Knock Knock, Hi! with the Glaucomfleckens

In this episode we tackle the frustrating redundancies in medical paperwork to the historic Providence Health strike in Oregon, where nurses and physicians joined forces to demand safer staffing levels. We then explore the lighter side of healthcare with reflections on my early days as a Gomer Blog writer and how my comedy has evolved. Takeaways: Insurance companies often shift blame to doctors fo...

In this episode I dive into the fascinating world of Ortho-K lenses—special contact lenses that reshape the cornea overnight to correct vision without the need for daytime glasses or contacts. I discuss the pros and cons of this vision correction method, who it’s best suited for, and potential risks. I also covers the dangers of contaminated eye drops due to recent recalls, the ongoing hospital st...

In this episode we tackle several hot-button healthcare topics including how insurance companies often shift blame to doctors (and avoid accountability) for rising healthcare costs and dive into the complexities of physician compensation. We also take a deep dive into the ethics of humor in healthcare, reflecting on a viral TikTok video that generated both praise and criticism. Takeaways: Insuranc...

In this episode I tackle the fascinating eye questions you've had for me. I explore the debate over castor oil for dry eye treatment, share a wild cataract surgery story involving a rock-hard lens, and answers questions about anisocoria and optic disc drusen. Takeaways: The Risks of Nevus of Ota: Dr. Flanary explains how this rare pigmentation condition, seen in Daniela Ruah, increases the risks o...

In this episode, Dr. Max Jordan Nguemeni, a general internal medicine physician and health policy advocate, joins to discuss the growing wave of physician unionization. Dr. Nguemeni shares his experiences leading union efforts among residents and the challenges they face, from misinformation campaigns to structural barriers within hospitals. We also explore the generational divide among physicians...

In this episode I answer viewer questions about eye care, including when LASIK is worth it and when to skip it. I also dive into the eye conditions I can diagnose just by looking at someone, from ptosis to third nerve palsy, and reflect on the challenges patients with disabilities face during eye exams. Lastly, I get into all the equipment and machines we use in the eye doctor's office! Takeaways:...

In this episode we look through the lens of some of my iconic characters. What happens when the Neurologist tries to fix an internet outage or when the Anesthesiologist tackles modern math homework? How would the Internal Medicine Doctor handle a clogged toilet? We explore these hilariously relatable scenarios while sharing their real-life experiences as parents navigating daily chaos. Takeaways:...

Team Glauc Flock presents: "How to be Patient" a new podcast we're producing hosted by Dr. Preston Roche! New episodes are up now! You can subscribe to "How to Be Patient" wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube. Can’t wait to hear what you think! Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/4a9yVTW Spotify: https://bit.ly/4h05RAg YouTube: https://bit.ly/3W3Fp0M Online: www.howtobepatientpod.com Want to joi...

In this episode I answer some of the most frequently asked—and occasionally bizarre—questions I get as an ophthalmologist. From whether chlamydia can spread from the eyes to the genitals, to why you should never rub your eyes too hard, I dive into everyday eye concerns with humor and expertise. Takeaways: Pink Eye vs. Conjunctivitis: Pink eye is a lay term often used for infectious conjunctivitis,...

In this episode we delve into the personal and challenging world of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) with guest Andrew Luber, known online as ARFID Andrew. Kristin shares her own experiences living with ARFID, including how it has shaped her relationship with food, social dynamics, and self-perception. Andrew adds his unique perspective, sharing his journey of trying new foods whi...

In this episode I talk about the cutting-edge world of bionic eye technology, diving into how devices like the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis are helping patients with retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration regain rudimentary vision. Alongside this futuristic topic, I also reflect on the challenges of practicing in the ICU as a young intern and the complexities of addressing patien...

In this episode we bring another Ophthalmologist into the mix with Dr. Andrew Lam, a retina surgeon, professor, and acclaimed author. We explore the intricate details of retina surgery, including magnets used for extracting metal from the eye and the resilience of the human body in recovering from trauma. Dr. Lam shares his journey from growing up with a cardiologist father to combining his love f...

