DRIVE TIME DEBRIEF: A Physician Wellness Podcast with The Whole Physician

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra share their excitement over a glowing five-star review from Dr. Lauren Anderson, MD, and dive into a discussion on repairing relationships with adults, inspired by the Gottman Institute’s research. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - The Gottman Method: John and Julie Gottman’s robust research on marriage and relationships has provided a wealth of knowledge about what makes relationships work and fail. The hosts discuss the “Four Horsemen” of relationship conflict: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, and the importance of repair attempts to maintain healthy relationships. - Imperfect Relationships: Perfection isn’t the goal. Instead, it’s about how we manage the inevitable mistakes and miscommunications. The hosts explore the idea that 91% of the time, we’re miscommunicating or having hurt feelings, but what matters is how we make repairs. - Repair Attempts: The episode focuses on how to initiate and recognize repair attempts, whether it’s through a smile, kind words, or an action like holding hands. The key is creating a safe space to understand where your partner is coming from and to validate each other’s feelings. - Using I-Statements: Effective communication during conflict can often begin with “I” statements, like “I feel overwhelmed” or “I need a break,” which can help de-escalate a heated conversation and foster better understanding. - Bids for Connection: Learn how responding to small “bids” from your partner—like a comment about the weather or a request for attention—builds the foundation of a healthy relationship and strengthens emotional connection. - Building Friendship: The hosts emphasize that a solid friendship is the foundation of any healthy relationship. The Gottman Method’s “Sound Relationship House” model starts with nurturing fondness, admiration, and responding to your partner’s emotional needs. - Practical Applications for Work and Life: Although this episode focuses on intimate relationships, the principles of repair can also be applied to professional relationships, friendships, and family dynamics. Key Takeaways: - Relationships are built on moments of repair, not perfection.- Using gentle startups and I-statements can help diffuse conflict.- Bids for connection are important to strengthen the emotional bond in any relationship.- You can apply these repair techniques in both personal and professional settings. Special Mention: Dr. Lauren Anderson, MD, left us a wonderful five-star review, and it really made our day! Your feedback means the world to us, so please leave a review if you haven’t already. It helps other doctors find us and allows us to expand our ripple effect. Resources: Check out our new free video, *How to Crush Physician Burnout for Good Without Cutting Back Hours, Quitting Medicine, or Sucking It Up in Silence*. Scroll down in the show notes to find the link. Until Next Time: You are whole. You are a gift to medicine, and the work you do matters. Resources: https://www.gottman.com/blog/repair-secret-weapon-emotionally-connected-couples/ https://www.iecouplescounseling.com/blog/repair-attempts-preserve-relationship-conflict

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into a crucial relationship skill: making repairs after conflicts or emotional disconnections. Inspired by a TED Talk from clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy, also known as Dr. Becky, they discuss why repairs are vital, especially between parents and children, though the principles apply to all relationships. Learn how to move beyond surface-level apologies and create meaningful reconnections with loved ones. The hosts explore what happens when ruptures go unrepaired, the impact on children, and the long-term effects of self-blame and emotional isolation. They also provide actionable steps to repair relationships, starting with yourself and then moving to the other person involved, and how these repairs can shift the narrative around hurtful events. Throughout the conversation, Amanda and Laura share personal insights, examples, and humorous reflections, making this a relatable and insightful episode for parents and anyone seeking to deepen their relationships. Key Takeaways:What is Repair? Repair goes beyond saying “I’m sorry.” It’s about revisiting the moment of disconnection, taking responsibility, and acknowledging the impact of your actions. Why Apologies Aren’t Enough: Apologies can sometimes shut down the conversation, while a true repair opens it up and creates a space for reconnection. The Impact of Unrepaired Ruptures: Unrepaired moments can lead to emotional distress, and children often internalize blame, feeling unworthy or responsible for the rupture. Steps to Repair: 1. Repair with yourself: Separate your identity from the action—acknowledge you are a good parent or person who had a bad moment. 2. Repair with the other person: Describe what happened in objective terms, take responsibility, and express what you’ll do differently next time. 3. Acknowledge the other person’s emotions, especially if they felt scared or hurt. Repairing with Children: Teach kids how to express disappointment without being disrespectful. Modeling this behavior helps them grow into adults who take responsibility without spiraling into self-blame. It’s Never Too Late: Whether your child is young or grown, it’s never too late to start making repairs. Amanda and Laura share a powerful example of what it would feel like to receive an apology from your parents for moments of emotional distress in your childhood. Memorable Quotes:- "Ruptures are inevitable in relationships, but what matters is learning how to repair."- "It’s hard to help someone else when you’re hating yourself and not grounded in your own self-worth."- "Instead of blaming the other person, attempt to have a repair that increases your connection rather than drives you apart." Resources Mentioned:- Dr. Becky Kennedy’s TED Talk: *The Single Most Important Parenting Strategy* (Link in show notes)- Dr. Becky’s Good Inside Podcast and Parenting Membership (Link in show notes) Actionable Tip: Practice the art of repair by acknowledging your role in emotional ruptures, taking responsibility, and discussing what you'll do differently next time. This practice builds stronger, more resilient relationships. Connect with Us:- If you enjoyed this episode, please scroll down, give us five stars, and leave a review! It helps our ripple reach more people. Closing: “You are whole, you are a gift to medicine, and the work you do matters.”   Resources: TED Talk from Dr. Becky Kennedy https://goodinside.com  Got Burnout? Download our free training: "How to Crush Physician Burnout (for Good) without Cutting Back Hours, Quitting Medicine, or 'Sucking It Up' in Silence."

