Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

How do you rise in academic medicine without losing your sense of purpose?

Dr. Bradley Block joins Dr. Joseph Losee  for a powerful conversation about the real path to academic advancement. Drawing from over two decades as a department chair, program director, and mentor, Dr. Losee reveals how saying “yes” shaped his journey from young faculty member to national leader—and why the same word must be used intentionally at different seasons of life.

The discussion explores the balance between sacrifice and wellbeing, the shifting culture of academic medicine, and how meaning and mentorship sustain long-term fulfillment. Dr. Losee also shares insights on conflict resolution, leadership development, and his latest venture, Clarity Med Solutions, where he pioneers early dispute mediation to restore trust and healing between physicians, patients, and health systems.

This episode is a roadmap for physicians seeking impact, growth, and balance—without losing sight of what truly matters.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Say Yes With Intention: Early in your career, saying yes opens doors, builds credibility, and creates opportunities. But as your life evolves, align your yeses with your passions—and protect your energy for what truly matters.
• Sacrifice is the Path to Leadership: Every leader pays a price for impact. True advancement in academic medicine requires time, service, and persistence—but when rooted in purpose, those sacrifices yield meaning and legacy.
• Relationships Are the Real Reward: From mentoring residents to mediating patient disputes, relationships—not titles—define success. Meaning in medicine comes from connection, compassion, and helping others thrive.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Joseph Losee is Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Dr. Ross H. Musgrave Endowed Chair of Pediatric Plastic Surgery. A nationally recognized surgeon, educator, and leader, he has authored over 250 publications, edited seven textbooks, and led multiple professional societies.

He co-chairs the UPMC Physician Wellbeing Initiative, teaches leadership in the Katz Graduate School of Business, and is the founder of Clarity Med Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in leadership coaching and conflict resolution.

📍 Connect with Dr. Losee

• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine – Faculty Profile
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joseph-losee
  
  About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected]  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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 Ever wonder why success doesn’t feel successful?

You’ve checked every box — med school, residency, family, stability — yet still feel that quiet tug of restlessness. Dr. Richard Boyatzis, joins Dr. Bradley Block to unpack why even accomplished physicians often lose their sense of meaning mid-career. Drawing from his Intentional Change Theory, Dr. Boyatzis explains that fulfillment dips every 7–10 years as part of our natural life cycle — what he calls liminality, the space between “what was” and “what’s next.” The fix isn’t distraction (real estate, side gigs, or skydiving), but rediscovering your vision — your “ideal self” — and aligning daily work with your true values.

He warns against the trap of coaching for compliance — trying to fix patients (or yourself) through fear and goals. Instead, focus on coaching with compassion — inspiring sustained change through purpose, gratitude, and hope. Physicians, he says, thrive when they reconnect to why they entered medicine: to help, heal, and matter. Through personal stories, neuroscience, and humor, Dr. Boyatzis offers a practical roadmap for reigniting passion without abandoning your profession — whether that means teaching, mentoring, volunteering, or simply reframing success through renewed purpose.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Revisit Your Vision Every 7–10 Years:  Midlife restlessness isn’t failure — it’s biology. Reflect on your ideal self by asking, “If my life were fantastic 10–15 years from now, what would it look like?” Write it down, talk it out, and use it to guide new choices in work and life.
• Coach (and Care) with Compassion, Not Compliance: Patients — and physicians — change through hope, not fear. Replace “If you don’t…” warnings with vision-driven goals (“What do you want to live for?”). Shared purpose boosts motivation, treatment adherence, and well-being.
• Recharge with Purposeful Connection: Gratitude and positive storytelling aren’t fluff — they activate the parasympathetic system and restore energy. Start meetings or days with one uplifting story, or jot three things you’re grateful for. It rewires stress into meaning.
  