In this episode I cover a wide range of topics, including a detailed breakdown of the subspecialties in ophthalmology. From the most common fields like cataract and refractive surgery to the rare gems of neuro-ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology, I explain what each specialty focuses on and why some are harder to find than others. I also discuss the importance of getting a second opinion for...

In this episode we welcome Dr. Humie, a dentist and TikTok content creator, to discuss the challenges and humor of dentistry. Dr. Humie shares his approach to creating high-quality, hilarious videos on a smartphone, involving his office staff to showcase the lighter side of dental care. We dive into topics like dental phobias, if the dentist chair should be scary, patient anxieties, and the innova...

In this episode I a take a look into the systemic issues plaguing U.S. healthcare. Reflecting on the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder and the public backlash, I unpack common misconceptions about physician compensation and healthcare costs. I also highlight why blaming doctors for rising expenses is misguided and sheds light on where the real money is going. Takeaways: Who’s to Blame for Healthcare Cos...

We were thrilled to wrap up our life-changing “Wife & Death” 2024 tour at the Chicago Improv last weekend. That evening in a sold-out room with fans, friends, and family it felt important to talk about some of the feelings and questions so many of us are working through these days. Regardless of how each of us chooses to process the UnitedHealthcare shooting… you, your patients, and your family de...

In this episode of swim over to a conversation wtih Dr. Andi Murez, an Olympic swimmer and psychiatry resident at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Murez shares her incredible journey from competing in three Olympics to starting her medical career, highlighting how her background in elite sports informs her interest in sports psychiatry and mental health advocacy. She discusses the mental preparation required...

In this episode I discuss my thoughts the shocking murder of United Healthcare’s CEO, Brian Thompson, and the complex emotions it has sparked on social media. I reflect on the power of advocacy versus violence in addressing systemic healthcare issues and explains the role of public outrage in driving legislative change. Alongside this, I answer engaging questions from fans about sclera discolorati...

In this episode we talk with Dr. Warris Bokhari and Julie Baak to tackle the complex world of insurance denials and patient advocacy. Dr. Bokhari shares his journey from working within the insurance industry to creating Claimable, a platform aimed at empowering patients to fight back against unfair denials. Julie Baak adds her expertise as a practice manager, highlighting the uphill battle of navi...

In this episode I dive into my list of the top five things I would never do as an ophthalmologist, from using Visine to playing with fireworks. I also explores the critical connection between nutrition and eye health, detailing how vitamin deficiencies like B1 and vitamin A can lead to conditions such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy and xerophthalmia.  Takeaways: Top 5 Things Ophthalmologists Avoid:...

In this episode we reflect on the realities of balancing work, marriage, and medicine. We tackle questions on work-life balance in healthcare, debating how different generations of doctors view medicine—as a calling versus a job. We also share personal anecdotes about how we navigate life as a couple working together while also managing a family, including funny moments about bickering, learning t...

In this episode I tackle a range of topics from an intriguing double vision case linked to thyroid eye disease to the unexpected announcement of Dr. Oz as the new Director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). I explore the controversy surrounding Dr. Oz’s appointment and what it could mean for the future of American healthcare. I also share stories from our Denver live show, inc...

In this episode we sit down with Lisa Schwartz—content creator, author, and new mom—as she shares her intense and unexpected experience with postpartum cardiomyopathy. Lisa opens up about the frightening health scare that struck shortly after her daughter’s birth, leading to heart failure and an extended hospital stay. Through humor and honesty, she recounts the warning signs she initially dismiss...

In this episode I share my jet-lagged reflections after speaking at the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative Symposium. As an ambassador for the initiative, I discuss the fight against diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes, and the ongoing advancements in diagnostics and treatments. I also address your questions, including the challenges of astigmatism, t...

In this milestone 100th episode of Knock Knock Hi, we celebrate with laughter, personal stories, and a nostalgic look back at our journey together. We reflect on the highs and lows of creating a podcast, from navigating the challenges of working as a couple to taking about our live show on tour and learning about healthcare policy. I share tales of my Texas football days, complete with Pokemon bre...