Tell Me More

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristinemeyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-meyer-md-25b32111/

3 Future Doctors Talk Ending BAD Patient Interactions

Christine Meyer — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Join us as a fly on the wall in this week's Tell Me More Podcast, where Dr. Christine Meyer engages in an open dialogue with three young medical students (Maisy, Josh, and Jacob) and her husband, Chris, a renowned pediatrician. Together, they explore the roots of challenging patient/doctor communication encounters and interactions. Discover what unfolds behind the scenes in medical school and how empathy is cultivated for both healthcare providers and patients through open dialogue.

Dr. Meyer shares sage advice on managing time for patients when there seems to be none. This conversation is a great example of what makes the calling of patient care simultaneously special and challenging.

Connect with Christine Meyer, MD

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristinemeyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-meyer-md-25b32111/

What Not to Say When Talking to Patients About Their Weight

Christine Meyer — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0400

How we talk to patients about their weight is unquestionably a very sensitive subject and needs to be handled with precision. Words matter significantly in patient communication, and outcomes often depend on proper communication.

This week, we're talking with award-winning author Michelle May, MD, CSP. In addition to her popular "Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat" book series, she co-authored the 2022 article, "The Consequences of a Weight-Centric Approach to Healthcare: A Case for a Paradigm Shift in How Clinicians Address Body Weight," in Nutrition in Clinical Practice, a highly respected peer-reviewed medical journal.

How to have better weight-centric conversations in healthcare is the theme of today’s chat. Dr. May highlights many of the flaws in our current approach, emphasizing the harm caused by weight bias and the need for a shift towards a weight-inclusive perspective.

Learn More about Dr. May: https://michellemaymd.com/

Connect with Christine Meyer, MD

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristinemeyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-meyer-md-25b32111/

Connect with Michelle May, MD, CSP

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmIHungry

Instagram: www.instagram.com/michellemaymd

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/amihungry

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleMayMD

What 5 Bouts of Cancer Teaches You About Advocating for Yourself

Christine Meyer — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0400

This week’s edition of the Tell Me More podcast features a heartfelt conversation with Liz Benditt, a remarkably resilient patient who has triumphed over five different cancers spanning more than 10 years. As the President and CEO of The Balm Box, she shares her unique story of resilience, turning tragedy into triumph as a survivor and entrepreneur. Liz also discusses the impact her cancer bouts had on her children and the challenges she faced with poor patient experiences throughout her journey. While frustrating at times, her story is ultimately encouraging and underscores the importance of advocating for one's health amid the complexities of different treatments.

Learn more about The Balm Box: https://thebalmbox.com/

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristinemeyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-meyer-md-25b32111/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiejennings/2023/11/15/an-ai-doctor-in-a-box-coming-to-a-mall-near-you/?sh=19547d9d4284

Patients Deserve Better Than an 'A.I. Doctor in a Box' at the Mall (No, Seriously!)

Christine Meyer — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0400

According to Forbes, an artificial intelligence-based bot is set to appear in local shopping malls in the form of a "doctor in a box," to which we emphatically say, "no thank you!"

This week on our Tell Me More Podcast, we delve into the concerning emergence of the "Doctor in a Box," an AI-driven healthcare concept discussed by podcast producer, Casey Callanan and Dr. Christine Meyer.

This podcast interview was a direct reaction to an alarming article that Dr. Meyer recently read on Forbes.com with the headline, "An AI Doctor In A Box Coming To A Mall Near You." You can read the Forbes article here:

Expressing deep reservations, Dr. Meyer questions the value and efficacy of automated medical care, emphasizing the irreplaceable human connection in healthcare. She criticizes the devaluation of primary care, urging investment in human-centered healthcare over impersonal AI solutions.

The discussion also touches on the role of patients in advocating for quality care, emphasizing the need for open communication and patient-centric practices.

Dr. Meyer reveals her practice's commitment to accessible healthcare, working extended hours to meet patient needs. The conversation ends with a call to reconsider the direction of healthcare, valuing the importance of personal relationships in medicine.

We want to hear from you. Join us as a guest on our show by emailing us at: christine@christinemeyermd.com.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristinemeyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-meyer-md-25b32111/

It’s NOT All About the Patient Experience (Employees Matter Too!)