   

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

Dr. Richard Boyatzis is a Distinguished University Professor at Case Western Reserve University and one of the world’s most cited scholars on emotional intelligence, leadership, and behavior change. Co-author of Primal Leadership and Helping People Change, his latest book, The Science of Change, distills decades of research into how individuals and organizations achieve sustained transformation. A global consultant and teacher, his work has reached over 1.5 million learners worldwide.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-boyatzis-401822a 
Website: case.edu

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected]  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

_________________________________

Are we all slowly “turning to plastic”?

Professor Dr. Oliver Jones says: calm down. In this myth-busting episode of Succeeded In Medicine Podcast, Dr. Jones dismantles the fear around microplastics and “forever chemicals” (PFAS) with hard science and regulatory reality.

Microplastics—defined as plastic particles <5mm—are mostly from degraded waste, not just cosmetics. Found everywhere (lungs, brains, sewage), yet the WHO and FDA find no evidence of health effects at real-world exposures. Sensational studies use unrealistically high doses; background contamination skews results. The “5 grams of plastic a week” claim? Physically impossible.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) aren’t “forever”—they degrade slowly, not eternally. Used in firefighting foam, non-stick coatings, and water-repellent gear, high occupational exposure (e.g., near military bases) warrants concern. But everyday levels? Far below harm thresholds. Drinking water guidelines are so strict that detecting any PFAS fails compliance—costing millions to treat with no proven health gain.

Dr. Jones warns: chemophobia drives reformulation (e.g., BPA → BPS) often replacing well-studied compounds with less-tested ones. Tobacco, alcohol, and UV light have proven risks—yet get less outrage. Regulators (FDA, EPA) rigorously test products; fear shouldn’t override evidence.

Physicians get a framework: teach patients dose makes the poison, prioritize proven risks (alcohol, smoking), and resist social media’s BS asymmetry—where debunking takes 10x the effort of spreading misinformation.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Reframe Risk with “Dose and Context” for Patients: When patients panic about microplastics or PFAS, ask: “What’s the exposure level? What’s the proven harm?” Use Dr. Jones’s analogy: a glass of wine ≠ instant cancer; a nanogram of PFAS ≠ endocrine collapse. Print a one-pager contrasting proven risks (alcohol, UV) vs. unproven (microplastics) to calm fears and build trust.
• Stop Personal Chemophobia—Model Evidence-Based Living: Keep using plastic cutting boards, microwave-safe containers, and receipts. Track one actual risk instead: cut alcohol units by 20% this month. Log mood/energy—patients notice your calm, data-driven choices and follow suit.
• Counter Misinformation with BS Asymmetry Awareness: Social media claims spread 10x faster than rebuttals. Save Dr. Jones’s line—“If it were that dangerous, we’d see it in public health data”—as a canned response. Share one FDA/WHO microplastics summary yearly with your practice newsletter to pre-empt panic.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Oliver Jones is a multi-award-winning chemist and professor at RMIT University (Melbourne). An internationally recognized expert in analytical and environmental science, he develops methods to measure chemicals in water, food, and the environment. Originally from Manchester, with a PhD from Imperial College London, he bridges chemistry, biology, and engineering to solve real-world problems. A passionate science communicator, he’s featured in The Guardian, ABC News, and The Washington Post. 

LinkedIn : linkedin.com/in/droliverjones

Website : https://www.rmit.edu.au/profiles/j/oliver-jones

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_oli_jones/?locale=zh_CN&hl=af

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected]  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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You can hack every minute, but if those minutes don’t serve what truly matters, what’s the point? 

In this focused episode of Succeeded In Medicine Podcast, Dr. Ari Tuckman challenges the blind chase of “more done.” Drawing from his fifth book, The ADHD Productivity Manual, he explains why physicians must first ask: To what end am I being productive?

The discussion unpacks the gap between being busy and being productive—especially in high-stakes medicine where reactivity rules. Dr. Tuckman introduces temporal discounting, the bias that makes immediate rewards (another patient, one more episode) feel far stronger than future costs (burnout, unfinished charts, missed family moments). He shares how to make future outcomes visceral: close your eyes and feel the drag of a sleep-deprived day versus the clarity of a rested one.

