In this episode we chat with Leah and Matt. They are a romantic couple, both of which, are New England Natives.

Leah grew up spending her free time learning dance as a hobby and later ran track. She went to college with a focus to become an occupational therapist. After graduating she dove into her career as an occupational therapist with great success. Matt grew up playing sports such as basketball and skiing, and also ran track. After high school he went to college focusing on becoming a nurse. After graduating he developed his nursing skills on different floors and levels of care until he eventually decided to become an operating room nurse.

Leah suffered months of abdominal pain and was eventually diagnosed gallstones concerning for biliary colic as well as a 2cm gallbladder polyp. For this condition she underwent gallbladder removal surgery. They share their stories with us.

In this episode we chat with Dr. Patrick O’Neil: a husband and father, grew up in unique circumstances between Michigan and North Carolina. He played football and wrestled in his younger years. Dr. O’Neill has a PHD in physiology, after which he went to medical school earning his MD and continued his training to become a trauma surgeon.

The circumstances leading to this conversation were unique. I wrote a piece regarding some of the challenges of being a trauma surgeon on platform called Doximity, aka Facebook for doctors. Dr. O’Neill responded to the article and his comment garnered major support. Seeing this prompted me to reach out and see if Dr. O’Neill is willing to discuss this further. He graciously agreed. In this conversation he shares the path he has taken in this world, which eventually leads us to discuss the article. Enjoy

Link to the Doximity article:

https://opmed.doximity.com/articles/you-don-t-want-to-be-a-trauma-surgeon

In this episode we chat with Eric. A Massachusetts native, husband and father. He works in a construction material supplying company, and is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt. Eric had a serious car accident in his 20’s requiring emergency surgery. Eric was not my patient, we know each other from a passion we share. Getting to know him and what he has been through made me want to learn more and share his story, which he shares with us.

In this episode we chat with Ashley: a mother and wife, a New Hampshire Native, former medical assistant, and now a worker in the food and service industry. Ashley had a life threatening complication from a routine surgery. She shares her story with us .

On the 5th episode of the podcast we chat with Scott: a father, bilingual in English and Portuguese, former family therapist for family’s in need, and computer programmer. Scott had a life threatening bout of diverticulitis for which he had emergency surgery, and later on an additional operation. He shares his story with us.

In this Episode we chat with Todd: a father, husband, former contractor, business owner and firefighter. Todd suffered a severe case of diverticulitis that required surgery with a subsequent prolonged recovery. He shares his story.

On the third episode of the podcast we chat with Emi: A teacher, flight attendant, wife and mother. Emi suffered from a perforated appendix for which she had surgery and additional procedures. She shares her story with us.

In This episode we chat with Bruce. A New England Native, a long time career manager, and father. Bruce shares his story. A story with loss and heartache, but also love and hope. Bruce underwent emergency surgery for a strangulated hernia. We chat about his experience.

In this episode we interview Wayne. A military veteran, cardiac catheterization technician, registered nurse, and father. Wayne suffered from a perforated colon and underwent major emergency surgery. Wayne shares his journey of facing death, and the hardships he endured.