Christine Meyer — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0400

How to prevent great employees from leaving so your culture can sustain the amazing environment patients deserve is at the heart of our interview today. Author, coach, and leadership development expert Mike Harbour join the Business of Caring segment of the Tell Me More Podcast this week. Mike is a podcast host and President of Harbour Resources. He also authored the book, Quit Losing Talent: 4 Leadership Strategies to Leverage Turnover Dynamics in Healthcare Teams.

• Learn more about his book: https://www.amazon.com/Quit-Losing-Talent-Leadership-Strategies/dp/B09V3WCG61

• Follow his podcast: https://www.harbourresources.com/leadup-podcast

About this Podcast

"The Business of Caring" with Dr. Christine Meyer is a groundbreaking series within the Tell Me More podcast that’s dedicated to exploring the synergies between compassionate patient care and business excellence. With her expertise as a highly celebrated internal medicine physician and founder of Christine Meyer, MD, and Associates, Dr. Meyer has built a thriving practice with over 20 providers and 20,000 patients.

Her success is a direct result of putting incredible patient care first and each episode explores the profound impact of prioritizing patient well-being on overall practice success.

Join Dr. Meyer as she examines the intersection of compassionate patient care and building a thriving practice. She is your guide to achieving both financial success and exceptional patient outcomes.

We want to hear from you. Join us as a guest on our show by emailing us at: christine@christinemeyermd.com.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristinemeyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-meyer-md-25b32111/

Empowering Young Doctors with Financial Wellness to End the Primary Care Physician Shortage

Christine Meyer — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0400

We believe some very practical financial tips for young doctors could go a very long way. In fact, it might just put a stop to the primary care physician shortage that impacts the entire healthcare system and the patients we serve.

In this segment of the 'Business of Caring' within the Tell Me More Podcast, we delve into the financial world of young doctors with our special guest, Dr. Yuval Bar-Or. In this powerful episode, we explore an honest solution to the primary care physician shortage crisis by engaging in a practical discussion on how young doctors can maintain sustainable financial discipline.

Dr. Yuval Bar-Or is an award-winning professor, author, and founder of the Pillars of Wealth personal finance literacy initiative for doctors, and is a Professor of Practice at the Johns Hopkins University's Carey Business School. As a uniquely unbiased expert in physician financial literacy, he is a world renown expert in the challenges doctors face when managing the financial aspects of their practices.

Learn more about Dr. Yuval Bar-Or: https://pillarsofwealth.com/

Dr. Bar-Or highlights the opportunities for primary care doctors, emphasizing that a disciplined financial approach can lead to long-term security and prosperity, even amidst the burdens of medical school debt.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Bar-Or unveils the traps young doctors should avoid, such as succumbing to investment crazes and making avoidable financial mistakes. He encourages them to make informed, rational decisions, keeping in mind the long-term goals and priorities that are crucial for financial success in the medical field.

Join us for a conversation that equips young doctors with the knowledge and wisdom needed to ensure their financial well-being and secure a prosperous future while for the American healthcare system and the millions of patients we serve.

About This Podcast

"The Business of Caring" with Dr. Christine Meyer is a groundbreaking new series within the Tell Me More podcast that’s dedicated to exploring the synergies between compassionate patient care and business excellence. With her expertise as a highly celebrated internal medicine physician and founder of Christine Meyer, MD, and Associates, Dr. Meyer has built a thriving practice with over 20 providers and 20,000 patients.

Her success is a direct result of putting incredible patient care first and each episode explores the profound impact of prioritizing patient well-being on overall practice success.

Join Dr. Meyer as she examines the intersection of compassionate patient care and building a thriving practice. She is your guide to achieving both financial success and exceptional patient outcomes.

