustian bargain of modern medicine
Internal medicine physician Corinne Rao discusses the article, "The Faustian bargain of modern medicine." In this episode, Corinne explores the modern health care system's trade-offs, comparing the traditional independence of private practice to the constraints of employed settings that offer financial stability and reduced administrative burdens at the cost of professional autonomy. She examines how these compromises affect the patient-physician relationship, contribute to burnout, and challenge the core values of medical practice, offering actionable insights for physicians seeking to balance immediate benefits with long-term professional integrity. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 10, 2025 • 20min
Improving type 1 diabetes screening awareness among women
Board-certified pediatric endocrinologist, field medical director for type 1 diabetes immunology (T1D) at Sanofi, and T1D survivor Shara Bialo discusses the article, "Improving type 1 diabetes screening awareness among women is critical. Here's why." In this episode, Shara explains the importance of early T1D screening, shares personal insights from her experience as both a doctor and a mom, and discusses key statistics revealing the gender gap in screening awareness. The conversation highlights the emotional impacts of T1D on women, the benefits of early diagnosis, and the need for tailored education strategies. Listeners will gain actionable takeaways on how improved communication and proactive health care practices can empower women to better manage their risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 9, 2025 • 19min
Navigating long-term parental leave for fathers in medicine
Neurohospitalist and clinical neurophysiologist Franklyn Rocha Cabrero discusses the article, "Missing prescription: long-term parental leave for fathers in medicine." In this episode, Franklyn delves into the systemic and societal barriers that hinder male physicians from taking full advantage of parental leave, explores the benefits of longer leave on family well being, and highlights actionable strategies for balancing demanding medical careers with family responsibilities in the field of health care. Drawing from personal experiences as a self-employed practitioner, Franklyn offers practical insights for aspiring fathers in medicine who seek to prioritize family without sacrificing career advancement. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 8, 2025 • 11min
How vague termination clauses can ruin a doctor's career
Health law attorney Dennis Hursh discusses his article, "Doctors beware: How vague contracts put your job at risk," revealing how poorly defined termination clauses in physician employment agreements leave doctors vulnerable to arbitrary dismissals. Dennis shares alarming cases where physicians were terminated for dubious reasons, including personal attire choices and missing a shift due to a family emergency. He highlights the risks of "crappy doc" termination clauses and the severe career consequences of National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports. Dennis outlines practical strategies for physicians to protect themselves, including contract provisions requiring reasonable and good-faith determinations of quality concerns, third-party expert reviews, and structured dispute resolution processes. Listeners will gain crucial insights into safeguarding their careers through careful contract negotiation and legal protections. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus