Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians

By Bradley B. Block, MD, Doctor Podcast NetworkBusiness Medicine Health & Fitness Education Self-Improvement Careers

Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians episodes

May 15, 2025Ep463 - Empathy, Mortality, and Medicine: A Rural Physician’s Cancer Story
Sponsored by: Set for Life
Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife
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In this episode, host Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Peter Crane, a board-certified family physician from rural Idaho, who faced a life-altering diagnosis of a 28 cm retroperitoneal tumor at age 43. Dr. Crane shares his journey through radiation, surgery, and rehabilitation, revealing how the experience reshaped his perspective on patient care and life. From grappling with the shock of his diagnosis while working an ER shift to navigating the emotional and physical challenges of treatment, Dr. Crane’s story highlights the profound lessons learned from being on the other side of the gown. He discusses how this experience fueled his podcast, Doctors Making a Difference, aimed at helping physicians rediscover joy in their work. This episode offers actionable insights for doctors to cultivate empathy, maintain perspective, and find gratitude in their practice.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Embrace the Patient Perspective – Reflect on what it’s like to be a patient to foster greater empathy, especially during routine interactions, recognizing that each patient’s experience is unique.
Find Moments of Impact – Seek out daily moments where your skills make a difference, no matter how small, to sustain motivation and combat burnout.
Balance Self-Care and Duty – Prioritize personal health and set boundaries, understanding that your well-being enables you to serve your patients better.
About the Show:
PGD Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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. Peter Crane is a board-certified family physician practicing in rural Idaho since 2011. Diagnosed with a rare solitary fibrous tumor in 2022, he underwent radiation, surgery, and rehabilitation, which transformed his approach to medicine and life. Dr. Crane hosts Doctors Making a Difference on the Doctor Podcast Network, where he inspires physicians to find joy and purpose in their work while providing tools for success. His journey as both doctor and patient fuels his mission to leave medicine better than he found it.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermcranemd/
Podcast: Doctors Making a Difference

About the Host:
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 The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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.
35 min
May 13, 2025Ep462 - Outbreak Update: Physician's Guide to Measles, Mpox, Marburg and More
Sponsored by: Set for Life
Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife
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In this episode, Dr. Tyler Evans, dives into the current state of infectious diseases in the U.S. and globally. From measles outbreaks driven by vaccine hesitancy to waning immunity fueling whooping cough, Dr. Evans covers the resurgence of diseases once thought under control. He also discusses bird flu (H5N1), mpox, and Marburg virus, highlighting the impact of reduced public health surveillance due to budget cuts. With stories from his work in South Sudan and New York City’s COVID-19 response, Dr. Evans emphasizes the need for robust systems to protect against global health threats. Tune in for a crash course on staying ahead of the next pandemic.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Check Your Measles Vaccination Status – If you’re a healthcare worker in a rural area or near a measles outbreak, consider an MMR booster, especially if born before 1989 when only one dose was standard.
Stay Vigilant for Whooping Cough – Be aware of waning immunity five years post-vaccination, particularly if you’re around young children, and ensure pertussis vaccinations are up to date.
Advocate for Public Health Funding – Reduced surveillance for diseases like bird flu and mpox due to budget cuts increases risks; support policies that strengthen public health infrastructure.
About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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. Tyler Evans is the CEO and co-founder of Wellness and Equity Alliance, with extensive experience in infectious disease and public health. He has led initiatives at Curative Incorporated, Marin County Health, and New York City’s COVID-19 response, overseeing the delivery of over 2 million vaccine doses. His work with Doctors Without Borders and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation spans HIV/AIDS, refugee health, and global infectious diseases. Dr. Evans is the author of Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics: Decoding the Social and Political Drivers of Pandemics from Plague to COVID-19, set for release in August 2025.
Website: https://www.tylerevansmd.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-b-evans-md-ms-mph-aahivs-dtmh-fidsa-767ba738/

