Physicians First Podcast

Physicians First Podcast

By Jeff P. LaFond, MS, MD, FACGHealth & FitnessEducationSelf-Improvement
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Physicians First Podcast episodes

  • Self-Investment and Resilience: A Talk with Amir Baluch, MD

    One of my favorite parts of this show is to connect with doctors who found entrepreneurial success and then translate it back to helping their fellow docs. And today, I'm excited to welcome Dr. Amir Baluch, MD, to the podcast. He’s a wealth strategist, private fund manager, and international best-selling author.

    As the founder of Baluch Capital Partners and the host of Financial Wellness MD, Dr. Baluch has dedicated his career to helping professionals achieve financial independence through strategic passive investments. With over a decade of experience in private equity, he’s successfully overseen projects totaling over $700 million. He’s also the author of "Make It, Keep It" and "Prosperity Prescription," and frequently contributes to Forbes. Dr. Baluch's insights are especially valuable for healthcare professionals looking to find financial freedom and a better work-life balance. Amir has a special gift for our listeners. Use this link to get a free copy of his book, Prosperity Prescription today! Not only can you get a copy of the book, you can schedule a Clarity Call to talk about your goals, or claim a spot in Baluch Capital’s Wealth Accelerator Bootcamp.

    Let's dive into our conversation!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com
    51 min
  • Anti-fragility and Determination: Talking with Jimmy Turner

    In this episode of the Physicians First podcast, I had the immense pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jimmy Turner, an anesthesiologist and academic at Wake Forest University, who is also known as “the Physician Philosopher.”

    I have been looking forward to this conversation for a long time, as I’ve listened to him for years—he's truly been my companion in the car during my commutes, sharing valuable insights that resonate with many of us in the medical field. During our discussion, I highlighted the diverse roles Dr. Turner occupies. He’s not just a practicing physician; he’s also an entrepreneur and a coach through the Alpha Coaching Experience.

    He hosts multiple podcasts, including "Money Meets Medicine“ and “The Physician Philosopher," where he dives into critical topics affecting physicians' lives and finances.

    I was particularly impressed by his commitment to educating his peers about personal finance and his books, “Determined” and “The Physician Philosopher’s Guide to Personal Finance.” I even mentioned how listening to “Determined” helped me navigate a moment of road rage by adopting a more empathetic perspective.

    We also touched on Dr. Turner’s latest venture into reliable disability insurance, which addresses the often misguided experiences many doctors face with insurance companies. It’s admirable how he’s committed to helping both established physicians and medical students and residents navigate their overwhelming debt situations. As I spoke with Dr. Turner, it became clear how passionate he is about sharing knowledge, especially with his recent initiative, the Doctors Podcast Network, aimed at supporting physicians eager to start their own podcasts.

    We also ventured into his personal life, discussing how he balances his professional obligations with being a husband and a father to three children, which he takes great pride in. I appreciated his candid reflections on identity and productivity—how managing multiple roles can be challenging while striving for personal and professional fulfillment. Dr. Turner shared insights about the pressures of being an achiever and the need for external validation, which many of us can relate to. Overall, this conversation was not just informative but also inspiring. Dr. Jimmy Turner’s dedication to enhancing the lives of fellow physicians and advocating for financial literacy is a testament to his commitment to our profession. I’m grateful he joined me on the podcast, and I look forward to diving deeper into these topics in future episodes.

    Stay Well, I will talk to you soon!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com
    52 min
  • Lifelong learning and investments are crucial

    In my recent conversation with Lydia Essary, MD, founder of Lift Equity Invest, we explored the importance of lifelong learning, especially for those of us in the medical field. As doctors, we often find ourselves engrossed in our practices, yet expanding our horizons beyond medicine is vital. Lydia emphasizes the value of seeking a good mentor who can guide us through the complexities of real estate investing. She also highlighted the benefits of joining local support groups, where like-minded professionals can collaborate and share resources. For those just starting, she suggests considering syndication deals, which can be a less daunting real estate market. Our discussion reinforced the path to our financial freedom starts with investing in our financial education. When we do it, we can build wealth and secure a brighter future for ourselves and our families.

    It’s a good lesson to take into 2025, and we’re excited to bring you even more guests, resources, and advice for the new year. Stay well, and we’ll talk to you next time.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com
    39 min
  • AI and the Physician Entrepreneur

    I had an incredible experience chatting with Dr. Raj Venkatramani in our latest podcast episode. Dr. Raj, an oncologist and successful real estate investor, shared some fascinating insights on how AI tools can revolutionize both medicine and the real estate business. It was inspiring to hear how he leverages technology to streamline processes and enhance decision-making in his investments. We delved into the intersection of healthcare and real estate, discussing innovative strategies that can benefit entrepreneurs in both fields.

    The knowledge and expertise he brought to the conversation were truly enlightening. Coming off this conversation , I’m excited to promote the upcoming Real Estate AI Summit that Raj is organizing in February 2025. For more details, visit realestateaisummit.com. You won't want to miss it!

    About Raj:Rajkumar Venkatramani (“Raj”) is an oncologist, real estate investor, entrepreneur, founder, and manager at REIDOC Capital LLC (www.reidoccapital.com). Raj went to medical school in India and trained in London, Illinois, and California. Raj has a masters degree from University of Southern California and an MBA from University of Massachusetts. Raj owns and manages several rental properties in Houston and has invested in multifamily syndications for more than 7 years. He has invested both as a limited partner and general partner in more than 2000 apartment units. He is also the founder of REIDOC Agency that helps real estate investors automate their capital raising efforts.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com
    43 min
  • Foiling the "FugIts"

    Fatigue, countless decisions, stress, and self-doubt can lead to what I call a case of the "FugIts," where you slip out of your routine. In this episode, I discuss some of my challenges and share strategies for minimizing those moments so you can keep moving forward.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com
    28 min
  • Always have a mentor: Lindsey Duguet is on the pod!

