In this episode of Physician's Guide to Doctoring, Dr. Bradley Block speaks with returning guest Dr. Stephen Bradley who shares insights from his co-authored article addressing how medical institutions emphasize diversity but frequently neglect true inclusion. Drawing from personal experiences including decisions about personal grooming to conform to professional expectations and those of colleagues, Dr. Bradley explores the subtle and overt pressures underrepresented physicians face to fit in.The conversation covers actionable strategies to foster inclusive environments, the "minority tax" in medicine, and how healthcare organizations can support their diverse workforce beyond recruitment. Whether you’re a medical student, physician, or healthcare leader, this episode offers thought-provoking perspectives on creating a more inclusive medical community.Three Actionable Takeaways:Move Beyond Metrics: Diversity in numbers isn’t enough—institutions must foster environments where underrepresented groups feel valued and authentically included.Understand the "Minority Tax": Recognize and address the added burden placed on minority physicians to mentor, advocate, and represent, often without institutional support.Create Inclusive Policies: Small but meaningful changes, like flexible grooming and dress codes, recognizing diverse holidays, and improving communication, can significantly enhance workplace inclusivity.About Guest:Dr. Steven Bradley is a board-certified anesthesiologist and medical ethicist dedicated to mentorship and enhancing diversity in healthcare. He earned his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and completed his anesthesiology residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Furthering his expertise, Dr. Bradley pursued a fellowship at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics. He serves as an assistant professor of anesthesiology, educating both medical students and residents. Additionally, Dr. Bradley hosts "The Black Doctors Podcast," where he interviews minority professionals across various fields to inspire and motivate listeners. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbradleymd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenbradleymd/X: https://x.com/StevenBradleyMDWebsite: https://stevenbradleymd.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.Did you know...You can also be a guest on our show? Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more! 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.

Healthcare often demands constant interaction, quick decision-making, and emotional resilience. But what happens when you’re an introvert navigating this high-pressure environment? In this episode, Dr. Charity Hix shares her insights on how introverted physicians face unique challenges in medicine. She and Dr. Amna Shabbir explore why introverts may be more prone to burnout and how sensory overload, emotional labor, and overstimulation contribute to exhaustion.They discuss how simple changes like creating micro-moments of calm or adjusting one’s physical environment can help manage energy levels. Dr. Hix emphasizes that introverts bring valuable strengths to healthcare, including empathy, deep listening, and attention to detail. By recognizing these strengths and advocating for their needs, introverted healthcare professionals can thrive in a system not always built with them in mind.Three Actionable Takeaways:Prioritize Micro-Changes to Manage Energy – Small adjustments, like bringing a calming screensaver, wearing comfortable clothes, or adding a plant to your workspace, can help mitigate overstimulation and promote calm during hectic days.Create White Space in Your Day – A few minutes of quiet reflection or stepping outside can replenish energy. Plan for high-demand days and build in restorative moments when possible.Shift From Isolation to Intentional Solitude – While alone time is essential for introverts, it's important to differentiate between healthy solitude and isolation. Seek out supportive communities, even if it means connecting with just one trusted colleague or coach.About the Guest:Dr. Charity Hix is a physician and burnout coach helping introverts in healthcare escape feelings of apathy, irritability, and resentment brought on by the increasing demands and decreasing rewards of medicine.She uses her 20 years of experience in clinical medicine combined with coaching to help introverts prioritize their needs and protect their energy. She wants you to know you don’t have to feel guilty for wanting a thriving life inside and outside of medicine.Website: charityhix.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charityhix/Energy Management for Introverts Guide: https://www.charityhix.com/energy-management-for-introvertsHost:Dr. Amna Shabbir is the Founder and CEO of the Early Career Physicians Institute, a Duke Certified Wellness and Life Coach, and a Dual Board-Certified Geriatrician-Internist. She helps early-career physicians navigate the transition from training to practice with compassion and practical tools.YouTube: Dr. Amna ShabbirFacebook: Dr. Amna Shabbir, MDLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/Did you know…You can be a guest on our show! Reach out to Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more.Socials:Facebook: @physiciansguidetodoctoringYouTube: @physicianguidetodoctoringInstagram: @physiciansguideTwitter: @physiciansguide 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.

