Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare Podcast By Andrea Austin MD cover art

Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare

Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare

By: Andrea Austin MD
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 Welcome to "Heartline," a podcast dedicated to exploring the inspiring journeys and impactful work of healthcare changemakers leading the charge in transforming healthcare. Despite the United States spending more on healthcare than any other developed nation, key quality outcomes like life expectancy and maternal mortality lag behind. With over half of American physicians experiencing burnout, the challenges within the system are clear. Join us as we delve into the stories of patients, medical professionals, and other experts who defy the status quo. We’ll uncover the unique characteristics and experiences that propel them to be effective changemakers and the organizational factors that support change. Dr. Austin, host of the podcast, is an emergency physician with real-world experience with the dysfunction in the system. Along with working in the emergency department, she is a medical educator focusing on healthcare worker well-being and how innovative approaches like simulation can improve healthcare. In addition, she researches how we can accelerate changemakers in healthcare. Dr. Austin also uses coaching-informed thinking to unlock the potential of healthcare changemakers, and she will guide you through these narratives with insightful commentary and expert analyses. Through in-depth interviews and real-world examples, this podcast aims to inspire and equip the next generation to drive meaningful change in healthcare. Whether you're a physician, a medical student, or simply passionate about the future of healthcare, "Heartline" will offer valuable perspectives and actionable ideas to help you thrive in a challenging environment and contribute to improving our healthcare system. Seasons 1-4 focused on gender bias in the medical system and shared the uplifting stories of women and allies who stay true to their values, boundaries, and priorities, improving their career fulfillment and increasing their impact on healthcare. Season 5 will expand the guests beyond physicians and tackle issues beyond gender bias that impact healthcare. Tune in to the "Hearline" for a deep dive into healthcare transformation and be inspired by the changemakers making a real difference.© 2024 Heartline Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Physical Illness & Disease Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Elevating Healthcare Interactions Beyond Medical Jargon

