The Interesting MD Podcast

From Carnival to the Four Seasons: what’s the real difference in cruise lines—and is luxury cruising actually worth it? Dr. Krystal Sodaitis, board-certified pediatrician and host of the Luxury Cruising podcast, joins Dr. Rob Beck on The Interesting MD to break it all down. They cover everything from cruise affordability and convenience to the VIP perks of luxury lines like Silversea and Seabourn. Dr. Sodaitis shares personal stories, industry insights, and practical tips for picking the right cruise based on your travel goals, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you’re a cruise skeptic or planning your next voyage, this episode will open your eyes to the joy of life at sea—and why travel might be one of the best medicines for burnout.   Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast  YouTube Link: The Interesting MD  Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/ Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

What do mountain rescue, space medicine, and filmmaking have in common? Dr. Howard Donner. In this episode of The Interesting MD, host Dr. Rob Beck talks with the high-altitude physician, pilot, and NASA consultant about his extraordinary path through wilderness medicine and beyond.   Dr. Donner shares how his love for adventure shaped his career, from guiding rivers and flying planes in Telluride to designing medical kits for astronauts. He opens up about imposter syndrome, career pivots, and the value of taking risks outside the traditional clinical path.   Perfect for anyone feeling stuck or burned out in medicine, this episode offers a bold reminder: your career can be as unconventional and exciting as you’re willing to make it.   Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast  YouTube Link: The Interesting MD  Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/ Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

In this episode of The Interesting MD, host Dr. Rob Beck chats with Dr. Mark Royer, ENT surgeon, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Specialty Locums. Dr. Royer shares how he and his wife (also an ENT) built a thriving private practice and launched two businesses while raising a family and chasing outdoor adventures.   They dive into the value of MBAs for doctors, avoiding burnout, keeping costs low, and growing methodically—not through social media hype or outside investors. Dr. Royer offers real, no-fluff advice on business, locums, and how to keep life fun along the way.   Whether you're a physician thinking about entrepreneurship or curious about the locums lifestyle, this episode offers insights, laughs, and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.   Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast  YouTube Link: The Interesting MD  Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/ Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

What do surgery and helicopter flying have in common? More than you think. 🛠️🚁 In this episode of The Interesting MD, Dr. Rob Beck catches up with Dr. Patrick Ryan, a surgeon and helicopter pilot, to explore how aviation became his passion—and how it helps him stay grounded (emotionally) while lifting off (literally).   Dr. Ryan walks listeners through the realities of helicopter training, from cost and licensing to emergency maneuvers like autorotation. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of learning to fly, teaching others, and preparing for helicopter tours over Nashville.   More than just a technical deep dive, this episode is a reminder of how powerful hobbies can be in preventing burnout and reconnecting with joy. A great listen for healthcare professionals—or anyone curious about what it takes to get airborne.   Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast  YouTube Link: The Interesting MD  Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/ Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com      

Josie Osborne, BC's Minister of Health, discusses her journey from biologist to healthcare leader and tackles the critical shortage of medical professionals in Canada. She shares details about British Columbia's new initiative to recruit U.S. doctors, including reducing licensing barriers and creating streamlined immigration pathways. Osborne emphasizes the importance of family medicine and rural care, and encourages American physicians to explore job opportunities while highlighting the appealing aspects of life in BC for medical families.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Paul Hertz, a physician based in North Vancouver and a leader in British Columbia's healthcare, shares his journey and insights into the differences between practicing medicine in the U.S. and Canada. He emphasizes the appeal of British Columbia's universal healthcare, the simplicity of the billing process, and the impressive work-life balance. Dr. Hertz also offers advice on navigating medical licensing and highlights the serene lifestyle and job opportunities for internists, painting a captivating picture of life as a doctor in Canada.

Dr. Mark James trains for emergencies—underwater at 250 feet deep. In this fascinating episode of The Interesting MD, he joins host Dr. Rob Beck to share his passion for technical diving and how it overlaps with his career in anesthesiology and intensive care. From cold-water dives in British Columbia to cave and wreck diving around the world, Dr. James offers insights into mixed gases, dive planning, and the human factors critical for staying safe—both underwater and in the hospital. He also shares how diving helped him build stronger family connections, especially during the pandemic, and offers tips for doctors who want to get started in scuba. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about high-performance teamwork, extreme hobbies, or the unexpected ways physicians find meaning outside of medicine. 🌊🎧   Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast  YouTube Link: The Interesting MD  Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/ Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

In this important episode of The Interesting MD, Dr. Rob Beck talks with Dr. Marcia Glass about the unseen struggles faced by women and minorities in medicine. They discuss imposter syndrome, bias in healthcare, and the added pressures women doctors face when juggling career and family. Dr. Glass shares powerful personal stories and highlights the role of mentorship in creating a more inclusive and supportive medical environment. If you're interested in health equity, medical culture, or supporting women in medicine—this episode is a must-listen. 🎧   Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast  YouTube Link: The Interesting MD  Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/ Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

What does it take to go solo in medicine? Dr. Patrick Ryan, a vascular surgeon, joins The Interesting MD to talk about his journey from a large surgical group to launching his own private practice. He and Dr. Rob Beck break down the business side of medicine, covering everything from setting up an office and managing finances to navigating insurance and hiring the right team. If you’re a doctor thinking about starting your own practice, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now! 🎧   Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast  YouTube Link: The Interesting MD  Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/ Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

How can triathlons help doctors manage stress? In this episode of The Interesting MD, Dr. Mallory Pullman joins Dr. Rob Beck to talk about how endurance sports provide an escape from the pressures of emergency medicine. She shares her journey from rowing to triathlons, the challenges of training while working full-time, and tips for physicians looking to balance hobbies with their careers. If you’re looking for inspiration to stay active, find balance, and prevent burnout—this episode is for you! 🎧   Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast  YouTube Link: The Interesting MD  Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/ Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com