On Becoming a Healer

In Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Bhalla, hear what makes for a good fit for a long term career practicing medicine and leading projects in international settings

A physician describes what attracted her to international medicine where she's worked for Doctors Without Borders in many challenging places. Guest: Naina Bhalla MD, MPH

Intro and Outro are Prelude by J.S Bach, arranged by Sophocles Papas, with permission from Carl Fischer. Also, Largo from Four Seasons by Vivaldi, arranged Per-Olov Kindgren. Guitar played by Saul Weiner.

Stefan interviews Saul about his experiences becoming a doctor with a learning disability, leading to questions such as: Does struggling with multiple choice tests mean you won't be a good doctor? How do grades shape our self image and the culture of medicine?

What should a doctor do when a patient behaves in a way that doesn't seem to make sense? Saul and Stefan discuss a case.

In Part 2 of our interview with Dr. John Scala, hear how an experienced primary care physician in solo practice responds to the pandemic, particularly as he thinks about the physician-patient relationship, the well being of his staff, and personal risk.

A primary care physician describes why he's loved being a solo doctor, mostly avoiding corporate medicine. His patients love him too. Learn how and why this kind of practice is still possible.

Dr. Conway responds to violence and hopelessness in her community, traumatized by systemic racism, by establishing the I Am Abel Foundation as a haven and resource for young people aspiring to careers in medicine.

Dr. LaMenta Conway shares what she experienced and learned growing up in an economically and socially marginalized community in Chicago, pursuing a dream to become a physician.

A middle aged man had been on a high but stable dose of opioids for years for chronic pain. His provider decides to wean him. He says "I'm not sure I can handle it," but they keep going. Is this what a caring or evidence-based physician would do?

What's a better way to pick a student for medical school: High MCAT scores or seeing them help a vulnerable stranger when it's inconvenient and they think no one's watching? Reflections on healing as an organizing principle.