    Elevating Healthcare Interactions Beyond Medical Jargon
    Jun 24 2025
    In episode 103, I sit down with Dr. Bradley Block, an ENT surgeon and host of the Physician's Guide to Doctoring podcast, to explore the art of effective communication in healthcare. Our conversation delves into the challenges physicians face when interacting with patients and offers practical strategies to enhance these crucial interactions.Dr. Block shares his journey from an "uninspiring" path to medical school to becoming a passionate advocate for better doctor-patient communication. We discuss the importance of addressing patients' underlying concerns, navigating difficult conversations, and maintaining professional boundaries while providing compassionate care.Key insights from our discussion include:The importance of identifying and addressing patients' unspoken worriesStrategies for handling patients who arrive with preconceived notions from online researchTechniques for maintaining professional boundaries when faced with inappropriate requestsThe value of self-care and resetting between patient encountersDiscover how to:Improve your communication skills to enhance patient satisfaction and reduce burnoutNavigate challenging conversations with patients more effectivelyMaintain your professional integrity while addressing patient concernsImplement simple techniques to reset and recharge between patient encountersThis episode offers invaluable insights for healthcare professionals at all stages of their careers. Whether you're a medical student, resident, or experienced physician, you'll find practical tips to enhance your communication skills and improve your interactions with patients.Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional approaches to doctor-patient communication and offers fresh perspectives on creating meaningful connections in healthcare settings.Articles and Studies MentionedPatient Trust in the Age of Misinformation (JAMA, 2022) Susannah Fox’s Rebel Health — insights into patient-led education and online advocacy About the Guest "I need to protect my own mental headspace so that I can serve my next patient better." - Dr. Bradley BlockDr. Bradley Block is a board-certified ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeon, storyteller, and the voice behind the long-running podcast Physician’s Guide to Doctoring. With over a decade of clinical experience and a passion for humanizing healthcare, Dr. Block has built a platform that gives physicians the tools to communicate better—with their patients, their peers, and themselves.His journey into medicine wasn’t scripted, and neither was his evolution as a changemaker. What began as a personal quest to improve his own communication skills transformed into a community-driven resource covering everything we should have learned in med school—from patient experience and health policy to burnout and boundaries.Dr. Block is also a founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network, where he helps amplify physician voices and build community through storytelling. When he’s not in the clinic or behind the mic, he’s probably sipping hot black tea (with a splash of whole milk) between patient encounters—and thinking about what it really means to be heard.Physician’s Guide to Doctoring PodcastDoctor Podcast NetworkBradley Block, MD on LinkedInTop 3 Key Takeaways Say the thing – Patients often leave unsatisfied not because you missed a diagnosis, but because you didn’t name their fear. Address it.Boundaries protect everyone – Saying no is hard. But it’s part of keeping the profession—and yourself—intact.Invite collaboration – Patients turning to Google or ChatGPT aren’t the enemy. They’re looking for agency. Invite them into the conversation.About the HostDr. Andrea Austin is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and passionate advocate for system-level change in healthcare. As the creator and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, Dr. Austin brings curiosity, compassion, and bold honesty to conversations with leaders who are challenging the norms and reshaping medicine from the inside out.With decades of experience in high-pressure clinical environments, Andrea has seen firsthand the cracks in the system—and the people working to repair them. Whether she’s mentoring residents, speaking on national stages, or recording with a fellow disruptor, she centers one theme: change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens heart to heart.Let’s ConnectFollow the journey of changemakers in medicine and join a community reimagining what’s possible in healthcare. 🌐 Website: andreaaustinmd.com🎧 Listen + Subscribe:• Apple Podcasts• Spotify• iHeartRadio• Pandora📸 Instagram: @andreaaustinmd💬 LinkedIn: Andrea Austin, MDAbout the ShowHeartline: Changemaking in Healthcare isn’t just a podcast—it’s a pulse check on what’s possible.Hosted by emergency physician and educator Dr. Andrea Austin, Heartline features conversations with healthcare leaders, innovators, ...
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    37 mins
  • Beyond the ER: Reimagining Healthcare Through Social Prescriptions

    Beyond the ER: Reimagining Healthcare Through Social Prescriptions
    Jun 17 2025

    In episode 102, I sit down with Dr. Anita Bangale, a fellow emergency medicine physician who has expanded her career beyond the ER walls. We explore the concept of appreciative inquiry and how it can transform healthcare from within, focusing on what's going right rather than dwelling on the negatives.

    Dr. Bangale shares her personal journey of rediscovering joy in medicine after experiencing burnout. She discusses the pivotal moment when she realized the need for change and how she embarked on a path of self-discovery and career diversification.

    Key insights from our conversation include:

    • The importance of defining success on your own terms, rather than adhering to external expectations
    • How coaching education can lead to personal transformation and new career opportunities
    • The concept of "social prescriptions" and their role in healing and overall well-being
    • The power of ketamine therapy in treating severe anxiety and depression
    • Strategies for combating the loneliness epidemic, especially among healthcare professionals

    Discover how to:

    • Recognize and address burnout by listening to what it's trying to teach you
    • Create a portfolio career in medicine that aligns with your passions and values
    • Implement small, manageable changes to increase social connection and combat isolation
    • Navigate the challenges of metric-driven healthcare while maintaining personal satisfaction
    • Explore unconventional conferences and networking opportunities to spark new ideas and connections

    Dr. Bangale's journey from burnout to a thriving, multifaceted career offers inspiration for healthcare professionals seeking to practice medicine on their own terms. Her insights on social prescriptions, ketamine therapy, and the importance of community in healing provide a fresh perspective on the future of healthcare.

    "There is so much power in being able to still practice emergency medicine or any field of medicine on your terms." - Dr. Anita Bangale

    Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional career trajectories in medicine and inspires healthcare professionals to explore the full spectrum of possibilities in their field.


    Connect with Dr. Anita Bangale:

    • Website
    • Instagram: @anita_bangale_



    🎧 Thanks for tuning into Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare!

    Ready to take the next step in your journey as a healthcare changemaker? Dr. Andrea Austin offers personalized coaching to empower healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers and rediscover their passion for medicine. Whether you're seeking clarity, balance, or strategies to overcome burnout, coaching with Dr. Austin can help you achieve your goals.

    🌟 Learn more and book a free discovery call today at andreaaustinmd.com/coaching.

    Stay connected and keep making a difference:

    ✅ Subscribe to the Heartline newsletter for insights into reclaiming your well-being as a healthcare professional, improving teams around you, and transforming the system.

    📱 Follow us on social: Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube

    📚 Discover Dr. Austin’s book Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline on Amazon or Ingram.

    Follow Your Heartline and transform healthcare today!
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    32 mins
  • Cultivating Courage: The Key to Medical Leadership...

    Cultivating Courage: The Key to Medical Leadership...
    Jun 11 2025
    In this Heartline Echo Episode, I sit down with Sharee Johnson, a psychologist, executive coach, and author of "The Thriving Doctor," to explore the critical role of leadership in transforming healthcare. As we navigate the complexities of modern medicine, we delve into the essential skills and mindsets that can help physicians not just survive, but truly thrive in their careers. Our conversation sheds light on the pressing need for a new approach to physician leadership, one that goes beyond traditional management and embraces a more holistic, human-centered perspective. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the courage to challenge the status quo in healthcare. Key insights from our discussion include: The distinction between management and leadership in healthcare settingsThe vital role of self-reflection and personal growth in developing effective physician leadersStrategies for cultivating courage and resilience in the face of systemic challengesThe power of community and peer support in nurturing leadership skills Discover how to: Develop crucial interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that enhance your effectiveness as a physician and leaderNavigate the complexities of healthcare systems while maintaining your sense of purpose and agencyCultivate a leadership style that inspires and empowers your teamBalance clinical excellence with the broader vision needed to drive positive change in healthcare This episode offers invaluable insights for physicians at all stages of their careers, from residents just starting out to seasoned practitioners looking to make a broader impact. It's a must-listen for anyone in healthcare seeking to understand the transformative potential of effective physician leadership. "We need more personal boundaries and we need clarity around what we can and can't do. And we also need the capacity to adapt." - Sharee Johnson Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional notions of leadership in medicine and inspires healthcare professionals to embrace their potential as agents of positive change. Learn how developing your leadership skills can not only enhance your own career satisfaction but also contribute to creating a more sustainable and compassionate healthcare system for all. Connect with Sharee Johnson: Visit her website: Coaching for Doctors Join the international book club for doctors Explore the Recalibrate© program for comprehensive leadership development; Dr. Austin will co-facilitate the 2025 cohort. Join us! Remember, healthcare leadership isn't just about titles or positions—it's about the impact you can make every day through your actions, decisions, and interactions. Start your journey towards more effective leadership today, and be part of the movement that's reshaping the future of healthcare. 🎧 Thanks for tuning into Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare! Ready to take the next step in your journey as a healthcare changemaker? Dr. Andrea Austin offers personalized coaching to empower healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers and rediscover their passion for medicine. Whether you're seeking clarity, balance, or strategies to overcome burnout, coaching with Dr. Austin can help you achieve your goals. 🌟 Learn more and book a free discovery call today at ⁠andreaaustinmd.com/coaching⁠. Stay connected and keep making a difference: ✅ Subscribe to the ⁠Heartline newsletter⁠ for insights into reclaiming your well-being as a healthcare professional, improving teams around you, and transforming the system. 📱 Follow us on social: ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠ & ⁠YouTube⁠ 📚 Discover Dr. Austin’s book Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline on ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Ingram⁠. Follow Your Heartline and transform healthcare today!
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    1 hr and 6 mins
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