In this episode of The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared, Dr Thomas White speaks with Dr Mark McNeill, the current President of the NCAFP. Raised in Raeford NC from a family of educators, Dr McNeill describes his journey to establishing his unique, independent, patient-centered, portal-facilitated practice in Asheville in 2012. He clearly describes how good practice management is the key driver of professional satisfaction.  Dr McNeill shares his personal experience with Hurricane Helene and his suggestions on how Family Physicians might prepare for and respond to such disasters in the future. Lastly, hear what a mentor taught Dr McNeill early in his career about the one word that signifies the ultimate virtue of the "good" Family Physician. (Hint: the word starts with an A and ends with a Y.)

By the way, go to thefamilydoctorpodcast.com for our new website and blog.  Dr Lee Beatty shares his thoughts on the latest shared lessons and wisdom from our distinguished guests.

In this edition of the podcast, Dr Thomas White talks with Dr Brian Lanier, the founder, owner, and medical director of Promina Health in Wilmington NC. Dr Lanier shares his experiences as a young man growing up in eastern NC, his early interest in music, his somewhat bumpy college career, his service as a Marine, his life-changing automobile accident, and his decision to pursue a career in medicine.  He describes how he planned and launched his Direct Primary Care  practice directly out of residency. You will be impressed with his commitment to family, community, and country. This is one of the most memorable and emotional interviews we have recorded. 

"It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is Time" - Steve Jobs.

This Family Doctor "mini lesson" focuses on the subject of "Time"  as it relates to the education of Family Physicians, and to the day-to-day practice of Family Medicine. Dr White shares a very personal story about his career after nearly 40 years in practice. His story may resonate with many community physicians: how we manage time affects our relationship with patients, family, and our own self-image. Dr. White offers possible time management solutions, including the pros and cons of each strategy. Healthy time management will require both personal practice choices from physicians and systemic, value-based change from health care leaders and administrators.
And most importantly, you will hear a heartfelt wish by Dr White that Family Medicine be the most attractive, rewarding, and sustainable specialty possible. Thank you for listening. 

In this month's episode, Dr Thomas White speaks with Dr Rebecca "Becky" Love from Shelby NC. Dr Love's journey has been unique. She grew up in rural Cabarrus County, the daughter of a minister and a teacher. After a successful career in banking and finance, she pursued a career in medicine. She has served her community as a Family Physician, providing care to the underserved and those with increased needs and, as a committed and involved citizen, promoting healthy lifestyles and collaborative approaches to solving problems. You will find the lessons she imparts about respecting others, showing love by listening, the importance of honesty, and pursuing the truth very impactful and moving. Another inspiring example of Family Medicine in North Carolina at its best! 

This month the podcast welcomes Dr Carson Rounds, a Family Physician from Charlotte NC and long time leader in Family Medicine in our state. A former president of the NCAFP, Dr Rounds shares his perspectives on truly caring for patients, his love of the exam room, and his ideas on administrative burden. You will be impressed with not only his "answers" but even more so by the "questions" he raises. Listen to this thoughtful Family Physician and be moved! 

Dr Tommy Newton of Clinton N.C. returns to the podcast this month! Listen as he and Dr Thomas White discuss Dr Newton’s professional and personal activities since he retired from clinical practice in 2021, his perspectives on when and how to retire, his belief in the value of mentoring and serving as a mentor, and his views on the future of Family Medicine. Notably, Dr Newton pays tribute to the “Godfather of Family Medicine” in North Carolina: the late Dr Jim Jones.  Dr Newton brings a wise and experienced perspective to the podcast. Listen and learn! 

How do we get through difficult times? In this "Mini Lesson," Dr Thomas White shares the teachings of a major college basketball coach on the importance of her players "handling harder better". Dr White goes on to explore the concept of "resiliency", which we have heard examples of many times on this podcast. He expands that to the the broader concept of "grit." This podcast will give you an opportunity to pause and contemplate how you might be better prepared to handle those difficult times in your life and career, and support others in your life. A serious but much needed discussion, applicable to us all. 

"The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned, Wisdom Shared" is back, and you will be the beneficiary! In this episode Dr Thomas White talks with Dr Shauna Guthrie, a Family Physician in Henderson NC and former President of the NCAFP. You will love hearing about her very famous grandfather and dedicated grandmother, and their contributions to medicine and health care in the Midwest. You will be reminded of the critical role we as Family Physicians play in the advocacy issues of the day, and the importance of forming relationships with local elected officials and other decision makers. You will be inspired by her commitment to her community, particularly during the pandemic, and as we continue to battle the opioid crisis. And you will be motivated to emulate her philosophy of "walking alongside of the patient" and serving as their trusted "consultant." Enjoy, and benefit! 

Pearls are considered synonymous with beauty and perfection. Pearls are coveted and considered valuable. In this month's podcast, Dr Thomas White shares "clinical pearls" gleaned from wise colleagues, pearls intended to help us be better clinicians in the exam room and at the bedside. You will find this episode to be both practical and inspiring. Listen, reflect, and add these to your "peripheral brain"! 

This month Dr White talks with Dr Bill Dennis, a now-retired Family Physician from Henderson NC. Hear Dr Dennis's fond memories of his childhood, his career role models, his first career as a journalist, and his determined achievement of a life's goal to become a physician. You will appreciate his sense of humor, his storytelling, and his deep appreciation of serving as the personal physician for his friends and neighbors in his hometown. Dr Dennis is yet another example of the truly admirable and inspiring Family Physicians with which our state has been blessed!