Explore every episode of the podcast HuMed with David Spiro, MD
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiropractor Dr. Stephen Hussey: "I Had a Widowmaker Heart Attack at 34" | 24 oct. 2026 | 00:55:28 | |
He looked fit, ate well, exercised, and had a calcium score of zero six months earlier. Then, at 34, Dr. Stephen Hussey had a widowmaker heart attack. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age nine, Dr. Hussey, a doctor of chiropractic with a master's in functional medicine and author of Understanding the Heart, spent his adult life trying to do everything right. In this episode, pediatric ER physician Dr. David Spiro talks with him about the heart attack he suffered alone during COVID, the frustration of feeling unheard in the hospital and being labeled noncompliant, his decision to depart from the standard medication plan, and the stress he believes set the stage for it all. David also presses him on the hard question: how can he know what actually drove his recovery? The episode ends with what nearly dying at 34 changed about his life and purpose. CHAPTERS 0:00 "I had a widowmaker heart attack at 34" 0:16 Meet Dr. Stephen Hussey 1:39 Asthma, allergies and type 1 diabetes at age nine 2:53 "I felt like a pincushion" and the nurse with the magic kit 4:19 Giving bad news to children and families 7:25 From patient to health practitioner 9:17 What "avoiding toxins" means to him 10:33 Sauna, sweat and microplastics 14:13 A heart attack despite a zero calcium score 17:53 What a widowmaker heart attack felt like 21:28 Alone in the hospital during COVID 23:30 Labeled "noncompliant" 25:23 Why he declined the standard medications 27:00 A new blockage in his leg 29:04 Light, sauna and circadian rhythm 33:58 Semmelweis and challenging medical dogma 35:17 How does he know what worked? 37:43 Stress and the nervous system 41:38 The 36 hours before the heart attack 43:28 Heart attacks without blocked arteries 45:44 "Stay in your lane": answering his critics 47:55 Heart disease, obesity and insulin resistance 51:43 What nearly dying at 34 changed 54:44 Closing Watch the full video on YouTube: HuMed with David Spiro, MD Follow HuMed on Instagram: @humedpod HuMed unveils the human side of medicine through real stories from clinicians. Guests share their personal experiences and views, which are their own. This episode is for storytelling and education, not medical advice. Talk with your own doctor before changing any treatment. | |||
| Longevity Physician Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos: "He Looked Exactly Like Me" | 20 oct. 2026 | 01:00:02 | |
After years in emergency medicine, Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos (Dr. Vass) coded a man in a rural Wyoming ER who was his age, had no other risk factors, and looked exactly like him. That night pushed him from the ER toward longevity medicine and cardiovascular prevention. In this episode of HuMed, pediatric ER physician Dr. David Spiro talks with Dr. Vass about why doctors neglect their own health, the "golden handcuffs" that kept him stuck, how therapy and CBT-I helped him heal from years of night shifts, and why he believes disease care and true health care are two different systems. He also walks through his longevity pyramid, built on community, purpose and sleep, not supplements and saunas. CHAPTERS 0:00 He coded a man who looked exactly like him 0:28 Meet Dr. Vass: ER doctor turned longevity physician 2:05 The code in Rock Springs, Wyoming 4:48 Why doctors neglect their own health 8:13 The lost art of healing 11:03 "We're training technicians, not physicians" 15:07 Trapped in a broken system 18:18 The golden handcuffs 20:44 Healing from decades of night shifts 28:30 Disease care vs. true health care 35:37 Why no one told Dr. James Wittig he was sick 39:04 Advice to his younger self: don't let fear decide 42:32 Dr. Vass's longevity pyramid 44:55 What dying patients talk about 47:51 Purpose: the old dog and the rabbit 51:21 A quarterly "board meeting" with his kids 53:16 Fasting, thermal springs and community 57:54 Closing thoughts Watch the full video on YouTube: HuMed with David Spiro, MD Follow HuMed on Instagram: @humedpod humedpod.com HuMed unveils the human side of medicine through real stories from physicians. This episode is for education and storytelling, not individual medical advice. | |||
| Lifestyle Medicine Physician Dr. Melissa Mondala: "I Did Healing for Myself First" | 17 oct. 2026 | 00:54:42 | |
"I did healing for myself first, so I could become a better healer." Before Dr. Melissa Mondala treated patients with lifestyle medicine, she needed it herself. She lived with IBS and reflux from her teens, and during her training at Loma Linda she was diagnosed with an atypical breast cancer. Changing how she ate, moved, slept and handled stress changed her health, and her husband's, and it reshaped how she practices medicine. On this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro talks with Dr. Mondala, a double-boarded family and lifestyle medicine physician, fellowship-trained in integrative psychiatry and integrative medicine, about the patients who shaped her: a young single mother of three with pancreatic cancer who kept running for her kids, and a fashion designer with an autoimmune disease who got her life back layer by layer. They also discuss:
Dr. Mondala earned her MD at Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University. She is co-founder of the Doctor Lifestyle Clinic, a direct care practice, and author of Embody Lifestyle Medicine: How to Build a Successful Direct Care Startup. HuMed unveils the human side of medicine through honest conversations with physicians. Follow the show so you never miss an episode. Chapters 00:00 Cold open 00:22 Introducing Dr. Melissa Mondala 02:25 Her own health story: IBS, reflux and food as poison 04:21 Loma Linda and the Blue Zones 05:30 A breast cancer diagnosis during training 07:00 The pillars of lifestyle medicine and her husband's autoimmune disease 08:49 The young mother with pancreatic cancer 13:53 Lifestyle medicine vs. integrative medicine 18:50 A patient with autoimmune disease and a difficult cycle 27:36 Why ferritin matters 31:45 What standard medical training leaves out 36:48 Night shifts, sleep and processed food 40:09 How to change adult behavior 44:12 Accountability, SMART goals and habit stacking 47:05 Lifestyle medicine and autism spectrum disorder 50:54 Advice for frustrated, burned-out physicians 53:31 Closing | |||
| ER Physician Dr. Rick Pescatore: "Nobody Could Solve Her Mystery Illness" | 13 oct. 2026 | 00:50:01 | |
Dr. Rick Pescatore was driving to Pittsburgh with a woman he had met on Hinge, describing a kind of patient he sees every ER shift: pain, nausea, vomiting, and tests that all come back normal. She said the person he was describing "sounds exactly like my mom." A few weeks later her mother was dying in an ICU, and nobody could solve her mystery illness. The missing piece turned out to be vitamin B1 (thiamine). The woman from that drive is now his wife, Katie. Dr. Pescatore is a board-certified emergency physician. He went through the U.S. Naval Academy, studied aerospace engineering, and served in the Navy's submarine force before medical school. He trained at Cooper University Hospital, served as Delaware's chief physician during the COVID-19 pandemic, is editor-in-chief of Emergency Medicine News, still works shifts in a community ER, and co-founded Belly MD. In this conversation with Dr. David Spiro, he talks about helping diagnose his future mother-in-law, why so many ER patients are told they are normal when their lives are not, and how that pattern helped burn him out of full-time emergency medicine. They also get into what night shifts cost physicians, his Navy call sign, his time leading Delaware's pandemic response, and why an ER doctor who used to roll his eyes at supplements now sells them. In this episode: – The drive to Pittsburgh: "sounds exactly like my mom" – An ICU stay nobody could explain, and the vitamin B1 answer – "We tell them that they're normal, but their lives aren't" – Disorders of gut-brain interaction and the ER – Why he calls GLP-1 drugs some of the most revolutionary in history – Burning out of emergency medicine, and the night-shift toll at every age – F-18s, submarines, and the call sign "Aquaman" – Chief physician for Delaware during COVID-19 – An ER doctor selling supplements: his answer to the eye-rolls Chapters (00:00) Cold Open: "Met a Girl on Hinge" (01:05) Welcome & Meet Dr. Rick Pescatore (03:16) The Drive to Pittsburgh: "Sounds Exactly Like My Mom" (04:30) Decades of Symptoms, Then the ICU (06:19) Vitamin B1 and Gastrointestinal Beriberi (07:03) "We Tell Them That They're Normal" (08:12) Saving Her Mom's Life With a Vitamin (10:03) Belly Pain: What the ER Can't Fix (11:27) Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (13:09) Should Emergency Medicine Change? (14:21) Diet and the American Food System (16:47) Sulfite Preservatives and Vitamin B1 (19:31) GLP-1s, Falls, and the Toenail Question (22:50) The Naval Academy, F-18s, and the Call Sign "Aquaman" (27:24) "I Burned Out of Emergency Medicine" (29:26) The 3 a.m. Problem: Night Shifts and Physician Health (30:40) Dr. Spiro on Night-Shift Anxiety (33:04) Chief Physician for Delaware During COVID-19 (35:57) Building Belly MD (40:33) Supplements: "I Used to Be That Guy" (44:12) An ER Doctor Selling Supplements? (45:43) Testing for Vitamin Deficiencies (47:47) Closing Learn more about Dr. Pescatore's work: bellymd.com Check out the Inside HuMed Newsletter: https://www.humedpod.com/inside-humed This episode is one physician's personal story and is not medical advice. Dr. Pescatore co-founded Belly MD, which sells supplements, as he discusses in the episode. If this episode meant something to you, follow HuMed on Apple Podcasts and send it to one colleague who needs to hear it. | |||