In this episode, the hosts welcome Dr. Andrea Austin, an emergency physician and advocate for physician well-being, to discuss her new book 'Revitalized'. The conversation explores themes of hyperfunctioning and underfunctioning in medical culture, the challenges of mental health in both military and medical settings, the importance of emotional check-ins, and the role of humor in coping with the stresses of the profession. Dr. Austin shares personal experiences and insights on navigating nihilism, pain, and resistance, emphasizing the need for a supportive healthcare culture that prioritizes well-being. Takeaways: Hyperfunctioning is a common coping strategy in medicine. Medical culture often equates mental health challenges with weakness. Emotional check-ins can help regulate stress and anxiety. Nihilism can be a dangerous mindset for healthcare professionals. Pain is a part of life, but suffering can be managed. Humor can be a coping mechanism but should be used wisely. External validation can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. The military and medical cultures share similar mental health challenges. It's important to allow oneself to feel emotions fully. Creating a supportive environment is crucial for physician well-being. keywords: physician well-being, mental health, hyperfunctioning, medical culture, humor in medicine, arrival fallacy, emotional intelligence, burnout, resilience, military experience Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Andrea Austin 02:51 Exploring Hyperfunctioning and Underfunctioning 07:41 Military and Medical Culture: Mental Health Challenges 12:10 The Importance of Emotional Check-Ins 14:52 Understanding Arrival Fallacy 20:01 Navigating Nihilism and Isolation 21:16 Pain, Resistance, and Suffering 25:40 The Role of Humor in Medicine 31:55 Conclusion and Book Promotion   Resources: Book-Revitalize at andreaaustinmd.com Arrival Fallacy Article Got Burnout? Download the free training: "How to Crush Physician Burnout (for Good) without Cutting Back Hours, Quitting Medicine, or 'Sucking It Up' in Silence."

In this episode, we dive into the last chapter of Dan Buettner's book, Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer, Lessons from the Healthiest Places on Earth. He addresses ways that we can make longevity-promoting behaviors automatic for us.  We discuss his suggestions for optimizing our homes, kitchens, and bedrooms for the greatest chance of success. Resource: Blue Zones Books Link to Networking Event  Got Burnout? Download the free training: "How to Crush Physician Burnout (for Good) without Cutting Back Hours, Quitting Medicine, or 'Sucking It Up' in Silence."

