The Physician's Mind

In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, I sit down with Dr. Christopher Calandrella to dive into the evolving world of emergency medicine. We talk about why the specialty continues to grow in popularity, the challenges physicians face on the front lines, and how technology and modern practices are reshaping the ER. Dr. Calandrella also opens up about the importance of mentorship, what he looks fo...

Few careers face the intensity of spine surgery. In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, I sit down with Dr. John Flood—a master of motion-preserving spine techniques and decades of leadership in one of medicine’s most demanding fields. We dive deep into the psychology of surgical excellence, high-pressure decision-making in the OR, and what separates a good surgeon from a great one. Dr. Flood al...

In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, I sit down with Dr. Gregory Kolovich, orthopedic surgeon and founder of OXOS Medical, to explore how an engineering mindset shaped his approach to medicine, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Kolovich reveals his unique path from engineering to orthopedic surgery, the creation of OXOS Medical’s groundbreaking imaging tech, and the lessons learned through...

In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, host Curtis Wilkerson sits down with Stanford psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke - bestselling author of Dopamine Nation and one of the world’s leading experts on addiction medicine - to uncover how dopamine shapes your motivation, focus, and self-control. You’ll discover: - The neuroscience behind why your brain craves quick pleasure over lasting growth - How mo...

In this episode, Dr. Sean Altman dives into functional medicine and how addressing the root cause of pain can transform patient care. He shares what separates good clinicians from great ones and the systems needed to build a thriving private practice. 🔗 Learn More & Connect: 🌐 Website – ⁠https://thephysiciansmind.com⁠ 📖⁠ Related Blog Post⁠ 🎓 ⁠ Free Networking Mini-Course ⁠ 📸 ⁠ Instagram ⁠...

How Storytelling Can Transform Chemistry Education with Dr. Colleen Kelley In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, Dr. Colleen Kelley reveals how storytelling can revolutionize chemistry education and make molecular concepts click for students. From molecular literacy to rethinking organic chemistry, she shares how narrative-based teaching ignites curiosity, builds confidence, and inspires future...

How do you build a thriving private medical practice while caring for patients from newborns to Olympians? In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, Olympic Doctor Dr. Chris Koutures joins Curtis Wilkerson to reveal how he built his pediatric and sports medicine practice, ActiveKid MD, into one of the most respected independent clinics in the country. Dr. Koutures shares real lessons from 25+ years...

LEARN TO NETWORK LIKE A CHAMPION: Free Mini-Course → ⁠ White Coat Connections: Networking for Future Physicians This episode features premed advice from a medical student answering 9 real questions about how to study, stay motivated, and get into medical school. Curtis Wilkerson, medical student and founder of The Physician’s Mind , mentors David Mankin, an incoming premed at Arizona State Univers...

What separates an elite surgeon from the rest? Yale orthopedic surgeon Dr. Arianna Gianakos shares her journey from All-American athlete to one of the top voices in foot & ankle sports medicine. In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, Curtis Wilkerson uncovers how she uses surgical visualization, builds grit without burning out, and leads through mentorship, women’s leadership, and Speak Up O...

What does it take to rise from setbacks and self-doubt to leading an entire specialty? In this crossover with DO or Do Not Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Sean McMillan, President of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO) , to explore the mindset behind becoming elite. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why orthopedic surgery is one of the most competitive — and rewarding — fields...

Most doctors and healthcare professionals work harder every year but feel less free. In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, Dr. Alex Schloe (physician, Air Force veteran, and host of Physicians & Properties) shares exactly how he turned his physician salary into financial freedom using real estate investing and house hacking strategies—and how you can do it too. What you’ll learn: -Step-by-s...

Elite racehorses face the same pressures as professional human athletes—and the medicine behind their performance holds powerful lessons for us all. In this episode of The Physician’s Mind , we explore equine sports medicine at the highest level, uncovering what it teaches about resilience, high-pressure decision-making, and long-term performance. We dive into cutting-edge research on osteoarthrit...

What does it really take to be a college football team physician? In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, host Curtis Wilkerson sits down with Michigan State’s team doctor to explore the lessons of medicine, sports, and leadership. From treating Division I athletes under stadium lights to building systems that improve care for thousands, this conversation goes deep into resilience, preparation, a...

