Understanding Visual Perception in Medical Diagnoses: A Deep Dive with Claudia Mello-Thoms

In this episode, Christine continues the conversation with Claudia Mello-Thoms, an expert in visual perception as it relates to medical diagnosis. The discussion delves into the use of templates by experts to quickly recognize abnormalities in medical images, despite their large size and complexity. Claudia explains how perception operates at a subconscious level, often leading to perceptual errors in medical practices like radiology and pathology. The conversation underscores the need to understand the human element in diagnostics to reduce errors and improve accuracy. The episode also explores the difference between rapid (fast) and deliberative (slow) processing in the assessment of medical images, emphasizing the importance of fresh perspectives when diagnostic clarity is lacking.

00:00 Introduction to Visual Perception in Medical Diagnoses

00:40 Understanding Templates in Medical Imaging

01:34 Expert vs. Novice Diagnoses

02:13 The Role of Clinical History in Pathology

06:48 Fast vs. Slow Processing in Diagnoses

09:42 Perception and Cognition in Medical Imaging

10:31 Teaching and Learning in Medical Imaging

21:48 Challenges and Future Directions in Radiology

23:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Visual Expertise and Diagnostic Accuracy with Claudia Mello-Thoms, PhD

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine interviews Claudia Mello-Thoms, PhD, an Associate Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa. Claudia discusses her research on visual search, medical image perception, and why errors occur in reading radiological images. Key topics include the use of eye tracking to detect unconscious viewing patterns, the different diagnostic approaches of experts and novices in pathology, and the concept of visual templates aiding rapid diagnosis. Claudia shares insights into how experts efficiently use low magnification to guide further detailed inspection, and the cognitive load differences between experienced and inexperienced diagnosticians.

00:00 Introduction to Claudia Mello-Thoms

00:47 Eye Tracking in Radiology

02:12 Pathologists and Microscopic Slides

06:56 Visual Search Strategies in Medical Imaging

09:42 Expert vs. Novice: Cognitive Processes

11:35 Templates and Rapid Recognition

20:48 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

The Sacred Duty of Healthcare: A Conversation with Theresa Brown

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine interviews Theresa Brown, PhD, RN, a registered nurse, New York Times bestselling author, and cancer survivor. The discussion delves into Brown's experiences as both a clinician and a patient, highlighting the emotional challenges and the need for compassion in healthcare. Brown shares insights from her books, 'The Shift' and 'Healing,' and talks about her upcoming book, 'A Nurse Finds Hope in Healthcare.' The conversation explores the significance of listening to patients, the emotional toll of illness, and the struggles healthcare professionals face within a corporatized system. Both agree on the importance of empathy, self-care, and the need to improve the patient-caregiver relationship.

00:00 Introduction to Theresa Brown, PhD, RN

00:52 Theresa's Journey from Academia to Nursing

01:09 Insights from 'Healing': A Nurse's Perspective as a Patient

01:56 The Emotional and Physical Challenges of Cancer Treatment

04:06 The Importance of Compassion and Communication in Healthcare

05:20 Balancing Information and Emotional Support for Patients

06:16 Personal Stories and Reflections on Patient Care

07:14 The Impact of Personal Illness on Healthcare Professionals

17:23 Finding Hope and Purpose in Healthcare

20:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Career Planning and Wellbeing for Doctors with Dr. Naomi Elton

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Naomi Elton, a systemic therapist and retired consultant psychiatrist, discusses her career journey and the importance of career planning and self-care for doctors. She talks about her new book with co-author Caroline Elton, PhD: 'Career Planning for Doctors: An Evidence-based Guide,' which provides practical exercises and methods inspired by Daniel Kahneman's cognitive decision-making strategies. Dr. Elton emphasizes the value of mentoring, coaching, and addressing emotional labor in career development. She also highlights the differences between therapy, coaching, and mentoring and provides tips for defining career success. The episode concludes with a recommendation for another career advice book, 'A Job to Love.'

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:57 Personal Anecdote: Career Support in the 1980s

02:31 The Harsh Culture of Medical Training

03:54 Career Planning and Wellbeing

04:22 Tips for Effective Career Planning

11:33 The Importance of Mentoring and Coaching

14:48 Defining Career Success

16:30 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations

Navigating Autism and End of Life: A Conversation with Dr. Caroline Elton

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, host Christine invites back psychologist Dr. Caroline Elton, who has extensive experience supporting doctors' emotional wellbeing. Dr. Elton discusses her new book, Looking After: A Portrait of My Autistic Brother, and touches on end-of-life care.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:59 Discussing 'Looking After: Portrait of My Autistic Brother'