Have you learned a lot by running your own business as a doctor or health care provider? Perhaps you're a physician entrepreneur in training or someone who aspires to own their own business within the realm of delivering excellent patient care. We want to hear from you. Join us as a guest on our show by emailing us at: christine@christinemeyermd.com.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristinemeyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-meyer-md-25b32111/

A Patient’s Unimaginable Loss and His Quest to Transform Healthcare: An Entrepreneur's Story

Christine Meyer — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0400

This week on our Tell Me More Podcast, we are joined by Ari Tulla as we delve into critical issues affecting the physical and mental health of our society. We discuss the problems of modern approaches to patient care, personal health, and we learn about how one dissatisfied patient, Ari, harnessed his willpower, innovation, technology, and business acumen to drive a significant change.

Ari's personal story, filled with challenges and triumphs, led him to recognize the critical need for better communication, and technology, between patients and healthcare providers. Join us as Ari shares his passion for preventive care, data-driven decisions, and the transformative role that AI is having in healthcare. Together, we explore the current state of healthcare in the U.S., the rise of chronic illnesses, and the urgent need for holistic approaches to well-being.

Ari is an entrepreneur and the co-founder & CEO of the nutrition service company, Elo. Previously, Ari was the CEO of Quest Analytics, a doctor data and network management company, and co-founder and CEO of BetterDoctor, a doctor search engine. Before BetterDoctor, Ari worked in the video game industry at Nokia’s game and application studios.

We want to hear from you. Join us as a guest on our show by emailing us at: christine@christinemeyermd.com.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristinemeyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-meyer-md-25b32111/

Artificial Intelligence for a More Human Patient Experience!? (HOW!?)

Christine Meyer — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping healthcare. While it might seem impossible, as we learn in today’s interview, AI has the promise to offer a more human-centered patient experience. From revolutionizing patient care to humanizing healthcare, AI innovations might just transform the doctor-patient relationship for the better.

Chuck Rinker, CEO of PRSONAS, and dedicated “human AI” innovator joins us on this Business of Caring segment of the Tell Me More Podcast this week. We explore the fascinating intersection of human-centered AI and healthcare. Chuck is a pioneer in the field of "human AI” and he joins us for an insightful discussion on what we need to know as AI transforms the healthcare industry.

Chuck shares his personal journey from gaming to healthcare and discusses the role of AI in reducing the burden on healthcare professionals, improving patient recruitment for clinical trials, and providing support services for patients and their families.

About This Podcast

Her success is a direct result of putting incredible patient care first and each episode explores the profound impact of prioritizing patient well-being on overall practice success.

Join Dr. Meyer as she examines the intersection of compassionate patient care and building a thriving practice. She is your guide to achieving both financial success and exceptional patient outcomes.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristinemeyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-meyer-md-25b32111/

Creating a Michelin Star Experience for Your Patients (and Team)

Christine Meyer — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0400

In this “Business of Caring” segment of the "Tell Me More" Podcast, Dr. Patrick Green, founder of Bonneville Family Practice in Tooele, Utah, discusses his philosophy behind creating a Michelin Star-like experience for his patients and team. Dr. Green emphasizes the importance of focusing on the patient’s experience and treating healthcare as a true service industry.

He shares his motivation for starting his own practice 13 years ago, driven by the realization that many medical practices had forgotten the importance of providing excellent customer service to patients. Drawing inspiration from the hospitality industry, Dr. Green has strived to create a warm and attentive atmosphere in his practice.

Key aspects of his approach include:

Patient-Centered Care: Dr. Green prioritizes making patients feel understood, heard, and informed during every visit.
Clear Communication: He ensures that patients leave each appointment with a tangible description of their treatment plan, fostering transparency and clarity.
Accessibility: Dr. Green provides his cell phone number to patients, encouraging them to use a texting app for communication, ensuring patients can reach him when needed.
Employee Culture: He places significant emphasis on hiring the right people for the right positions, fostering a positive employee culture, and rewarding behaviors that align with the practice's philosophy.
Innovative Solutions: Dr. Green seeks out win-win-win solutions for patients and his team.

By focusing on these principles and continually refining his approach, Dr. Green has managed to thrive in the challenging field of primary care, achieving a balance between providing excellent patient care and maintaining a successful practice.

About This Podcast

Her success is a direct result of putting incredible patient care first and each episode explores the profound impact of prioritizing patient well-being on overall practice success.

