I Did My Own Research

In this episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with registered dietitian and prenatal nutrition expert Jessica Monroe to unpack the complicated — and often oversimplified — world of fertility nutrition. From PCOS and endometriosis to IVF, supplements, and male factor infertility, they dive into what the evidence actually says versus what social media wants you to believe.

Together, they discuss why there is no single “fertility food,” how extreme diet advice can become harmful, and why sustainable habits matter more than viral quick fixes. Dr. Monroe shares her journey from nutritional biochemistry to women’s health nutrition, explains what working with a registered dietitian actually looks like, and breaks down how nutrition can support — but not “cure” — chronic conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.

They also tackle supplement overload, misinformation online, the difference between a registered dietitian and a self-proclaimed “nutritionist,” and why fertility care should always include both partners. Plus: antioxidants, seafood research, vitamin D, inositol, and an important reminder that patterns over time matter far more than any one “magic” ingredient.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by fertility advice online, this episode is a grounded, nuanced conversation about what we know, what we don’t, and how to approach nutrition without fear, shame, or extremes.

Dr. Jessica's social media: @The.Prenatal.RD

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

In this episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with her sister, board-certified family medicine physician Dr. Victoria Hasselhof, for a conversation about practicing medicine across two countries, navigating medical misinformation online, and what patients are really looking for from doctors in the social media era.

Dr. Hasselhof shares her unique path through medical school in Germany, residency in the United States, and five years working as a locums physician everywhere from rural South Dakota to remote Molokai, Hawaii. Together, the sisters compare the striking differences between the U.S. and German healthcare systems — including how physicians are regulated online, why German doctors can’t advertise products, and how access to care shapes the way patients seek medical information.

They also dive into the realities of being physician content creators, the rise of wellness misinformation, vaccine myths, “low testosterone” content targeted at men, and why nuance in medicine rarely goes viral. Along the way, they make the case for family medicine as one of the most important — and misunderstood — specialties in healthcare.

From bone-smashing TikTok trends to thoughtful conversations about trust, science, and patient care, this episode explores what happens when evidence-based medicine collides with the algorithm.

Dr. Hasselhof's social media: @FriendlyFamDoc

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

Dr. Fran sits down with registered dietitian, researcher, and science communicator Kevin Klatt for a wide-ranging conversation about nutrition science, public health, and how misinformation thrives when complex problems get reduced to simplistic solutions.

From the realities of becoming a PhD/RD and conducting actual nutrition research, to the rise of wellness influencers, functional medicine, and the MAHA movement, they unpack why “just eat better” has never been an effective public health strategy.

Together, they explore the structural problems driving chronic disease, the lack of investment in nutrition research, the privilege embedded in many wellness narratives, and why blaming individuals for systemic failures helps no one.

They also discuss the collapse of science communication online, how academia lost public trust, and why more researchers—not just influencers—need to engage directly with the public.

Dr. Klatt's social media: @KCKlatt

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

In this episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with labor and delivery nurse, social media educator, and chicken swaddler Jen Hamilton to unpack how birth conversations have evolved online—and what’s getting lost in the noise. Together, they challenge the growing narrative that all medical intervention is inherently harmful, reframing it instead as a set of tools that can be thoughtfully used to support safer, more positive birth experiences.

Jen shares her journey from ER nurse to one of the most recognizable voices in maternal health, explaining how witnessing patient misunderstandings and birth trauma shaped her approach to education, advocacy, and storytelling. The conversation dives into the power of communication in the delivery room, the impact of social media on both patients and providers, and how “birth vibes”—the emotional and environmental experience of care—often matter more than any checklist birth plan.

Blending humor, real-world clinical insight, and candid behind-the-scenes stories, this episode explores informed consent, elective inductions, and the importance of meeting patients where they are. It’s a nuanced look at modern birth culture, emphasizing that empowerment isn’t about rejecting care—it’s about understanding your options and choosing what’s right for you.

Birth Vibes is now available here!

Jen Hamilton's social media: @_Jen_Hamilton_

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

In this episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with triple board-certified intensivist and pulmonologist Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim to unpack what’s really happening at the intersection of medicine, misinformation, and social media.

They explore how dismissing patients’ online research can backfire—and why listening first may be the most powerful tool clinicians have. From ICU misconceptions and vaccine hesitancy to the emotional pull of viral health content, Dr. Ibrahim shares what it’s like to confront misinformation at the bedside, where the stakes are highest.

Together, they dive into the ethics of medical content creation, the challenge of making evidence-based medicine engaging, and the growing distrust in expertise. They also tackle the bigger picture: how systemic barriers—not individual failures—drive poor health outcomes, and why blaming doctors misses the mark.

