Episode 13: Abuse in Healthcare: The Hidden Reality Every Medical Worker Faces

In this episode of Out of Network, Dr. Ryon Parker and Dr. Rishi Seth tackle a topic most people never see but every healthcare worker knows too well—abuse inside the medical system. From physical assaults and verbal attacks to intimidation and impossible expectations, they break down the shocking reality that nurses, doctors, and staff face daily. This isn't about rare incidents; it's about systemic abuse happening in hospitals and clinics nationwide, and what needs to change to make healthcare feel human again.

What You'll Learn

• The staggering statistics: 52% of ER nurses report physical violence, and 1 in 7 physicians have been physically assaulted by patients or families
• How to distinguish between patients who are genuinely confused/delirious versus those with manipulative agendas
• When and how healthcare providers can legally terminate difficult patient relationships without abandonment charges
• Why the "customer is always right" mentality is destroying healthcare and what leaders can do instead

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: The hidden abuse crisis in healthcare

03:00 – Physical violence against healthcare workers: real stories from the frontlines

10:00 – Patient abandonment laws vs. provider safety: where's the line?

17:00 – The review system dilemma: when bad patients leave bad reviews

24:00 – Why healthcare violence is escalating and what's driving patient frustration

27:00 – Closing thoughts: stopping the normalization of abuse

About the Violence Crisis

Recent studies show that healthcare workers face violence at alarming rates, with 42 states now working to make violence against healthcare workers a felony. The Buffalo, Minnesota mass shooting by a disgruntled patient serves as a tragic reminder of how serious this crisis has become.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Emergency Nurses Association 2024 workplace violence study: https://www.ena.org/news-publications/newsroom/emergency-nurses-association-launches-new-study-workplace-violence
• JAMA physician assault survey: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9707179/
• "From Worst to First" by Gordon Bethune (Continental Airlines customer service philosophy): https://www.amazon.com/Worst-First-Continentals-Remarkable-Comeback/dp/0471356522
• Nurse Blake's social media advocacy for safe staffing

Connect with Out of Network

Website: https://www.outofnetworkpod.com/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutofNetworkPodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@outofnetworkpodcast

Connect with the Hosts

Parker Medical - Las Vegas, NV → https://bit.ly/parkermedical

Dr. Ryon Parker → https://www.instagram.com/dr.ryonparker/

Seth Premiere Medical - Tampa, FL → https://bit.ly/sethpremiere

Dr. Rishi Seth → https://www.instagram.com/drrishiseth/

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