In this episode of The Other Human in the Room, Joan and Dr Dale Guenter explore the themes of human-centered medicine, spirituality, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Dale shares his journey into medicine, his experiences with burnout, and the importance of compassion in patient care. They discuss the role of spirituality in understanding patient suffering and the significance of being present in the moment, utilizing the heart, head, and gut as centers of knowing. Dale shares his journey of navigating spirituality within the medical field and the importance of embracing personal passions outside of work.

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this conversation, Joan and Stephanie explore the application of Agile and Scrum principles in the healthcare sector. They discuss the importance of adapting these frameworks to foster innovation, collaboration, and effective problem-solving in complex environments like healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the need for a shift from traditional industrial approaches to more human-centered, iterative methods that prioritize value delivery and responsiveness to change. Stephanie emphasizes the significance of personal leadership and the human element in utilizing metrics effectively, while Joan reflects on the challenges faced in implementing these concepts in practice.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

I went to the Eras Tour and of course I HAD to talk about it!! My dear friend Caroline, with whom I have had many Taylor Swift conversations, volunteered to come on the podcast to talk to me about the show.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

This episode is the 2nd in a series I have been creating on my family full of physicians. This week's conversation feels particularly personal and tender to me - because it's with my dad! All family relationships are complex, including this one, and we explore the inspiring and emotional realities of being both father-daughter and two physicians with differing views on science & society.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Joan explores the pervasive fear of forgetting, particularly in the context of healthcare. She discusses how this fear can lead to anxiety and shame, and emphasizes the importance of understanding memory as a dynamic process rather than a static storage system. Joan shares personal strategies for managing forgetfulness, including the use of external resources and the importance of self-compassion. The conversation highlights the need to shift our perspectives on forgetting and embrace the complexity of our brains.
Book recomendation from the episode: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/books/seven-and-a-half-lessons-about-the-brain/
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Today's episode is the first of what I hope will be a series of conversations where I get personal in a brand new way: by interviewing members of my family! One of the interesting facts about my family, especially the Dobsons (my mom's side), are that there are a LOT of doctors. In this first episode, I start with the most senior living member of this medical lineage, and interview my Great Uncle Jack (aka Dr John Blake Dobson), as well as his daughter Susan Dobson. I hope you find this exploration of medicine through the generations as meaningful as I have!

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Joan discusses the importance of the FIFE questions in patient-centered care, emphasizing their role in enhancing communication and understanding between clinicians and patients. She explains the components of the FIFE acronym—Feelings, Ideas, Function, and Expectations—and how they can be effectively integrated into patient encounters to foster better relationships and save time. Joan shares practical tips for applying these questions in clinical practice and highlights the significance of addressing patient emotions and expectations to improve healthcare outcomes.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this conversation, Joan and Catherine explore Catherine's journey through medical school, residency, and her transition into family medicine. They discuss the challenges of maintaining work-life balance, the importance of self-care, and the journey of unlearning old habits. Catherine shares her passion for lifestyle medicine and how it has transformed her practice and patient interactions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community support, mentorship, and the value of taking small steps towards a more fulfilling career in medicine.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

I'm once again driving as the only human in the van, sharing my experiments with asynchronous patient connection. I have been asking myself this central question over the past years: "How can I still connect with patients in meaningful ways, even if we're not seeing each other in person?" Not only for my patients to feel a better sense of connection to me, but for me to feel more freedom and flexibility in how I offer care while still honouring my human capacity.
ALSO listen to the end to hear an exciting announcement: I've recently launched an entire second podcast!! Check out Experiential Anatomy on your fave podcast platform and subscribe to our substack to stay in the loop: https://exanatomy.substack.com/
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

In this episode, Joan interviews Sarah Gower, a rural family physician, who shares her journey into medicine and the importance of human connection in healthcare. They discuss the value of embracing imperfection, the impact of personal loss on professional life, and the significance of community support. Sarah emphasizes the need to recognize what is within our control and encourages listeners to live with purpose, reflecting on their priorities and the importance of enjoying life amidst the demands of the medical profession.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd