The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner

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Many thanks to James Gordon, MD, for joining me on this episode of "The Art of Medicine" to speak about his book, “The Transformation.” Dr. Gordon is a psychiatrist at Georgetown University and the Founder and Director of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, DC.

Several months ago, I was invited to write an article on Dr. Gordon’s mind-body skills groups for physicians dealing with the stress of COVID-19. As part of that assignment, I participated in several of his online mind-body skills sessions. A video interview based on those experiences appears on Medscape.com. I was intrigued by Dr. Gordon’s approach and read his book, “The Transformation.”

In today’s 20-minute interview, Dr. Gordon explains how he became motivated to find solutions for all of us to address the various traumas in our lives. While some people have experienced childhood or adult traumas such as physical and sexual abuse, even those of us who lead relatively mundane lives may still have to deal with chronic pain, a life-threatening illness, or long-term disability. Ultimately, all of us must face the trauma of our own mortality and those of our loved ones.

Dr. Gordon employs tools that empower self-awareness and self-care. The Center for Mind-Body Medicine has brought these techniques to thousands of people, including those struggling with trauma in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, war-torn Kosovo, and to child-soldiers in Mozambique. Dr. Gordon observed, “Everybody has the capacity to use these tools and techniques.” These are carefully described in “The Transformation,” which can serve as a stand-alone manual or as a companion to mind-body skills group training. 

Please join me in this fascinating interview with Dr. Gordon. 

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Anita White is an artist whom I first encountered several years ago while working locum tenens at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. I was so impressed with her work that I commissioned her for the cover of my latest book, "The Locum Life: A Physician's Guide to Locum Tenens." 

Anita began drawing daily while still a teenager. When her husband Josh developed a chronic illness requiring frequent trips to the hospital, she chronicled these visits in her sketchbook. Anita discovered that she could "draw my way through difficult situations" and helped her cope with the stress of her husband's deteriorating physical health. Even after her husband's death, Anita has continued to return to the hospital to draw. During our interview, Anita walks us through six fascinating pieces of her work. 

Please join us for this 20-minute journey into "The Art of Medicine." 

For more information on Anita and her work, please go to: 

1. Hospitalfieldnotes.blogspot.com 

2. https://hereforlife.blog/local-artist-illustrates-a-day-in-the-life-at-hennepin-healthcare-in-160-moments-over-24-hours 

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Show Notes

Many thanks to Paul Hill, MD, for discussing the psychiatric repercussions of COVID-19 on “The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner.” Dr. Hill works at the same hospital as I do in Memphis, TN, and we are both faculty of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).* 

Dr. Hill explained that COVID-19 might have deleterious effects on people with chronic psychiatric disorders by limiting their access to care and community. For example, people with substance abuse disorders may not be able to access methadone or suboxone clinics, leading to relapses of their addictions. People with psychiatric disorders may also have difficulty complying with mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand-washing, which predisposes them to infection. 

We also explored the mental health effects of COVID-19 on health care workers. Because of the long duration of the pandemic, even resilient medical professionals may become discouraged and demoralized. Dr. Hill emphasized that self-care is particularly important during these difficult times. Adequate sleep, exercise, a regular schedule, healthful eating, and support from colleagues, family, and friends can help maintain physical and psychological health.

Many thanks to Dr. Hill for sharing his many years of psychiatric expertise on “The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner.”

Please join us for this 20-minute fascinating interview.

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Feedback is always appreciated.

*Our expressed opinions do not necessarily represent those of UTHSC.

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Show Notes

Many thanks to my friend Michael Weisberg, MD, for joining me on “The Art of Medicine Many thanks to my friend Michael Weisberg, MD, for joining me on Episode #14 of “The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner.” Dr. Weisberg is a full-time gastroenterologist working in Plano, TX, but somehow finds time to write. On today’s program, we discuss his second novel, "In the End."A couple of years ago, I interviewed Mike about his first novel, "The Hospitalist," on ReachMD.com. 

During our discussion, Dr. Weisberg despaired over the ravages of COVID-19 and how proper leadership might have prevented them. He also informs us about colonoscopy, why it’s performed, and how this technology has provided him a unique perspective into the nature of human beings.

Dr. Weisberg’s first novel, "The Hospitalist," had a lot to say about the changes in the patient/doctor relationship that resulted from the hospitalist movement. In his new novel, "In the End," he confronts even weightier subjects such as race, religion, and, ultimately, the meaning of life. 

Please join us for this 20-minute fascinating interview.

If you enjoy this program, please subscribe!