01:22 Lionel's Early Life and Autism Diagnosis

02:51 Mother Blaming and Historical Context

05:09 Lionel's Leukemia Diagnosis and End of Life Care

05:57 Challenges of Communicating About Death

11:42 Autism Hospital Passport and Caregiving

13:03 Reflections on Lionel's Life and Impact

16:42 Final Thoughts on End of Life Care for Autistic Individuals

Cultivating Joy in Medicine: Dr. Madeline Lagina on PERMA and Positive Psychology

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Madeline Lagina, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan, delves into the importance of joy in education and medicine. Drawing from her paper on the PERMA model—a framework for well-being comprising Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—Dr. Lagina shares personal anecdotes and insights on how joy and other positive emotions can significantly impact both educators and learners. The discussion explores how fostering joy can counteract burnout and enhance professional fulfillment, especially among physician educators.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Personal Anecdote: The Impact of a High School Teacher

02:48 The Concept of Communicable Emotions

04:02 Exploring the PERMA Model

06:13 Applying PERMA to Physician Educators

12:57 Tips for Flourishing in Career and Life

15:34 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Exploring Physician Grief and Burnout with Dr. Annia Raja

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine chats with Dr. Annia Raja, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in therapy for high achievers, including physicians. Dr. Raja shares insights from her own experiences as a physician's spouse and dives deep into the many facets of grief that physicians encounter, including personal losses, changes in identity, and professional sacrifices. The discussion also touches on the interconnected nature of grief and burnout, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need for social support in the grieving process. Dr. Raja emphasizes the idea that acknowledging and naming grief are essential steps to finding purpose and meaning beyond the medical profession. Dr. Raja offers therapy for physicians, link here.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Annia Raja

01:04 Personal Anecdote: Grief in the Medical Profession

02:23 Understanding Physician Grief

07:51 The Link Between Grief and Burnout

10:20 Emotional Intelligence and Grief

13:35 Final Thoughts on Grief and Connection

A Journey with Dr. Luiza Laborne Kalil

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine speaks with Dr. Luiza Laborne Kalil, a dermatologist specializing in hair loss and an Assistant Professor at Yale. Dr. Kalil shares her inspiring journey from Brazil to the US, including her rapid completion of the USMLE tests while balancing work and family life. They discuss the challenges of work-life balance, finding motivation, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams. Dr. Kalil emphasizes the value of dedication and the lessons she hopes to impart to her daughters through her actions. The conversation also touches on the pressures of perfection in medicine and the importance of doing what makes you happy.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:40 Personal Anecdote: Choosing Dermatology

02:31 Journey from Brazil to the US

07:51 Balancing Career and Family

12:41 Final Thoughts and Advice

Dr. Hafeez Diwan: The Power of 'Meh', Writing Passions, and Handling Obnoxious People

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Hafeez Diwan, Professor of Pathology, Immunology, and Dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, shares insights on his diverse writing endeavors, from self-help books to a young adult sci-fi fantasy novel co-authored with his daughter. Highlighting ideas from his books 'The Power of Meh' and 'How to Love Obnoxious People,' Dr. Diwan discusses strategies for managing emotions, overcoming willpower challenges, and promoting mindfulness. He also reflects on his medical journey and the interplay between his writing and his medical practice.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Hafeez Diwan

00:58 Anecdote from Residency

02:50 The Writing Journey Begins

05:18 The Power of Meh

07:26 Loving Obnoxious People

11:12 Mastering Willpower

14:40 Final Thoughts and Advice

Navigating Grief with Dr. Tony Subtil: Acceptance, Processing, and Adjustment

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine explores the topic of grief with Dr. Tony Subtil, a Clinical Associate Professor of Pathology at the University of British Columbia and author of the textbook Diagnosis of Cutaneous Lymphoid Infiltrates: A Visual Approach to Differential Diagnosis and Knowledge Gaps. Dr. Subtil shares his personal experiences with grief, discusses the common misconceptions physicians may have about it, and provides insights into understanding and managing grief as both a personal and universal experience. They touch on the importance of accepting, processing, and adjusting to loss, and highlight the value of self-compassion, therapy, and community support in the grieving process. Dr. Subtil also talks about integrating new activities, like pottery, and shares his perspective on grief as a form of praise for the love and connections we experience in life.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tony Subtil

01:01 Personal Anecdotes and Early Life

02:09 Understanding Grief: A Personal Journey

03:29 The Broader Scope of Grief

04:48 Coping Mechanisms and Healing

06:22 The Role of Community and Support

07:00 Accept, Process, Adjust: A New Paradigm

10:23 Practical Tips for Processing Grief

13:04 Balancing Career and Grief

13:38 Final Thoughts on Grief and Love