Tired of spending hours charting after a long day with patients? Freed.ai is an AI medical scribe that handles documentation for you. It listens, prepares notes, and writes patient instructions in real time, completing charting before the patient leaves—learning your style like a human scribe, but never quitting.Freed is loved by 3,000+ clinicians from every specialty. It is HIPAA compliant, takes 30 seconds to learn, and costs only $99/month. You can try Freed for free right now by going to freed.ai. Listeners of The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring can use the PGD50 coupon code for $50 off the first month.____________________________________________Documentation is a necessary part of patient care, but it often comes at the cost of time, energy, and patient interaction. In this episode, Dr. George Rogu joins Dr. Bradley Block to discuss how integrating an AI scribe into his practice has transformed his workflow. Dr. Rogu details his journey from skepticism to full adoption, highlighting how the technology improves note quality, speeds up documentation, and enhances patient communication.They discuss why Dr. Rogu switched from traditional templates to AI-assisted notes, how the AI scribe saves mental effort for better patient care, and practical steps for using it, including HIPAA compliance and workflow integration. They also cover how to handle resistance from team members, address common concerns, and the real-world effects on billing, note accuracy, and patient trust. Whether you're excited about technology or unsure, this episode provides useful insights on making your practice more efficient and patient-focused.Three Actionable Takeaways:Try Before You Buy: Use trial periods to test how AI scribes fit your workflow before committing.Prioritize Patient Connection: With documentation handled, focus on making eye contact and understanding patient concerns.Stay Mindful of Workflow: Small process changes, like pausing recordings when not in the exam room, can prevent documentation errors.About the Show:The Physician Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for the real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!About the Guest:Dr. George D. Rogu is a pediatrician and CEO of RBK Pediatrics & Urgent Care, transforming a 50-year-old practice into Long Island’s most technologically advanced pediatric provider. He leads 15 doctors, nurse practitioners, and 50+ staff, expanding into pediatric urgent care and earning certification in 2013. He implemented a Pediatric-Specific EHR system in 2008 and led the Meaningful Use program. Dr. Rogu introduced specialized programs in Pediatric Obesity, Asthma Care, ADHD Management, and International Adoption, serving 1,000 patients annually.Through AdoptionDoctors.com, he has helped over 150 families navigate the adoption process. He also oversees inpatient pediatric care at three hospitals and advocates for pediatric practice sustainability. As a board member of the Samaritan Physicians Organization and Nassau-Suffolk Pediatric Community Beacon HealthCare Partners IPA, he secures funding and quality incentives to support pediatricians.Socials and Website:RBK Pediatrics: rbkpediatrics.comThe Pediatric Lounge Podcast: https://thepediatriclounge.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgeorgerogu/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.Did you know...You can also be a guest on our show? Please email me at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more about the show!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on FB@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.

Medicine has long been defined by a culture that demands toughness, self-sacrifice, and emotional suppression, particularly for male physicians. In this episode, Dr. Joe Sherman shares his insights on how these expectations contribute to physician burnout, emotional isolation, and workplace toxicity.He and Dr. Amna Shabbir discuss how changing the culture around male physicians can make medicine more compassionate and inclusive. They examine why male doctors struggle to show vulnerability and how shifting medical norms can support their well-being. Dr. Sherman also shares his journey of overcoming the fear of seeking help, offering practical insights for building resilience and self-compassion.Three Actionable Takeaways:Create Safe Spaces for Vulnerability – Physicians, especially men, need environments where expressing emotions is accepted, not stigmatized. Supporting peer groups and coaching can foster this change.Reframe Asking for Help as Strength, Not Weakness – Whether through coaching, therapy, or peer support, seeking help is a sign of courage and self-awareness, not failure.Lead with Compassion – Senior physicians set the tone for medical culture. By modeling emotional intelligence and trust-building, they can create a healthier work environment for the next generation. About the Guest: Dr. Joe Sherman is a pediatrician, professional development coach, and consultant to physicians and healthcare organizations in the areas of provider well-being, leadership, and career discernment. His services include individual coaching, medical team support, retreat facilitation, and public speaking. He is a trained facilitator with the Center for Courage & Renewal and a Master Certified Physician Development Coach with the Physician Coaching Institute.Dr. Sherman has been in pediatric practice for over 35 years concentrating on healthcare delivery to underserved and medically complex children in the District of Columbia, Tacoma, Seattle, Uganda, and Bolivia. He has held numerous faculty positions and is currently a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.Website: https://joeshermanmd.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeshermanmd/Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir is the Founder and CEO of the Early Career Physicians Institute, a Duke Certified Wellness and Life Coach, Dual Board-Certified Geriatrician-Internist and Super Mom to two young girls. She passionately supports new attending physicians in navigating post-medical training challenges, helping them to excel both professionally and personally https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AmnaShabbirhttps://web.facebook.com/dr.amnashabbir.md?_rdc=1&_rdr#https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/   ------Did you know…You can also be a guest on our show? Please email me at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more about the show!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on FB@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.