| Neuro-Ophthalmologist Dr. Kim Blankshain: "What Is Happening?" Her Husband's Brain Surgery | 10 oct. 2026 | 00:36:52 | |
A Monday morning, 6:45. Dr. Kim Blankshain is changing her infant son when she hears a crash in the next room. Her husband is sitting on the edge of the bed, bleeding from a gash in his forehead. She expects a few stitches. Hours later an ER physician says the CT scan came back and he is being sent downtown to see neurosurgery right away. "What is happening?" Dr. Blankshain is a neuro-ophthalmologist in the Chicago suburbs, a specialist in vision problems that begin in the brain and nervous system. She was in fellowship, trained to read MRIs and CTs, when the scan on the screen was her husband's: an epidermoid cyst pressing on his brainstem, and brain surgery set for the next morning. She joins Dr. David Spiro to talk about being the doctor in the waiting room, and how it changed the way she delivers bad news to her own patients. In this episode: Dr. Spiro also shares how he gives bad news to families in the pediatric ER. Chapters Check out the Inside HuMed Newsletter: https://www.humedpod.com/inside-humed This episode is one physician's personal story and is not medical advice. If this episode meant something to you, follow HuMed on Apple Podcasts and send it to one colleague who needs to hear it. | |||
| Kidney Transplant Physician Dr. Aditya Pawar: "It Started From a Mistake" | 06 oct. 2026 | 00:42:24 | |
A resident on night call writes one word in a chart to describe his patient's husband, a man in his 90s: "senile." He thinks it means "very old." The note gets corrected, but the word stays in the edit trail, and a few days later the record shows the patient has read it. Every instinct tells him to leave it alone. He calls the family to apologize anyway. Dr. Aditya Pawar is a transplant nephrologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. That phone call became "Safe Space," his essay in The New England Journal of Medicine. He joins Dr. David Spiro to talk about what the couple said to him on that call, why it took him years to understand it, and who a clinician's "safe space" really protects. In this episode: Dr. Spiro also shares what it was like to lead his team's debrief after a child died in his pediatric ER. Read the essay: "Safe Space," N Engl J Med 2026;395:840-843. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp2518528 Chapters If this episode meant something to you, follow HuMed on Apple Podcasts and send it to one colleague who needs to hear it. | |||
| Cancer Surgeon Dr. James Wittig: "I Was Hanging On by a Thread" | 03 oct. 2026 | 00:45:54 | |
Dr. James Wittig built his career saving children's limbs from cancer. Then a heart scan he asked for himself led to a catheterization that found a 99% blockage in his left anterior descending artery. "I was hanging on by a thread." Dr. Wittig is an orthopedic oncologist and sarcoma surgeon with more than 25 years in limb-sparing surgery for bone and soft tissue tumors in children and adults. In this conversation with Dr. David Spiro, he traces his path from Paterson, New Jersey, where his father was a police officer and his mother a hairdresser, to the mentor who drew him into limb-sparing surgery for childhood bone cancer. He describes chairing a department of 120 orthopedic surgeons while starting a residency program, sleeping about five hours a night for 30 years, and the blood pressure and cholesterol numbers that kept getting explained away. He talks about the stretch of roughly 180 hours of surgery in two weeks that ended in kidney failure, his decision to resign, the chest pain on the treadmill, and the procedure where he went into ventricular tachycardia before three stents opened the artery. He also shares what he would tell his younger self, why doctors treating doctors can be a trap, how he rebuilt his sleep, and why he is now studying hypnosis and mind-body medicine for cancer patients. (00:00) Cold Open: "Hanging On by a Thread" Contact Dr. Wittig: JamesCWittigMD.com TumorSurgery.org MandalaMedicalGroup.com Check out the Inside HuMed Newsletter: https://www.humedpod.com/inside-humed This episode is one physician's personal story and is not medical advice. It is also available on video on Apple Podcasts. Follow HuMed so you never miss an episode. | |||
| Allergist Dr. Lauren Fine: "Stop Asking for Permission" | 29 sept. 2026 | 00:46:31 | |
Dr. Lauren Fine had a thriving allergy practice, a faculty position and patients lined up at the door, and she still felt she needed someone's permission to change. Her answer now: "Stop asking other people for permission." Dr. Fine is an allergist and immunologist, a teacher, a clinician at the VA in the Fort Lauderdale area, and a life coach. In this conversation with Dr. David Spiro, she tells the story of a patient who casually asked her to check a biopsy result that wasn't hers to deliver, and what happened when she opened his chart. She talks about why she prefers shared decision-making to "doctor knows best," how she delivers bad news by letting patients say it first, and why, for her, burnout comes down to losing connection with patients. She also explains why reinventing yourself is "like erasing a chalkboard," what a life coach actually does (hint: it isn't giving advice), and why nobody hands out awards for answering a portal message at 9 p.m. She closes with her view on rising food allergies, how she introduced peanuts to her own kids early, and why community matters more than balance. (00:00) Cold Open: "My Heart Just Sunk" This episode is also available on video on Apple Podcasts. Follow HuMed so you never miss an episode. | |||
| ER Physician Dr. Mark Pappadakis: "Medical School Rejected Me Three Times" | 25 sept. 2026 | 00:56:19 | |
Rejected from medical school. Failed anatomy. Failed his emergency medicine boards by two points, then by one. Today Dr. Mark Pappadakis teaches at the medical school that turned him down three times. Emergency physician Dr. Mark Pappadakis joins Dr. David Spiro, MD for an honest conversation about failure, resilience, and the human side of medicine. He shares: - Why he applied to only three medical schools, and what failing a post-bacc year taught him - How five years as an ER tech made him fall in love with emergency medicine - Getting off a waitlist three weeks before classes started - Failing his boards twice by a total of three points, and passing on the third try - Why he tells patients "I don't know," and why a bounce-back can be a success - A mentor's line that stayed with him: "All of us carry a graveyard" - Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and being the doctor to his own parents during COVID - Why he started his own podcast to fight medical misinformation Dr. Pappadakis trained at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his emergency medicine residency at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City, where he served as chief resident. He is a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine, serves on the board of the Bucks County Medical Society, and hosts the JAFERD Cast podcast. Chapters 0:00 The school that rejected him three times 1:47 A story about failure 3:55 The post-bacc year and failing anatomy 5:50 Five years as an ER tech 10:15 Off the waitlist three weeks before classes 16:21 Failing the boards by two points, then one 18:28 Passing the boards and going full circle 20:09 MD vs DO and the Caribbean option 24:16 How failure made him a better doctor 29:06 Telling patients "I don't know" 33:54 "All of us carry a graveyard" 42:40 Failure, marriage, and family 46:04 Imposter syndrome and self-doubt 47:15 Why he started the JAFERD Cast If this episode meant something to you, follow HuMed here on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a rating. It helps other clinicians find the show. | |||
| Cardiologist Dr. Jaya Mallidi: "The Trust I Had With the Universe Lay Broken" | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:50:43 | |
"How can a child be taken away from the mother?" When cardiologist Dr. Jaya Mallidi lost her daughter, Saachi, at 19 weeks, the trust she'd always had with the universe "lay broken like a vase in an empty room." In this deeply honest conversation, Dr. Jaya Mallidi joins host Dr. David Spiro to explore the human side of medicine from the other side of the bed. She shares surviving a rare, life-threatening hemothorax from thoracic endometriosis, leaving the interventional cardiology she loved, enduring nine cycles of IVF, and grieving a pregnancy loss while a profession built on duty pulled her back to work a week later. She also shares how she slowly rebuilt her faith — through the Japanese image of Jizo, a practice of "forgiving the universe," and a hard-won belief that in medicine, presence matters more than any prescription. A conversation about grief, resilience, womanhood in medicine, and learning that it's okay to take up space. Dr. Jaya Mallidi is a Professor of Clinical Medicine and cardiologist at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where she serves as Director of Clinical Cardiology and Site Director for the UCSF Cardiology Fellowship. Her JAMA "A Piece of My Mind" essay reflects on the loss of her daughter and how medicine and society recognize — or fail to recognize — the grief of pregnancy loss. In this episode: HuMed unveils the human side of medicine — new conversations every week. If this episode moved you, share it with a colleague, and please follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other clinicians find the show. | |||
| Psychiatrist Dr. Paniz Johari: When a Patient Dies — Grief, Guilt & Radical Acceptance | 19 sept. 2026 | 00:37:50 | |
"One of our social workers knocked on the door and said, so-and-so killed himself. I was just in shock." What do you do with the rest of your day after that? Psychiatrist Dr. Paniz Johari joins Dr. David Spiro to talk about one of the least-discussed parts of medicine — losing a patient, and carrying it afterward. Dr. Johari, an attending psychiatrist at Mather Hospital / Northwell Health, wrote a JAMA "A Piece of My Mind" essay called "On Losing a Patient" that moved David enough to reach out. Together they trace its thread: the shock and disbelief, replaying an encounter that felt "ordinary," the guilt of wondering what you missed, and the long work of separating confidence from certainty — what she calls "radical acceptance," and why accepting the limits of our control "is not surrendering." They also get into how psychiatrists weigh whether a patient is safe to go home, why she chose the field, what's happened to mental health since COVID, the roles of sleep, exercise, and diet, and the stigma that still surrounds psychiatric care. ▶ Follow HuMed on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode — it's the single best way to support the show. Chapters: If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 in the US. HuMed with David Spiro, MD — unveiling the human side of medicine. New episodes weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. podscan_rLPAXfcJVELgUhwcd66rLVyErpUcGFTV | |||
| Dr. Lois Lee: Protecting Kids from Gun Violence, and the Fight for Their Health | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:38:17 | |
What if the biggest threats to a child's life are also the most preventable? Dr. Lois Lee — pediatric emergency medicine physician and researcher at Boston Children's Hospital, professor of clinical pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, and a candidate for AAP president-elect — joins Dr. David Spiro on HuMed to talk about the work of keeping kids safe: from gun violence and injury prevention to vaccines, Medicaid, and the advocacy that changes policy. Dr. Lee opens with the residency moment that shaped her career — a family forced to choose between buying food and their child's asthma inhaler — and traces how that experience led to decades of research and legislation. She explains why she frames firearm safety the way pediatricians approach drowning prevention, why most firearm deaths are suicides rather than homicides, the "agree to agree" approach to finding common ground, and what worries her most about children's health today. It's a candid, hopeful conversation about how one physician decided to change the system — and how anyone can start. In this episode: Chapters HuMed unveils the human side of medicine, hosted by Dr. David Spiro, MD. New episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube — please follow and leave a rating, it helps other listeners find the show. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.). | |||
| Navy Anesthesiologist Dr. Zachary Meade: From Childhood Trauma to Becoming a Doctor | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:42:21 | |
Dr. Zachary Meade watched his grandfather shoot his father to save his mother's life. He was a child. He thought it was normal. "Apparently it's not normal." Dr. Meade is a Navy anesthesiologist based in San Diego who took one of the least conventional roads into medicine you will ever hear. Before medical school he was an Army bomb squad technician, a firefighter, an EMT, and an electrical engineer, and he served in the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy. Before any of that he was a kid in Indiana and Florida moving between homes and foster care, failing freshman English, with nobody in his family who had ever done any of this. Today he reaches over 400,000 people online debunking medical misinformation. In this conversation with Dr. David Spiro, he talks about the grandparents who rebuilt his foundation, what the bomb squad taught him about attention to detail ("an 84 essentially meant you died"), the faith that gave him purpose, and the hardest question of the episode: has he forgiven his parents? He shares the phone call that ended contact with his father, the rule that helped his mother get sober, and the "cultural divide" that opens up when you become the first physician in your family. He closes with what he would say to 10-year-old Zach, and Dr. Spiro responds with a story from his own pediatric ER that he says will change how he practices. Chapters: (00:00) Cold Open: "My Dad Was a Very Violent Man" Follow HuMed so you never miss an episode. | |||
| Internist Dr. Robert Beck: "He Wasn't Worthy of the Care" | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:53:11 | |
Two attending physicians declared medical futility on a man in his late 40s. He was awake. He was begging for the ICU. He was begging for his mother. And the only doctor at his bedside that night was an intern on his second call shift. Dr. Robert Beck has carried that night for nineteen years. In his second appearance on HuMed, Dr. Beck tells the story of a patient at New Orleans' Charity Hospital in July 2007 — and what it taught him about paternalism, about abandoning learners, and about the difference between a clinical judgment and a judgment about whose life is worth saving. David asks him directly whether race changed the outcome, and Dr. Beck's pause before answering is the turning point of the episode. The second half is a practical masterclass: how to deliver bad news, the four questions every patient is actually asking, and how end-of-life care and medical assistance in dying work in the Canadian system where Dr. Beck now practices. ABOUT THE GUEST Dr. Robert Beck is an internist. He completed medical school, internal medicine residency, and a chief residency at Tulane, spent ten years in private practice in Tennessee, and moved to the Pacific Northwest of Canada in 2020. He hosts The Interesting MD podcast. IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 "He wasn't worthy of the care" 00:24 Welcome back, Dr. Robert Beck 02:03 What counts as a difficult conversation? 02:46 July 2007: second call night at Charity Hospital 05:13 The patient nobody wanted to touch 06:08 Two attendings declare medical futility 07:40 "His die is cast" 10:02 Alone at the bedside until 4:30am 12:28 How it changed the way he supervises residents 13:11 "Do you think if he were white it would have been different?" 14:04 A pattern of practice 15:32 Paternalism vs. shared decision-making 19:03 Two white physicians talk about privilege 21:10 White flight on his childhood street 23:11 "Society was never going to allow him" 26:10 How to give bad news: the four questions 31:19 Sit down. Eye level. Every time. 33:03 Giving bad news in the pediatric ER 36:30 Teaching residents to deliver the worst news 39:09 When a patient chooses not to treat 40:09 Medical assistance in dying in Canada 43:14 The four pathways of end-of-life care 47:52 How the MAID assessment actually works 51:26 How a society treats its most vulnerable A note on content: this episode includes frank clinical description of sepsis, wound infection, and a patient's death. Dr. Beck's podcast, The Interesting MD HuMed is hosted by David Spiro, MD. New episodes weekly. If this one resonated, the most useful thing you can do is leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it's how other clinicians find us! | |||
| Pediatric Oncologist Dr. Joana Mack: "I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss" | 25 août 2026 | 00:50:55 | |
Dr. Joana Mack has been called "bossy" her whole career — in training, at work, even by her own mom. Now, she just says it back differently: "I'm not bossy, I'm the boss." Dr. Mack is a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist, NIH-funded researcher, and mother of five daughters, practicing at Arkansas Children's Hospital and UAMS. In this conversation with Dr. David Spiro, she opens up about the everyday bias she still encounters as a woman in medicine, how artificial intelligence is reshaping (and sometimes eroding) communication between doctors, why she's stopped chasing "work-life balance" in favor of "work-life integration," and the rituals — prayer, permission to cry, a trampoline park at midnight — that get her through the hardest days of treating children with cancer. She also shares a story from Dr. Todd Maxson's Grand Rounds that changed how she trains the next generation of physicians, and reflects on how far childhood leukemia survival has come in her lifetime, from a near-certain death sentence to roughly 90% remission today. (00:00) Cold Open: "I Went to the Trampoline Park" This episode is also available on video on YouTube and Apple Podcasts. Follow HuMed so you never miss an episode. | |||