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 The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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.
29 min
May 06, 2025Ep461 - Crowdfunded Real Estate 101: Insights for Smarter Investing with Daniel Brereton
Sponsored by: Set for Life
Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife
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In this episode, host Dr. Brad welcomes Daniel Brereton, to demystify crowdfunded real estate investing. Brereton shares how platforms like Equity Multiple pool investor funds to participate in large-scale real estate projects, a shift enabled by the Jobs Act under the Obama administration. He discusses the role of middlemen in curating deals, key investment metrics like IRR and equity multiple, and strategies for mitigating risk. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to diversify their portfolio with informed, accessible real estate investments.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Understand Key Metrics – Learn terms like IRR (Internal Rate of Return), equity multiple, and cash-on-cash return to evaluate real estate investment opportunities effectively.
Vet Platforms with Transparency – Choose platforms that provide full deal track records and align sponsor incentives, ensuring trust and reducing risk.
Research Market Data – Use public sources like Google Maps, Zillow, and Yelp, or leverage platform-provided institutional data, to assess property viability and local conditions.
About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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:
Daniel Brereton is the Growth Team Lead at Equity Multiple, where he educates investors on private real estate investments. With a background at UBS, where he consulted on high-net-worth corporate wealth management and retirement plans exceeding $3 billion, Daniel brings extensive expertise to democratizing access to real estate markets through crowdfunding.
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/daniel-brereton-06b14785
Website: equitymultiple.com
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@equitymultiple
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 The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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.
29 min
May 06, 2025Ep460 - Behind the Paper: Dr. Katie Suleta on Uncovering Hidden Bias in Research
Sponsored by: Set for Life
Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife
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In an era where misinformation can masquerade as science, how do you discern credible research? Host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes Dr. Katie Suleta, to unpack the importance of scrutinizing study authors and journals for conflicts of interest. Drawing from her recent experience with the Journal of Personalized Medicine, where a case study on supplements for autism treatment failed to disclose a lead author’s affiliation with a supplement company, Dr. Suleta shares her journey to push for its retraction. This episode equips physicians with tools to inoculate themselves against junk science, emphasizing intellectual humility and lateral reading to protect patient care and public trust.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Check Author Affiliations – Before reading a study, investigate authors’ affiliations and potential conflicts of interest using readily available information to assess bias.
Evaluate Journal Credibility – Be wary of journals with overly long or suspicious titles, and research their reputation to avoid predatory publications.
Practice Lateral Reading – Cross-check studies or news articles with other sources to verify credibility and understand broader reactions, enhancing your information hygiene.
About the Show:
PGD Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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. Katie Suleta is a trained epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases and health informatics, serving as the regional director of research and graduate medical education. She mentors residents daily and works as a science writer, contributing to outlets like the American Council on Science and Health, The Conversation, Skeptical Inquirer, and STAT News. Known for her advocacy against misinformation, Dr. Saleta recently exposed a case study in the Journal of Personalized Medicine where a lead author’s undisclosed supplement company affiliation led her to push for its retraction, highlighting the need for transparency in scientific publishing.

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/katherine-sota-ortecho-447a4899
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katysota?igsh=Njd0NG4weW90OWJi
About the Host
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 The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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.
31 min
April 29, 2025EP459 - Healing the Planet: Climate-Conscious Healthcare with Dr. Sheetal Rao
Sponsored by: Set For Life
Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife
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Climate change is a growing health threat, and the healthcare sector contributes significantly, accounting for 8.5% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode, Dr. Sheetal Rao, fellowship-trained in climate and health policy, shares her journey from environmentalist to advocate for climate-conscious healthcare. She discusses how personal experiences, like basement flooding due to extreme weather, highlighted climate change as a social determinant of health.
Dr. Rao explains how healthcare’s emissions stem from energy use, supply chains, and single-use plastics, offering practical solutions like energy-efficient practices, sustainable food options, and composting to reduce the sector’s footprint without compromising patient care. She also provides bite-sized actions for healthcare professionals to channel climate anxiety into advocacy, emphasizing policy support and community engagement. Through her nonprofit, Nordson Green Earth, Dr. Rao works to increase tree canopy and green spaces in underserved Chicago communities, fostering health and biodiversity.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Adopt Energy-Saving Practices: Turn off lights and monitors when not in use, use LED bulbs, and advocate for green building designs in hospitals to reduce energy consumption.
Support Sustainable Policies: Vote for climate champions and support policies that make public transportation, biking, and walking safe and convenient to lower emissions.
Engage in Community Action: Join or start a green team at your hospital, or participate in local initiatives like tree planting or composting to address climate injustice and improve community health.
About the Show:
PGD Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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. Sheetal Rao is an internal medicine physician at the University of Illinois Chicago, fellowship-trained in climate and health policy and community organizing. She founded Nordson Green Earth, a nonprofit focused on increasing tree canopy and green spaces in Chicago’s underserved communities. Dr. Rao serves on the American Hospital Association’s Climate and Community Health Technical Expert Panel and the steering committee of Illinois Clinicians for Climate Action, advocating for sustainable healthcare practices.
Website: https://hospital.uillinois.edu/find-a-doctor/sheetal-rao
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/sheetalkhedrao
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheetalkrao_md?igsh=bTBnbHk0OGNyem5y
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 The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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.
30 min
April 29, 2025EP458 - Changemaking in Healthcare Through the Eyes of Dr Andrea Austin in Iraq
Sponsored by: Set for Life
Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife
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When physicians feel overwhelmed by a broken healthcare system, becoming a changemaker can be the key to rediscovering purpose and combating burnout. In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Andrea Austin, an emergency medicine physician, director of healthcare modeling and simulation certification at the Naval Postgraduate School, and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare.
Drawing from her book, Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline, Dr. Austin shares her journey from burnout to impactful change, including her experience using simulation training in a warzone trauma bay in Iraq. The conversation dives into what it means to be a changemaker—someone who drives change with society’s good in mind—and how physicians can start small to make a big impact. From addressing patient safety issues to building coalitions, this episode offers practical strategies for physicians to reclaim agency and thrive.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Start Small with Purpose – Identify one issue that frustrates you, like missing supplies in the ER, and take a small step to address it, such as raising it at a staff meeting or collaborating with a nurse to improve processes.
Build Relationships for Change – Invest in relationships with colleagues and administrators through casual conversations to foster trust and create stronger coalitions for lasting change.
Prioritize Personal Transformation – Dedicate 10-20% of your time to meaningful work that energizes you, like a patient safety project, to reduce burnout and fuel your changemaking efforts.
About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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. Andrea Austin is an emergency medicine physician, director of healthcare modeling and simulation certification at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and works with Southwest Healthcare. She hosts the podcast Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare and authored Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline, which offers insights on overcoming burnout and thriving in healthcare. Her work focuses on empowering physicians to drive meaningful change through personal transformation and collective action.
Website: www.andreaaustinmd.com
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/andreaaustinmd