Every physician has those patient conversations they’d rather avoid, the ones that drain energy and feel like a constant struggle. But what if there was a way to make them easier and more effective? In this episode, Dr. Rob Orman shares how scripting your least favorite conversations can help you stay in control, set boundaries with compassion, and reduce emotional fatigue.Dr. Bradley Block and Dr. Rob Orman dive into key frameworks that can help you approach difficult conversations with confidence, including the “Yes, No, Yes” method—affirming concerns, setting boundaries, and providing alternatives, how to identify the conversations that exhaust you the most (and how to script them), the mindset shift from “I have knowledge to give” to “the patient has knowledge I need to understand”, why physicians often speak in logic, while patients respond to emotion—and how to bridge the gap and techniques from hostage negotiation that can help physicians communicate more effectivelyIf you’ve ever found yourself dreading certain discussions, whether it’s refusing antibiotics for a viral infection or setting expectations for pain management this episode gives you a roadmap to navigate them with ease and confidence.Three Actionable Takeaways:Yes, No, Yes Framework – Start with an internal ‘yes’ to your values, set clear boundaries with a ‘no,’ and end with a constructive ‘yes’ offering alternatives that align with good medicine.Shift from Logic to Emotion – Patients often respond more to emotional validation than pure facts. Acknowledge concerns before explaining the medical reasoning.Unearth the Real Concern – Patients don’t always verbalize their true fears. Use open-ended questions to uncover the question behind the question, building trust and addressing the root issue.About the Show: The Physician Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for the real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!About the Guest:Dr. Rob Orman is an emergency medicine physician, performance coach, and the producer of the Stimulus Podcast. He specializes in helping physicians navigate high-stakes environments, overcome burnout, and improve their careers. With years of experience in emergency medicine, he focuses on practical strategies for difficult patient conversations and resilience in medical practice. He co-runs his podcast and coaching business with his wife, Melissa, and offers various free resources on communication, mindset, and professional growth. Socials and Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-orman-md-78518238https://roborman.com/about/106-2/https://www.instagram.com/emergencypdx/?hl=enhttps://x.com/emergencypdxhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5yWVgldIp7TFVQXAc1CltwAbout Host  – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He earned his medical degree from SUNY Buffalo in 2006 and completed his residency at Georgetown University Hospital in 2011. Dr. Block specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. He also hosts the "Physician's Guide to Doctoring" podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.Did you know…You can also be a guest on our show? Please email me at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more about the show!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on FB@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.

Looking to connect with a community of physician podcasters? We provide the tools, connections, and resources you need to amplify your voice and grow your audience. Be part of something exciting as we prepare to launch. Join the Doctor Podcast Network today!______________________In this episode, Dr Bradley Block interviews Derek Beres, to discuss the intersection of conspiracy theories and spirituality, particularly in the wellness space. Barris explains how "conspirituality" merges left-leaning new-age beliefs with right-wing political ideologies, often exploiting distrust in institutions like healthcare. They explore how wellness influencers leverage emotional appeal, certainty, and fear-mongering to market alternative health solutions.They also discuss how a strong focus on individualism contributes to the spread of medical misinformation and how social media plays a big role in making these ideas more popular. The conversation also touches on figures like RFK Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again movement, which advocates for food regulation while paradoxically aligning with deregulation-focused politics. Dr Block and Barris went further to discuss how physicians can push back by fostering trust, communicating uncertainty effectively, and engaging in social media discourse. BioDerek Beres is an author, speaker, and media expert based in Portland, Oregon. He has held senior editorial positions at various tech companies and has extensive experience in health, science, and music writing. Beres regularly speaks on science and media literacy and is the co-host of the Conspirituality podcast, which examines the convergence of conspiracy theories and wellness culture.In addition to his work in media, Beres is a certified group fitness instructor, having taught yoga, studio cycling, and kettlebell classes at Equinox Fitness from 2004 to 2020. He is also the co-founder of EarthRise SoundSystem, a music production duo that has released records with Six Degrees Records and collaborated with artists like Vieux Farka Touré.Beres has authored several books, including Conspirituality: How New Age Conspiracy Theories Became a Health Threat, Global Beat Fusion: The History of the Future of Music, and Hero's Dose: The Case for Psychedelics in Ritual and Therapy. His writing has been featured in over 40 publications, such as Time, Rolling Stone, The Boston Globe, Teen Vogue, Salon, Women’s Health, and National Geographic.Website:https://www.derekberes.com/https://www.conspirituality.net/https://linktr.ee/derekberesSocials:https://www.instagram.com/derekberes/https://x.com/derekberes Did you know…You can also be a guest on our show? Please email me at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more about the show!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on FB@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.