Join Dr. Meyer as she examines the intersection of compassionate patient care and building a thriving practice. She is your guide to achieving both financial success and exceptional patient outcomes.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Too Close To (My) Home: How a Failing Bone Marrow Almost Cost 17 Year-Old Jake His Life

Christine Meyer — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Attention! The CMMD Bone Marrow Drive takes place on Sunday October 8 at CMMD’s offices in Exton, Pa., during CMMD’s Shot-tober Flu shot Fest. You can text FLU23 to (484) 729-9528 to schedule your shot or call (610) 363-0100 for more information. (Text messaging is not fully secure and standard rates apply.) You can also visit our website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/ or contact Dr. Meyer: christine@christinemeyermd.com with any questions.

About today’s episode:

Prepare to be moved by a heartwarming and motivational interview. Our guest, Jake, shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey centered around a life-saving bone marrow transplant on this special, bonus episode of the Tell Me More Podcast.

Jake's remarkable story begins with his diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia, a condition that threatened his life. This episode takes you through his medical journey, from visiting world-class medical centers to exploring treatment options. With candid conversations between Jake and Dr. Meyer, who has known him since childhood, you'll gain insights into the emotional and challenging decisions faced by patients and their families.

Discover the significance of bone marrow drives, donors, and the critical need for awareness as Jake sheds light on his own experience. Join us in this powerful episode, where resilience, hope, and the impact of community support shine through.

How to Get Personal with Patients WITHOUT Losing Professionalism

Christine Meyer — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Lee Sharma, MD, an Obstetrics Specialist in Auburn, AL, with decades of experience in patient care, joins our Tell Me More Podcast for a conversation about how to maintain authentic relationships with patients, through careful communication and honesty.

This podcast offers a captivating glimpse into the intricacies of patient-doctor interactions, emphasizing the importance of managing patient expectations with honesty and empathy.

Dr. Sharma's insights resonate beyond patient care in gynecology, offering valuable lessons for healthcare practitioners in various specialties. The conversation underscores the significance of addressing patient expectations early in the conversation and providing thorough explanations of treatment options, even when those options may not align with immediate patient desires.

Connect with Dr. Meyer:

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

When Doctors Fail to Treat the “Whole Patient” (We All Lose)

Christine Meyer — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Treating the "whole patient" is an approach to healthcare that goes beyond addressing just the physical symptoms or ailments of a person. In this week’s episode of the Tell Me More Podcast, we hear a challenging story from our guest, Sarah, that helps explain the downside when doctors fail to treat the “whole patient.”

In this emotionally charged episode, hosted by Dr. Christine Meyer, Sarah, our 43-year-old guest, recounts her journey after discovering she carries the BRCA gene, known for increasing the risk of various cancers. Driven by personal insights and powerful conversations, this episode explores the emotions many patients will face surrounding difficult healthcare decisions and surgeries, as well as the profound impact of truly listening to patients and the frustrations of dealing with the numerous life-challenging aspects of menopause. Join Dr. Meyer as she uncovers the complexities of Sarah’s journey while revealing the importance of the human side of medicine.

Connect with Dr. Meyer:

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

Brutally Honest Advice for Doctors Who Want to Leave Practice

Christine Meyer — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0400

When it comes to leaving clinical practice and forging a new path, our podcast guest this week, Catherine Smitas, MD, proves you can have your cake and eat it too. She shares her story of navigating the transition from clinical practice to new horizons in healthcare outside of traditional patient care.

The best part of her journey? She is still taking care of patients! Dr. Smitas's passion for patient care didn't have to take a back seat to her desires to test the waters in a new frontier where she serves as a medical director with an accountable care organization.

She continues to care for patients once a week on a volunteer basis to this day.

As we learn in today's episode, it's possible to help more patients than you can dream possible if you take a chance and leave traditional patient care to pursue a less traditional role with your medical degree and patient care experience.

Her advice for doctors looking to leave traditional clinical practice is clear: it's important not to perceive yourself as trapped in your current situation. If you make the transition away from patient care, remind yourself that the choice is not permanent. While you are taking this path for now, there is room for reconsideration and returning to patient care.