This conversation is a candid look at modern medicine in the digital age—and a call for clinicians to meet patients where they are, not where we wish they’d be.

Dr. Ibrahim's social media: @ICUBoy_MedEd

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

Dr. Fran is joined by board-certified pediatrician Dr. Cerissa Key to unpack the overwhelming world of pediatric and parenting misinformation—and how social media is both fueling and fighting it. From viral “wellness” trends to dangerous supplement misuse, they dive into why “natural” doesn’t always mean safe, and how even vitamins can cause real harm when misused.

They explore the reality that parents often turn to the internet for guidance due to limited time in clinic visits—and how that gap is being filled by both credible experts and harmful misinformation. Dr. Key shares real patient stories that highlight the risks of unregulated supplements, emphasizing the importance of open, judgment-free communication between parents and pediatricians.

The conversation also tackles vaccine hesitancy, the success—and unintended consequences—of modern medicine, and why preventative care is foundational in pediatrics. Plus, they get into the evolving challenges of parenting in the digital age, including AI, social media, and what kids are really exposed to today.

With a mix of humor (yes, including pinworms) and practical insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating parenting, pediatrics, or health information online.

Dr. Cerissa Key's social media: @DrCerissaKey

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

Diminished ovarian reserve can feel deeply personal—and often deeply misunderstood.

In this episode, Dr. Fran is joined by reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lucky Sekhon to break down one of the most anxiety-provoking fertility topics online. Together, they unpack why egg count does not equal fertility, and how misinformation—especially around supplements, hormones, and “natural” fertility fixes—can lead patients further from their goals.

They dive into the emotional toll of fertility testing, the dangers of unregulated supplements (including how some may actually work against conception), and why nuanced, evidence-based care matters more than ever in the age of social media. Dr. Sekhon also shares insights from her book The Lucky Egg, offering a realistic but hopeful perspective on fertility, IVF, and the importance of meeting patients where they are.

This episode is both myth-busting and empowering—designed to help you better understand your body, your options, and how to navigate fertility information with clarity and confidence.

Dr. Sekhon's social media: @Lucky.Sekhon

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

This episode of I Did My Own Research dives into the world of nutrition misinformation and why it’s everywhere. Dr. Fran is joined by Colleen Sloan, PA-C and registered dietitian behind Exam Room Nutrition, to break down how social media has blurred the lines between evidence-based guidance and viral diet trends.

They discuss why “everyone eats” — and therefore everyone feels like an expert — and how that leads to oversimplified, one-size-fits-all advice that ignores nuance and personalization. Colleen shares her unique perspective working at the intersection of medicine and nutrition, including real patient stories that highlight how harmful misinformation can be, especially for kids and teens.

Together, they unpack the difference between a registered dietitian and a “nutritionist,” the rise of fear-based messaging around foods like seed oils and fruit, and how privilege and access shape the way we talk about “healthy eating.” They also explore how extreme diet trends, influencer marketing, and algorithm-driven content are impacting patient behavior in real life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to make sense of nutrition advice online — and for clinicians who want to communicate more effectively with patients in a world full of misinformation.

Colleen's social media: @ExamRoomNutrition

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

In the first-ever in-person episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with pediatric emergency physician and viral educator Dr. Beachgem to talk about the real impact of medical misinformation—and what it’s like to fight it from both the ER and the internet.

From building a platform during COVID to reaching millions with life-saving content, Dr. Beachgem shares how social media has transformed not only her career, but the way she practices medicine. Together, they dive into the emotional reality behind viral health topics—from vitamin K and vaccine hesitancy to the cases physicians can’t share but never forget.

They explore the tension between education and engagement online, the ethics of “going viral,” and how fear-based content spreads faster than truth. Most importantly, this conversation highlights the human side of medicine: patients aren’t difficult—they’re scared, overwhelmed, and trying to make the best decisions they can with the information they have.

This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every comment, every click, and every ER visit is a person just looking for reassurance—and a physician trying to meet them there.

Dr. Beachgem's social media: @TheBeachGem10

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

This week on I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran is joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas (aka The Pelvic Dance Floor) to break down one of the most misunderstood areas of health online.

From the myth that everyone should be doing Kegels to the reality that pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t one-size-fits-all, they unpack how viral “quick fixes” often miss the mark. Alicia explains why some people actually need to relax—not strengthen—their pelvic floor, and how individualized assessment is key.

They also dive into the rise of social media education, the benefits (and limits) of at-home tools, and why even well-meaning advice from providers or the internet can lead to harm without proper context.

If you’ve ever been told to “just do Kegels,” this episode will change the way you think about pelvic health.

Alicia's social media: @ThePelvicDanceFloor

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran