

Succeed in Medicine
Bradley B. Block, MD, Doctor Podcast Network
Was your training enough to handle everything physician life demands? From lawsuits to leadership, career decisions to challenging conversations, balancing the personal with the professional — not enough was addressed in medical school, residency or fellowship.
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, immediately-applicable advice.
You don’t need another certification. You need a podcast that covers personal finance, private practice, side-gigs, main-gigs, reacting to bad reviews, misinformation, social media, charting, parenting, communicating, negotiating, leading, managing, teaching, learning and what to do when someone yells, “Is there a doctor on board?”
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, immediately-applicable advice.
You don’t need another certification. You need a podcast that covers personal finance, private practice, side-gigs, main-gigs, reacting to bad reviews, misinformation, social media, charting, parenting, communicating, negotiating, leading, managing, teaching, learning and what to do when someone yells, “Is there a doctor on board?”
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 18, 2024 • 33min
The Role of Unions in Modern Medicine
—- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Pattern Life. Protect what matters most today. Disability insurance simplified. —- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Physician Growth Accelerator. Your practice is busy, but not with ideal patients. Build your strategy today. —- 👋 Dr. Block hosts Dr. Barak Richman, a distinguished professor of law and business administration, to discuss the intricate world of healthcare unions. They explore the economic and legal aspects of unionization, its historical context, and its potential as a counterbalance to the increasing consolidation in healthcare. Dr. Richman highlights the need for creative solutions to restore physician autonomy and improve healthcare delivery, emphasizing the role unions could play in this transformation. Bio Dr. Barak Richman is the Catherine T. Bartlett Professor of Law and Business Administration at Duke University. He will soon take on the role of Alexander Hamilton Professor of Business Law at George Washington University. With a JD from Harvard and a PhD from UC Berkeley, where he studied under Nobel laureate Oliver Williamson, Dr. Richman is a leading expert in the economics of contracting, antitrust law, and healthcare policy. He has testified before Congress and co-authored influential white papers on healthcare competition policy. His acclaimed book, "Stateless Commerce," was published by Harvard University Press in 2017. Did ya 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.

Jun 13, 2024 • 18min
SOLO SERIES: The Sticky Truth About Earwax
—- 👋 This episode is sponsored by Beginly Health-- not just a platform; they're a partner in your professional journey. Visit BeginlyHealth.com to start a conversation. —- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Physician Growth Accelerator. A private practice partner that helps you uncover and overcome business constraints in your practice. Isn’t it time your practice thrived? —- 👋 Dr. Block discusses the often overlooked subject of earwax and its impact on health. He explains the physiological role of earwax, dispels common myths, and provides valuable healthcare tips, particularly warning against the use of Q-tips. The episode is filled with practical advice for both healthcare professionals and the general public, stressing the importance of proper ear care and when to seek professional help. Episode Highlights: Function of Earwax: Earwax acts as a natural barrier, protecting the ear from dust, debris, and infections. Misuse of Q-tips: Dr. Block discusses how Q-tips can often do more harm than good, leading to impaction and irritation. Genetic Differences: Variations in earwax type between different ethnicities and what it means for personal ear care. Ear Pain Misdiagnosis: The importance of considering conditions like TMJ in cases of ear pain. Professional Cleaning Tips: Insights into professional methods for safely removing earwax and avoiding common pitfalls. Did ya 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.

Jun 12, 2024 • 35min
Dr. Una's Game-Changing Advice for Business Visibility
—- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Pattern Life. Protect what matters most today. Disability insurance simplified. —- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Physician Growth Accelerator. Your practice is busy, but not with ideal patients. Build your strategy today. —- 👋 Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, famously known as Dr. Una. They dive into her latest book, "The Visibility Formula: Taking Your Business From Best Kept Secret to Household Name." Dr. Una shares insights into why visibility is crucial for business success and offers practical strategies for getting noticed. They discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of having a clear message, and the necessity of playing the long game in marketing. Dr. Una also highlights the significance of repurposing content and building a supportive team. BIO Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, known as Dr. Una, is a board-certified pediatrician and the founder of EntreMD, a company dedicated to helping physicians build profitable businesses. Through the EntrezMD Business School and her top-rated podcast, Dr. Una empowers doctors to achieve financial freedom and autonomy. Her latest book, “The Visibility Formula,” offers practical strategies for increasing business visibility. Dr. Una’s company was featured on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing privately held companies in America. She resides near Atlanta with her husband and four children. HIGHLIGHTS 00:01:58 - Introduction of Dr. Una and her mission with EntreMD 00:03:25 - Dr. Una’s new book, “The Visibility Formula” 00:04:45 - Importance of visibility in business success 00:07:15 - Mindset shifts required for effective marketing 00:11:00 - Strategies for identifying and reaching the ideal client 00:14:00 - Importance of a clear call to action 00:16:50 - Playing the long game in visibility efforts 00:19:30 - Repurposing content for social media 00:21:45 - Building a team to support visibility efforts 00:27:40 - Interview tips and the process of hiring the right team members Did ya 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.