Time is treated like money—finite, non-renewable, and requiring deliberate allocation. Priorities, Dr. Tuckman stresses, are revealed in actions, not words: if “health” or “family” never make the calendar, they aren’t priorities. He advocates sacred time blocks, realistic scheduling that buffers emergencies, and ruthless to-do list decluttering (hesitate to justify? delete).

On work-life balance, the financial tension of private practice surfaces: every hour off is lost revenue. Yet true wealth is the margin to take that time when it counts. Dr. Tuckman adds the hard truth: “Part of the cost of a good life is sometimes doing things you hate.” Minimize suffering—finish unpleasant tasks fast, without mental gnawing.

From charting between patients to setting boundaries on complex cases, this episode equips physicians to stop surprise-ending their days and start designing them.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Ask the “To What End?” Question Before Any Productivity Hack: Reactivity breeds burnout. Pause and define: What do I want my life to look like? List 3–5 core values (e.g., patient impact, family presence, personal health). For each time or financial decision, ask: Does this align or erode my priorities? Review weekly in 5 minutes to stay intentional.
• Combat Temporal Discounting with Vivid Future-Feelings: Procrastination wins because future pain feels abstract. Before the immediate reward (skipping notes, doom-scrolling), close your eyes for 30 seconds and feel tomorrow-you: dragging, behind, irritable—versus rested, caught-up, present. Make the future visceral to choose action.
• Declutter Your To-Do List Ruthlessly and Fast: Overloaded lists paralyze. Set a 10-minute timer weekly. For each item, decide in <10 seconds: Keep or delete? If you pause to justify, it’s not important—delete. Free mental space for what moves the needle.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Ari Tuckman, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist and sex therapist in private practice in West Chester, PA, renowned as an ADHD thought leader. Specializing in ADHD diagnosis and treatment, he also focuses on couples and sex therapy. A frequent media guest on CNN, NPR, and XM Radio, and quoted in The New York Times, USA Today, and more, he co-chairs CHADD's conference committee. Author of five books, including The ADHD Productivity Manual—his latest on universal productivity strategies—and More Attention, Less Deficit, he hosts the popular More Attention podcast with over 100 episodes of practical ADHD advice. 

Website: https://adultadhdbook.com

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected]  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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Struggling to differentiate sinus symptoms? You're not alone—medical training often falls short.

In this solo episode of Succeed in Medicine, Dr. Bradley Block shares how to distinguish between colds, bacterial sinusitis, allergies, and sinus migraines. With insights from years of clinical experience, on sinusitis as a secondary bacterial infection following viruses, not allergies or blockages. He covers "second sickness" patterns, why 10-day watchful waiting beats early antibiotics, migraine misdiagnoses, and treatments like nasal steroids for allergies versus surgery for fungal balls. Debunking myths like balloon sinuplasty for migraines. 

This episode equips physicians with practical tools to avoid overtreatment and improve patient outcomes, learn why facial pressure often points to migraines, when antibiotics are truly needed, and how to spot the “second sickness” pattern of sinus infections. Packed with practical tips and myth-busting, this episode is a must-listen 

for anyone navigating sinus issues or curious about ENT care.

Three Actionable Takeaway:

• Sinusitis Starts with a Virus: Dr. Block explains bacterial sinusitis as a secondary infection after a cold disrupts sinus mucosa—watch for "second sickness" where symptoms worsen after initial improvement. Hold antibiotics for at least 10 days unless complications like orbital cellulitis arise.
• Facial Pressure Isn't Always Sinus: Often misdiagnosed as sinusitis, facial pressure (especially weather-related) signals migraines—Dr. Block advises checking for tenderness over sinuses and avoiding unnecessary CT scans or surgery like balloon sinuplasty, which treats mucosa issues poorly.
• Allergies vs. Sinusitis: Separate Issues: Allergies swell nasal mucosa but don't cause sinus infections due to insufficient allergen entry—treat with nasal steroids or immunotherapy. Fungal balls require surgery, not meds, as they're not true infections.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected]  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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Can improv skills transform patient interactions in healthcare?

