The Other Human in the Room

In this episode, I dive into the upcoming changes to the FHO funding model for family physicians in Ontario and explore how we respond to changes in ways that feel good to us. I talk about the mindset work that’s helped me navigate uncertainty, especially the importance of separating neutral facts from the thoughts we attach to them. I also share how I approached analyzing the new funding structur...

In this episode, I speak with Tony Chin-Quee, an otolaryngologist turned writer, about his journey from medicine to storytelling. We talk about the challenges of professional identity in healthcare, the process of writing a memoir, and lifting the curtain on medical television writing (including what it was like working on Grey's Anatomy!). Tony shares powerful insights on navigating the hidden cu...

In this conversation, I speak with Tara and Melissa, two brilliant occupational therapists who open up about the challenges faced by healthcare professionals—especially those navigating the system with ADHD. We talk about the hidden curriculum in medical education, how metrics can distort our sense of self-worth, and the vital role of community support. This conversation is a powerful reminder of...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Amjed Kadhim-Saleh about his journey as a family physician and the co-founder of Pippen AI — a tool designed to reduce burnout and improve patient care by integrating AI into clinical workflows. We explore the very real challenges we face in medicine, from administrative overload to emotional exhaustion, and how teamwork and smart technology might offer a path forw...

In this episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the past year—what’s unfolded personally and professionally, and what I’ve learned along the way. I share some big milestones, like launching Experiential Anatomy with Jamie Lee Finch, building new communities, navigating complex relationships, and experiencing real growth—financially, emotionally, and creatively. One of the themes that keeps comi...

I spoke with Dr. Tara Kiran about the insights she gained during her recent sabbatical, where she explored healthcare systems around the world. Together, we explored the financial realities that primary care providers face, the evolving roles of nurses, and innovative systems in countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Spain. This conversation left me inspired by what’s possible when we create...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Tyler Beauchamp, a pediatric resident whose path into medicine was shaped by his own experiences as a chronic patient. He shares candidly about how those early encounters with the healthcare system influenced his understanding of what it means to be a physician — and how some of his assumptions were challenged along the way. Together, we explore the intersection of...

In this episode, I speak with Dr Yelena Chorny about the challenges in healthcare, focusing on burnout, leadership during the pandemic, and the importance of personal growth. Yelena shares her journey from addiction medicine leadership to seeking new opportunities, touching on the emotional complexities of career transitions and the need for systemic change. We discuss the books that shaped her th...

This episode was recorded live on the scene of my very first restorative medical education retreat! Join me as I give you a tour around my very cosy and beautiful room in the Millcroft Inn & Spa. I wanted to capture my real time reflections and insights from this incredible experience and share them with you. The main message I couldn't stop thinking about was everything that happened that tur...

In this episode, Lauren Umstattd, a facial plastic surgeon who shares her journey through medical training, the challenges of surgical residency, and her experience in a toxic fellowship. Lauren emphasizes self-advocacy, respect in educational environments, and the complexities of filing complaints. We also touched on authenticity in professional identity and strategies for managing burnout in hea...

Effective feedback is a pivotal element in fostering growth and development within the healthcare profession, yet it remains a topic that many individuals approach with trepidation. In this episode, I engage in a profound dialogue with Dr. Paul Tran, a pediatric gastroenterologist and esteemed educator, who passionately advocates for the necessity of constructive feedback. Dr. Tran elucidates the...

In this episode, I reconnect with Dr Frances Mei Hardin, who shares her decision to leave medicine as an ENT surgeon. We talk about the impact of moral injury, the pressures of prestige in the medical field, and the vital role of self-reflection and therapy when facing life-changing choices. Frances Mei opens up about the difficulty of disappointing family and societal expectations, and how she’s...

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mel, who shared her journey from being an ENT surgeon to becoming a professional coach. We explore her difficult experiences in childhood and in medical training, and how coaching has helped her reclaim her sense of self-worth and empowerment. Mel introduced the concepts of black swans and red swans, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to recognize...

In this episode, I speak with Hannah and Chris, a married couple navigating the challenges of medical residency and parenthood. They share their journey from meeting during medical training to managing the complexities of Hannah's OB-GYN residency while balancing their relationship and impending parenthood. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, expectation management, and th...

In this episode, I discuss the detrimental effects of the culture of overworking in healthcare and present alternatives to the notion of 'pushing through.' I share practice strategies, personal experiences and insights on how these alternatives can lead to better recovery and sustainability in the healthcare profession. There's a reason I can't stop talking about the importance of recognizing your...

In this episode, I dive into the common fear of being judged by others while on my commute to work. I share some personal stories and tips on how to face and understand these fears. I talk about why it's so important to accept yourself and how being a bit disruptive can actually be a good thing. Through my reflections, I encourage everyone to embrace their flaws and remember that judgment is s...

Dr Bryan MacLeod and I discuss the importance of self-compassion in healthcare. Bryan shares his journey from experiencing cauda equina while working rural physician to recognizing the need for self-compassion when facing ongoing health challenges. We explore the three pillars of self-compassion—mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness—and highlight the cultural challenges in healthcare reg...

Get ready for a full nerding out in this episode! I discovered the concept "Time Needed to Treat" and NEEDED to share the original article that it came from with all of you fair healthcare humans. It is always so gratifying to learn that others within healthcare are recognizing the need for boundaries around our work in order for us to work sustainably, and even creating academic concept...

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr Kristine Woodley, a family physician who has journeyed through several clinical settings to discover her passion for palliative care. Kristine also describes herself as a "woo woo doctor", sharing how her personal exploration into intuition and spirituality have benefited her clinical practice. Make sure you listen to the end, where Kristine shares a simple bu...

In this episode, I introduce the concept of Spoon Theory, originally articulated by Christine Miserandino, to explore the experiences of individuals living with chronic illness and disability. Through my reflections and the reading of Miserandino's article, I emphasize the importance of understanding personal capacity and the systemic challenges faced by healthcare professionals with disabilities....

In this episode, I'm diving into the importance of transition planning, both in our personal lives and careers. I've been through a lot of transitions myself, and I want to share some of those experiences with you. It's all about being prepared for changes, avoiding burnout during these times, and having a solid succession plan in place. Through practical examples and personal stories, I'll offer...

In this episode of The Other Human in the Room, I speak with Dr Rabia Khan, a lead physician at East Wellington Family Health Team. We discuss Rabia's journey into medicine, the importance of team support in healthcare, her approach to leadership and conflict resolution, and the significance of setting boundaries. Rabia also shares her experiences of bridging communities and fostering dialogue...

"But I can't afford to work less". This is one of the most common objections I hear after explaining the benefits of working under your capacity. And because I still have some residual shame socialization around money, it's taken me a while to really solidify why that objection is a thought error, and DEFINITELY an inhuman story. But I'm ready to shout it from the rooftops no...

In this episode, Dr Samantha Lavvitt and I delve into the critical issues surrounding disability advocacy in healthcare. Sam shares the challenges she faces as a physician living with disability and chronic illness. We explore the stigma surrounding disability in the medical field, the need for accommodations, and how perceptions of weakness can hinder the careers of disabled physicians. Our conve...

What scares you more - experiencing your own disappointment or someone else's? I have noticed this is a common area of struggle for folks in healthcare, especially if you have tendencies towards people pleasing or perfectionism. Join me, the Only Human in the Van, as I reflect on the inhuman stories we have learned about disappointment and offer my favourite ways of reframing disappointment in...