About the Host
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 The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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.
30 min
April 22, 2025EP457 - Leadership Lessons from the Exam Room to the Boardroom
This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance
Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife
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Leadership isn’t just a title, it’s a mindset physicians need to embrace to shape the future of healthcare. In this episode, Dr. MinhTri Nguyen explains how physicians can leverage their inherent skills to become great leaders. From filling leadership voids in high-stakes moments like a code to mastering emotional intelligence in the exam room and beyond, Dr. Nguyen shares actionable insights on adapting, delegating, and inspiring teams. He also explores why physicians must reclaim leadership roles to drive meaningful change in healthcare, offering practical advice for doctors at any career stage.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Fill the Leadership Void: Step up in moments of uncertainty, like during a code, and adapt until a more experienced leader arrives—physicians are trained to act decisively.
Master Emotional Intelligence: Recognize and manage your emotions and those of others to build trust, improve patient outcomes, and reduce burnout.
Delegate to Amplify Efficiency: Use leadership skills to delegate effectively, freeing up time for patient care or personal life while empowering your team.
About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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. MinhTri Nguyen is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Stanford University. Previously, he served as medical director of the Internal Medicine Clinic at Metro Health Systems and president of the House Officers Association at Case Western. Named one of Northeast Ohio’s Top 25 Under 35, Dr. Nguyen is passionate about physician leadership and emotional intelligence, drawing from his extensive training in human behavior and team dynamics.
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/minhtri-nguyen-8bb6541ab
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 The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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.
29 min
April 22, 2025EP456 - Elder Care Essentials: Tough Talks and Legal Prep with Kathleen McGuinness
This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life
Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife
______
As physicians reach mid- and late-career stages, many face the challenge of managing medical issues for their aging parents. In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block interviews Kathleen McGuinness, who shares insights from her personal experience caring for her parents and husband. Kathleen offers effective strategies for navigating legal documents such as wills and medical power of attorney, initiating difficult conversations about care, and using technology to stay connected.
She also addresses sibling dynamics, cognitive decline, mental health, and medication compliance, providing actionable insights for physicians balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Whether you’re dealing with multi-generational care or geographic distance, this episode equips you with tools to support aging loved ones effectively.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Prepare Legal Documents Early: Ensure aging parents have a will, durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, advanced healthcare directive, and HIPAA release form in place while they’re still healthy to avoid complications later.
Use Technology for Connection and Care: Leverage tools like Alexa for reminders, CareZone for medication tracking, and CaringBridge to share updates with family, reducing the burden of care coordination.
Involve Professionals for Tough Conversations: Engage a geriatric care manager or social worker to navigate discussions about moving to assisted living or managing cognitive decline, minimizing family power dynamics.
About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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:
Kathleen McGuinness is a certified dementia practitioner, senior home safety specialist, and end-of-life specialist. As the head of a home care company and a commissioner on the Montgomery County Commission on Aging, she brings decades of experience supporting families through the complexities of elder care. Her personal journey as a caregiver for her aging parents and husband informs her empathetic and practical approach.
Contact Kathleen:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmcguinness/
Email: [email protected]
About the Host:
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 The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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.
28 min
April 15, 2025EP455 - Dr. Timothy Gilligan shares how to build trust in critical medical conversations (Part 2)
This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance
Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife
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In this continuation of an insightful two-part series, Dr. Bradley Block dives deeper with Dr. Timothy Gilligan, a medical oncologist and president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare. Dr. Gilligan shares proven methods for teaching communication to resistant attendings, using peer-to-peer learning and “rolling with resistance” to encourage growth.
Drawing from the ASCO Patient-Clinician Communication Guidelines, he emphasizes mastering simple basics like listening and showing care. Dr. Gilligan also tackles empathy versus compassion, advocating for imagining patients’ perspectives while maintaining boundaries to prevent burnout. With compelling stories and practical tips, this episode equips physicians to enhance their practice and find balance.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Embrace Resistance in Teaching: Validate resistant physicians’ concerns and use peer stories to demonstrate that communication skills improve with practice, like building muscle memory.
Master the Basics: Apply ASCO Guidelines by prioritizing listening, eye contact, and expressing care—simple steps that drive better patient outcomes without complexity.
Empathy with Limits: Imagine patients’ experiences to deliver compassionate care, but set professional boundaries and recharge with activities like tennis to stay resilient.
About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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. Timothy Gilligan is an associate professor of medicine and medical oncologist specializing in urological malignancies at the Cleveland Clinic, where he serves as Associate Director of the Communication Skills course. As president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, he leads efforts to improve healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan co-edited Communication, the Cleveland Clinic Way, and focuses on educational interventions for allyship, microaggressions, and anti-racist culture as the DEI officer for GME at Cleveland Clinic.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygilliganmd
Website: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Timothy-Gilligan

