
Succeed in Medicine
You’ve mastered the clinical side of medicine — but why does it still feel like you’re never fully prepared for everything else that comes with being a physician? From lawsuits to leadership, career decisions to challenging conversations, balancing the personal with the professional — none of it was covered in training; but it should have been. This show fills those gaps so you can live up to the expectations that come with the white coat — not just in the exam room, but in all the places your MD follows you.
Your host, Dr. Bradley Block, a private practice ENT, is right there with you — navigating the same challenges and bringing in world-class guests to teach, as he puts it, “everything we should have been learning while we were memorizing Kreb’s cycle.” With nearly 500 episodes and close to half a million downloads, Brad has built a trusted space where physicians come for brass tacks advice, the kind you can start applying when you’re done clicking through another mandatory module — or whatever it is you do while you’re listening. No fluff. No theory. No empty platitudes. And if he doesn’t make you chuckle at least a little each episode, he hasn’t done his job.
You don’t need another certification. You need to be prepared to meet all of the hurdles that come with a life in medicine. And this show does just that. Here’s to living the dream.
We’re diving into the real-life questions that make or break your days (and nights):
How do I talk to my patients without sounding like a robot—or losing my mind?
What’s the trick to managing my team when everyone’s running on fumes?
Can I actually improve patient satisfaction without selling my soul?
Why does work stress show up at home, and how do I fix it?
How do I make extra cash and still sleep at night?
Burnout, moral injury… is there a way out?
What’s the secret to being a great leader—and not just the boss?
Do scrub colors really matter, and what’s with the eternal pager saga?
Oh, and we don’t shy away from the fun, messy stuff: getting stains out of your white coat, building a brand on social media, or figuring out if ditching the white coat altogether is the move.
This podcast is about being real—because medicine is hard, life is messy, and you deserve more than survival mode. Let’s laugh, learn, and figure out how to find the fulfillment you’ve been chasing.
Pull up a chair, put your stethoscope down, and let’s talk. You’re not alone in this.
Latest episodes

Apr 29, 2025 • 30min
EP459 - Healing the Planet: Climate-Conscious Healthcare with Dr. Sheetal Rao
Sponsored by: Set For LifeSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife____________Climate change is a growing health threat, and the healthcare sector contributes significantly, accounting for 8.5% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode, Dr. Sheetal Rao, fellowship-trained in climate and health policy, shares her journey from environmentalist to advocate for climate-conscious healthcare. She discusses how personal experiences, like basement flooding due to extreme weather, highlighted climate change as a social determinant of health.Dr. Rao explains how healthcare’s emissions stem from energy use, supply chains, and single-use plastics, offering practical solutions like energy-efficient practices, sustainable food options, and composting to reduce the sector’s footprint without compromising patient care. She also provides bite-sized actions for healthcare professionals to channel climate anxiety into advocacy, emphasizing policy support and community engagement. Through her nonprofit, Nordson Green Earth, Dr. Rao works to increase tree canopy and green spaces in underserved Chicago communities, fostering health and biodiversity.Three Actionable Takeaways:Adopt Energy-Saving Practices: Turn off lights and monitors when not in use, use LED bulbs, and advocate for green building designs in hospitals to reduce energy consumption.Support Sustainable Policies: Vote for climate champions and support policies that make public transportation, biking, and walking safe and convenient to lower emissions.Engage in Community Action: Join or start a green team at your hospital, or participate in local initiatives like tree planting or composting to address climate injustice and improve community health.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. Sheetal Rao is an internal medicine physician at the University of Illinois Chicago, fellowship-trained in climate and health policy and community organizing. She founded Nordson Green Earth, a nonprofit focused on increasing tree canopy and green spaces in Chicago’s underserved communities. Dr. Rao serves on the American Hospital Association’s Climate and Community Health Technical Expert Panel and the steering committee of Illinois Clinicians for Climate Action, advocating for sustainable healthcare practices.Website: https://hospital.uillinois.edu/find-a-doctor/sheetal-raoLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/sheetalkhedraoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheetalkrao_md?igsh=bTBnbHk0OGNyem5yAbout the Host:Dr. Bradley Block – 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 physiciansWant 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.