With an impressive background in academia, Dr. Smitas embarked on a fulfilling career in clinical medicine. However, her path took unexpected turns, leading her to a critical juncture where the demands of her job, after-hours calls, and a growing family began to weigh on her. Her candid reflections reveal the complex emotions and challenges faced by many healthcare professionals who yearn for a more balanced life.

Through her journey, listeners gain insight into the profound decisions that can alter the course of a medical career. Her honesty about the emotional toll and sacrifices associated with leaving clinical practice, creates a relatable and thought-provoking discussion.

About This Podcast

Her success is a direct result of putting incredible patient care first and each episode explores the profound impact of prioritizing patient well-being on overall practice success.

Join Dr. Meyer as she examines the intersection of compassionate patient care and building a thriving practice. She is your guide to achieving both financial success and exceptional patient outcomes.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Why Doctors are Struggling to Help Menopause Patients

Christine Meyer — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0400

In this insightful episode of the Tell Me More Podcast, our host, Christine Meyer, MD, delves into the often-underdiscussed topic of menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life that can bring about significant physical and emotional changes. Drawing from her own recent experiences, she engages in a candid conversation with our guest named Liz, who bravely shares her personal journey through menopause.

The episode opens with a discussion about the misconception that menopause is not a medical condition requiring attention. They both emphasize the need for better communication and understanding around this transformative phase. Liz's experiences challenge common stereotypes about menopause symptoms, highlighting the importance of individualized care. The interview ultimately sheds light on the need for more comprehensive support for women navigating menopause, especially when symptoms manifest differently from the norm.

Both Dr. Meyer and Liz agree there is a serious need for improved communication between healthcare providers and patients, so as a society, we can all change and better address the physical, emotional, and individual aspects of menopause.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Dr. Meyer’s Website: https://www.christinemeyermd.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchristinemeyer

Why Doctors are (Mostly) Bad at Business and Finance

Christine Meyer — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Dr. Yuval Bar-Or, an award-winning professor, author, and founder of the Pillars of Wealth personal finance literacy initiative for doctors, joins our “Business of Caring” podcast this week. Dr. Bar-Or is a Professor of Practice at the Johns Hopkins University's Carey Business School. As a uniquely unbiased expert in physician financial literacy, he is a world renown expert in the challenges doctors face when managing the financial aspects of their practices.

With candid anecdotes and expert insights, Dr. Bar-Or emphasizes the urgent need for doctors to embrace financial literacy. Highlighting the critical absence of business and management education in medical training, he discusses the pitfalls of relying on financial advisors and vendors with potential hidden agendas. Tune in to discover how doctors can navigate the daunting world of business, develop strong management skills, and optimize their practices for both excellent patient care and financial success.

Learn more about Dr. Bar-Or’s Pillars of Wealth initiative here: https://pillarsofwealth.com/

About This Podcast

Her success is a direct result of putting incredible patient care first and each episode explores the profound impact of prioritizing patient well-being on overall practice success.

Join Dr. Meyer as she examines the intersection of compassionate patient care and building a thriving practice. She is your guide to achieving both financial success and exceptional patient outcomes.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

What You Won't Learn in Med School (The Practical Stuff!)

Christine Meyer — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of "The Business of Caring" themed episode of the Tell Me More Podcast, Dr. Christine Meyer delves deep into the unexpected twists and turns of Dr. Bradley Block’s journey as a doctor and entrepreneur. Much of the conversation uncovers what doctors should have been learning in med school. Dr. Block is the host of the “Physician's Guide to Doctoring Podcast.”

Join us to learn practical tips about what doctors need to know about public use of social media, the business models behind practicing medicine, and whether Dr. Block would even encourage his child to pursue a medical career. Get ready to be captivated by their candid conversation as they explore the often-hidden aspects of success in medical practice and the power of redefining it.

Dr. Block, a practicing otolaryngologist in New York, shares his challenges, successes, and the ups and downs of life in a white coat. These adventures have shaped his drive, pushed him to reinvent himself, and ultimately led him to create a podcast that not only impacts his own medical practice but also contributes to his journey towards professional and personal fulfillment.

Join us for a refreshingly candid conversation about success, struggles, and the remarkable ways they shape us. Tune in to discover how embracing failure can fuel growth and set the stage for inspiring transformation.