Dr. Bradley Block and Tane Danger, share how improvisation fosters essential skills like active listening, empathy, collaboration, and adaptability. Drawing from over 20 years in improv theater, Tane explains techniques such as "Yes, And" to validate patient concerns and build trust, staying present to avoid jumping to conclusions, and using nonverbal cues for better rapport. Through fun exercises like one-word stories, Tane demonstrates how these tools help healthcare professionals slow down, connect authentically, and navigate unpredictable situations, ultimately making interactions more enjoyable and effective for both providers and patients.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• · Stay Present and Listen Actively: In healthcare, it's easy to jump to conclusions based on experience, but staying present ensures accurate diagnoses and builds patient trust. Repeat the last thing a patient says to start your response, slowing down your thought process, demonstrating engagement, and allowing their full story to unfold naturally for better outcomes.
• Embrace "Yes, And": Validate patient ideas by starting responses with "Yes" to affirm what they've said, then add "And" to build collaboratively, exploring their concerns without dismissal. This fosters open dialogue, rapport, and partnership, turning potential conflicts into constructive conversations that enhance understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
• Incorporate Theatricality: Use exaggerated nonverbal cues, like expressive facial reactions and body language, to show genuine interest in patients' stories. This "theatricality" amplifies empathy, making interactions more authentic and helping patients feel heard, even if you're familiar with their condition, ultimately strengthening trust and the therapeutic relationship.

About the Show

Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Tane Danger is an improviser with over 20 years of experience performing, teaching, and directing improv theater. He is the co-founder of Danger Boat Productions, which uses improv to facilitate important conversations and improve communication and collaboration. As artist-in-residence at the Mayo Clinic Lavin Center for Humanities in Medicine, he trains healthcare professionals in improv techniques to enhance connection, empathy, and quick thinking.

  Website: tanedanger.com
Company Website: dangerboat.net

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected]  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

__________________________________________________

What happens when money, meant as a tool, becomes the driving force of our lives, sidelining health, family, and purpose?

In this transformative episode of Succeeded Medicine Podcast, Carl Richards, joins Dr. Cobin Soelberg to unpack how society—especially in the U.S.—has "lost the plot" on money. Drawing from his four years in New Zealand, where he noticed a cultural shift prioritizing life over work, Carl challenges the Western tendency to make money and work the organizing principles of existence, often at the expense of sleep, health, and relationships. He shares a vivid metaphor of money as a discouraged golden retriever, earnestly trying but failing to deliver intangibles like love, happiness, or self-worth. For physicians, this resonates deeply with the pressures of high-stakes careers and financial expectations. 

Carl offers actionable insights: assign money specific "jobs" it can handle (e.g., funding experiences or security) while releasing it from impossible tasks (e.g., defining self-esteem). He introduces the concept of "forcing functions"—deliberate commitments like signing up for a retreat or coaching a child’s soccer team—to align actions with values. Reflecting on his retreats, including a women’s financial advisor event and an upcoming couples’ retreat, Carl emphasizes creating safe spaces for tough conversations about risk, uncertainty, and values. He advocates for quiet reflection—whether through meditation, gardening, or mountain biking—to escape the "matrix" of comparison and competition, a trap many physicians face in demanding healthcare systems. 

Three Actionable Takeaways: 