About the Host:
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 The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.
Want to be a guest?
Email Brad at [email protected]
Mail to:[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.
27 min
April 15, 2025EP454 - Dr. Timothy Gilligan shares how to build trust in critical medical conversations (Part 1)
This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance
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How can physicians communicate better to build trust and improve patient outcomes? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Timothy Gilligan to explore the art and science of healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan shares compelling stories, like convincing a patient with testicular cancer to accept treatment by focusing on their identity, and offers actionable techniques for flattening hierarchies, delivering bad news, and teaching communication skills to seasoned attendings. From the SPIKES protocol to staying present in tough moments, this episode is packed with strategies to enhance empathy, earn trust, and navigate challenging conversations—no matter where you are in your career.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Listen First to Build Trust: Start patient encounters by asking, “What have other doctors told you?” to understand their perspective and show you value their story, fostering trust before sharing medical details.
Use the SPIKES Protocol for Bad News: Ensure the right setting, gain permission, assess patient knowledge, deliver clear information, respond with empathy, and summarize next steps to guide tough conversations effectively.
Reset Between Patients: Take 5-10 seconds to breathe and ground yourself before entering a room to stay present and avoid carrying emotional baggage from prior encounters.
About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring 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. Timothy Gilligan is an associate professor of medicine and medical oncologist specializing in urological malignancies at the Cleveland Clinic, where he serves as Associate Director of the Communication Skills course. As president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, he leads efforts to improve healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan co-edited Communication, the Cleveland Clinic Way, and focuses on educational interventions for allyship, microaggressions, and anti-racist culture as the DEI officer for GME at Cleveland Clinic.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygilliganmd
About the Host:
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 The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.
__________
Want to be a guest?
Email Brad at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!
Socials:
@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook
@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube
@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

healthcare communication, physician-patient trust, delivering bad news, SPIKES protocol, empathy in medicine, building trust with patients, communication skills training, flattening hierarchy in healthcare, Cleveland Clinic communication, Dr. Timothy Gilligan
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.
33 min

About Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians

From the publisher's feed

Was your medical education enough to handle everything physician life demands? From lawsuits to leadership, career decisions to challenging conversations, balancing the personal with the professional — not enough was addressed in medical school, residency or fellowship.