The Human Doctor – Details, episodes & analysis

In many situations, the line between right and wrong can be blurred or confusing, but sometimes it is very clear. On this final episode of the season, Kimberly gives a powerful reflection on accountability and owning what is right vs. what is wrong when it comes to certain behaviors. 

Everyone expresses grief or sorrow in different ways, and in an ideal world, we would all feel safe enough to do so however we choose. This week, Ashley shares stories on what this has looked like in her life. 

Many times, the primary barrier to us achieving our goals is our own thoughts. However, being practical does not have to mean overthinking or succumbing to the idea that certain goals just don't make sense for us. This week, Kimberly shares an inspiring example of a time she set out to achieve something seemingly out of reach.  

• RYSE Clerkship Applications are OPEN - deadline to apply 8/7/2024

Is there someone in your life you can trust to be there in moments of triumph, but also in times of potential failure? This week Ashley shares memories of times when she had the courage to let someone in, and what she took away from those experiences. 

• Elderhood - by Louise Aronson 
• Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez (@DoctoraEdith)  

July is a major transition time for folks in the medical field. Just like in many other institutions or professions, in medicine, it's easy to look at new changes and lament that things "aren't like they used to be." However, we should pause to recognize, thankfully, that things can and often do change for the better. This week, Kimberly reflects on the early days of her training and a few changes that she's grateful for. 

• Born to Run - by Christopher McDougall
• Lorena, Light-footed Woman - documentary on the Tarahumara women (can watch on Netflix) 
• Making the World Sparkle Again - Hidden Brain Podcast. How we get used to things, and how to see things through fresh eyes. 

On today's episode, Ashley reflects on a meaningful patient experience, as well as the privilege and challenges of human doctoring. 

• Dr. Lucy Kalanithi (@rocketgirlmd)
• Annual Paul Kalanithi Writing Award - Dr. McMullen being a judge for the 2024 contest
• When Breath Becomes Air - by Dr. Paul Kalanithi
• How many hugs a day do we need? Virginia Satir - Author, social worker, psychotherapist

This episode, Kimberly shares a very personal story of caring for a loved one in the hospital and how it has shifted her perspective as both a doctor and caregiver. 

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• CP solvers episode on Juneteenth with Dr. Manning and her father Mr. William Draper, Sr. 
• More Juneteenth listening: The History and Meaning of Juneteenth by The Daily (NYT) from 2020

This week we share another special episode recorded at the Society of General Internal Medicine annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, featuring a very special guest storyteller, Dr. Utibe Essien - an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine, an award-winning health equity researcher, and an all-around dope human doctor. 

• Check out Dr. Utibe Essien's work, @UREssien on Twitter
  • Bow Tie recommendation - Beau Ties
  • Pharmacoequity
  • SGIM's Outstanding Junior Investigator of the Year Award
• Distinguished Professor of Health Equity @ SGIM - Dr. Monica Peek 
• Valerie Stone, MD 
• Sherri-Ann Burnett-Bowie, MD, MPH
• Movie - Sliding Doors
• Thomas Inui, MD - Past President of SGIM 

Live from the Society of General Internal Medicine 2024 annual meeting in Boston, MA! Kimberly and Ashley share the stage to tell the story of their first meeting and a meaningful connection that would lead to the beginnings of The Human Doctor Podcast and so much more. 

• The Curbsiders Teach Podcast 
• ACP Mastership 
• IgA Vasculitis in Adults
• Atomic Habits - by James Clear 
• UCSF - Beth Harleman, MD
• UCSF - Gurpreet Dhaliwal, MD, Twitter @Gurpreet2015 
• The Missing Piece - by Shel Silverstein

In the final episode of this season, Ashley shares a story about a profound experience in residency that shaped her perspective on patients and their families, and how we care for both.