Feedback is always appreciated. 

For more on The Art of Medicine: www.andrewwilner.com

Please click "Fanmail" and share your feedback!

If you enjoy an episode, please share with friends and colleagues. "The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner" is now available on Alexa! Just say, "Play podcast The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner!" 

To never miss a program, subscribe at www.andrewwilner.com. 

Follow me on Instagram: @seaphoto2025

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Please rate and review each episode. 

To contact Dr. Wilner or to join the mailing list: www.andrewwilner.com.

 Thanks for listening!

@uthsc @drwilner @chg @yaleu 

 #theartofmedicinewithdrandrewwilner

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Show Notes

In Episode #4, Rabbi Jeremy Simons and I broached the topic of spiritual healing. The response to that program was so enthusiastic that I wanted to further the discussion. Rabbi Abraham (Abie) Schacter was kind enough to join me on “The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner” to share his insights.

Rabbi Abie is Director of Spiritual Care at the Memphis Jewish Home and Rehabilitation Center in Memphis, TN, and also a Board Certified Chaplain. He grew up in Yonkers, NY, went to Rabbinical school where he was exposed to “Health Care Chaplaincy.” Rabbi Abie found his calling when he did a summer internship in clinical pastoral education at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. While tending to people with life-threatening illness, he realized there was an incredible opportunity for him to “make a difference in people’s lives.” He continued his pastoral training with a one-year residency at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Rabbi Abie explained that even if you can’t cure someone’s illness, you can always try to heal. He spoke of the “power of pausing” to allow a person’s emotions to surface and become part of a healing conversation. Even if a cure is beyond reach, improved coping skills, decreased anxiety and stress, and increased inner strength can still result.

I thoroughly enjoyed my 20-minute conversation with Rabbi Abraham Schacter and wish we could have talked longer! 

If you enjoyed the program, too, please subscribe!

New episodes appear every two weeks with fascinating guests. “The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner” is also available on your favorite podcast player. 

Feedback is always welcome!

Please click "Fanmail" and share your feedback!

If you enjoy an episode, please share with friends and colleagues. "The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner" is now available on Alexa! Just say, "Play podcast The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner!" 

To never miss a program, subscribe at www.andrewwilner.com. 

Follow me on Instagram: @seaphoto2025

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Please rate and review each episode. 

To contact Dr. Wilner or to join the mailing list: www.andrewwilner.com.

 Thanks for listening!

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Recorded April 18, 2020 

Many thanks to Paul Gross, MD, a family practice physician and Editor-in-Chief of “Pulse.” Pulse is an online, weekly publication that addresses the medical humanities through works of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and photography. The journal's full name is “Pulse Voices from the Heart of Medicine,” and it appears at www.pulsevoices.org. 

Dr. Gross started the magazine because of the disconnect between the science he learned in medical school and its application to real patients. He discovered that writing about medicine and encouraging others to write was an “attempt to get at the truth” of the practice of medicine. 

Dr. Gross observed that the humanities are essential and how they can help train compassionate physicians. He explained how compassion is an indispensable ingredient for medical care and that sometimes, even in modern times, it’s all that physicians are able to offer. 

Dr. Gross conducts writing workshops at the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. He mentioned that writing can sometimes be therapeutic when physicians write about troubling events they have encountered in their careers. It’s also helpful for other physicians and patients to read and learn from these stories. Dr. Gross described the type of pieces that Pulse publishes and how physicians and others can submit their work.

Dr. Gross can be reached at www.pulsevoices.org. 

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If you enjoy an episode, please share with friends and colleagues. "The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner" is now available on Alexa! Just say, "Play podcast The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner!" 

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Episode #11
Recorded April 17, 2020

I want to thank Clint Hermes, JD, for speaking with me about his work with biomedical research regulatory matters. We talked about his legal training at Harvard Law and how he became interested in this field. He’s worked at two academic medical centers, including St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee. He is now an attorney with Bass, Berry, and Sims. Clint works with different entities that require legal assistance with regulatory matters when conducting clinical trials such as academic centers, pharmaceutical companies, and even private physician groups. He discussed the importance of IRBs to protect human subjects as well as new statutes that mandate a single central IRB rather than multiple IRBs for federally funded studies. Clint observed that human subject protection had improved dramatically in the US since the Tuskegee syphilis study. However, questionable research practices are still a significant problem especially in certain countries. Clint has done a lot of international travel and worked on behalf of clients in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. He also discussed the problem of research fraud and the role of the US Office of Research Integrity in preventing scientific misconduct in federally funded studies. Clint also touched on the regulatory process necessary to get FDA approval of a new vaccine.

