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The Medical Detectives

The Medical Detectives

By: Soft Skills Media
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About this listen

 The Medical Detectives is a weekly podcast where medicine meets mystery—told by the very people who’ve lived it. Hosted by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Erin Nance and content creator Anna O’Brien, each episode unravels strange and surprising medical tales from the people who lived through them. Think of it as a detective story—only here, the clues are hidden in blood tests, x-rays, and patient files. From curious, unsolved diagnoses to behind-the-scenes accounts of what really goes on in hospital corridors, Anna and Dr. Nance guide you through the ups, downs, and jaw-dropping moments of life in the medical world. Dr. Nance brings her professional insight as a practicing physician committed to uncovering disparities in healthcare, while Anna shares her experiences as a patient navigating a complex system. In every episode you’ll hear first hand stories from guests who’ve confronted real medical puzzles on the relentless search for answers in a system that doesn’t always have them. Dr. Nance brings her insider expertise, while Anna uses her own patient experiences to spot the heart of every story. Together, they explore the suspense, the drama, and sometimes even the humor, behind solving these real-life medical mysteries. Whether you’re a curious mind, an avid true-crime fan, or someone who’s been left in the dark by confusing diagnoses, The Medical Detectives shines a light on the unexplained. Listen in each week to learn, to question, and to be amazed by the strange but true cases that prove sometimes the most gripping mysteries unfold in hospital corridors.Copyright 2025 Soft Skills Media Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • Hailey's Story: Choking Hazard

    Hailey's Story: Choking Hazard
    May 14 2025

    This week on The Medical Detectives, we share Hailey’s decades-long ordeal with sudden, terrifying “stuck throat” episodes—from rural Yukon ERs and improvised home remedies, to the social anxiety of hiding her symptoms, until a late-night trip, a can of Coca-Cola, and a specialist referral finally pointed her to the right diagnosis. Along the way, we explore the highs and lows of rural medicine, the power of having a name for your condition, and how keeping it all inside can become a dangerous “new normal.” If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or too embarrassed to speak up, this is a must-hear reminder that finding your voice can unlock real answers.

    Have a medical journey to share? Email us at stories@themedicaldetectivespodcast.com.

    ***The information provided on the medical detectives is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While we may feature licensed medical professionals, including doctors, we are not your personal doctors and no doctor patient relationship is established by listening to this podcast or interacting with our content.

    All discussions are general in nature and may not apply to your specific health situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions or taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have heard on this show

    If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services immediately or consult a qualified healthcare pro***
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Kalla & Ivy's Story: Fighting to Breathe

    Kalla & Ivy's Story: Fighting to Breathe
    May 7 2025

    Trigger Warning: Discussion of infant medical crisis and loss.

    When baby Ivy couldn't breath doctors said it was normal, but Kalla’s instincts told her something was terribly wrong. Dismissed repeatedly, she fought through fear and isolation to uncover a rare genetic disorder that explained Ivy’s muscle spasms and respiratory failure. Discover how parental persistence and selflessness saved her daughter’s life.

    Have a medical journey to share? Email us at stories@themedicaldetectivespodcast.com.

    ***The information provided on the medical detectives is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While we may feature licensed medical professionals, including doctors, we are not your personal doctors and no doctor patient relationship is established by listening to this podcast or interacting with our content.

    All discussions are general in nature and may not apply to your specific health situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions or taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have heard on this show

    If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services immediately or consult a qualified healthcare pro***
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Tracy's Story: The Blistering Truth

    Tracy's Story: The Blistering Truth
    Apr 30 2025

    This week Anna and Erin welcome Tracy, whose years long struggle with bone-deep exhaustion, persistent sore throats and sudden blood blisters led her on a winding odyssey from GPs to specialists, with inconclusive tests and tough treatments at every turn. In our “Diseases That Need a Rebrand” series, we’re asking you to help us rename this mysterious, tongue-twisting condition—email your rebrand ideas (and your own medical mysteries) to stories@medicaldetectivespodcast.com, and drop us a rating and review, and share the episode with someone who needs to hear it.

    ***The information provided on the medical detectives is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While we may feature licensed medical professionals, including doctors, we are not your personal doctors and no doctor patient relationship is established by listening to this podcast or interacting with our content.

    All discussions are general in nature and may not apply to your specific health situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions or taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have heard on this show

    If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services immediately or consult a qualified healthcare pro***
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 7 mins
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I am learning so much about diseases that I haven't known about. It’s humbling to realize what others experience. Both Dr. Nance and Anna are well skilled in listening and summarizing the patients' stories.

What Patients Teach Us

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I like the thoughtfulness of the creators. Dr Nance listens to guests who mostly have not been heard by their providers.

In depth rare stories. Dr Nance helps explain the issue.

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Not a fan. It does not make sense to me why Anna is part of these podcast. She is not in the medical field and not a detective. I know that she was the guest as well on a couple of the podcast shows and her story changes based on what platform she is talking on. Lot of misinformation from anna not corrected by this Dr. Nance. I am actually surprised comments are on for this. I think that this podcast will not last long. Not very interesting and did not keep my attention even when i sped it up to 2.5. This is my opinion.

Not at all a medical mystery

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