Spine & Nerve

Wellness is one of the most overused words in medicine. It's also one of the most important.

Not because of biohacks or trends — but because the fundamentals of how we build a body, mind, and life that lasts are consistently overlooked in favor of short-term fixes.

In this episode, I break down what wellness actually means, why lifespan and healthspan are not the same thing, and the Six Pillars framework I use to think about sustainable well-being.

What You'll Learn

• Why living longer doesn't automatically mean living better — and what the data actually shows about healthspan in America
• The Six Pillars of Wellness and how neglecting even one weakens the entire structure
• Why most people don't have a wellness problem — they have a prioritization problem

The Six Pillars

1. Physical Health — Movement as medicine. Why consistency beats intensity, and why physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for chronic disease
2. Nutrition — Not a diet. A lifestyle. Why any deviation from the standard American diet is a step forward, and what the long-term evidence actually supports
3. Mental & Emotional Health — Stress management isn't weakness. Practical tools: mindfulness, breathwork, journaling, gratitude, and therapy
4. Sleep & Recovery — The most underrated performance variable. What sleep deprivation does to insulin resistance, pain sensitivity, and decision-making
5. Connection — Loneliness carries a mortality risk comparable to smoking. Why relationships, community, and purpose are non-negotiable pillars
6. Leadership & Personal Responsibility — Ownership over your life and your journey. The difference between a victim mentality and a growth mentality

Key Insight

Most people over-index on one pillar and neglect the rest. The goal isn't perfection in any single area. It's coordination across all six. A practical starting point: rate yourself 1–10 in each pillar. Identify your lowest score. Focus there for the next 30 days.

If this was useful, leave a comment. If not, no worries — see you next time.

In this episode, Dr. Brian Joves shares a personal journey of confronting cancer and how it reshaped his perspective on nutrition. Despite the fact that most physicians receive only a few hours of formal training in nutrition, diet remains one of the most powerful—and underutilized—tools in medicine.We’ll discuss:Why nutrition education is lacking in medical training.The dangers of the Standard American Diet (SAD) and its role in chronic disease and pain.The science behind ketogenic diets, the Warburg effect, and what emerging research says about cancer and metabolism.How nutrition quality directly impacts chronic spinal pain and recovery.Practical, evidence-based ways patients can improve wellness and resilience—whether managing cancer, chronic pain, or simply aiming for better health.Key Takeaways:Nutrition is foundational—not optional—for long-term health, recovery, and resilience.Cancer and chronic pain share a common thread: both are influenced by inflammation, metabolic health, and lifestyle choices.Medical interventions—whether injections, medications, or surgery—are more effective when paired with better nutrition, movement, rest, and mindset.Patients don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Small, consistent changes—reducing processed foods, improving diet quality, and focusing on whole foods—can be transformative.Want to dive deeper into the link between nutrition and pain? Check out my prior episodes here:Nutrition and Chronic Pain (https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/eo3TZcNloWb?utm_source=chatgpt.com)Nutrition, Inflammation, and Pain Medicine (https://open.spotify.com/episode/18CCOiYVIN2yN4wOO2Xuwi?si=DQM3SJgwS5-Nj0Er_4P5Hg&utm_source=chatgpt.com)

In this episode, I take a step back from the usual discussions on interventional pain medicine to share something deeply personal. Recently, I was diagnosed with oral cancer—an unexpected and humbling moment that has given me a new lens through which to look at health, wellness, and the work we do every day in medicine.

This experience has reminded me of two important truths:

1. Health is never guaranteed. It requires intentional, daily choices.

2. True wellness goes beyond treating disease. It’s about prevention, proactive care, and balance—physical, emotional, and even spiritual.

We’ll explore how evidence-based medicine and wellness intersect, and why these conversations need to expand beyond procedures and medications. That means screening for silent diseases, prioritizing exercise and nutrition, managing stress, and building sustainable habits that allow us to live fully—not just avoid pain.

As a physician, as a patient, and as someone who has lived both sides of the exam room, I want to use this chapter of my life to expand the dialogue. My hope is that this conversation will not only resonate with those struggling with chronic pain, but also with anyone who needs the reminder that wellness is an ongoing journey—one that requires attention before the crisis, not just after it.

Takeaway: Wellness isn’t an abstract idea. It’s something we can integrate into pain medicine, into our personal lives, and into the daily decisions that shape our future health.