Jun 11, 2024 • 33min
How Watching Comedy Videos Can Prevent a Second Heart Attack
—- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Pattern Life. Protect what matters most today. Disability insurance simplified. —- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Physician Growth Accelerator. Your practice is busy, but not with ideal patients. Build your strategy today. —- 👋 Dr. Block hosts Professor Frank Chindamo, a comedy expert with a rich history in writing and producing for major networks like HBO, Showtime, and Comedy Central. Prof. Chindamo shares his journey from working on SNL and Ghostbusters to founding Laugh MD, an app dedicated to bringing humor to hospitals. They explore the science behind laughter's healing properties, discuss how doctors can use humor to enhance patient care, and provide practical tips for incorporating humor into medical practice. Prof. Chindamo emphasizes the importance of self-deprecating and positively-based humor while avoiding negative or competence-diminishing jokes. HIGHLIGHTS 01:27:214 - Frank’s inspiration for Laugh MD from personal experiences 02:45:682 - The beginnings of Fun Little Movies and mobile comedy 03:43:470 - Collecting data with Laugh MD app 04:14:130 - Types of videos on Laugh MD 05:17:006 - Using Laugh MD in waiting rooms 06:42:543 - Patients' feedback on Laugh MD 08:29:934 - How to use comedy in medical practice 10:08:430 - Tips for self-deprecating humor 12:18:738 - Avoiding negative-based humor 13:14:670 - Ensuring patients are not the butt of the joke 19:43:842 - Positive humor techniques 20:49:098 - Handling jokes that don’t land 23:32:302 - Prof. Chindamo's own doctor experiences 25:29:166 - Importance of humor in doctor-patient interactions 28:07:292 - Statistical evidence of humor's benefits in healthcare BIO Professor Frank Chindamo began his media career in comedy writing and production at Saturday Night Live (SNL) and as an assistant on the iconic film Ghostbusters. With over 30 awards for his comedy videos on HBO, Showtime, CBS, PBS, and Comedy Central, he launched the world’s first mobile comedy channel, which was featured on the front pages of Forbes, the LA Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. Frank is also a former adjunct professor at USC, UCLA, and Chapman University. He is a certified humor professional through the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor and the founder of LaughMD, an app bringing laughter to hospitals. Did ya 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.

Jun 6, 2024 • 33min
300K Followers and Counting, The Doctor Who Mastered Instagram
—- 👋 This episode is sponsored by Beginly Health-- not just a platform; they're a partner in your professional journey. Visit BeginlyHealth.com to start a conversation. —- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Physician Growth Accelerator. A private practice partner that helps you uncover and overcome business constraints in your practice. Isn’t it time your practice thrived? —- 👋 Dr. Block chats with Dr. Christina Sciavolino-Day, a seasoned internal medicine physician who transitioned from traditional practice to running a successful concierge practice in Southwest Florida. Dr. Day shares her journey of becoming an Instagram influencer with over 300,000 followers and how she leveraged her digital presence to create passive income and launch a coaching program. The discussion covers her strategies for content creation, the tools she uses, and the emotional connections she builds with her audience. Dr. Day also touches on the challenges of balancing her medical career with her social media activities and offers insights into targeting and engaging followers. BIO Dr. Christina Sciavolino-Day is a seasoned internal medicine physician who transitioned from traditional practice to running a successful concierge practice in Southwest Florida. With over 20 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Day ventured into the world of social media, starting the popular Instagram blog "Seize the Day with Dr. Day," which has amassed over 300,000 followers. Leveraging her digital presence, she launched coaching programs for weight loss and physician career growth. Dr. Day is passionate about helping others through her medical expertise and digital content, making her a notable figure in the intersection of healthcare and social media. Did ya 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.