| The Science of Stem Cells, Exosomes, and Healthy Aging with Dr. Mari Mitrani | 18 août 2026 | 00:44:14 | |
Can regenerative medicine help us live healthier for longer? Physician-scientist and biotech entrepreneur Dr. Mari Mitrani joins Dr. David Spiro to explain the evolving science of stem cells and exosomes—including how these therapies work, where the evidence stands, and why responsible research and regulation are essential. They also explore the foundations of healthy aging that are available to nearly everyone: nutrition, sleep, movement, strength training, hydration, community, and purpose. Dr. Mitrani shares the life-changing experience that led her to medicine, her journey into biotechnology, and her vision for a more compassionate future in healthcare. This conversation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. 00:00 Meet Dr. Mari Mitrani 02:03 The night that inspired her 07:21 Entering biotechnology 11:11 How stem cells work 18:25 Healthspan versus lifespan 20:38 Foundations of healthy aging 23:15 Community and longevity 27:15 The future of stem cells 30:00 Why exosomes matter 34:02 Could humans live to 125? 35:30 Strength, bones and women’s health 38:07 Veganism and compassionate innovation | |||
| When the Doctor Becomes the Patient: Dr. Adam Bitterman On His Open-Heart Surgery | 11 août 2026 | 00:39:17 | |
What happens when a surgeon suddenly finds himself on the other side of the patient–doctor relationship? Dr. Adam Bitterman—orthopedic surgeon, educator, and chair of orthopedic surgery at Huntington Hospital—joins Dr. David Spiro to discuss being diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm and undergoing urgent open-heart surgery. Dr. Bitterman shares the fear of preparing for a seven-hour operation, the atrial fibrillation that required a second procedure, and the challenge of stepping away from his patients, colleagues, and family responsibilities. He also explains how becoming a patient transformed his approach to clinical care, physician health, work-life boundaries, and after-hours calls from frightened patients. This candid conversation explores physician vulnerability, returning to medicine after serious illness, and why health, family, and a trusted support system must come first. HuMed: Human Medicine reveals the human side of healthcare through honest conversations with physicians, patients, and healthcare leaders. | |||
| It’s Not Always Hemorrhoids: Anal Health with Dr. Talar Tejerian | 04 août 2026 | 00:54:28 | |
Not every anal health problem is a hemorrhoid. Board-certified general surgeon Dr. Talar Tejerian joins Dr. David Spiro to explain the differences between hemorrhoids and anal fissures—and why persistent pain, bleeding, or other symptoms should not be dismissed. Dr. Tejerian is the founder of Booty MD, a nonprofit dedicated to making anal health education clear, evidence-based, and free from shame. She discusses why anal health remains stigmatized, how gaps in medical training can contribute to misdiagnosis, and why conditions such as fissures, fistulas, inflammatory bowel disease, and anal cancer may sometimes be mistaken for hemorrhoids. The conversation also explores: • The three-minute toilet rule CHAPTERS 00:00:00 The three-minute toilet rule | |||
| Stop the Bleed: The Simple Skills That Could Save a Life | Dr. David Shapiro | 30 juil. 2026 | 00:55:00 | |
What would you do if someone were bleeding severely—and help was miles away? In this episode of HuMED, Dr. David Spiro welcomes back surgeon and critical care physician Dr. David Shapiro for a powerful conversation about the moment that changed how he understood emergency preparedness. Years ago, while mountain biking through remote terrain between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, Dr. Shapiro encountered an injured cyclist with a deep leg wound and significant bleeding. With no reliable phone service, limited first-aid supplies, and professional help far away, he had to improvise a pressure dressing and remain with the cyclist until assistance arrived. That experience left him with a lasting question: What if nobody had come along? Today, Dr. Shapiro serves as a leader in the American College of Surgeons’ Stop the Bleed program, a public-health initiative that teaches ordinary people how to recognize and respond to life-threatening bleeding before professional help arrives. The conversation explores: • How to recognize potentially life-threatening bleeding Drs. Spiro and Shapiro also discuss firearm violence, mental health, social isolation, and the need to address both emergency preparedness and the underlying causes of violence. This episode is ultimately about empowerment. You may never need to use these skills—but learning them could give you the confidence to act during the minutes when action matters most. Free Stop the Bleed education and course information are available at StopTheBleed.org. Content note: This episode includes discussion of traumatic injury, severe bleeding, firearm violence, and mass-casualty events. | |||
| The Night Beirut Exploded: A Doctor’s Story | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:48:19 | |
What happens when a physician suddenly finds himself responding to one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in modern history? In this episode of HuMED, Dr. David Spiro speaks with Dr. Khalil Diab, a pulmonologist, critical care physician, associate professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine, and host of the Lebanese Physicians Podcast. On August 4, 2020, Dr. Diab was having dinner with his family in Beirut when the ground began to shake. Moments later, a massive explosion tore through the city. After receiving an urgent call for all available medical professionals, he rushed to the hospital and entered a mass-casualty environment unlike anything he had experienced before. Patients arrived with devastating injuries caused by shattered glass, collapsing ceilings, and the force of the blast. Physicians from every specialty worked together as the hospital ran short of ventilators, patient identities remained unknown, and medical teams were forced to make rapid life-or-death decisions. Dr. Diab shares what he witnessed that night, what it took to care for so many critically injured patients, and how the experience affected him as a physician, husband, and father. The conversation also explores: • Moving his family from the United States back to Lebanon This is a deeply personal account of medicine under extraordinary circumstances—and a reflection on resilience, identity, family, conflict, and our shared humanity. ABOUT THE GUEST Dr. Khalil Diab is a pulmonologist and critical care physician and an associate professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine. After completing his medical training in the United States, he returned to Lebanon with his family and practiced there during a period marked by political upheaval, economic collapse, COVID-19, and the 2020 Beirut port explosion. He is also the host of the Lebanese Physicians Podcast, where he documents the experiences and stories of physicians connected to Lebanon. ABOUT HuMED Hosted by Dr. David Spiro, HuMED explores the people and experiences behind medicine. Through honest conversations with physicians, healthcare professionals, patients, and other compelling guests, the show reveals the human stories that rarely appear in medical charts or textbooks. #BeirutExplosion #Lebanon #CriticalCare #Medicine #PhysicianStories #MedicalPodcast #Healthcare #HuMED | |||
| Muscle is Medicine | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:41:25 | |
What if one of the most important tools for healthy aging isn’t another pill—but preserving your strength? Dr. David Spiro welcomes back Dr. Heather Hinshelwood, an emergency medicine physician whose work has expanded from treating acute medical crises to helping patients improve their long-term health and independence. Dr. Hinshelwood explains why maintaining muscle becomes increasingly important as we age. Together, they discuss strength training, cardiovascular exercise, Pilates, metabolic health, bone density, type 2 diabetes, and the challenge of creating sustainable lifestyle change without shaming patients. They also explore: • Why muscle supports mobility and independence This conversation isn’t about becoming an elite athlete. It’s about preserving the ability to carry groceries, rise from the floor, pursue the activities you enjoy, and remain independent for as long as possible. What do you want to remain capable of doing at age 80? HuMed with David Spiro, MD explores the human side of medicine through candid conversations with physicians, patients, and healthcare leaders. This episode is intended for education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. The discussion includes the speakers’ perspectives on exercise, metabolic health, and medications. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing medications or beginning a new exercise program. | |||
| When Will You “Grow Up”? Medicine’s Hidden Culture of Labels | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:41:06 | |
Why do we ask physicians in their 30s, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro sits down with Emma Cooke, MD, an internal medicine physician, Med-Peds graduate, and author of a thought-provoking JAMA essay exploring how a simple question reveals deeper issues within medical culture.
