In the episode Dr. Joy interviews Dr. Dan Meltzer, an Emergency Physician who now works for a health insurance company. Dr. Meltzer is the Executive Medical Director for Regence Blue Shield of Idaho, a not-for-profit health insurance company serving more than 370,000 people. The discussion delves into Dr. Meltzer's unique career path, the challenges of integrating the business of medicine with the practice of medicine, and the importance of physician leadership in health care organizations in general, including health insurance companies. Dr. Meltzer shares insights on the evolving landscape of health care, the impact of health insurance on medical practice, and the ethical considerations in balancing patient care with necessary business functions to ensure viability of the health care system as a whole.

In this episode, Dr. Mo Alo, a board-certified cardiologist, discusses the challenges he faces in his quest to combat the tsunami of medical misinformation on social media. Dr. Joy and Dr. Alo also discuss evidence-based practice and the recent government press conference held on Tylenol and Autism. The conversation highlights the complexity of medical research and the responsibility of healthcare professionals to provide accurate, politically neutral information to the public.

This conversation explores the personal journeys of eleven emergency physicians, highlighting the trust and responsibility inherent in their roles. It delves into defining moments that inspire these professionals, the challenges they face, and the importance of teamwork and community in emergency care. The speakers share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need for empathy, community support, and the significance of maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. They also provide valuable advice for those considering a career in emergency medicine, highlighting the rewarding aspects of the field despite its challenges.

In this conversation, Dr. Joy and the founders of Airway discuss the importance of storytelling in medicine, the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, and the need for vulnerability and connection in the medical field. They explore how Airway serves as a platform for physicians to share their experiences, process trauma, and build trust with patients. The discussion highlights the significance of empathy, the impact of burnout, and the future of healthcare advocacy.

For more information on Airway, or for instructions on how to submit your story to Airway, please visit their website: airwaystories.com

For recent coverage of Airway in the media, see the recent NY Times article by journalist Lisa Miller, Real Doctors of New York Spill Their Guts - link below:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/24/well/real-doctors-of-new-york-spill-their-guts.html

In this episode, Dr. Joy engages with Dr. James Howard, an emergency physician turned primary care doctor (and big wave chaser!) They explore the role of emergency medical services in health care delivery, and innovations that could leverage EMS to improve access. They discuss Dr. Howard's unique journey from emergency medicine to primary care, the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals, and the importance of person-centered care. The conversation highlights the need for more flexible reimbursement models to facilitate innovation. They also discuss precision medicine.

In this conversation, Dr. Joy engages with Dr. Alyssa Burnham and Dr. Michael Turner to explore the intersection of naturopathic and conventional medicine. They discuss their unique training paths, the challenges of balancing medical careers with family life, and the importance of understanding each other's perspectives in healthcare. The conversation highlights the role of naturopathic doctors in the healthcare system, the challenges they face, and the need for greater integration and accessibility of integrative care. They also emphasize the importance of preventive medicine and advocate for changes in healthcare policy to improve patient access to diverse medical practices.

In this conversation, Amber Zupancic Albin shares her unique journey from being a critical care nurse to becoming a healthcare attorney. She discusses the complexities of navigating healthcare regulations, the importance of advocacy for both patients and providers, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, including burnout. Amber emphasizes the critical role of nurses in patient care and the need for self-advocacy among patients. The conversation also touches on the intersection of law and medicine, the future of healthcare, and the importance of intuition in practice. Amber and Dr. Joy also discuss the human element in health care, emphasizing the need for strong relationships between providers and patients, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding accessibility and quality of care. They also highlight the importance of educating future generations about the health care system to empower them with information.

This conversation explores the evolving landscape of medicine, focusing on the ethical challenges faced by physicians today, the impact of insurance on patient care, and the financial burdens of medical training. The discussion emphasizes the disillusionment many doctors feel due to external pressures and the need for a return to a more patient-centered approach in healthcare. The discussion also highlights the importance of collaboration between patients and physicians to advocate for necessary changes in the healthcare system.

This conversation explores the evolution of medical technology, the shifting paradigms in patient engagement, and the role of community medicine. It discusses the impact of generative AI on healthcare, the intersection of family medicine and technology, and the future of physicians in a tech-driven world. The dialogue also delves into the challenges of communication in medicine, the concept of slow medicine, and the shift towards value-based care, emphasizing the importance of patient-physician partnerships.

In this conversation, Dr. Joy Evers interviews her residency colleague, Dr. Sierra Bourne, board-certified emergency physician and Chief of Staff at her local hospital. They discuss the multifaceted challenges facing healthcare professionals, particularly in emergency medicine. They explore the burdens of administrative tasks, the impact of emergency medicine work on mental health, and the importance of primary care in the healthcare system. The discussion also highlights the struggles of balancing work and family life, the financial dynamics of healthcare, and the need for resilience and community support among health care workers. Ultimately, they call for a reimagining of how healthcare is delivered in the United States to better serve both patients and providers.