Jun 5, 2024 • 36min
Lessons in Health IT from a Corporate Veteran
—- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Pattern Life. Protect what matters most today. Disability insurance simplified. —- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Physician Growth Accelerator. Your practice is busy, but not with ideal patients. Build your strategy today. —- 👋 Dr. George Mathew, an experienced internal medicine physician and current Chief Medical Officer at Datalys, joins Bradley Block to discuss his diverse career spanning corporate giants like GE, Goldman Sachs, Pfizer, and more. Dr. Mathew delves into his decision to pursue an MBA, his varied roles in digital health and AI, and the lessons he's learned from advising startups. He highlights the importance of embracing technology to drive healthcare innovation and shares personal stories that shaped his career choices. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the intersection of medicine, business, and technology, offering listeners valuable insights into non-traditional career paths for physicians. BIO Dr. George Mathew is an internal medicine physician with over 20 years of experience in corporate roles at top companies such as GE, Goldman Sachs, Pfizer, Aetna, and Hewlett Packard. He specializes in digital health and artificial intelligence applied to healthcare. Currently, Dr. Mathew serves as the Chief Medical Officer of North America at Datalys, a global health IT company providing solutions for clinical trials and care delivery. With an MBA from Duke's Health Sector Management program, Dr. Mathew brings a unique perspective on the integration of technology and business in healthcare. He is also an experienced advisor for startups, leveraging his extensive corporate and clinical background to drive healthcare innovation. KEY HIGHLIGHTS 04:10:255 - Advice for physicians considering an MBA today. 05:01:421 - Dr. Matthew's extensive job history and the reasons behind frequent career changes. 07:18:638 - Introduction to change management and its relevance in healthcare. 09:14:153 - Early career experiences at GE and Goldman Sachs. 11:12:558 - The significance of networking and connections from an MBA program. 13:18:215 - Dr. Matthew's return to clinical practice and its challenges. 17:03:694 - Realities of being on advisory boards and differentiating from board of directors roles. 20:59:726 - Organic opportunities and matchmaking services for advisory roles. 27:31:502 - The pressure and ethical challenges in finance compared to healthcare. 31:42:782 - What to expect from Dr. George Matthew's future podcast episodes. 32:28:782 - The role of technology in changing healthcare behaviors and business models. Did ya 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.

Jun 4, 2024 • 33min
What Airlines Don't Want You to Know About In-Flight Health Risks
—- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Pattern Life. Protect what matters most today. Disability insurance simplified. —- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Physician Growth Accelerator. Your practice is busy, but not with ideal patients. Build your strategy today. —- 👋 Dr. Block interviews Dr. Christian Martin-Gill, an expert in emergency medicine and in-flight medical emergencies, to discuss the frequency and management of medical crises on airplanes. Dr. Martin-Gill explains the common types of in-flight emergencies, the contents of onboard medical kits, the role of ground-based medical support, and the responsibilities of physicians and flight crews in such situations. BIO Dr. Christian Martin-Gill is the Chief of the Division of EMS and the EMS Fellowship Director at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he also serves as an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Martin-Gill is a medical command physician at the UPMC Medical Communication Center, StatMD, providing ground-based medical support for national and international commercial airlines. With extensive experience in managing in-flight emergencies, he has published a study on nearly 12,000 in-flight medical emergencies in the New England Journal of Medicine and authored a review article in JAMA on handling such crises. Dr. Martin-Gill is a leading expert in the field, contributing significantly to the safety and management of in-flight medical situations. KEY HIGHLIGHTS 00:01.076 - Introduction to the episode and Dr. Christian Martin-Gill. 00:57.043 - Statistics on the frequency of in-flight medical emergencies. 01:27.557 - Common types of in-flight medical emergencies. 04:19.013 - Role of ground-based medical support. 07:58.021 - Contents of FAA-regulated onboard medical kits. 14:10.597 - Process of contacting ground-based medical support. 18:41.541 - Legal protections for volunteer healthcare providers. 23:41.221 - Decision-making for flight diversions during medical emergencies. Did ya 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.