Together they discuss:
Why medical trainees are often defined by their future specialty rather than who they are today
How unconscious bias shapes evaluations, mentorship, and career opportunities
The challenges women continue to face in medical training
Why physicians should connect with trainees as people—not stereotypes
How empathy, curiosity, and human connection create better teachers and better doctors
This conversation challenges long-held assumptions about medical education while offering practical ways to build a more compassionate culture for learners, physicians, and patients alike.
Whether you’re a physician, trainee, healthcare professional, educator, or simply interested in the human side of medicine, this episode offers an honest look at identity, bias, and what it truly means to grow as a doctor.
About HuMed
HuMed with David Spiro, MD explores the human side of medicine through conversations with physicians, nurses, patients, and healthcare leaders who remind us that compassion is just as important as clinical expertise.
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| The Patient I’ll Never Forget | Dr. Tommy Martin | 02 juil. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
What makes medicine worth the sacrifice?
Dr. Tommy Martin—a pediatric hospitalist at Boston Children’s Hospital, physician, endurance athlete, and one of medicine’s most influential voices on social media—shares the patient encounter that changed his life forever.
After a long residency shift, Tommy was exhausted and simply wanted to get home to his wife and son. Instead, one final patient reminded him why he became a doctor.
The next morning, he returned with one unforgettable meal.
That single act of kindness reshaped how he practices medicine—and why he believes every patient deserves our full presence.
In this deeply personal conversation, Dr. David Spiro and Dr. Tommy Martin discuss:
• The patient who restored Tommy’s passion for medicine
• Why medicine isn’t worth it without human connection
• Caring for children with complex medical needs
• Parenting a child with autism and a rare genetic condition
• Finding balance between medicine and family
• Authenticity, vulnerability, and physician burnout
• Why love, presence, and compassion remain medicine’s greatest tools
If you’re a physician, healthcare professional, student, patient, or simply someone who believes kindness still matters, this episode is for you.
Subscribe for weekly conversations exploring the human side of medicine.
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| He Taught Me to Be a Doctor, He was Not a Doctor | 24 juin 2026 | 01:01:28 | |
In this deeply moving episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro speaks with Dr. Julia Bruckner, a pediatric emergency physician, writer, and Director of Faculty Well-Being at the University of Colorado.
Dr. Bruckner shares how her father — a minister, humanist, advocate, and witness to suffering — taught her lessons about healing that medicine alone often cannot teach. Together, they explore what it means to give devastating news, sit with suffering, care for families in crisis, support physicians after trauma, and bring humanity back into medicine.
This conversation moves through grief, cancer, hospice, physician wellness, pediatric emergency medicine, and the quiet power of presence. At its heart is a simple message from Dr. Bruckner’s father: because the world will die without it, go with love.
Topics include:
humanizing medicine, physician wellness, giving bad news, hospice, grief, narrative medicine, pediatric emergency care, burnout, compassion, and love as a form of healing.
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| From Patient To Daughter | 16 juin 2026 | 00:58:27 | |
What happens when a patient changes your life forever?
In this unforgettable episode of HuMed, pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ron Turker shares the remarkable story of a one-month-old infant who arrived in the emergency department with multiple fractures and severe injuries—and ultimately became his daughter.
Dr. Turker reflects on child abuse, foster care, adoption, trauma, attachment, fatherhood, and the profound lessons he learned raising a child whose life began with extraordinary adversity. He also discusses physician empathy, judgment, chronic pain, healthcare reform, physician burnout, mental health, social media, community, and why human connection remains at the heart of healing.
This is a conversation about medicine, family, resilience, second chances, and the patient who changed everything.
Topics Discussed
• Child abuse and child advocacy
• Foster care and adoption
• Parenting and attachment
• Pediatric orthopedic surgery
• Chronic pain in children
• Physician burnout and moral injury
• Mental health and social media
• Healthcare reform
• Human connection and healing
• The human side of medicine
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| The 10-Year-Old Organ Donor a Transplant Surgeon Will Never Forget | 10 juin 2026 | 00:53:03 | |
What happens after a family says “yes” to organ donation?
In this powerful episode of HuMed, transplant surgeon Dr. Charles Strom shares the story of a young organ donor whose life—and legacy—left a lasting impact on him during his first week of transplant fellowship.
Dr. Strom takes us inside a world most people never see: the moment of honor before organ recovery, the emotional family statements read in the operating room, the realities of brain death and cardiac death donation, and the profound responsibility of helping one donor save multiple lives.
We discuss:
The donor story Dr. Strom will never forget
How one organ donor can save up to eight lives
Common misconceptions about organ donation
The ethics and realities of transplantation
Why some healthcare professionals still misunderstand the donation process
The emotional impact of caring for donor families
Balancing medicine, family, and personal sacrifice
New innovations that are dramatically increasing organ utilization
One of the most moving moments comes when Dr. Strom realizes the donor being honored was the same age as his own son.
This conversation is about grief, hope, generosity, and the extraordinary gift of life.
Join The HuMed Weekly Newsletter:https://humed.kit.com/newsletter
Subscribe for more conversations exploring the human side of medicine.
#HuMed #OrganDonation #TransplantSurgery #Medicine #HealthcareStories
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| Am I Missing Anything? | 03 juin 2026 | 00:50:52 | |
Dr. Jay Pershad — PEM physician, professor at George Washington, and faculty at Children's National — joins Dr. David Spiro for an unflinching conversation about the moments that define a career in pediatric emergency medicine.
Jay shares a story that still haunts him: a teenage girl brought in after a suspected overdose, a resuscitation that ends in death, and a family that spoke only Spanish — connected to him through a video interpreter that kept disconnecting. What followed was one of the most human, painful moments in his 30+ year career.
They also talk about:
Teaching learners how to deliver bad news at the bedside
Family presence during resuscitation — and why the data changed everything
What keeps seasoned physicians showing up at 6am after three decades
Aging in emergency medicine, night shifts, and knowing when to step back.
Why "family first" isn't just a slogan — it's the thing that outlasts the career
HUMED is the podcast where healthcare professionals share the stories they never forget — the emotional, moral, and human realities of medicine.
Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
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| Healthy Mama Doc Almost Lost Her Own Son | 27 mai 2026 | 00:43:06 | |
What happens when a high-risk OB can't diagnose her own son?
Dr. Sarah Pachtman-Shetty is a double board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist — a doctor trained to manage the most critical pregnancies imaginable. But when her two-year-old son Orion spiked a fever on a Caribbean vacation and his O2 sat dropped into the 70s, all that training couldn't stop her from feeling like a helpless mom.