Learn more about Dr. Block and his podcast at: https://www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com/

About This Podcast

Her success is a direct result of putting incredible patient care first and each episode explores the profound impact of prioritizing patient well-being on overall practice success.

Join Dr. Meyer as she examines the intersection of compassionate patient care and building a thriving practice. She is your guide to achieving both financial success and exceptional patient outcomes.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Navigating the Winding Road to Diagnosis and Empowerment

Christine Meyer — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Dr. Christine Meyer engages in a heartfelt conversation with Hannah, a young woman who shares her challenging journey to uncover the truth about her health issues and a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. Hannah's story sheds light on the difficulties many individuals face in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and the impact it has on their quality of life.

Dr. Meyer and Hannah’s conversation highlights the many obstacles she encountered along the way. From her initial symptoms in middle school to years of misdiagnoses, Hannah describes the physical and emotional toll that these experiences took on her life.

As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain insight into the frustrating encounters with doctors who dismissed her symptoms as growing pains or normal occurrences. Hannah's determination to find answers, fueled by her unwavering support system, eventually leads her to a rheumatologist who, despite negative blood test results for rheumatoid arthritis, uncovers the hidden truth—zero-negative rheumatoid arthritis. This diagnosis finally provides Hannah with a sense of validation and the opportunity to receive appropriate treatment.

This podcast explores the themes of perseverance, self-advocacy, and the crucial role of a supportive healthcare team and personal support system. It emphasizes the importance of listening to patients and considering their experiences even when standard diagnostic tests do not provide clear answers. Hannah's story serves as a reminder that everyone’s journey is unique and that the path to diagnosis may be winding, but with determination, empowerment – and answers -- can be found.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Building a Thriving Practice Driven by Patient Care WITHOUT Private Equity

Christine Meyer — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Join Dr. Christine Meyer in the debut episode of "The Business of Caring," a groundbreaking series within the Tell Me More podcast. Discover why venture capital and private equity investment in patient care can often miss the mark, while learning about why Dr. Meyer's visionary approach shines as a beacon of positive change. Explore the fusion of compassionate patient care and business excellence as Dr. Meyer delves into her journey from a passionate doctor to a transformative leader, sharing valuable insights on balancing patient needs and business growth.

Learn More

With her expertise as a highly celebrated internal medicine physician and founder of Christine Meyer, MD, and Associates, Dr. Meyer has built a thriving practice with over 20 providers and 20,000 patients. Her success is a direct result of putting incredible patient care first and each episode explores the profound impact of prioritizing patient well-being on overall practice success. Join Dr. Meyer as she examines the intersection of compassionate patient care and building a thriving practice. She is your guide to achieving both financial success and exceptional patient outcomes.

Connect with Dr. Meyer

From Fragmentation to Collaboration: Transforming Healthcare Communication

Christine Meyer — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Early in my career as a primary care physician, my workday started with a visit to the hospital, where I would round on all my patients who were hospitalized and coordinate their treatment.

But times have changed. Today, hospitalized patients are under the care of a generalist who gets their information from the patient’s chart but doesn’t have a relationship with said patient or their family.

So, when Elizabeth’s stepfather was admitted to the hospital, his family got mixed messages. There was a lack of communication among the specialists assigned to his care, and the family didn’t understand the severity of his circumstances until it was too late.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Elizabeth joins us to explain why her mother was blindsided by the news of her husband’s passing and how the family would have handled things differently had they fully understood the reality of her stepfather’s condition.

We discuss how the lack of a designated coordinator impacts patient care and what role primary care doctors can play in providing continuity of care for their hospitalized patients.

Listen in to understand what the generalist could have done to prevent the family’s confusion and learn how to be proactive and persistent in getting information from healthcare providers in a hospital setting.