Apr 29, 2025 • 30min
EP458 - Changemaking in Healthcare Through the Eyes of Dr Andrea Austin in Iraq
Sponsored by: Set for LifeSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_______________When physicians feel overwhelmed by a broken healthcare system, becoming a changemaker can be the key to rediscovering purpose and combating burnout. In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Andrea Austin, an emergency medicine physician, director of healthcare modeling and simulation certification at the Naval Postgraduate School, and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare. Drawing from her book, Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline, Dr. Austin shares her journey from burnout to impactful change, including her experience using simulation training in a warzone trauma bay in Iraq. The conversation dives into what it means to be a changemaker—someone who drives change with society’s good in mind—and how physicians can start small to make a big impact. From addressing patient safety issues to building coalitions, this episode offers practical strategies for physicians to reclaim agency and thrive.Three Actionable Takeaways:Start Small with Purpose – Identify one issue that frustrates you, like missing supplies in the ER, and take a small step to address it, such as raising it at a staff meeting or collaborating with a nurse to improve processes.Build Relationships for Change – Invest in relationships with colleagues and administrators through casual conversations to foster trust and create stronger coalitions for lasting change.Prioritize Personal Transformation – Dedicate 10-20% of your time to meaningful work that energizes you, like a patient safety project, to reduce burnout and fuel your changemaking efforts.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. Andrea Austin is an emergency medicine physician, director of healthcare modeling and simulation certification at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and works with Southwest Healthcare. She hosts the podcast Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare and authored Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline, which offers insights on overcoming burnout and thriving in healthcare. Her work focuses on empowering physicians to drive meaningful change through personal transformation and collective action.Website: www.andreaaustinmd.com LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/andreaaustinmd 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 physiciansWant 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.

Apr 22, 2025 • 28min
EP457 - Leadership Lessons from the Exam Room to the Boardroom
This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life InsuranceSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife__________Leadership isn’t just a title, it’s a mindset physicians need to embrace to shape the future of healthcare. In this episode, Dr. MinhTri Nguyen explains how physicians can leverage their inherent skills to become great leaders. From filling leadership voids in high-stakes moments like a code to mastering emotional intelligence in the exam room and beyond, Dr. Nguyen shares actionable insights on adapting, delegating, and inspiring teams. He also explores why physicians must reclaim leadership roles to drive meaningful change in healthcare, offering practical advice for doctors at any career stage.Three Actionable Takeaways:Fill the Leadership Void: Step up in moments of uncertainty, like during a code, and adapt until a more experienced leader arrives—physicians are trained to act decisively.Master Emotional Intelligence: Recognize and manage your emotions and those of others to build trust, improve patient outcomes, and reduce burnout.Delegate to Amplify Efficiency: Use leadership skills to delegate effectively, freeing up time for patient care or personal life while empowering your team.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. MinhTri Nguyen is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Stanford University. Previously, he served as medical director of the Internal Medicine Clinic at Metro Health Systems and president of the House Officers Association at Case Western. Named one of Northeast Ohio’s Top 25 Under 35, Dr. Nguyen is passionate about physician leadership and emotional intelligence, drawing from his extensive training in human behavior and team dynamics.LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/minhtri-nguyen-8bb6541abAbout the Host:Dr. Bradley Block – 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 physiciansWant 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.

Apr 22, 2025 • 28min
EP456 - Elder Care Essentials: Tough Talks and Legal Prep with Kathleen McGuinness
This episode is sponsored by: Set For LifeSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife______As physicians reach mid- and late-career stages, many face the challenge of managing medical issues for their aging parents. In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block interviews Kathleen McGuinness, who shares insights from her personal experience caring for her parents and husband. Kathleen offers effective strategies for navigating legal documents such as wills and medical power of attorney, initiating difficult conversations about care, and using technology to stay connected.She also addresses sibling dynamics, cognitive decline, mental health, and medication compliance, providing actionable insights for physicians balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Whether you’re dealing with multi-generational care or geographic distance, this episode equips you with tools to support aging loved ones effectively.Three Actionable Takeaways:Prepare Legal Documents Early: Ensure aging parents have a will, durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, advanced healthcare directive, and HIPAA release form in place while they’re still healthy to avoid complications later.Use Technology for Connection and Care: Leverage tools like Alexa for reminders, CareZone for medication tracking, and CaringBridge to share updates with family, reducing the burden of care coordination.Involve Professionals for Tough Conversations: Engage a geriatric care manager or social worker to navigate discussions about moving to assisted living or managing cognitive decline, minimizing family power dynamics.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:Kathleen McGuinness is a certified dementia practitioner, senior home safety specialist, and end-of-life specialist. As the head of a home care company and a commissioner on the Montgomery County Commission on Aging, she brings decades of experience supporting families through the complexities of elder care. Her personal journey as a caregiver for her aging parents and husband informs her empathetic and practical approach.Contact Kathleen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmcguinness/Email: km7720@gmail.comAbout 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.