    In this episode of the Physicians First podcast, Jeff sits down with Dr. Lindsey Duguet, an accomplished ER physician, author, and regional director of Geisinger’s Emergency Departments. With a passion for helping others, Dr. Duguet shares her journey from medical school to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the real estate investing space while managing the demands of motherhood and a medical career.

    Join us as Dr. Duguet discusses her experiences, insights on physician burnout, and her commitment to empowering physicians to practice medicine on their own terms. She highlights her latest book releases, her coaching program Mindshift to Millions, and her successful partnership with her husband in real estate through Clover Key Capital.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com
    56 min
  • Ben Reinking is the Developing Doctor

    In this episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Ben Reinking, a board-certified pediatric cardiologist and the founder of The Developing Doctor. We discuss the pressing issue of physician burnout and the vital importance of wellness in our medical practices. Dr. Reinking shares his journey from growing up in a large family to discovering his passion for medicine through various rotations. He talks about how he currently balances patient care, teaching, and his coaching program designed to support medical professionals, from pre-med students to attending physicians. I found our conversation to be enlightening, especially when it comes to the significance of mentorship and the importance of pursuing one's passion in the medical field.

    Also, as a treat for you, Ben wrote to me after the episode to offer 30% off to Physicians First listeners to his coaching programs. To use the code, go to his site, order a course and enter PHYSICIANFIRST30 in the coupon code box.

    Hey, want to watch this as a video instead? Here you go:



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com
    44 min
  • Invest in Yourself: Thoughts on Attending PIMDCON 2024

    Hey everyone,

    I just got back from the PIMDCon and I have so much to share! It was an incredible experience meeting so many inspiring and accomplished individuals in the medical field. Here are some of the highlights from the event:

    Reconnecting in person with my colleague and dear friend, Marco Ugas MD. One of the best things about these types of events is being able to share the experience with like-minded connections and be able to chat about your thoughts and impressions of the the topics presented. Your network is your net worth, and with Marco’s presence was invaluable.

    Peter Kim MD, a prolific physician entrepreneur, led some engaging discussions and shared insights on leveraging and growth acceleration. I'm part of his Facebook/online group, and it's been an invaluable resource.

    I also had the pleasure of meeting Vikram Raya MD, who is known as the "Limitless MD." I crossed paths with him in the hotel lobby and ended up having dinner with him, where he pitched his coaching program. I also had the chance to chat with one of his coaches and a real estate investor, Preetika Sidhu MD.

    Another standout was Parameshwari Baladanapani MD, who leads the Generational Wealth MD and is involved in real estate investment opportunities. It was eye-opening to learn from someone with such expertise in this area.

    Mike Woo Ming MD, an OG physician entrepreneur who runs Bootstrap MD, was also at the event. It was great connecting with him and sharing experiences as fellow podcasters.

    One of the most memorable moments was meeting the power couple, Kenji Asakura MD and Letitia Alto MD, who run Semi-Retired MD and the Zero to Freedom real estate investment course. They also host the Doctors Building Wealth Podcast and have built strong online communities and events.

    Sunny Smith MD, who runs the successful coaching program Empowering Women Physicians, left a lasting impression on me. She's doing incredible work in the fight against physician burnout and suicide. I was moved by her story of intervening and providing immediate help to a physician in crisis.

    Lastly, Ryan Holiday delivered a powerful keynote speech on stoicism and highlighted his book "The Obstacle is the Way." Although I didn't get to meet him in person, his talk was truly inspiring, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading his book.

    Overall, the PIMDCon 2024 was an amazing opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and learn from some of the best in the industry. I'm leaving the event feeling motivated and inspired to take my career to the next level. Can't wait for the next one!

    Best,

    Jeff LaFond



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com
    7 min
  • Scoping Out Solutions: Actionable Steps for GI Clinician Wellbeing

    I was honored to speak at the American College of Gastroenterology’s (ACG) Virtual Ground Rounds about wellbeing and health with friend of the pod, Keith Jones. This talk was moderated by Dr. Jonathan A. Leighton, MD, FACG, President of ACG and a Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

    This was a really great talk and I was honored to talk to so many of my fellow docs about this important topic, and thank you to ACG, Dr. Leighton, and Keith for making this happen and allowing me to share it with you.

    You can listen to this conversation, certainly. But I think the video presentation may give you a little bit more. You can view the entire video presentation on our Substack:



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com
    1 hr 3 min
  • Take Action, That's the Key.

    Today, I sat down with Dustin Brooks, the founder of the new fitness venture Body by Brooks. This venture specializes in driven people who want to make real gains to achieve their goals. Dustin’s program is a personalized, app-driven training that anyone can use, regardless of where you are in the United States, and his personal touch focuses on motivation and guidance.

    But his story is pretty unique and inspiring, and at first, it seems completely removed from our physician world. He’s a professional martial artist, a world champion Buhurt fighter (MMA meets armor… seriously), and a professional bodybuilder. His drive, commitment to nutrition, and dedication to finding what works best for people in our line of work to see what’s suitable for their schedules without stopping progress are also championship-worthy.

    You can find Dustin’s business on the ‘gram at @Body_By_Brooks or email him at [email protected]. I’m signing up!

    Also, if you’re in the New England area, Dustin’s competing regularly. Find out more at https://theknightshall.com.

    Stay well, and I’ll talk to you soon.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit physiciansfirst.substack.com
    1 hr 5 min

About Physicians First Podcast

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A newsletter and podcast for physicians about crushing burnout and optimizing health, wealth, and well-being.