This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

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Leadership isn’t just a title, it’s a mindset physicians need to embrace to shape the future of healthcare. In this episode, Dr. MinhTri Nguyen explains how physicians can leverage their inherent skills to become great leaders. From filling leadership voids in high-stakes moments like a code to mastering emotional intelligence in the exam room and beyond, Dr. Nguyen shares actionable insights on adapting, delegating, and inspiring teams. He also explores why physicians must reclaim leadership roles to drive meaningful change in healthcare, offering practical advice for doctors at any career stage.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Fill the Leadership Void: Step up in moments of uncertainty, like during a code, and adapt until a more experienced leader arrives—physicians are trained to act decisively.
2. Master Emotional Intelligence: Recognize and manage your emotions and those of others to build trust, improve patient outcomes, and reduce burnout.
3. Delegate to Amplify Efficiency: Use leadership skills to delegate effectively, freeing up time for patient care or personal life while empowering your team.

About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:
Dr. MinhTri Nguyen is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Stanford University. Previously, he served as medical director of the Internal Medicine Clinic at Metro Health Systems and president of the House Officers Association at Case Western. Named one of Northeast Ohio’s Top 25 Under 35, Dr. Nguyen is passionate about physician leadership and emotional intelligence, drawing from his extensive training in human behavior and team dynamics.

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/minhtri-nguyen-8bb6541ab

About the Host:
Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

______

As physicians reach mid- and late-career stages, many face the challenge of managing medical issues for their aging parents. In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block interviews Kathleen McGuinness, who shares insights from her personal experience caring for her parents and husband. Kathleen offers effective strategies for navigating legal documents such as wills and medical power of attorney, initiating difficult conversations about care, and using technology to stay connected.

She also addresses sibling dynamics, cognitive decline, mental health, and medication compliance, providing actionable insights for physicians balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Whether you’re dealing with multi-generational care or geographic distance, this episode equips you with tools to support aging loved ones effectively.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Prepare Legal Documents Early: Ensure aging parents have a will, durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, advanced healthcare directive, and HIPAA release form in place while they’re still healthy to avoid complications later.
2. Use Technology for Connection and Care: Leverage tools like Alexa for reminders, CareZone for medication tracking, and CaringBridge to share updates with family, reducing the burden of care coordination.
3. Involve Professionals for Tough Conversations: Engage a geriatric care manager or social worker to navigate discussions about moving to assisted living or managing cognitive decline, minimizing family power dynamics.

About the Show:

The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Kathleen McGuinness is a certified dementia practitioner, senior home safety specialist, and end-of-life specialist. As the head of a home care company and a commissioner on the Montgomery County Commission on Aging, she brings decades of experience supporting families through the complexities of elder care. Her personal journey as a caregiver for her aging parents and husband informs her empathetic and practical approach.

Contact Kathleen:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmcguinness/
• Email: km7720@gmail.com

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

• @physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook
• @physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube
• @physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

_________

In this continuation of an insightful two-part series, Dr. Bradley Block dives deeper with Dr. Timothy Gilligan, a medical oncologist and president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare. Dr. Gilligan shares proven methods for teaching communication to resistant attendings, using peer-to-peer learning and “rolling with resistance” to encourage growth.

Drawing from the ASCO Patient-Clinician Communication Guidelines, he emphasizes mastering simple basics like listening and showing care. Dr. Gilligan also tackles empathy versus compassion, advocating for imagining patients’ perspectives while maintaining boundaries to prevent burnout. With compelling stories and practical tips, this episode equips physicians to enhance their practice and find balance.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Embrace Resistance in Teaching: Validate resistant physicians’ concerns and use peer stories to demonstrate that communication skills improve with practice, like building muscle memory.
2. Master the Basics: Apply ASCO Guidelines by prioritizing listening, eye contact, and expressing care—simple steps that drive better patient outcomes without complexity.
3. Empathy with Limits: Imagine patients’ experiences to deliver compassionate care, but set professional boundaries and recharge with activities like tennis to stay resilient.