Looking to connect with a community of physician podcasters? We provide the tools, connections, and resources you need to amplify your voice and grow your audience. Be part of something exciting as we prepare to launch. Join the Doctor Podcast Network today!—--------In this episode, Dr. Gita Pensa advocates for physicians navigating the storm of malpractice lawsuits. She opens up about the emotional and psychological toll of physicians being sued. She shares her own journey through litigation and how it inspired her to help others facing similar struggles. Dr. Pensa helps refine doctors' mindset during litigation, providing insightful guidelines to help defend themselves with confidence and clarity during depositions and trials. She recommends two goals for everyone in deposition; one is to accept the situation. Letting go of the emotions rather than argue over reality. At best grief, but don’t suffer guilt. Secondly, that physicians be good defendants for themselves. She stresses that the physician’s overall objective is to get the jury into their thought process, since they are not medical practitioners themselves.She believes that by supporting each other and advocating for systemic change, physicians can not only survive litigation but grow stronger through it. She also encourages doctors to push back against the unrealistic expectation of perfection in medicine, reminding them that they’re humans. BIODr. Gita S. Pensa, M.D. is a speaker, educator, coach, and creator of Doctors and Litigation: The L Word. An associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Clinician Educator, and Associate Director of the Emergency Digital Health Innovation program at Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She is the editor/host of the Academic Emergency Medicine podcast series, AEM Early Access. She podcasts and speaks nationally on litigation and litigation stress, and most recently won the 2019 Rhode Island ACEP chapter's Special Service Recognition Award for 'Courageous Public Advocacy of Rhode Island Emergency Medicine Colleagues.'She is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading experts on malpractice litigation, stress, and physician litigation support. She gives practical and psychological preparation necessary for malpractice litigation defendants. She's been featured in forums such as Time Magazine, South by Southwest, NPR, and a new PBS documentary, A World of Hurt, How Medical Malpractice Fails Everyone. She helps good doctors manage the stressors of adverse events, litigation, and burnout. Website: doctorsandlitigation.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gita-pensa-m-d-693557189Twitter (X): https://x.com/GitaPensaMDDoctors and Litigation: The L Word  Did you know…You can also be a guest on our show? Please email me at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more about the show!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on FB@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.

Looking to connect with a community of physician podcasters? We provide the tools, connections, and resources you need to amplify your voice and grow your audience. Be part of something exciting as we prepare to launch. Join the Doctor Podcast Network today!—----------Dr. Noshene Ranjbar joins Dr. Kristine Goins in this episode to discuss embodied leadership, health equity, and integrative psychiatry. Dr. Ranjbar defines embodied leadership as a holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit, rooted in indigenous wisdom and community-centered leadership. She shares how her upbringing in post-revolution Iran, immigration to the U.S., and experiences in medicine exposed her to systemic oppression and disembodied leadership, fueling her commitment to transformative leadership.She talks about shifting away from traditional, rigid medical models and embracing a more holistic way of supporting patients and communities. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of intuition, emotional awareness, and non-hierarchical collaboration. She also shares how reconnecting with her Iranian heritage has fueled her passion for liberation and healing on a global scale.BioBorn and raised in Tehran, Iran until immigrating to the US in adolescence, Dr. Noshene Ranjbar developed a passion for a holistic view of medicine and healing from early on in her life. Throughout her studies and life experiences, including her own illness as well as caring for her mom who suffered from several autoimmune illnesses and cancer, to fostering refugee children with PTSD, to working with American Indian communities across the U.S., she developed a keen interest in approaches to healing trauma and advocating for holistic mental health in empowering, culturally appropriate ways.Dr. Ranjbar completed undergraduate and medical school at the University of Virginia, followed by Family Medicine Internship at Middlesex Hospital/Hartford Hospital, Psychiatry Residency at the University of Arizona-Tucson, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Board Certified in General Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Integrative Medicine, Dr. Ranjbar currently serves as Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Integrative Psychiatry Program at the University of Arizona. She also serves on Faculty with The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, and the Integrative Psychiatry Institute.Her research focuses on training the next generation of psychiatrists to offer a holistic approach to mental health, while serving children and families most in need. As a Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Leader, she is expanding her work in integrative mental health and indigenous mental health nationally and internationally. Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noshene-ranjbar-2039949/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nosheneranjbar/Webpages:www.DrNRanjbar.comhttps://psychiatry.arizona.edu/profile/noshene-e-ranjbar-mdhttps://samehereglobal.org/expert-profile-noshene-ranjbar/https://cmbm.org/faculty-member/noshene-ranjbar-md/ Did you know…You can also be a guest on our show? Please email me at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more about the show!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on FB@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.

