The Interesting MD Podcast

Dr. Erica Howe knows what burnout feels like, and she’s on a mission to help other women physicians avoid it. In this episode of Interesting MD, Rob Beck sits down with the founder of the Women Physicians Wellness Conference to talk about career pivots, entrepreneurship, and why community matters more than ever.   They dive into Dr. Howe’s journey from academic hospitalist to wellness advocate, th...

Burnout isn’t always obvious—sometimes it’s quiet, gradual, and devastating. Dr. Brett Cordes, otolaryngologist and founder of The Burnout Doc, joins host Dr. Rob Beck to share his journey through physician burnout, opiate addiction, and recovery.   In this raw, powerful conversation, Dr. Cordes reflects on the early warning signs of burnout, how his professional unhappiness turned into a five-yea...

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....

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...

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,...

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 c...

Thinking about practicing medicine in Canada? 🇨🇦 In this episode of The Interesting MD, Dr. Rob Beck talks with B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne about the province’s new initiative to recruit U.S.-trained physicians, especially those certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Osborne explains how B.C. is reducing licensing barriers, expanding medical training programs, and offering...

Thinking about making the move to Canada? 🍁 In this episode of The Interesting MD, host Rob Beck talks with Dr. Paul Hertz about practicing medicine under Canada's universal healthcare system and how it compares to life as a doctor in the U.S. They discuss differences in pay, work-life balance, billing, and why British Columbia is an attractive destination for physicians. Dr. Hertz also shares ti...

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 plann...

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 an...

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 th...

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’...

What’s it like to be a doctor in a war zone or disaster-stricken area? Dr. Marcia Glass joins The Interesting MD to share her experiences working with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in places like Haiti, Liberia, and the DRC. She and Dr. Rob Beck dive into the challenges of international medicine, the importance of adaptability, and how doctors can get involved in global health while balancing thei...

What does it take to build a healthcare startup? Travis Messina went from investment banking to founding Contessa Health and now leads Regent Surgical. In this episode of The Interesting MD, he chats with Dr. Rob Beck about launching a business, securing funding, and why doctors shouldn’t go solo in the startup world. If you’re curious about stepping into healthcare entrepreneurship—without leavin...

Medicine by day, flying by… whenever he can. Dr. Jeff Kerrie joins The Interesting MD to share how he became both a physician and a licensed pilot. He and Dr. Rob Beck dive into what it takes to get a pilot’s license, the cost, the training, and why flying is the ultimate escape from the pressures of medicine. From mountain flights to aviation medical clearances, this episode is all about passion,...

How do you go from treating patients to leading a hospital? Dr. Matthew Beuter, a former internist turned Chief Medical Officer, joins The Interesting MD to share how he made the leap into medical leadership. He and Dr. Rob Beck talk about climbing the ranks, whether an MBA is worth it, and how reducing admin overload can help prevent burnout. If you’ve ever thought about stepping into an executiv...

Ever wondered how a primary care doc ends up running the American Diabetes Association? Dr. John Anderson did just that. In this episode of The Interesting MD, he chats with Dr. Rob Beck about how getting involved in volunteer work, advisory boards, and industry collaborations helped shape his career. They break down why stepping outside clinic life—whether through leadership, education, or just s...

Welcome to The Interesting MD! In this pilot episode, host Dr. Rob Beck reconnects with his med school buddies, Dr. Aaron Fritts and Dr. Gopi Shah, to talk about why this podcast exists—because life as a doctor isn’t just about patient care. They dive into Rob’s journey from internal medicine to a fresh start in Victoria, the power of podcasts, and why hobbies matter for preventing burnout. Future...