About the Show:

The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Timothy Gilligan is an associate professor of medicine and medical oncologist specializing in urological malignancies at the Cleveland Clinic, where he serves as Associate Director of the Communication Skills course. As president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, he leads efforts to improve healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan co-edited Communication, the Cleveland Clinic Way, and focuses on educational interventions for allyship, microaggressions, and anti-racist culture as the DEI officer for GME at Cleveland Clinic.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygilliganmd

Website: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Timothy-Gilligan

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com

Mail to:brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

______

How can physicians communicate better to build trust and improve patient outcomes? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Timothy Gilligan to explore the art and science of healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan shares compelling stories, like convincing a patient with testicular cancer to accept treatment by focusing on their identity, and offers actionable techniques for flattening hierarchies, delivering bad news, and teaching communication skills to seasoned attendings. From the SPIKES protocol to staying present in tough moments, this episode is packed with strategies to enhance empathy, earn trust, and navigate challenging conversations—no matter where you are in your career.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Listen First to Build Trust: Start patient encounters by asking, “What have other doctors told you?” to understand their perspective and show you value their story, fostering trust before sharing medical details.
2. Use the SPIKES Protocol for Bad News: Ensure the right setting, gain permission, assess patient knowledge, deliver clear information, respond with empathy, and summarize next steps to guide tough conversations effectively.
3. Reset Between Patients: Take 5-10 seconds to breathe and ground yourself before entering a room to stay present and avoid carrying emotional baggage from prior encounters.

About the Show:

The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Timothy Gilligan is an associate professor of medicine and medical oncologist specializing in urological malignancies at the Cleveland Clinic, where he serves as Associate Director of the Communication Skills course. As president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, he leads efforts to improve healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan co-edited Communication, the Cleveland Clinic Way, and focuses on educational interventions for allyship, microaggressions, and anti-racist culture as the DEI officer for GME at Cleveland Clinic.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygilliganmd

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

__________

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com (mailto:brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com) or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

healthcare communication, physician-patient trust, delivering bad news, SPIKES protocol, empathy in medicine, building trust with patients, communication skills training, flattening hierarchy in healthcare, Cleveland Clinic communication, Dr. Timothy Gilligan

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

_______
What happens if an injury or illness stops you from practicing medicine? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Jamie Fleischner to explore how physicians can protect their financial stability with disability and life insurance. With over 30 years of experience, Jamie shares actionable insights for mid-career doctors reassessing their coverage, from navigating group policies to calculating life insurance needs for a non-breadwinner spouse. They discuss when to update policies (hint: every major life event), the pitfalls of relying solely on group coverage, and strategies to optimize premiums without sacrificing security. Whether you’re a resident or nearing retirement, this episode offers practical steps to ensure your income and family are safe no matter what life throws at you.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Reassess Every Three Years or After Life Events: Review your disability and life insurance at least every three years or after major changes like marriage, kids, or a new job to ensure coverage matches your current needs.
2. Supplement Group Policies: Add an individual disability policy for portability and “own occupation” protection—group plans often cap benefits and don’t cover specialty-specific disabilities.
3. Calculate Life Insurance: For a spouse, estimate monthly replacement costs (e.g., childcare, household help)—$1 million in coverage yields about $4,000/month—and set the term until kids are independent.

About the Show:

The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Jamie Fleischner is the founder and president of Set for Life Insurance, a company dedicated to helping physicians secure disability and life insurance since 1993. With over 30 years of experience, she has worked with more than 30,000 doctors across the country, offering tailored solutions like Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) disability insurance. Inspired by her personal experience caring for her mother during a double lung transplant, Jamie is passionate about ensuring physicians protect their income and financial stability.

• Set for Life : https://www.setforlifeinsurance.com/

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

.

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

______

What if you could control your dreams? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Kristen LaMarca to explore the world of lucid dreaming where you recognize you’re dreaming and take the reins. Dr. LaMarca shares her personal journey with lucid dreaming, from overcoming sleep paralysis to using it as a creative tool, and explains how it can transform mental health. They discuss practical techniques to induce lucid dreams, the science behind its benefits (like treating nightmares and boosting creativity), and common myths—like the idea that it ruins sleep quality. With actionable tips and real-world applications, this episode is a must-listen for physicians looking to enhance their own well-being or help patients tackle sleep-related challenges.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Start with Dream Recall: Keep a dream journal or voice memo right after waking to improve memory of your dreams—step one to becoming lucid.
2. Spot Dream Signs: Look for recurring, impossible, or improbable elements in your dreams (like driving from the backseat) and rehearse recognizing them to trigger lucidity.
3. Stabilize the Dream: If you become lucid but start waking up, stay calm, rub your hands, or spin your dream body to stay in the dream state longer.
   

