Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians Podcast Por Bradley B. Block MD Doctor Podcast Network arte de portada

Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians

Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians

De: Bradley B. Block MD Doctor Podcast Network
Escúchala gratis

Was your medical education 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 medical podcast 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. This show is the physician mentor you didn’t realize you needed. 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 medical podcast that can be your physician mentor. It covers interpersonal skills, medical education, doctor personal finance, doctor charting, doctor careers, doctor mental health, physician soft skills, physician parenting, physician executive skills, medical decision making, medical professional development, physician side gigs, main gigs, reacting to bad reviews, misinformation, social media, negotiating and what to do when someone yells, “Is there a doctor on board?” Guests have included Lady Glaucomflecken Kristen Flanary, Matt Abrahams, PhD, Gita Pensa, MD, Nneka Unachukwu, MD, (Dr. Una) Amy Fogelman, MD, and Bapu Jena, MD, PhD. A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!Copyright 2018-2025, all rights reserved, Bradley B. Block, MD Desarrollo Personal Economía Enfermedades Físicas Exito Profesional Higiene y Vida Saludable Éxito Personal
Episodios
  • What Caregiving Taught this Physician about Physician Blind Spots with Heather Gatcombe, MD | EP512
    Apr 7 2026
    Being on the caregiver side of complex, rare disease care reveals critical gaps in our healthcare system, even for two physician parents with strong connections. In this powerful follow-up episode of Succeed In Medicine, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. Heather Gatcombe, as she recounts her family’s journey: her son’s initial metabolic stroke-like episodes at age 7, the five-year path to a definitive mitochondrial disease diagnosis (including a muscle biopsy and eventual identification of a pathogenic variant), sudden heart failure at age 11 during the COVID-19 pandemic, ECMO, LVAD placement, and successful heart transplant. She openly discusses the immense challenges of hospital discharge with an LVAD when no pediatric rehab would accept him, managing tube feeds and alarms at home without adequate home health support, and the frustration of subtle symptoms like throat clearing being overlooked as a sign of heart failure. Dr. Gatcombe also reflects on moments where she felt her family wasn’t fully heard, and the lasting impact of those experiences. Throughout the conversation, she shares how this journey has made her a more empathetic and effective clinician, particularly in communicating uncertainty, avoiding premature reassurance, listening to parental intuition, ensuring robust discharge planning with support services, and staying curious even when a diagnosis remains elusive. This episode offers practical lessons for all physicians on improving communication, supporting families through diagnostic uncertainty, preparing patients for safe transitions home, and the power of transparency and advocacy in rare disease care. Three Actionable Takeaways: Communicate uncertainty honestly and compassionately: When the diagnosis isn’t clear yet, be transparent about what you know and don’t know. Offer guidance on next steps, second opinions, and support resources rather than premature reassurance that may later need to be walked back.Prioritize discharge planning and support services: The transition from hospital to home is one of the most vulnerable periods. Ensure patients and families have home health, equipment (wheelchair, shower chair, etc.), dietician and nurse navigator follow-up, and clear instructions before discharge, especially for medically complex cases.Listen to patients and families as the experts on their own bodies: Parental intuition and lived experience matter. When a child or family member expresses concern, even if it seems outside the norm, take it seriously, investigate, and avoid dismissing it. Follow up after adverse events when possible to maintain trust. About the Show: Succeed In Medicine 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. Heather Gatcombe is a board-certified radiation oncologist at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and an Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She specializes in breast radiation oncology and serves as Vice Chair for Community and Belonging. As the mother of a child with mitochondrial disease who experienced metabolic strokes starting at age 7, progressing to heart failure and transplant, she is deeply committed to raising clinician awareness, reducing diagnostic delays, and advocating for patients and families. She serves on the Board of Trustees and the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board Clinical Training and Education Committee of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF). Website: https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/profiles/gatcombe-heather.php LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-gatcombe-md-3891875 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathergatcombe UMDF: https://umdf.org/about/board-trustees About 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 Succeed In Medicine 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 This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and ...
    Más Menos
    28 m
  • The DOJ is Being Weaponized against Gender-Affirming Physicians with Crystal Beal, DO, QueerDoc | EP511
    Mar 31 2026