In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra discuss the alarming rate of physician suicide and the need for increased awareness and support. They share the story of Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician who tragically took her own life after working tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hosts explore the factors that contribute to physician suicide, including the stigma around mental health in the medical profession and the unique challenges faced by female physicians. They emphasize the importance of self-care, seeking help, and supporting colleagues in order to prevent physician suicide. keywords: physician suicide, suicide awareness, mental health, support, stigma, COVID-19, self-care, seeking help, colleagues takeaways Physician suicide is a significant issue, with over 400 physicians dying by suicide each year in the United States. The medical profession, especially emergency medicine, has one of the highest suicide rates among all specialties. Factors contributing to physician suicide include the stigma around mental health, overwhelming fatigue, and the pressure to prioritize work over personal well-being. Female physicians may be at higher risk due to the additional roles and responsibilities they often take on. It is crucial for physicians to prioritize self-care, seek help when needed, and support their colleagues in order to prevent suicide.   Sound Bites "Physician suicide is a significant issue" "The old school way of doing it is not working" "Women physicians might have an even higher rate of suicide than men" Chapters 00:00Introduction 00:42National Physician Suicide Awareness Day 03:06 The Story of Dr. Lorna Breen 06:05 The Fear of Seeking Help 08:05 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health 09:08 The Unique Challenges Faced by Female Physicians 11:02 Exploring the Higher Suicide Rate Among Women Physicians 17:10 The Pressure to Prioritize Work Over Personal Well-being 20:04 Prioritizing Self-Care and Seeking Help 28:03 Supporting Colleagues to Prevent Physician Suicide 33:33 Resources and Conclusion AI show notes are experimental. Did you find them useful? Resources: https://npsaday.org/  Physician Support Line 1-888-409-0141 Podcast with Michelle Chestovich

Creating Your Own Blue Zone – Food Guidelines for Longevity In this episode of the Blue Zones Book Club podcast, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive into practical ways to create your own Blue Zone with a focus on nutrition and lifestyle. They discuss key habits and food guidelines that help people in Blue Zones around the world live longer, healthier lives. From adopting a plant-based diet to eating less processed foods, the hosts share tips based on research from *The Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer* by Dan Buettner. Learn how small, intentional changes to your diet can promote health and longevity, inspired by the habits of Blue Zone communities. Key Topics Covered:- Blue Zones Recap: What are Blue Zones, and why do people in these regions live longer, healthier lives? - Food Guidelines: Recommendations from Blue Zones, including eating a 95% plant-based diet, choosing whole grains, and reducing sugar intake. - Beans, Nuts, and Dairy: Why beans and nuts are staples in Blue Zones, and how reducing dairy may benefit your health. - Eating Less Meat: The importance of eating meat sparingly and choosing fresh, unprocessed cuts. - Healthy Bread Choices: The benefits of sourdough and whole-grain bread over highly processed options. - Drinking Habits: How people in Blue Zones stick to coffee, tea, water, and wine—and why sugary drinks don’t make the list. - Bonus Tips: Stock up on frozen veggies, snack on nuts, slash sugar, and make whole foods a part of your daily routine. Notable Quotes:- “The goal isn’t to kill the joy of eating but to crowd out the junk from our diets.” - “People in Blue Zones tend to eat 20% less than Americans and make better food choices.” - “Keep fruits and veggies on hand, even frozen if fresh isn’t available.” - If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and give us 5 stars! Your feedback helps other listeners discover our show. - Are you attending ACEP in Las Vegas this September? Join us at our networking event at the Libertine Social Lounge in the Mandalay Bay on Monday, September 30th from 5-7 p.m. Click the link in the show notes to reserve your spot—tickets are limited! Thank You to Our Sponsor:A special thanks to our gold sponsor, Brault, for supporting this episode. Brault offers scalable services to support emergency medicine practices, from revenue cycle management to practice growth strategies—all under one umbrella. Links Mentioned in This Episode:   Blue Zones Books Link to Networking Event 

Summary In this episode, Amanda, Kendra and Laura discuss the Blue Zone of Okinawa and the factors that contribute to the longevity and health of its residents. They highlight the importance of finding purpose in life, following a plant-based diet, relying on social support networks, and staying active. They also mention the traditional foods of Okinawa, such as purple sweet potatoes and tofu, which are rich in nutrients. The hosts provide takeaways for listeners, including finding their own Ikigai, eating more soy, gardening, building social connections, and enjoying the sunshine. Keywords Blue Zone, Okinawa, longevity, health, purpose, plant-based diet, social support, active lifestyle, traditional foods, Ikigai, soy, gardening, social connections, sunshine Takeaways Find your Ikigai and have a sense of purpose in life.Follow a plant-based diet rich in vegetables, purple sweet potatoes, and tofu.Build social support networks and surround yourself with a committed social circle.Stay active by gardening, walking, and incorporating movement into daily activities.Get vitamin D from sunshine and activate your home environment.Include kitchen herbs like mugwort, ginger, and turmeric in your diet.Be interested and interesting, ask questions, and connect with others.Attend the ACEP conference in Las Vegas to connect with fellow physicians.Consider Brault as a scalable service to support your emergency medicine practice. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Okinawa and Blue Zones03:24 The Fading Blue Zone of Okinawa04:52 Ikigai and Finding Purpose in Life05:46 The Power of a Plant-Based Diet07:04 The Benefits of Soy-Rich Foods09:01 Gardening: A Path to Health and Happiness09:54 Building Social Networks and Support Systems11:43 The Importance of Sunlight and Vitamin D12:55 Staying Active and Aging Gracefully14:33 Harnessing the Power of Kitchen Herbs16:10 Being Interested and Interesting: The Key to Connection17:01 Closing Remarks and Event Announcement Resource: Blue Zones Books Link to Networking Event