Contact information:Email: [email protected] or website:www.bassberry.com

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Episode #10, recorded April 16, 2020.

Many thanks to Andy Fadenholz, a physician recruiter at RosmanSearch, Inc., for joining me today. Andy specializes in placing neurologists and neurosurgeons. We discussed the advantages of using a recruitment firm that specializes in a specific market and is aware of all the subspecialty areas within that specialty, such as an academic role, EMG specialist, neurohospitalist, neurointerventionalist, or outpatient-only neurologist. Andy mentioned that his firm pre-screens potential employers and won’t contract with employers who don’t meet their professional standards. Andy also makes site visits to employers and residency training programs, recently visiting the University of Tennessee. He helps educate residents on aspects of the business of medicine, such as RVUs, salary structure, and competitive salaries for the various subspecialties. Andy explained that “hand-holding” is part of his job. Agents at his firm act as a bridge between the physician applicant and the hiring facility. He encouraged physicians to reach out to program directors who may not even be advertising a position because there might be an unmet need for a new faculty member. His group has created a document of best practices for “Zoom interviews,” which are now replacing in-person interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To contact Andy, please check the website: www.rosmansearch.com or 
email: [email protected].

Please click "Fanmail" and share your feedback!

If you enjoy an episode, please share with friends and colleagues. "The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner" is now available on Alexa! Just say, "Play podcast The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner!" 

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To contact Dr. Wilner or to join the mailing list: www.andrewwilner.com.

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Episode #9 Recorded April 15, 2020

Many thanks to Justin Allison of Ero Staff, a locum tenens staffing company, for joining me on the Art of Medicine. From his vantage point in Northern California, Justin discussed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on his locum tenens business. While the availability of outpatient positions has decreased, the demand for hospitalists, intensivists, and pulmonary specialists has skyrocketed. Due to the urgent need, compensation has even increased. We discussed how changes in state licensing regulations have expedited the process of getting physicians to where they are needed. Justin also commented on the explosive growth of telemedicine. Justin also has some surprising observations of the profiles of physicians eager to jump into the fray compared to those more likely to stay home and wait out the crisis.

If you are a physician looking for a locum tenens position, whether for a week, month, or longer, you can contact Justin Allison at: [email protected] or 916.778.6030.

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If you enjoy an episode, please share with friends and colleagues. "The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner" is now available on Alexa! Just say, "Play podcast The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner!" 

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Recorded April 17, 2020

Many thanks to Robert McLean, President of the American College of Physicians, and a practicing rheumatologist, for joining me on “The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner.”

Dr. McLean explained the active role the ACP has taken during the COVID-19 pandemic to support physicians and direct public policy. The ACP has made recommendations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding reimbursement of phone visits and decreasing prior authorization requirements. It has contacted Congress regarding stimulus funding. The ACP has communicated with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with concerns about drug shortages. The ACP has supported social distancing and recommended that physicians practice remotely as much as possible. The ACP did not endorse President Trump’s withdrawal of funding the World Health Organization (WHO).

The ACP website is the second most searched COVID information source after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and includes, “The Physician’s Guide to COVID,” which is updated regularly.

We discussed the remarkable dedication that so many physicians and other healthcare providers have demonstrated during this crisis, putting themselves at risk with less than adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Thousands of retired physicians have volunteered.

Dr. McLean explained how the concept of “putting the patient first” does not stem from the Hippocratic Oath. Instead, physicians put patients first because they have an internal drive to do the right thing. The ACP has emphasized that doctors have the right to speak out regarding unsafe working conditions. 

Dr. McLean observed that at his institution, physicians 65 and older, considered to be in a high-risk group for COVID-19, are not expected to see patients face-to-face, but rather conduct patient visits remotely. 

We discussed whether some of the recent regulatory changes, such as removing state-to-state licensing restrictions from telemedicine and providing reimbursement for telephone visits might endure after the pandemic. We broached the disturbing news of physician pay cuts while these same doctors risk their lives on the front lines. 

Dr. McLean concluded by discussing his passion for physician advocacy, which has the potential to help patients on a national level. Dr. McLean can be reached at www.acponline.org.

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If you enjoy an episode, please share with friends and colleagues. "The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner" is now available on Alexa! Just say, "Play podcast The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner!" 

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Please rate and review each episode. 

To contact Dr. Wilner or to join the mailing list: www.andrewwilner.com.

 Thanks for listening!

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