    A subpoena from the Department of Justice isn’t just paperwork, it’s a powerful tool that can drain resources, intimidate providers, and threaten patient care. In this eye-opening episode of Succeed In Medicine, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. Crystal Beal, along with Adrian Levitt from the ACLU of Washington. In June 2025, Dr. Beal’s small private practice received one of over 20 identical DOJ subpoenas targeting providers of gender-affirming care for adolescents. While large institutions like Boston Children’s, Seattle Children’s, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also received subpoenas, the impact on a solo practitioner is uniquely daunting. Dr. Beal describes the anti-climactic moment the subpoena arrived via their accountant and the immediate decision to fight it with pro bono support from the ACLU, Arnold & Porter, and Perkins Coie. The conversation unpacks the broader context: the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Skrmetti, executive actions, funding cuts, and the federal government’s stated goal of ending gender-affirming care for minors. Adrian explains how the DOJ is using the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) in a novel way, traditionally applied to drug manufacturers, to investigate individual physicians. The subpoena demanded extensive records, including patient names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, training materials, and communications with pharmaceutical reps. Throughout the episode, they emphasize their ethical obligation as a physician to provide evidence-based, life-saving care and reflect on the deeper moral questions raised by this moment in history. Three Actionable Takeaways: Know your rights and secure legal support early: If you receive a government subpoena or face regulatory pressure, contact organizations like the ACLU or the Abortion Defense Network immediately. Do not assume you must comply right away.Document and practice ethically, but prepare for scrutiny: Continue providing medically necessary, evidence-based care while understanding that political targeting of certain specialties is increasing. Build relationships with legal counsel before crises hit.Speak up and combat misinformation: Physicians have a unique platform in their communities. Learn about gender-affirming care if it’s within your scope, talk openly with colleagues and patients, and stand against efforts to criminalize or restrict legitimate medical practice. About the Show: Succeed In Medicine 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 Guests: Dr. Crystal Beal is a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Queer Doc, providing expert, individualized queer and gender-affirming medical care. A nonbinary femme with lived experience in the community, Dr. Beal has extensive training in sexual health, queer health, and gender-affirming care. They also offer continuing education on transgender medicine through QueerCME.com. Adrian Levitt is an attorney with the ACLU of Washington, specializing in protecting access to gender-affirming care and defending providers against government overreach. Website: QueerCME.com Queer Doc website: https://queerdoc.com About 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 Succeed In Medicine 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 This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • Don't Miss These Signs and Symptoms of Mitochondrial Disease with Heather Gatcombe, MD | EP510
    Mar 24 2026
    What if a patient’s multisystem symptoms, unexplained strokes, or exercise intolerance point to mitochondrial disease, but it takes 5–10 years and multiple specialists to confirm? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Bradley Block speaks with Dr. Heather Gatcombe. As both a physician and the mother of a son with mitochondrial disease, leading to metabolic strokes, heart failure, and transplant, Dr. Gatcombe shares her family’s journey, from a terrifying stroke-like episode at age 7, through years of uncertainty, negative initial genetic testing, muscle biopsy confirmation, and eventual identification of a novel nuclear DNA mutation. They explore the heterogeneity of primary mitochondrial diseases, why presentation ranges from infancy lethality to adult-onset fatigue, and key red flags: multisystem involvement, symptom worsening with metabolic stressors, and misdiagnoses like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or psychiatric conditions. The discussion covers workup, multidisciplinary care, perioperative risks, and treatment. They stress the power of early diagnosis: better empathy, treatment changes, support groups, and hope with new therapies in the pipeline. Clinicians in every specialty need awareness, especially anesthesiologists, surgeons, and hospitalists, to prevent crises. Three Actionable Takeaways: Spot the Warning Signs Early: Look for patients with symptoms in 3 or more organ systems, unexplained strokes or seizures, diabetes and hearing loss, brain lesions in basal ganglia, or symptoms that worsen with stress like fever, fasting, or surgery. Send them quickly to a geneticist or mitochondrial specialist for testing. Free options exist at umdf.orgProtect Patients During Surgery or Procedures: For anyone known to have mitochondrial disease, talk to their mitochondrial specialist first. Avoid long fasting, dehydration, or extreme temperatures. Some need IV glucose before procedures and special care with anesthesia or certain drugs to prevent a dangerous metabolic crisis.Learn More and Speed Up Diagnosis: Visit umdf.org for free doctor education (CME courses), patient support groups, and the latest on new treatments. Raising awareness helps cut the long wait for diagnosis, gives patients validation, better care, and access to emerging FDA-approved therapies. About the Show: Succeed In Medicine 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. Heather Gatcombe is a board-certified radiation oncologist at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and an Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She specializes in breast radiation oncology and serves as Vice Chair for Community and Belonging. As the mother of a child with mitochondrial disease who experienced metabolic strokes starting at age 7, progressing to heart failure and transplant, she is deeply committed to raising clinician awareness, reducing diagnostic delays, and advocating for patients and families. She serves on the Board of Trustees and the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board Clinical Training and Education Committee of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF). Website: https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/profiles/gatcombe-heather.php LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-gatcombe-md-3891875 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathergatcombe UMDF: https://umdf.org/about/board-trustees About 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 Succeed In Medicine 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 This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for ...
    Más Menos
    28 m
Todas las estrellas
Más relevante
Take a listen to get a high yield account of all the things you should know about the various medical specialties... from the experts in the field.

Great Podcast!

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Dr. Block and his eclectic cadre of guests bring together all the things we should have learned in medical school. I never miss an episode!

Don't Miss This One!

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.