In this raw and unforgettable episode of HuMed, Sarah shares the terrifying night she called 911 on a St. Martin island, fought for a chest X-ray in a foreign ER at 2am, and watched a jack-of-all-trades surgeon prepare to place a chest tube in her toddler — with no pediatric ventilator in sight.
This is the human side of medicine no one talks about.
Dr. Sarah Pachtman-Shetty | Maternal-Fetal Medicine | @HealthyMamaDoc
Virtual consultations: Uma Health
In this episode:
The vacation that became a medical nightmare
Why even expert physicians miss signs in their own children
Practicing medicine in maternity care deserts
How a near-tragedy reordered her entire life
Subscribe for more stories from the human side of medicine
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts
#HuMed #MaternalFetalMedicine #HighRiskPregnancy #PhysicianLife #DoctorStories #MomLife #MedicalPodcast #WomensHealth
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| Time Is Finite: Dr. Jenna Taglienti on the Physician's Illusion of Control and Shift in Priorities | 19 mai 2026 | 00:45:37 | |
In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro is joined by Dr. Jenna Taglienti, a psychiatrist, residency program director, and assistant professor at the Zucker School of Medicine. Dr. Taglienti's recent JAMA essay, Time Is Finite, sparked widespread reflection across the medical field.
Dr. Taglienti shares her deeply personal story of receiving an unexpected lung cancer diagnosis as a lifelong nonsmoker, which forced her to take a medical leave and step back from her roles. The experience provided time to reflect on the immense mental load she was carrying, and the true cost of continually postponing life. She discusses the profound realization that "institutions are designed to endure beyond individuals. On the other hand, families are not". This is a crucial conversation for any physician wrestling with the balance between a demanding career and their irreplaceable role at home.
We discuss:
The "invisible load" of mental energy physicians spend trying to control things that are out of their hands.3
The high divorce rate among doctors and how constant accessibility to work can distract from relationships.3
How the priority of medicine is ingrained from the first day of medical school, and the struggle to shift that focus when relationships and children arrive.3
The importance of being "present" with family and recognizing that small moments with children add up.3
Modeling self-care and good boundaries for residents, demonstrating that it's okay to prioritize health and return stronger.3
The therapeutic value of vulnerable writing, such as essays submitted to JAMA's A Piece of My Mind.
Subscribe to HuMed with David Spiro, MD for more conversations about the human side of medicine.
#PhysicianBurnout #WorkLifeBalance #TimeIsFinite #PhysicianWellness #Psychiatry #ResidencyLife #JAMA #HuMed
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| His Labs Were Normal. But He Was Crashing. | 12 mai 2026 | 01:00:05 | |
What happens when your labs are “normal” — but you know something is wrong?
In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro sits down with Dr. Stephen Sanders, a board-certified family physician and men’s health expert, to talk about the moment his own health collapsed in his late 30s.
On paper, everything looked good: career, family, success. But inside, he was struggling with brain fog, fatigue, low energy, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, poor sleep, and the frightening feeling that his best days might already be behind him.
Dr. Sanders shares how one photo during a bike ride in Colorado became the turning point — and how he rebuilt his health through sleep, nutrition, training, hormone optimization, community, and a completely different approach to men’s health.
We discuss:
• Why “normal labs” don’t always mean optimal health• Testosterone, free testosterone, and hormone optimization• Sleep, wearables, HRV, and recovery• Intermittent fasting and whole-food nutrition• Ultra-processed foods and metabolic health• GLP-1 medications, muscle loss, and protein• Creatine, sauna, cold plunge, and longevity tools• Male loneliness, stress, vulnerability, and community• Why medicine treats disease well — but often fails at creating health
This is a conversation about men’s health, longevity, burnout, behavior change, and what it takes to feel alive again.
Subscribe to HuMed with David Spiro, MD for more conversations about the human side of medicine.
#MensHealth #Testosterone #Longevity #HuMed #HealthOptimization
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| The Prevention Mindset That Could Save Millions | 05 mai 2026 | 00:54:13 | |
Dr. David Spiro speaks with physician-scientist and clinical trialist Dr. Barry Davis, author of The Preventioneers, about one of the most important questions in medicine and public health:
Why do we so often know how to prevent harm—but fail to act until crisis arrives?
Dr. Davis shares the powerful story of Ignaz Semmelweis, the physician who discovered that handwashing could dramatically reduce childbirth deaths long before germ theory was accepted. He also discusses the resistance faced by prevention pioneers across history—from fire prevention and auto safety to hypertension, smoking, ultra-processed foods, and climate change.
This conversation explores the gap between knowledge and action, the resistance to changing systems, and why prevention requires more than individual willpower. It requires leadership, culture change, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Topics include:Semmelweis and the history of handwashingWhy prevention is often resistedHypertension and cardiovascular preventionSeat belts, auto safety, and public healthUltra-processed foods and the modern prevention crisisWhy healthcare often treats disease instead of preventing itHow physicians can become change agents
Please subscribe for more conversations about the emotional, moral, and human realities of medicine.
#Prevention
#PublicHealth
#Medicine
#CardiovascularHealth
#HuMed
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| He Was the Doctor—Then He Found a Brain Tumor | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:47:39 | |
What happens when the doctor becomes the patient?
In this powerful episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro sits down with pediatric cardiologist Dr. Josh Daily to talk about the moment his life changed: unexplained fatigue, low testosterone, headaches, and eventually the discovery of a brain tumor deep in the center of his brain.
Dr. Daily shares the full story of being diagnosed, challenging the initial read, seeking second opinions, undergoing high-risk brain surgery, facing a devastating recurrence, and nearly losing his vision. He also opens up about what it felt like to navigate the healthcare system from the other side of the bedrail—even as a physician.
This conversation goes far beyond medicine. It’s about fear, vulnerability, faith, grief, resilience, and what serious illness teaches us about being human.
In this episode:
What it feels like when a doctor becomes the patient
How his brain tumor was initially misread
Why his vision began rapidly deteriorating
The targeted therapy that changed everything
The emotional reality of serious illness
How faith reshaped his experience as both patient and physician
Why empathy and presence matter so much in medicine
This is one of the most honest and moving conversations yet on HuMed.
Subscribe for more conversations on the human side of medicine.
#BrainTumor #DoctorBecomesPatient #HuMed #MedicineAndFaith #PatientStory #Neurosurgery #TargetedTherapy #PhysicianStory #MedicalPodcast #DavidSpiroMD
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| A Surgeon Used Slurs in My Residency Interview | 22 avr. 2026 | 00:42:03 | |
What happens when a residency interview turns openly discriminatory?
In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Shapiro shares the moment he walked out of a surgical residency interview after hearing hateful slurs—and how that experience shaped his advocacy for LGBTQ surgeons and allies.
We also talk about:
discrimination in surgical training
burnout and belonging in medicine
why inclusivity matters for trainees and patients
the work of the Association of Out Surgeons and Allies
This is a powerful conversation about courage, identity, medicine, and creating a profession where people feel safe to belong. Subscribe to HuMed for more human stories behind healthcare.
#HuMed #LGBTQ #Medicine #Surgery #MedicalPodcast
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| Hospital-Acquired Deconditioning: Pooja Patel Explains the Crisis | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:43:14 | |
In this insightful interview, Dr. Pooja Patel shares her journey into aging and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of advance care planning, the role of occupational therapy in end-of-life scenarios, and strategies to improve aging in place. Discover how education, proactive planning, and social engagement can enhance quality of life for older adults.
#stories #medical #hospital #doctors
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| The Night Shift Anxiety with Dr. Chi Oraedu | 07 avr. 2026 | 01:03:38 | |
This episode of HuMED dives deep into the "dark side" of medicine—the life of the nocturnist. Dr. David Spiro sits down with Dr. Chi Oraedu, an academic hospitalist and founder of Yale Aura, to discuss why working against the biological grain is one of the greatest challenges in healthcare today.