• Reframe Money as a Tool to Serve Your Values: Physicians often face societal pressure to prioritize financial success, but Carl emphasizes that money is a tool, not the goal. It excels at funding tangible needs like a secure retirement or family vacations but fails at delivering intangibles like love, self-worth, or happiness. To apply this, list your core values (e.g., family time, patient care, personal health), then evaluate your financial decisions—such as investments or practice expenses—to ensure they align with those values, reducing stress and fostering purpose.
• Use Forcing Functions to Drive Intentional Change: Carl’s concept of "forcing functions" involves committing to actions that push you toward your desired life, even if uncomfortable. For physicians, this might mean signing up to coach your child’s soccer team to prioritize family, enrolling in a mindfulness retreat to combat burnout, or scheduling regular "quiet time" to reflect on career goals.
• Prioritize Quiet Reflection to Escape the Comparison Trap: The healthcare system’s competitive "matrix" can erode well-being, but Carl advocates for intentional pauses—through meditation, nature, or activities like mountain biking—to rediscover what truly matters. Physicians can carve out 10-20 minutes daily for journaling or mindfulness to clarify their "world," as inspired by David Whyte’s Sweet Darkness. This practice counters burnout by helping you focus on what brings you alive, such as patient connections or personal growth, rather than external metrics like income or status.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest Hosts: 

Carl Richards is a financial storyteller, artist, and author known for his "Sketch Guy" column in the New York Times. With decades in the financial sphere, he helps people re-imagine wealth through simple sketches and profound insights. His new book "Your Money: Re-Imagining Wealth in Simple Sketches," challenges conventional views on money. Carl draws from global experiences, including four years in New Zealand, and hosts retreats focused on values, risk, and decision-making

Website: https://behaviorgap.com 

Dr. Cobin Soelberg is a private practice anesthesiologist and principal advisor at Greeley Wealth Management. He focuses on financial strategies, personal development, and holistic success for healthcare professionals. Drawing from his own career, he integrates practical advice with deeper reflections on wealth and well-being. 

Website: GreeleyWealthManagement.com

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How can Navy SEAL training principles transform medical practice amid rising uncertainty? 

In this special guest-hosted episode of Succeed in Medicine, John Schneider interviews Rich Diviney, as he recounts developing The Attributes during his time leading selection for SEAL Team Six, distinguishing between teachable skills and innate qualities that underpin performance under stress. Listeners learn about the 41 attributes assessment available at theattributes.com, which reveals personal "dimmer switch" settings to enhance self-awareness without judgment. The discussion bridges military and medical worlds, exploring how ER physicians and SEALs share traits like compartmentalization, while roles like general practitioners demand higher empathy.

 Transitioning to Masters of Uncertainty, Rich delves into identity's role in performance, advocating "I am" statements tied to attributes for resilience during career shifts. He introduces the "Moving Horizons" tool to generate personal certainty by chunking challenges, drawing from SEAL Hell Week and Apollo missions to show how it dissipates fear through neuroplasticity. The episode culminates in dynamic subordination—a fluid leadership model where teams adapt like an amoeba, empowering all members in uncertain environments, with parallels to surgical teams. Essential listening for physicians navigating change, burnout, and team dynamics.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Assess Your Attributes – Visit theattributes.com to take the free assessment and identify your unique strengths and blind spots. Use this self-awareness to match roles that align with your innate qualities, enhancing performance in high-stress medical settings.
2. Practice Moving Horizons – In moments of uncertainty, ask: What do I know? What can I control? Choose a short, achievable horizon (e.g., next 10 breaths or task) to generate dopamine and focus, building resilience through daily practice like workouts.
3. Foster Dynamic Subordination – Lead by behavior, not title: Create environments where the most competent person steps up, and others support. In teams, use first names and empower voices to optimize decision-making in fluid, high-stakes scenarios like surgery or emergencies.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest Hosts:

· John Schneider – An academic neurosurgeon and physician coach, guest hosts the Succeed in Medicine podcast, interviewing former Navy SEAL Rich Diviney. He trains residents, values self-discovery through assessments, and champions dynamic subordination in teams. Fascinated by human behavior, Schneider initially aimed to be an economist before pursuing medicine.

Rich Diviney – A retired Navy SEAL Commander with over 20 years of service and 13 deployments, authored The Attributes and Masters of Uncertainty. As a performance consultant, he advises high-performing teams, using his SEAL Team Six experience to develop assessments and strategies for mastering uncertainty and enhancing self-awareness

Connect with Rich Diviney:

Website:    https://theattributes.com
Email:    [email protected] 

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ready to turn procrastination into productivity and make to-do lists work for you? 