May 30, 2024 • 30min
Dr. NancyMD Reveals How to Stay Injury-Free After 40!
—- 👋 This episode is sponsored by Beginly Health-- not just a platform; they're a partner in your professional journey. Visit BeginlyHealth.com to start a conversation. —- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Physician Growth Accelerator. A private practice partner that helps you uncover and overcome business constraints in your practice. Isn’t it time your practice thrived? —- 👋 Dr. Bradley Block chats with Dr. Nancy Yen Shipley, orthopedic surgeon and host of The 6% with NancyMD podcast, about exercise for the aging physician. They discuss how physical fitness varies with age and provide practical advice for avoiding injuries. Nancy emphasizes the importance of balancing strength training, cardio, and flexibility. The conversation touches on specific exercises to avoid, the benefits of cross-training, and the significance of professional coaching. The episode is filled with humor and relatable anecdotes, making it an engaging listen for physicians and fitness enthusiasts alike. Bio Dr. Nancy Yen Shipley, known as NancyMD, is a board-certified sports fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Portland, Oregon. She hosts The 6% with NancyMD podcast, which highlights inspiring stories of women thriving in male-dominated fields. As a co-founder of Speak Up Ortho, she advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine. Nancy is a sought-after professional speaker, dedicated to helping others achieve their full potential. In this episode, she shares her expertise on exercise for aging physicians, offering practical tips and witty insights. Soundbites 00:01:662 - Introduction of Dr. Nancy Yen Shipley, orthopedic surgeon and podcast host. 00:57:21 - Discussion on the importance of exercise for aging physicians. 01:43:042 - Defining physical fitness across different ages. 03:40:682 - Bradley shares his personal experience with morning pain. 05:23:386 - Setting fitness goals based on daily activities. 08:13:086 - Bradley's experience with various injuries from different exercises. 10:48:062 - The importance of cross-training and maintaining proper form. 13:23:350 - Nancy's advice on avoiding high-risk exercises like overhead presses. 17:06:829 - Approval of pull-ups and the significance of form in avoiding injuries. 19:36:906 - Tips on running, footwear, and avoiding overuse injuries. 22:08:182 - Emphasizing balance, injury avoidance, and fighting against deterioration. 27:47:062 - The role of professional coaching in maintaining fitness. Did ya 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.

May 29, 2024 • 19min
Say Goodbye to Stressful Patient Encounters with This Formula!
—- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Pattern Life. Protect what matters most today. Disability insurance simplified. —- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Physician Growth Accelerator. A private practice partner that helps you uncover and overcome business constraints in your practice. Isn’t it time your practice thrived? In today's solo episode, we explore the art and science of managing challenging patient encounters and emphasize the importance of adopting a formulaic and methodical approach to patient interactions, similar to how we handle medical treatments. I discuss practical strategies to handle repetitive challenges, communicate effectively, and ensure patient satisfaction. Hopefully with this info, we can make office hours less stressful and more fulfilling for both doctors and patients. Did ya 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.

May 28, 2024 • 25min
The Hidden Benefits of Positive Psychology in Healthcare
—- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Pattern Life. Protect what matters most today. Disability insurance simplified. —- 👋 This episode is also sponsored by Physician Growth Accelerator. Your practice is busy, but not with ideal patients. Build your strategy today. Dr. Block interviews Dr. Jennifer Shaer, Chief Wellness Officer at Allied Physicians Group. They explore the role of a Chief Wellness Officer, the impact of positive psychology, and the challenges and strategies for enhancing physician wellness. Dr. Shaer shares insights into her work, including initiatives to improve workplace systems and the importance of developing a supportive culture. They also discuss the relevance of addressing learned helplessness among physicians and empowering them to thrive in their professional environment. Bio Dr. Jennifer Shaer is a board-certified pediatrician, international board-certified lactation consultant, certified executive and life coach, and Chief Wellness Officer at Allied Physicians Group. With a special interest in breastfeeding medicine and empowering parents and patients, she focuses on maximizing behavioral and emotional health. Dr. Shaer also hosts the podcast "Reinventing the White Coat," available on Spotify. Did ya 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.