From the "Season and Reason" of choosing night shifts as a young mother of twins to the sobering reality of a 40% increase in all-cause mortality for shift workers, Dr. Chi shares how she’s helping healthcare heroes reclaim their metabolic health.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
The "Season and Reason":
Why Dr. Chi chose the night shift to balance residency and raising newborn twins.
The "Dr. House" Effect:
How being the solo attending at 3:00 AM builds a unique brand of clinical resilience and confidence.
The Circadian Conflict: The biological "upstream swim" against melatonin and cortisol.
The Metabolic Cost: Understanding why night shifts lead to truncal obesity, insulin resistance, and "The Twinkie Trap."
The Nocturnist Blueprint:
Practical survival tips, including "Chrono-nutrition," blue-light blocking strategies, and the "68°F Rule" for restorative sleep.
#nightshift #hospital #stories
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| The Power of Listening: How Curiosity Transformed a Student's Life | 31 mars 2026 | 00:35:11 | |
summaryIn this episode, Hillary Mayberry, a physician assistant and educator at UAMS, shares her transformative experience with a student facing performance anxiety, emphasizing the importance of humility, curiosity, and listening in healthcare and education. The discussion explores mental health stigma, accommodations in healthcare education, and effective communication strategies for supporting students and patients.
#stories #doctors #medicalstories
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| Why This Doctor Left U.S. Medicine for Canada | Burnout, Mental Health & Starting Over | 24 mars 2026 | 01:04:21 | |
Dr. Rob Beck shares his deeply personal journey from burnout in the U.S. healthcare system to building a more fulfilling medical career in Canada. In this episode, we explore physician mental health, the differences between American and Canadian healthcare, and the courage it takes to completely change your life.
key topics:
Physician burnout and mental health
Differences between US and Canadian healthcare systems
The process and challenges of emigrating as a physician
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to HUMED and Dr. Rob Beck
02:00 Dr. Beck's Journey Through Medicine and Burnout
06:00 The Move to Canada: A New Beginning
09:59 Transitioning from a For-Profit to a Single-Payer System
16:01 The Impact of Prior Authorizations on Healthcare
21:51 Understanding Internal Medicine in Canada
28:54 Reflections on Pressure and Patient Care
32:01 Navigating Emotional Turmoil
33:51 The Importance of Patient Follow-Up
36:04 Mental Health Awareness in Medicine
39:57 Family Dynamics During Relocation
45:42 Cultural Differences and Personal Growth
49:44 Acknowledging Indigenous History
53:44 The Genesis of a Podcast Journey
#Medicine #DoctorBurnout #PhysicianBurnout #MentalHealth #Healthcare #CanadianHealthcare #USHealthcare #DoctorLife #MedicalPodcast #HuMed #InternalMedicine #PhysicianWellness #HealthcareSystem #Podcast #MedEd
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| The Surprising Link Between Gut Microbiome and Hormones You Need to Know | 19 mars 2026 | 00:44:14 | |
Most women don’t realize that the pelvic changes from childbirth can impact their bladder and vagina in ways that often go unnoticed for years. Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, the first female board-certified urogynecologist in the U.S., reveals how understanding these shifts can drastically improve quality of life—and how common treatments like Botox and pelvic rehab transform health for patients.
You’ll discover the surprising links between menopause, andropause, and microbiome health—exploring how gut bacteria influence hormones, mood, and even fertility. Betsy shares her journey from a challenging surgical career to becoming a leader in integrative and functional medicine, showing how personalized, root-cause approaches can counteract aging’s natural decline and prevent chronic issues before they start.
We break down the science behind bladder retraining, hormone therapies for men and women, and the real impact of antibiotics on your microbiome. You’ll learn actionable steps to optimize your health, from diet choices that support your microbiome to stress management strategies that harmonize hormones. This episode is perfect for anyone eager to unlock the secrets of aging gracefully and reclaim vitality through cutting-edge, holistic medicine.
Dr. Greenleaf—an accomplished surgeon turned innovator—is passionate about empowering patients with knowledge and medical tools to thrive at any age. If you're curious about how the microbiome shapes your health or seeking expert insights into hormone balance, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire real change.
Whether you’re battling urinary issues, navigating menopause, or simply curious about the future of personalized medicine, this episode offers invaluable guidance. Tune in to discover the science-backed strategies to stay active, energetic, and confident well into your later years—because the best is yet to come.
Why this works: This compelling episode description immediately teases a transformative approach to aging and women’s health, appealing to listeners interested in holistic, science-based solutions. The blend of personal storytelling, practical insights, and future-focused strategies creates curiosity and emotional resonance, encouraging clicks and sustained engagement.
#stories #doctors #humanmedicine
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| The Tale of Two Sedations: A Lesson in Compassion and Competence | 11 mars 2026 | 00:40:30 | |
In this deeply moving episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro sits down with Dr. Ben Jackson, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Procedural Sedation at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Ben shares two pivotal patient encounters that serve as the "North and South" poles of his career—one a humbling failure of communication, the other a triumphant display of team-based compassion.
#stories #doctors #medschool #emergencymedicine
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| The Protein Gap: Why Women Are Starving Their Muscles | 03 mars 2026 | 00:37:43 | |
Is your doctor telling you "everything is normal" while your hair falls out and your energy is non-existent?
In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro talks with Dr. Ashley Dwyer, a licensed pharmacist turned health coach. Ashley shares her vulnerable story of pushing her body to the brink through competitive bodybuilding and pharmacy school—only to end up with bottomed-out hormones and "U-thyroid Sick Syndrome" despite looking like the "epitome of health."
Ashley explains why she walked away from a traditional pharmacy career to found Team BDN Coaching, where she focuses on the root causes of metabolic and hormonal dysfunction. We dive deep into her Five Pillars of Health and discuss the nuances of perimenopause, HRT, and why "sunshine in your eyeballs" might be the best thing you do for your sleep.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Thyroid Trap: Understanding why T3 levels matter more than a "normal" TSH reading.
The 5 Pillars of Health: A breakdown of Nutrition, Movement, Sleep, Nervous System, and Environment.
The Protein Problem: Why most women are under-eating protein and losing vital muscle mass.
Perimenopause 101: Navigating the 10–15 year "rollercoaster" before menopause.
Biohacking Sleep: The truth about melatonin, magnesium glycinate, and circadian rhythms.
Whether you are a healthcare professional feeling burnt out or a woman trying to navigate hormonal shifts, Dr. Dwyer’s "foundations-first" method offers a clear roadmap to feeling like yourself again.
#stories #podcast #hormonehealth
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| ONE CHILD'S TRAGEDY SAVES MILLIONS | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:43:06 | |
What do you do when the person responsible for your child’s death is you?In this unforgettable episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro sits down with Dr. Greg Gulbransen, a pediatrician whose life was irreparably altered 23 years ago by a tragic accident in his own driveway. Instead of succumbing to the weight of his grief, Greg "stood and delivered," turning his personal hell into federal legislation—the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act—which now mandates backup cameras in every new vehicle in America.But Greg’s story didn't stop in Washington D.C. He turned to the lens of a camera to explore the trauma of others. From his high-end private practice in Oyster Bay to the rooftops of the Bronx at 6:00 AM, Greg documents the lives of those on the absolute margins: gang leaders paralyzed by gun violence, fentanyl addicts fighting for survival, and families trapped in the cycle of poverty.