Apr 15, 2025 • 27min
EP455 - Dr. Timothy Gilligan shares how to build trust in critical medical conversations (Part 2)
This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life InsuranceSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_________In this continuation of an insightful two-part series, Dr. Bradley Block dives deeper with Dr. Timothy Gilligan, a medical oncologist and president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare. Dr. Gilligan shares proven methods for teaching communication to resistant attendings, using peer-to-peer learning and “rolling with resistance” to encourage growth. Drawing from the ASCO Patient-Clinician Communication Guidelines, he emphasizes mastering simple basics like listening and showing care. Dr. Gilligan also tackles empathy versus compassion, advocating for imagining patients’ perspectives while maintaining boundaries to prevent burnout. With compelling stories and practical tips, this episode equips physicians to enhance their practice and find balance.Three Actionable Takeaways:Embrace Resistance in Teaching: Validate resistant physicians’ concerns and use peer stories to demonstrate that communication skills improve with practice, like building muscle memory.Master the Basics: Apply ASCO Guidelines by prioritizing listening, eye contact, and expressing care—simple steps that drive better patient outcomes without complexity.Empathy with Limits: Imagine patients’ experiences to deliver compassionate care, but set professional boundaries and recharge with activities like tennis to stay resilient.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. Timothy Gilligan is an associate professor of medicine and medical oncologist specializing in urological malignancies at the Cleveland Clinic, where he serves as Associate Director of the Communication Skills course. As president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, he leads efforts to improve healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan co-edited Communication, the Cleveland Clinic Way, and focuses on educational interventions for allyship, microaggressions, and anti-racist culture as the DEI officer for GME at Cleveland Clinic.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygilliganmdWebsite: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Timothy-Gilligan 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 Mail to: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.

Apr 15, 2025 • 33min
EP454 - Dr. Timothy Gilligan shares how to build trust in critical medical conversations (Part 1)
This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life InsuranceSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife______How can physicians communicate better to build trust and improve patient outcomes? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Timothy Gilligan to explore the art and science of healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan shares compelling stories, like convincing a patient with testicular cancer to accept treatment by focusing on their identity, and offers actionable techniques for flattening hierarchies, delivering bad news, and teaching communication skills to seasoned attendings. From the SPIKES protocol to staying present in tough moments, this episode is packed with strategies to enhance empathy, earn trust, and navigate challenging conversations—no matter where you are in your career.Three Actionable Takeaways:Listen First to Build Trust: Start patient encounters by asking, “What have other doctors told you?” to understand their perspective and show you value their story, fostering trust before sharing medical details.Use the SPIKES Protocol for Bad News: Ensure the right setting, gain permission, assess patient knowledge, deliver clear information, respond with empathy, and summarize next steps to guide tough conversations effectively.Reset Between Patients: Take 5-10 seconds to breathe and ground yourself before entering a room to stay present and avoid carrying emotional baggage from prior encounters.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. Timothy Gilligan is an associate professor of medicine and medical oncologist specializing in urological malignancies at the Cleveland Clinic, where he serves as Associate Director of the Communication Skills course. As president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, he leads efforts to improve healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan co-edited Communication, the Cleveland Clinic Way, and focuses on educational interventions for allyship, microaggressions, and anti-racist culture as the DEI officer for GME at Cleveland Clinic.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygilliganmdAbout 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 (mailto:brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com) or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter healthcare communication, physician-patient trust, delivering bad news, SPIKES protocol, empathy in medicine, building trust with patients, communication skills training, flattening hierarchy in healthcare, Cleveland Clinic communication, Dr. Timothy Gilligan
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.

Apr 8, 2025 • 28min
EP453 - Disability and Life Insurance: What Physicians Need to Know with
This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life InsuranceSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_______What happens if an injury or illness stops you from practicing medicine? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Jamie Fleischner to explore how physicians can protect their financial stability with disability and life insurance. With over 30 years of experience, Jamie shares actionable insights for mid-career doctors reassessing their coverage, from navigating group policies to calculating life insurance needs for a non-breadwinner spouse. They discuss when to update policies (hint: every major life event), the pitfalls of relying solely on group coverage, and strategies to optimize premiums without sacrificing security. Whether you’re a resident or nearing retirement, this episode offers practical steps to ensure your income and family are safe no matter what life throws at you.Three Actionable Takeaways:Reassess Every Three Years or After Life Events: Review your disability and life insurance at least every three years or after major changes like marriage, kids, or a new job to ensure coverage matches your current needs.Supplement Group Policies: Add an individual disability policy for portability and “own occupation” protection—group plans often cap benefits and don’t cover specialty-specific disabilities.Calculate Life Insurance: For a spouse, estimate monthly replacement costs (e.g., childcare, household help)—$1 million in coverage yields about $4,000/month—and set the term until kids are independent.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:Jamie Fleischner is the founder and president of Set for Life Insurance, a company dedicated to helping physicians secure disability and life insurance since 1993. With over 30 years of experience, she has worked with more than 30,000 doctors across the country, offering tailored solutions like Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) disability insurance. Inspired by her personal experience caring for her mother during a double lung transplant, Jamie is passionate about ensuring physicians protect their income and financial stability.Set for Life : https://www.setforlifeinsurance.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.