Podcast Episode: Blue Zones Book Club – The Power Nine In this episode, we dive into the seventh installment of our Blue Zones Book Club, exploring the "Power Nine"—the nine habits identified by Dan Buettner in his book *The Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer Lessons from the Healthiest Places on Earth*. These habits, observed across five cultures on four continents, offer valuable insights into living a long, healthy life. As always, our discussion is purely educational and meant to offer nuggets of wisdom for your personal well-being. Key Points Discussed 1. Introduction to Blue Zones and the Power Nine: - Blue Zones are regions where people live significantly longer, healthier lives. These areas share common lifestyle habits that contribute to their residents' longevity. 2. Power Nine Habits: - Move Naturally: Incorporate movement into daily activities rather than relying on structured exercise routines. Examples include walking more, sitting on the ground, and engaging in daily chores that require physical activity. - Purpose: Having a clear sense of purpose can add up to seven years to your life. The hosts discuss how to identify and nurture your life’s purpose. - Downshift: Stress management through daily rituals like meditation, naps, and socializing. Simple practices like watching funny videos or writing thank-you notes can also help reduce stress. - 80% Rule: Eat until you’re 80% full, a practice common in Okinawa. Focus on mindful eating, using smaller plates, and consuming the largest meal in the middle of the day. - Plant Slant: Emphasize plant-based foods in your diet, including beans, vegetables, and nuts. Limit meat consumption to a few times per month. - Wine at 5: While most Blue Zones inhabitants enjoy moderate alcohol consumption, the hosts emphasize that this habit is likely more about socializing and relaxation rather than the alcohol itself. - Belong: Faith and community involvement are vital. Regular participation in faith-based or community activities can significantly extend your life expectancy. - Loved Ones First: Prioritize family relationships. The hosts highlight the importance of close family bonds and investing time in loved ones. - Right Tribe: Surround yourself with a supportive social circle. Your friends significantly influence your health and happiness, so choose wisely. 3. Practical Tips: - The hosts offer actionable steps for incorporating these habits into daily life, such as planning walking meetings, starting a meditation practice, and joining social groups. 4. Event Announcement: - Amanda, Kendra, and Laura will be attending the ACEP Scientific Assembly in Las Vegas this September. Join them for the second annual EM networking event at the Libertine Social Lounge in Mandalay Bay on Monday, September 30th, from 5 to 7 PM. Tickets are limited, so be sure to get yours soon! 5. Sponsor Shoutout: - A big thank you to Brault, a gold sponsor of the upcoming networking event. Brault offers scalable services to support emergency medicine practices, including RCM partnerships and business function management. - If you found this episode helpful, please rate us 5 out of 5 and leave a review. It helps other doctors find our podcast and extends our reach. - Don't forget to get your tickets for the EM networking event in Las Vegas. We look forward to seeing you there! - Remember, you are whole, you are a gift to medicine, and the work you do matters.   Resource: Blue Zones Books The Power of Purpose Link to Networking Event https://www.brault.us/