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In this episode of the Spine & Nerve podcast, Dr. Brian Joves sits down with Dr. Richard Winters, an emergency physician, leadership coach, and author, to discuss leadership, coaching, and the unique challenges physicians face as they transition into leadership roles. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned physician looking to expand your leadership skills, this episode offers practical advice on how to build a successful career in medicine while growing as a leader.

Key Takeaways:

🩺 Leadership at All Levels: Dr. Winters explains that leadership doesn't just come from holding formal titles—it's about how we lead in our everyday roles as physicians, working with our teams, and even interacting with patients and their families.

🔍 Understanding the Difference Between Mentorship and Coaching: Dr. Winters breaks down the critical distinction between mentorship and coaching, emphasizing how mentors provide guidance based on their experiences, while coaches help you unlock your potential by asking the right questions and facilitating growth.

💡 Overplaying Expertise: One common pitfall physicians face, especially early in their careers, is overplaying their expertise. Dr. Winters highlights the importance of knowing when to lead as an expert and when to step back and facilitate collaboration, especially in complex, uncertain environments.

🤝 Leading Teams & Self: As a physician leader, it’s essential to learn how to lead small teams, larger organizations, and, most importantly, yourself. Dr. Winters discusses the value of self-awareness and continuous personal development.

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🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to the Spine & Nerve Podcast for more conversations with leading experts on pain management, leadership, and healthcare!

#LeadershipInMedicine #PhysicianCoach #BrianJovesMD #RichardWinters #HealthcareLeadership #CoachingInMedicine #SpineAndNerve #Podcast

The Pros and Cons of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) vs. Office-Based Procedure SuitesWelcome back to another insightful episode! Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s been on the minds of many healthcare providers: the differences between Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and office-based procedure suites. Joining us is Teri Yates, an expert in helping physicians navigate the complexities of practice management and facility development. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a growing group, understanding the pros and cons of these options is crucial for optimizing your practice.

In This Episode, We Cover:

- The Key Differences Between ASCs and Office-Based Procedure Suites:Learn what sets these two options apart, from regulatory requirements to billing practices, and why the choice matters for your practice.

- The Benefits and Challenges of Setting Up an ASC: Discover why ASCs require a significant investment but can offer unparalleled control over your operations, leading to increased efficiency and patient satisfaction.

- The Hybrid Model Explained:Some physicians are choosing to combine both ASCs and office-based suites in one facility. Find out how this approach can provide flexibility and maximize reimbursement.

- Why a Feasibility Study is Essential:Before jumping into ASC development, a feasibility study is crucial. We discuss the key factors that should influence your decision, including case volume and state regulations.

- Long-term Strategic Considerations:Thinking about the future? We explore how owning an ASC can be a valuable asset, offering opportunities for future sale, real estate investment, and even a retirement plan.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re considering expanding your practice or simply want to understand the best operational setup for your needs, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Teri Yates shares expert advice that could help you make informed decisions about the future of your practice.

Connect with Terri Yates:

- Website: Doc Centric Surgery Centers www.doccentricasc.com-

Contact: Teri Yates - Accountable Physician Advisors [email protected]

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to enhance your practice’s efficiency, revenue, and future potential!

In this episode of The Spine & Nerve Podcast, Dr. Jason Kung and Dr. Brian Joves break down the new California opioid guidelines with insights that every healthcare provider and pain management specialist should know.

Our doctors explore the latest guidelines from the California Medical Board, published in July 2023 and designed to navigate the complexities of prescribing opioids in chronic pain management. Whether you're in California or beyond, this episode is a must-listen to understand the evolving landscape of pain treatment.

thorough documentation in pain management is critical. Proper documentation not only supports clinical decisions but also safeguards both the provider and the patient throughout the treatment process.

"Pain relief is important, but it is difficult to measure objectively. Our goal is to maintain or improve function while managing pain effectively." - Dr. Brian Joves

Dive into this episode and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complex world of pain management with confidence and compassion.

Keep striving to provide the best care for your patients and stay informed on the evolving practices in pain management!

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only, it is not meant to be medical or career advice. If anything discussed may pertain to you, please seek council with your healthcare provider. The views expressed are those of the individuals expressing them, they may not represent the views of Spine & Nerve.