Looking to connect with a community of physician podcasters? We provide the tools, connections, and resources you need to amplify your voice and grow your audience. Be part of something exciting as we prepare to launch. Join the Doctor Podcast Network today!—--------Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Hasan Merali to explore the unexpected ways toddler behavior can shape adult well-being. They dive into Dr. Murali’s book, Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas, sharing research and personal stories, especially his experiences with his daughter that reveal powerful life lessons.Key takeaways include the importance of sleep routines, risk-taking for personal growth, and the power of play in team-building and relationships. He emphasizes the role of laughter in strengthening bonds and enhancing learning, advocating for self-talk in the third person to improve resilience and emotional control. Additionally, he highlights toddlers’ innate generosity, noting that giving fosters lasting happiness.Dr. Merali also discusses leadership lessons from toddlers, such as clear communication and fairness, and delves into hedonic adaptation, suggesting that acts of generosity provide sustained joy. BioDr. Hasan Merali is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children's Hospital. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his residency in Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Merali also holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and is an Associate Faculty member at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. His research focuses on child injury prevention in low- and middle-income countries, particularly examining factors associated with child passenger helmet and restraint use. He has published over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles, and his work has been featured in outlets such as Science, The Boston Globe, NBC, CBC, and Popular Science. His first book, Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life, was published in March 2024.In addition to his academic and medical contributions, Dr. Merali has given a TEDx talk at the University of Toronto, discussing key themes from his book. He lives in Ontario with his wife and daughter.Socials and websites:https://experts.mcmaster.ca/display/meralih?utmhttps://ca.linkedin.com/in/hasan-merali Did you know…You can also be a guest on our show? Please email me at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more about the show!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on FB@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.

Looking to connect with a community of physician podcasters? We provide the tools, connections, and resources you need to amplify your voice and grow your audience. Be part of something exciting as we prepare to launch. Join the Doctor Podcast Network today!—--------What are the biggest misconceptions about addiction, and how can we better support patients struggling with it? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block speaks with Dr. Paula Donnelly Cook and Dr. Darlene Peterson, both board-certified specialists in addiction and family medicine, who co-host The Addiction Files podcast. They address the stigma associated with substance use disorders, highlighting the significance of person-first language to lessen bias and promote compassionate care.The discussion sheds light on prevalent misconceptions, such as equating dependence with addiction or viewing it as an acute issue rather than a chronic condition requiring long-term management. Drs. Cook and Peterson advocate for harm reduction approaches, motivational interviewing, and addressing patients' individual goals to support recovery. They also stress the critical role of trauma-informed care, recognizing the deep connections between trauma and addiction. They caution against iatrogenic addiction, urging careful pain management practices and collaboration with specialists for patients in recovery. Bio.Dr. Paula Donnelly Cook is a board-certified physician in both addiction medicine and family medicine. She serves as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Utah, where she is involved in teaching and mentoring medical students and residents. Dr. Cook is also the Medical Director at Moab Regional Hospital in Moab, Utah. She co-hosts The Addiction Files podcast, aiming to provide evidence-based education on addiction medicine.Dr. Darlene Petersen is a board-certified physician in both addiction medicine and family medicine. She practices with Revere Health in Roy, Utah, where she offers comprehensive family and addiction medicine services. Dr. Petersen completed her residency at St. Mark's Family Medicine Residency Program in 2009 and earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in 2006. She co-hosts The Addiction Files podcast with Dr. Cook, focusing on destigmatizing addiction treatment and providing evidence-based education. Outside of her medical practice.Website and socials for Dr Cook:https://www.doximity.com/pub/paula-cook-mdhttps://x.com/PjaneCookhttps://www.theaddictionfiles.com/Website and socials for Dr Petersen:https://doctors.intermountainhealth.org/provider/darlene-l-petersen/2618429https://www.theaddictionfiles.com/_______________________Did you know…You can also be a guest on our show? Please email me at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more about the show!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on FB@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.