Dr. Bradley Block and Dr. Russell Ramsay continue their discussion on time management for physicians. In part two, Dr. Ramsay explores forgiving procrastination through normalization, identifying progressivity (productive avoidance), and breaking tasks into small, actionable steps. He shares tips on using daily planners, keeping to-do lists manageable (2-5 items), and incorporating self-compassion to sustain motivation. While rooted in ADHD strategies, these insights help anyone in high-demand fields like medicine avoid overcommitment and build momentum. Tune in for practical advice on planners, task breakdown, and iterating for success—perfect for shifting work-life balance.

Three Actionable Takeaway:

1. Forgive and Normalize Procrastination – Recognize that relapse is 100%, and focus on understanding why it happens (e.g., lack of planning or overcommitment). Dr. Ramsay advises reframing through normalization and self-compassion: acknowledge slip-ups, identify specific causes, and get back on track without self-judgment to minimize future occurrences.
2. Avoid Progressivity with Task Prioritization – Identify when you're doing lower-priority tasks (e.g., organizing files instead of charting) as avoidance. Dr. Ramsay suggests making priority tasks more appealing by focusing on hands-on starts, clear endpoints, and small steps—like mowing the lawn before taxes—to build momentum and prevent productive procrastination.
3. Optimize To-Do Lists and Planners – Keep lists short (2-5 bite-sized items) and specific (e.g., "run errand" vs. vague goals). Dr. Ramsay recommends using planners for time-blocking, sequencing tasks logically, and iterating if needed; if a task lingers, break it down further into initial steps like "get to workstation" for sustained progress.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Russell Ramsay is a psychologist specializing in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult ADHD. With international lectures and over six books, including CBT for Adult ADHD and The Adult ADHD Toolkit, he advises on behavioral strategies for efficiency and well-being. Formerly at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, he focuses on helping professionals, including physicians, manage procrastination and perfectionism. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-ramsay-a8bbb310

Website: https://www.cbt4adhd.com

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected]  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 Can physicians break the cycle of procrastination and reclaim their personal lives? 

Dr. Bradley Block and Dr. Russell Ramsay dive into practical approaches for managing time, tackling dreaded tasks like charting and difficult patient calls, and addressing perfectionism. Drawing from his expertise in adult ADHD, Dr. Ramsay discusses behavioral scripts, implementation intentions, and reframing tasks to build momentum and reduce avoidance. While emphasizing that these skills benefit everyone, he highlights the role of social capital, small actions for big gains, and tools like talk-to-text for efficiency. Tune in for insights on current challenges, actionable strategies, and how to stay motivated—part one of a two-part series.

Three Actionable Takeaway: 

1. Behavioral Scripts for Task Initiation – Break down challenging tasks, like difficult patient phone calls, into clear roles and minimal actions (e.g., communicate key information). Dr. Ramsay explains this reduces avoidance by focusing on fulfilling your professional duty, similar to starting gym routines with small steps like wearing gym clothes.
2. Combat Perfectionism with Good Enough Standards – Identify where perfectionism slows you down (e.g., over-editing notes or emails) and reframe to "fully competent" outcomes. Dr. Ramsay suggests using timers, word limits, or talk-to-text to draft quickly, and evaluating trade-offs like lost family time to incentivize efficiency.
3. Build Momentum Through Small Actions – Use implementation intentions ("If X, then Y") and "touch the task" techniques to start admin work or self-care. Dr. Ramsay notes that small steps, like opening a chart or comparing colleagues' efficient notes, create inertia and help shift from "have to" to intentional productivity.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Russell Ramsay is a psychologist specializing in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult ADHD. With international lectures and over six books, including CBT for Adult ADHD and The Adult ADHD Toolkit, he advises on behavioral strategies for efficiency and well-being. Formerly at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, he focuses on helping professionals, including physicians, manage procrastination and perfectionism. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-ramsay-a8bbb310

Website: https://www.cbt4adhd.com

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected]  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.