#child #safety #humanity #stories
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| The 40-Year Memory: Why Your Words Matter More Than Your Scalpel | 19 févr. 2026 | 00:36:23 | |
For a surgeon, it’s another day at the office. For a family, it’s a day that will change their lives forever.In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro welcomes Dr. Greg Albert, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Arkansas Children’s. While Dr. Albert is a nationally recognized expert in complex brain and spine surgeries, this conversation delves into the human heart behind the technical excellence.Dr. Albert opens up about the powerful legacy of his mentor, Dr. Arnold Manizas, and shares a deeply personal story about his brother’s Down syndrome diagnosis—and how a single sentence from a doctor 40 years ago still impacts his family today.In this episode, we discuss:The Power of Presence: Why "treating every child as your own" is the ultimate surgical mantra.T
he "Hardest Path": Understanding the philosophy that what is most difficult for the doctor is often what is best for the patient.The Burden of Guilt: How Dr. Albert helps parents navigate the devastating "what ifs" of a brain tumor diagnosis.Residency & Reputation: Breaking the stereotype of the "aloof" neurosurgeon and the reality of compassion fatigue.Long-Term Connections: The unique reward of operating on a newborn and being invited to their wedding 20 years later.Whether you're a medical student facing the grueling path of residency or a parent navigating a difficult diagnosis, Dr. Albert’s insights on empathy and technical mastery are essential listening.Subscribe to HuMed on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube for more stories from the heart of medicine.
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| Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Handling Infant Trauma & Dog Bite Emergencies | 11 févr. 2026 | 00:41:35 | |
Can a doctor ever truly prepare for the unthinkable? In this powerful episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro sits down with Pediatric Emergency Medicine specialist Dr. Patrick Ayers to discuss the "human side of medicine" through the lens of a devastating trauma case. Dr. Ayers shares the harrowing story of a newborn infant involved in a severe dog bite emergency, the frantic race to save a life, and the emotional weight of delivering the hardest news a parent can hear.
In This Episode, We Explore:
The Reality of Pediatric ER: A firsthand account of treating high-stakes infant trauma and the split-second decisions required in emergency medicine.
Breaking Bad News: How Dr. Ayers navigated the "unspeakable" conversation with a grieving family and why compassion in healthcare is just as vital as clinical skill.
Dog Safety for Babies: Crucial advice for parents on preventing dog bites and maintaining a safe environment for newborns and pets.
Physician Burnout & Resilience: The lasting impact of medical trauma on healthcare providers and the communication skills often missing from traditional medical training.
Why This Story Matters
This isn't just a medical case study; it’s a lesson in emotional resilience and the profound bond between a physician and a family during their most vulnerable moments. Whether you are a medical student, a healthcare professional, or a parent, this episode offers a poignant look at the challenges and the heart of pediatric care.
#pediatrics #doctors #stories
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| Mind Over Matter: The Healing Power of Integrative Medicine | 04 févr. 2026 | 00:37:32 | |
In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro welcomes Dr. Zina Alhaddad, a board-certified pediatrician , pediatric emergency medicine physician and integrative medicine specialist, to discuss the profound stories that shape healthcare professionals. Dr. Alhaddad shares a transformative encounter with a patient that reshaped her understanding of integrative medicine and the importance of a healing presence in medical practice. The conversation delves into the concepts of placebo and nocebo effects, emphasizing how the mind can influence physical health and the necessity of validating patients' experiences. Dr. Alhaddad highlights the growing prevalence of functional disorders in children and the role of integrative medicine in addressing these complex issues, advocating for a holistic approach that considers the patient's environment and emotional well-being.
The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in pediatric emergency medicine, where time constraints often limit the ability to provide comprehensive care. Dr. Alhaddad expresses her belief that every physician should be trained in integrative medicine, as it represents the future of healthcare. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of seeing patients as whole individuals and the potential for integrative practices to enhance traditional medical approaches, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
#doctors #stories
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| Inspiring Mentorship with Google's Resident Doctor Maya Roberts | 31 janv. 2026 | 00:44:33 | |
In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro welcomes Dr. Maya Roberts, a staff clinical lead at Google, to discuss her transformative journey from a physics major to a pediatrician and healthcare innovator. Maya shares her unique experiences in Nepal, where she observed the challenges of healthcare delivery in a rural village. Her encounter with a local doctor who administered polio vaccines without checking names or ages led her to realize the complexities of healthcare systems and the importance of doing what one can, even in difficult circumstances. This pivotal moment shaped her career path, inspiring her to pursue medicine and public health to address systemic issues in healthcare delivery.The conversation delves into the intersection of technology and healthcare, particularly Maya's current role at Google, where she focuses on improving healthcare delivery through research and product development.
She emphasizes the potential of AI and technology to enhance patient care and the importance of building trust between healthcare providers and technology. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of medicine, the role of robotics, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in healthcare, highlighting the need for collaboration between clinicians and technology to improve patient outcomes.
#google #stories #doctors #chiropractic
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| Bystander Injuries | Special Episode | 28 janv. 2026 | 00:39:22 | |
In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro and Dr. David Shapiro discuss the emotional and moral realities of trauma in medicine. They explore the impact of bystander violence, the importance of trauma care, and the evolution of emergency response protocols. The conversation reflects on personal stories of trauma survivors, the implications of gun violence, and the emotional toll on healthcare providers. They also address the role of media in shaping public perception and the need for community engagement and advocacy in addressing social issues.
#alexpretti #stories #doctors
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| The Doctor Who Sees Poetry in Surgery: Dr. Saman's Unique Approach | 24 janv. 2026 | 00:53:53 | |
In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Masoud Saman, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Saman shares his remarkable journey from a childhood in Iran, where he faced significant challenges, to becoming a prominent figure in aesthetic surgery in the United States. He reflects on the importance of mentorship in medicine, recounting how a neurosurgeon inspired him during his early career. The discussion delves into the emotional and human aspects of medicine, emphasizing that surgery is not just a technical practice but a human art focused on restoring dignity and identity.
Dr. Saman also addresses the impact of social media on beauty standards and mental health, particularly among children. He advocates for a more honest approach to beauty and the importance of aligning one's self-image with reality. The episode culminates in a touching story about a young patient whose life was transformed through reconstructive surgery, highlighting the profound connection between surgeon and patient. Dr. Saman's philosophy centers on the idea that healing goes beyond technical skill; it involves understanding and addressing the emotional needs of patients.
Health#emotionalhealing #stories #doctors #medschool
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| What Happens After a Patient Dies: Perspectives from a Bereavement Counselor | 21 janv. 2026 | 00:41:10 | |
In the latest episode of HuMed, hosted by David Spiro, M.D., the featured guest is Greg Adams, LCSW, Fellow in Thanatology: Death, Dying, and Bereavement, and Program Coordinator for the Center for Good Mourning and Staff Bereavement Support @ Arkansas Children's Hospital. He discusses and reflects about a case where he worked with a family after the passing of a family member.
#doctors #medschool #stories
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| Healing Through Pain: Dr. Malobski's Journey | 14 janv. 2026 | 00:43:34 | |
In this episode of Humed, Dr. David Spiro interviews Dr. Michael Malobski, a pediatrician who shares his profound journey through chronic pain, emotional struggles, and the transformative decision to undergo amputation. Dr. Malobski discusses the impact of his experiences on his personal and professional life, the importance of seeking help, and the shift to a concierge practice that allows for deeper connections with patients. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and emotional health and the role of social media in sharing his story and insights.
#doctors #stories #medicalschool
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| Adding Life to Years: Dr. Gupta's Transformative Insights | 07 janv. 2026 | 00:43:01 | |
In this episode of HuMed, Dr. David Spiro engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Saurabh Gupta, exploring the emotional and human aspects of medicine. They discuss Dr. Gupta's journey in cardiology, the importance of balancing family life with a demanding medical career, and the profound lessons learned from patient interactions. The conversation also delves into the evolving role of technology in healthcare, particularly the concept of collaborative intelligence, and the significance of personal connections in patient care.
#doctors #stories #medschool
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