Apr 8, 2025 • 32min
EP452 - Lucid Dreaming for Mental Health: Techniques and Benefits
This episode is sponsored by: Set For LifeSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife______What if you could control your dreams? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Kristen LaMarca to explore the world of lucid dreaming where you recognize you’re dreaming and take the reins. Dr. LaMarca shares her personal journey with lucid dreaming, from overcoming sleep paralysis to using it as a creative tool, and explains how it can transform mental health. They discuss practical techniques to induce lucid dreams, the science behind its benefits (like treating nightmares and boosting creativity), and common myths—like the idea that it ruins sleep quality. With actionable tips and real-world applications, this episode is a must-listen for physicians looking to enhance their own well-being or help patients tackle sleep-related challenges.Three Actionable Takeaways:Start with Dream Recall: Keep a dream journal or voice memo right after waking to improve memory of your dreams—step one to becoming lucid.Spot Dream Signs: Look for recurring, impossible, or improbable elements in your dreams (like driving from the backseat) and rehearse recognizing them to trigger lucidity.Stabilize the Dream: If you become lucid but start waking up, stay calm, rub your hands, or spin your dream body to stay in the dream state longer. 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. Kristen LaMarca, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine expert, specializing in applied psychophysiology. With a BA from Marquette University and advanced degrees from the California School of Professional Psychology, she’s a published author and scientific reviewer. She excels with complex cases because she is known for creative interventions, empathy, and evidence-based therapies like CBT and mindfulness.Website: https://www.luciditysleeppsych.com/kristen-lamarca-phdmindfulluciddreaming.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulluciddreaming/?hl=enAbout 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 (mailto: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.

Apr 1, 2025 • 24min
EP451 - Exploring Medical Curiosity with Dr. Anthony Breu
This episode is sponsored by: Set For LifeSet for Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife._______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: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.Challenge Medical Assumptions: Don’t assume elevated lactate means hypoperfusion—consider beta-2 agonists like albuterol as a cause to avoid unnecessary treatments.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.

Apr 1, 2025 • 29min
EP450 - How Doctors Can Improve Patient Conversations with Dr. Todd Wolynn (Part 2)
This episode is sponsored by: Set For LifeSet for Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife.______In the continuation of their conversation, Dr. Todd Wolynn and Dr. Bradley Block explore effective strategies for medical communication, focusing on the AIMS Method—Announce, Inquire, Mirror, and Secure. Originally designed for vaccine communication, this framework applies to any healthcare discussion requiring confidence, empathy, and patient trust.Dr. Wolynn breaks down how physicians can make strong, evidence-based recommendations while addressing patient concerns without alienation or confrontation. He shares how mirroring patient worries, expressing empathy, and reinforcing trust can transform difficult conversations, particularly when battling misinformation. They also discuss how healthcare professionals can leverage digital tools and behavioral science to counteract the increasing polarization in medicine.With practical examples and engaging insights, this episode equips physicians with tools to improve patient adherence, maintain credibility, and foster long-term relationships in an era of skepticism and digital noise.Three Actionable Takeaways:Use the AIMS Method for effective communication: Announce your recommendation, Inquire about concerns, Mirror patient fears to show understanding, and Secure the relationship, even if they’re not ready to act.Combat misinformation with empathy, not data overload: Patients make decisions based on emotion—validating fears first helps open the door to fact-based discussions.Leverage digital platforms to reach patients beyond the exam room: Social media, websites, and video content help physicians scale their message and maintain patient trust.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. Todd Wolynn is a pediatrician and the Executive Director of the Trusted Messenger Program at the Public Good Projects. Formerly the CEO of Kids Plus Pediatrics, he specializes in training healthcare professionals in communication best practices to improve patient outcomes.Website: https://www.publicgoodprojects.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddwolynn/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.