Blue Zones Book Club, Part 6 - Singapore Hosts: Amanda, Laura, and Kendra Episode Summary: In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive into the sixth installment of their Blue Zones book club, focusing on Singapore. Despite its urban environment, Singapore boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world, proving that longevity isn't limited to rural, pastoral lifestyles. The hosts explore how this small island nation has transformed its public health landscape and shares insights into the programs and policies that have contributed to its citizens' long, healthy lives. Key Takeaways: 1. Singapore's Transformation: - In 1960, the average life expectancy in Singapore was just 65 years. Today, it has risen to 84.7 years, with some citizens living even longer. - The country ranks number one in healthy life expectancy and has the world's lowest rate of cardiovascular mortality. 2. Health Initiatives: - Singapore has implemented various outreach programs, including health screenings, cooking classes, and nurse dispatch services to connect those living alone. - The National Steps Challenge incentivizes physical activity, rewarding citizens for logging 10,000 steps daily with health points redeemable for various goods and services. 3. Strict Laws: - Singapore is known for its strict laws, including severe penalties for drug possession and the prohibition of firearms. While some might view these as extreme, they contribute to the country's low crime rates and high levels of public trust. 4. Education and Social Structure: - Education is highly valued, with Singapore ranking number one internationally in math and science for several years. The nation also emphasizes a common language (English) and a mix of ethnicities within communities to promote tolerance and social cohesion. 5. Unusual Takeaways: - The hosts humorously critique the chapter's somewhat unconventional advice, such as choosing a safe neighborhood and focusing on financial success, which felt out of place compared to the rest of the Blue Zones book. Additional Notes: - If you are going to be at ACEP Scientific Assembly in Las Vegas, join us at the EM Networking event at the Libertine Social Lounge in Mandalay Bay on Monday, September 30th, from 5 to 7 PM. Tickets are available through the link in the show notes.- Sponsor Shoutout: Special thanks to Brault for sponsoring the event. Brault offers scalable services to support emergency medicine practices, providing everything from full-service RCM partnerships to business function management. Book and Resources: - Book Mentioned: "The Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer Lessons from the Healthiest Places on Earth" by Dan Buettner. - Netflix Series: If you prefer watching over reading, check out the Blue Zones series on Netflix. Thank you for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Until next time, take care of yourselves as well as you care for others. Blue Zones Books Link to Networking Event

Beloved past-president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Dr. Gillian Schmitz joins us to discuss an emergency department accreditation program that aims to address systemic problems and reduce burnout in emergency medicine. The program proposes different levels of accreditation based on criteria such as staffing, supervision, social work support, and patient care resources. The goal is to improve the practice environment and ensure physician-led care. Dr. Schmitz emphasizes the importance of physician involvement and advocacy in driving change and creating a better future for emergency medicine. She invites hospitals to participate in the pilot program and encourages physicians to provide feedback and support the initiative. Gillian Schmitz, MD, FACEP is a board certified Emergency Physician and Associate Professor in the Department of Military and Emergency Medicine at USUHS. She works clinically in the Emergency Department and serves as the Vice Chair of Education at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. She is a nationally renowned educator and leader, currently serving on the National Board of Directors for the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Within USUHS, Dr. Schmitz is the clerkship site director for SAMMC, the Program Director for the Advanced Life Support Program, and faculty for Bushmaster, ACME, and Gunpowder.Dr. Schmitz has served in numerous national leadership positions within the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and serves on the Board of Directors. She is a former Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, subcommittee Chair for the Medical Legal Committee, Chair for the Young Physicians Section, and former Board member for the Emergency Medicine Resident’s Association (EMRA). She has been a leader in the Government Services Chapter, serving as President from 2015-2016.Dr.Schmitz has also been involved with emergency medicine research and is a former Emergency Medicine Foundation and DoD research grant recipient, published author, and reviewer for several medical journals. Her research interest is wound care, skin infections, and infectious disease.Dr. Schmitz has received awards for her leadership roles including the prestigious National Mentorship Award, the National Early Career Faculty Award from the Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine (AWAEM), the Early Career Achievement Award from the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, and numerous teaching and mentoring awards from her residents and students. Keywords: emergency department accreditation, systemic problems, burnout, physician-led care, staffing, supervision, social work support, patient care resources, physician involvement, advocacy   Takeaways An emergency department accreditation program is being developed to address systemic problems and reduce burnout in emergency medicine. The program proposes different levels of accreditation based on criteria such as staffing, supervision, and social work support. Physician involvement and advocacy are crucial in driving change and improving the practice environment. Hospitals are invited to participate in the pilot program and provide feedback to help refine the accreditation standards. Sound Bites "80% of burnout stems from systemic problems" "Staffing and supervision are key differentiators in emergency department accreditation" "Physician wellness is a focus of the accreditation program" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:52 Emergency Department Accreditation Program 08:07 Criteria for Accreditation 12:06 Levels of Accreditation 15:54 Physician Involvement and Advocacy 23:03 Getting Involved and Providing Feedback https://www.acep.org/edap GillianMD@gmail.com