In this episode, John and Michael discuss the importance of balance as a virtue in medicine, emphasizing the need for integration of work and life rather than separation. They explore how unity of life can enhance relationships and personal growth, and offer practical tips for achieving balance through self-reflection and prioritization of meaningful relationships.

Michael and John are joined by Dr. Jay Lynch to discuss the centrality of the physician patient relationship in the practice of medicine. Together, they explore what this relationship would look like, how it has been de-emphasized in modern medical practice, and how to balance technical expertise with human connection

Following upon their conversation about the good in medicine with Dr. Chris Lisanti, John and Michael explore the challenges healthcare professionals face in maintaining cheerfulness amidst emotional turmoil. They highlight the importance of acknowledging emotions and the impact of patient interactions on the physician-patient relationship.

In this conversation, Col. (Ret.) Chris Lisanti, MD, joins Dr. John Rhee and Michael Egan to explore the intrinsic goodness of medicine, the role of basic goods, and the implications of new natural law theory in healthcare. They discuss the challenges posed by institutional pressures, and practical strategies for renewing joy in medical work. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of personal intention in pursuing the good in medicine.

In today's episode, Dr. John Rhee discusses anamnesis, the art of taking a patient’s history. In medicine, anamnesis isn’t just about collecting facts; it’s about listening to the patient’s background, their experiences, and their story. By attending to a person’s history in this way, physicians can better understand not only the roots of an ailment, but also the personality and context of the one who suffers. Dr. Rhee helps us see how anamnesis grounds medical practice in the whole person, reminding us that every diagnosis begins with a story.

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Weiss reveals the importance of narrative in medicine. He describes how the narrative of the patient not only gives insight into the patient's affliction, but also humanizes the patient by revealing how the affliction is impacting the patient's life. By understanding the narrative of our patients, we can more personally engage in the healing process.

When is curiosity a virtue? Why is it important in clinical practice? How can we care for patients better with curiosity? Join us as we discuss how curiosity will help you flourish in medicine and life.

In this episode, we hear about Keri Brenner's journey to medicine and why she finds Therapeutic Presence so vital to her work as a Psychiatrist and Palliative care physician. We'll also learn how this simple practice can transform all our interactions as well as some practical tips for bringing therapeutic presence into our own lives.

In this episode, we hear about Keri Brenner's journey to medicine and why she find Therapeutic Presence so vital to her work as a Psychiatrist and Palliative care physician. We'll also learn how this simple practice can transform all our interactions as well as some practical tips for bringing therapeutic presence into our own lives.

What is self-reflection and how is it different from mindfulness? Why is self-reflection so vital to quality patient care? How can we fruitfully reflect on our experiences without falling into navel-gazing?

In this episode, we explore reflection as key to the practice good medicine, revealing how this simple habit is crucial to personal and professional growth, identity formation, and flourishing.

Further Reading/References

Physician Resilience: What It Means, Why It Matters, and How to Promote It, Ronald M. Epstein and Michael S. Krasner (2013), Academic Medicine
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Cultivating the Inner Life of a Physician Through Written Reflection, Andrea Vicini, Allen F. Shaughnessy, and Ashley P. Duggan (2017), Annals of Family Medicine
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Slow Medical Education, Richard M. Frankel and Howard S. Beckman (2015), Academic Medicine
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Mindful Practice, Ronald M. Epstein (1999), Journal of the American Medical Association
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Integrity and the Virtues of Reason: Leading a Convincing Life, Greg Scherkoske (2013), Cambridge University Press
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