In this episode of The Physician’s Mind Podcast, Curtis Wilkerson sits down with Dr. Buck Parker, MD, FACS — a board-certified trauma and acute care surgeon whose journey goes far beyond the operating room. Dr. Parker trained in one of the most demanding surgical specialties, saved countless lives in trauma surgery, and later built multi-million-dollar businesses, mined Bitcoin before it was mains...

Dr. Michael Collins — orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic and bestselling author of Hot Lights, Cold Steel— joins me on The Physician’s Mind Podcast to share his journey from construction worker to surgeon. We discuss the struggles of medical school, the mental and emotional toll of residency, raising a family during training, and the lessons of failure, faith, and resilience that shaped his car...

Dr. Brian Williams is a trauma surgeon, Air Force veteran, bestselling author, and former congressional candidate whose career has spanned engineering, military service, frontline trauma care, healthcare advocacy, and public policy. He was the trauma surgeon on call during the 2016 Dallas police shooting — a moment that shaped his views on resilience, leadership, and the role of medicine in societ...

Doctors make great money—but most never build real wealth. Why? In this episode of The Physician’s Mind Podcast, host Curtis Wilkerson sits down with Gary Kaufman, founder of Dynasty Wealth Partners, to uncover the real financial strategies doctors need to know—but were never taught. Whether you're in med school, residency, or already practicing, this conversation will help you avoid the most...

From the jungles of Vietnam to 25 groundbreaking years at NASA, and then becoming a doctor at 62—this episode of The Physicians Mind Podcast is the ultimate story of resilience, grit, and reinvention. Host Curtis Wilkerson dives deep into how a Vietnam veteran and former NASA engineer turned his passion for biomechanics into a medical career, pioneering research on chronic low back pain and the sa...

In this powerful episode of The Physician’s Mind , we sit down with Dr. Jordan Frey , a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of The Prudent Plastic Surgeon , to unpack the financial blueprint that took him from burnout and a negative net worth to complete financial freedom. Dr. Frey shares the exact strategies that helped him and his wife pay off debt fast, achieve a 50–60% savings rate as...

In this powerful episode of The Physician’s Mind , Dr. Nkem Ezeamama shares how she went from the high-pressure world of emergency medicine to building wealth through real estate investing. We dive into how physicians can reclaim their agency, manage time wisely, build generational wealth, and use business as a vehicle for community empowerment. Dr. Ezeamama shares hard-won lessons from early inve...

What does it really take to become a neurologist? In this episode of The Physician’s Mind , neurology resident Dr. Taylor Reardon opens up about the pressure of med school, the grind of residency, and the mindset that keeps him going. He shares how mentorship, curiosity, and real patient moments shaped his path and how future doctors can stay focused, resilient, and ready. This one’s for the think...

What can a combat surgeon teach us about resilience, leadership, and purpose? In this episode of The Physician’s Mind , we trace the journey of a military doctor—from a defining moment in high school that sparked his passion for medicine, through the challenges of medical school, to leading in the chaos of combat zones. Dr. Hill shares powerful lessons on mentorship, overcoming adversity, balancin...

How do you turn $190,000 in student loans into a $6+ million real estate portfolio - starting in residency? In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, orthopedic surgeon and real estate entrepreneur Dr. Franky Davis shares the exact strategies he used to escape debt, avoid burnout, and build lasting wealth — all while balancing residency, business, and family life. 💥 What You’ll Learn: -How Dr. Dav...

In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, Dr. Chase DiMarco shares the powerful insights he’s gained across a unique academic journey, earning an MD, PhD, and MBA. He breaks down how medical students can study more effectively using accelerated learning techniques, develop systems to reduce burnout, and think like an entrepreneur in their training. We discuss:- Smarter, science-backed study methods...

Dr. Bryan Jepson, MD, CFP®, spent over 30 years in emergency medicine before becoming a Certified Financial Planner. In this episode, he shares how physicians can build lasting wealth, avoid common financial traps, and live with purpose. From investing and insurance to the mindset shifts that changed his life, this conversation is essential listening. Learn more at The Physician's Mind website...