The Podcast For Doctors (By Doctors)

Dentist, practice owner, and entrepreneur Dr. Vu Kong joins us to share his remarkable journey into dentistry and business ownership. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Dr. Kong originally planned to pursue mechanical engineering before his father—a former dentist—encouraged him to consider a different path. After graduating amidst a financial crisis, limited opportunities led him from Michigan to Illinois, where he and a friend began conceptualizing a practice just six months out of school; one that would eventually become High Point Dentistry. 

So how do you go from launching a practice to building a multi-location business? What lessons come from selling it all—and starting again? And how do you lead with purpose while raising a family? Dr. Kong opens up about growth, sacrifice, and what he’s learned about leadership, culture, and data along the way. Tune in for an honest look at what it takes to grow smarter, not just bigger. 

Dentist, practice owner, and podcast host, Dr. Jamine Ifedi, MBA, joins us to share his journey into dentistry and what he's learned along the way. From taking all the entrance exams (yes, the MCAT and DAT) to choosing dentistry based on test scores, Dr. Ifedi's path was anything but traditional. After hands-on experience in a variety of specialties, a deep dive into geriatrics as a travel dentist, and early dreams of practice ownership, he eventually opened Empire Dental Group in Charlotte, NC. 

How do you step into practice ownership only a year and a half after graduating? How can doctors transform a white coat into a lasting financial legacy? Can you still buy a practice if you have student loans? Dr. Ifedi, a true community pillar, shares his time and knowledge in this episode and in his community to uplift future dental leaders. Tune in to hear how he accomplished it all.  

Internist/pediatrician and social media influencer Dr. Tommy Martin shares his perspective on challenges in medical school, the importance of authenticity as a content creator, and the unexpected controversies of medicine in the world of social media. In this episode, he dives into the biggest misconceptions about doctors, the importance of work-life balance, and why filling your own cup makes you a better doctor. 

How does social media shape public perception of medicine? Why do people expect doctors to have no life outside of work? And what’s the deal with the great peanut butter debate? Dr. Tommy Martin unpacks these topics while sharing insights on health, wellness, and medical education. Tune in for an honest, insightful, and sometimes surprising conversation about life in and beyond the hospital. 

Pediatric dentist and social media content creator Dr. Judy Yip shares her journey from pre-med to pediatric dentistry in this episode. She opens up about her decision to pivot from the MCAT to chasing her childhood dream of becoming a dentist and how a state-based student loan forgiveness program helped ease the financial burden. 

Is the DAT harder than the MCAT? Why is pediatric dentistry such a fulfilling career? How can pediatricians better educate parents on oral health? Dr. Judy Yip unpacks these questions while offering practical advice for parents and future dentists alike. Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation about following your passion, tackling dental education, and making kids smile! 

In this special episode, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Panacea Financial and practicing physician, Dr. Ned Palmer, MPH, takes the guest seat to share his unique journey through medical training. He and Dr. Michael Jerkins dive into the often-overlooked realities of becoming a doctor—from the evolving role of medical ethics in education to the complexities of student debt and inefficiencies of residency training. 

If you knew the financial burden of medical school, would you still pursue it? Is the current structure of residency training efficient or disparaging? Can integrating ethics into medical education create more well-rounded physicians? 

Join us as Dr. Palmer reflects on the shifting role of doctors in patient care, the haunting moments from his training, and even his past life as a bicycle cab driver. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss! 

Board certified gastroenterologist, social media influencer, author, and educator, Dr. Benjamin Schmidt (Doc Schmidt), combines his medical expertise with a dose of humor to navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare. In this episode, he explores the impact of social media on patient trust, the rise of self-diagnosis fueled by AI, and the growing frustrations with insurance red tape. 

Can humor and education coexist in healthcare? How do doctors balance online presence with patient care? Why are younger patients facing rising rates of colon cancer, and what can be done? Doc Schmidt unpacks these issues while reflecting on his journey as a doctor and the takeaways from his viral success. Tune in for an engaging conversation that bridges medicine, technology, and humanity. 

Kenedy Dawson, a fourth-year medical student and a passionate advocate for her peers takes us behind the scenes of her journey through the 2025 Match process, offering candid insights into what it’s like navigating this pivotal moment in her career.  

Are virtual interviews enough to truly evaluate residency programs? What changes could make the Match process more student-friendly? Kenedy and Dr. Jerkins compare their experiences, exploring the challenges and opportunities faced by the 40,000+ medical students who embark on this life-changing path every year.  

Dr. Graham Walker, an emergency physician, software developer, and the visionary behind MDCalc, shares how he bridges the gap between technology and medicine. Dr. Walker delves into the evolving dynamics of healthcare, highlighting generational shifts among doctors and the rise of employed physicians over traditional practice ownership.  

Are healthcare providers' passion and dedication being taken advantage of? How has COVID reshaped the mindset of a new generation of doctors? And is there a balance between personal fulfillment and professional devotion in modern medicine? Dr. Palmer, Dr. Jerkins, and Dr. Walker explore these notions and more in this thought-provoking episode.  

Internist, professor, editor-in-chief, and author, Dr. Danielle Ofri, a prominent voice in the medical world, delves into the complex dynamics of hierarchy in medicine, the emotional burdens that doctors often bear, and the profound impact that active listening can have on doctor-patient relationships. Can humility help prevent medical errors? Are we stretching providers too thin? Can active listening not only improve relationships but overall patient care as well? Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the way we approach healthcare, communication, and compassion in the medical field.

Can market and social norms work to your benefit during negotiations? What are common mistakes to avoid? How do you determine your worth as a doctor? Dr. Josh Daily, a pediatric cardiologist and program director, and Jillian Vestal, a licensed attorney who specializes in doctor contracts explain the struggle many doctors face during contract negotiation and how to equip yourself for more advantageous outcomes. Dr. Daily and Jillian share practical tips for doctors to utilize during this phase.

The information regarding legal matters shared on this website is provided for your private use, and does not constitute legal advice or substitute for the advice of an attorney. If you require legal advice about a specific matter or question, you should consult with an attorney of your choosing or connect to Panacea Legal panacea.legal.