As physicians, we entered the field of medicine with certain expectations about how it would feel and look, but the reality often falls short of those ideals. Whether our aspirations involve establishing a private practice or working in a medical center with adequate compensation and freedom to make the best decisions for our patients, we encounter limitations in our practice. We often lack the control, autonomy, and independence we desire, even with our credentials. However, if we could quickly and securely authenticate our identities, it would grant us the leverage needed to negotiate for the resources and support our patients truly need. Join the conversation and learn more about how we can pave the way to achieve these goals.

In this episode, your host, Dr. Coombs, engages in an insightful conversation with two doctors revolutionizing the healthcare industry - Dr. Leah Houston and Dr. Oren Mechanic. Together, they explore the reasons behind the increasing exodus of physicians from the medical field, shed light on the future of medicine, and propose ways that we, as a community of physicians, can reclaim and shape the future of our profession. 

Tune in!

What You Will Learn:

[00:00] Intro and a bit about our guests today 

[03:34] What Dr. Houston is doing to alleviate stress and give autonomy back to physicians 

[05:59] Health care 2.0: Taking control of our data and protecting our patients  

[06:30] The mid-level practice and how it is impacting access to quality care  

[11:34] How the sole use of medical examinations for practice readiness is creating disparity 

[16:24] Strategies to prevent the mass exodus of doctors from the profession

[21:26] About HPEC (Humanitarian Physician Empowerment Community) 

[24:57] What HPEC is doing to help doctors be independent and stay in practice

[28:43] How to join the HPEC community 

[29:38] Dr. Mechanic's advice to doctors considering leaving their practice 

[32:07] How to reach and connect with Dr. Mechanic

[32:14] Dr. Coombs' advice to medical students and residents 

Standout Quotes:

“If we had the ability to authenticate who we are quickly, rapidly, and instantaneously, we would have so much leverage to negotiate the things we know our patients need.” - Dr. Houston [04:48]

“Dive in and develop your expertise; being an emergency doctor, a trauma surgeon, or a physician is a true expertise; excel above.”- Dr. Mechanic [17:21]

“Keep an open mind; don’t be so blinded into that specific specialty 100%; explore different areas, work with people outside medicine, and go to networking events.”- Dr. Coombs [32:19]

Let’s Connect www.friendsofmed.com

Friends of Medicine 

https://instagram.com/friends_of_medicine?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Dr. André Coombs (Trauma surgeon, Friends of Medicine Founder, and host of Behind the Scrubs)

https://instagram.com/trinitraumasurgeon?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

https://friendsofmed.com/

Dr. Leah Houston (Emergency Physician and founder of HEPC)

https://www.instagram.com/leahhoustonmd/?hl=en

Dr. Oren Mechanic (Chief Clinical Officer)

https://www.instagram.com/instaoj/?hl=en