About the show:

The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Kristen LaMarca, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine expert, specializing in applied psychophysiology. With a BA from Marquette University and advanced degrees from the California School of Professional Psychology, she’s a published author and scientific reviewer. She excels with complex cases because she is known for creative interventions, empathy, and evidence-based therapies like CBT and mindfulness.

Website: https://www.luciditysleeppsych.com/kristen-lamarca-phd
mindfulluciddreaming.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulluciddreaming/?hl=en

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com (mailto:brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com) or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

• @physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook
• @physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube
• @physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life

Set for Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife.

_______

Curiosity isn’t just a trait—it’s a tool for better medicine. In this episode, Dr. Anthony Breu joins Dr. Bradley Block to explore how asking "why" transforms medical practice and patient care.

They discuss the origins of the Curious Clinicians Podcast, born from social media "why" questions during the COVID era, and how it evolved into a platform for uncovering medical mysteries. Dr. Brau shares mind-blowing insights from the show like why elephants rarely get cancer, how furosemide works beyond diuresis, and the potential for oral insulin to revolutionize diabetes care. The conversation also covers practical takeaways, such as rethinking elevated lactate assumptions and wearing goggles to chop onions tear-free.

With a mix of humor, science, and real-world applications, this episode is a masterclass in staying curious, challenging dogma, and bringing fresh perspectives to medicine—both in and out of the exam room.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Stay Curious to Stay Sharp: Ask "why" about the things you see daily—whether it’s a patient’s response to meds or a biological oddity—to deepen your understanding and improve care.
2. Challenge Medical Assumptions: Don’t assume elevated lactate means hypoperfusion—consider beta-2 agonists like albuterol as a cause to avoid unnecessary treatments.
3. Apply Podcast Lessons to Life: From wearing contacts to cutting onions without crying to appreciating furosemide’s vasodilatory effects, small insights can enhance both personal and professional practice.

About the Show:

The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Anthony Breu is the Director of Resident Education at VA Boston Healthcare System and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. A board-certified internist and hospitalist, he co-hosts the Curious Clinicians Podcast. With a BA in Bioethics and MD from Brown University, Dr. Breu trained at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. His interests include medical education, clinical reasoning, and tackling intriguing medical mysteries.

Website and Podcast:
https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/profile/anthony-breu/

https://curiousclinicians.com/

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts the Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

● @physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

● @physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

● @physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life
Set for Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife.

______

In the continuation of their conversation, Dr. Todd Wolynn and Dr. Bradley Block explore effective strategies for medical communication, focusing on the AIMS Method—Announce, Inquire, Mirror, and Secure. Originally designed for vaccine communication, this framework applies to any healthcare discussion requiring confidence, empathy, and patient trust.

Dr. Wolynn breaks down how physicians can make strong, evidence-based recommendations while addressing patient concerns without alienation or confrontation. He shares how mirroring patient worries, expressing empathy, and reinforcing trust can transform difficult conversations, particularly when battling misinformation. They also discuss how healthcare professionals can leverage digital tools and behavioral science to counteract the increasing polarization in medicine.

With practical examples and engaging insights, this episode equips physicians with tools to improve patient adherence, maintain credibility, and foster long-term relationships in an era of skepticism and digital noise.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Use the AIMS Method for effective communication: Announce your recommendation, Inquire about concerns, Mirror patient fears to show understanding, and Secure the relationship, even if they’re not ready to act.
2. Combat misinformation with empathy, not data overload: Patients make decisions based on emotion—validating fears first helps open the door to fact-based discussions.
3. Leverage digital platforms to reach patients beyond the exam room: Social media, websites, and video content help physicians scale their message and maintain patient trust.

About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:
Dr. Todd Wolynn is a pediatrician and the Executive Director of the Trusted Messenger Program at the Public Good Projects. Formerly the CEO of Kids Plus Pediatrics, he specializes in training healthcare professionals in communication best practices to improve patient outcomes.

Website: https://www.publicgoodprojects.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddwolynn/

About the Host:
Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts the Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

• @physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook
• @physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube
• @physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.