Key Takeaways

How Elizabeth’s stepfather was hospitalized due to vascular disease a few weeks before he died

The lack of communication among the generalist, cardiologist, vascular doctor and podiatrist who saw Elizabeth’s stepdad in the hospital

Why Elizabeth’s mother was blindsided by the news of her husband’s passing

How Elizabeth’s family would have handled things differently had they fully understood the reality of her stepfather’s condition

How the lack of a designated coordinator or quarterback impacts patient care

The role primary care doctors can play in providing continuity of care for their hospitalized patients

How the specialists gave Elizabeth’s mother unrealistic expectations about her husband’s prognosis and what steps the generalist could have taken to prevent this from happening

The value of including adult children in the conversation when an aging parent is hospitalized

What to do if you’re getting mixed messages from specialists about a loved one’s condition

How to be proactive and persistent in getting information from healthcare providers in the hospital

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Shelby Riley, LMFT & Associates

Grey Zone Drinking: For Some, It is Black and White.

Christine Meyer — Wed, 31 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Conversations around problem drinking are never easy.

So, how might doctors or therapists address the health concerns associated with alcohol consumption without alienating the patient?

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Shelby Riley is the founder of Shelby Riley, LMFT & Associates, a practice based in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Shelby is back to discuss the spectrum of problem drinking she observes in her clients, describing how she differentiates addiction from using alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Shelby explains how she helps clients explore their relationship with alcohol and encourages them to experiment with other tools that fulfill the purpose alcohol currently serves in their life.

Listen in to understand how alcohol can keep us from being authentically present with our loved ones and learn how Shelby frames the conversation in a way that helps clients change their drinking habits for the better!

Key Takeaways

Why so many people increased their alcohol consumption during COVID

The spectrum of problem drinking Shelby observes in her clients

How Shelby encourages her clients to explore their relationship with alcohol and the function it serves

What questions Shelby asks clients who are drinking more than they should

When people are willing to experiment with drinking less (and when they’re not)

How to differentiate addiction from using alcohol as a coping mechanism

The challenge loved ones face in initiating conversations around drinking and why people ultimately have to set limits for themselves

How alcohol prevents us from being authentically present with friends and family

The most difficult conversation around alcohol Shelby has had with a client

Shelby’s advice on developing other mechanisms to fulfill the purpose alcohol serves in your life

Why building a relationship is the first step in helping a patient who’s abusing alcohol

When it’s helpful and appropriate for healthcare professionals to engage in self-disclosure (and when it’s not)

Shelby’s experience with people changing their relationship with alcohol

Connect with Ms. Riley

Connect with Dr. Meyer

A Cocktail a Day Keeps the Doctor Okay? Nope. On Tell Me More EP009

Resources

Shelby Riley on Tell Me More EP020

What Happens When a Cancer Doctor Gets Cancer?—with Kermit Farmer

Christine Meyer — Wed, 17 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Kermit Farmer’s wife, Linda, enjoyed a successful career as an oncologist until she was diagnosed with stomach cancer herself.

She faced complications throughout the treatment process and was hospitalized 11 times in ten months before making the decision to go on hospice.

And after 18 days of hospice care at home, Linda passed away.

Kermit wanted to honor Linda’s legacy. So, he leveraged his experience as a caregiver, his understanding of the medical industry and his background in logistics to build Care Paths, a software platform that helps clinicians communicate effectively with patients.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Kermit walks us through Linda’s battle with stomach cancer, describing her pragmatic approach to the disease and the extraordinary way she communicated with her family, colleagues and patients throughout the process.

Kermit shares his frustration with the limited way clinicians deliver information and how Care Paths allows doctors to curate videos, audio files and documents to help patients understand their diagnosis and what to expect in treatment.

Listen in for Kermit’s insight on how clinicians are using his software successfully and learn how Care Paths is transforming doctor-patient communication and saving lives!

Key Takeaways

Kermit’s wife Linda’s successful career as an oncologist at Spencer Cancer Center

How Linda took extra time to make her patients feel cared for and in control

Linda’s stomach cancer diagnosis and how she delivered the news to her colleagues, patients and family

Why Linda decided to seek treatment locally and the care plan she helped develop

The complications Linda faced during her first round of chemo and the surgery to remove her stomach

Why Linda was hospitalized multiple times in the months following her surgery

When Linda decided to go on hospice and why she wrote a letter to communicate that to her patients

Kermit’s experience as a caregiver and when he felt unprepared to make decisions

How Kermit is building Care Paths to carry Linda’s legacy forward

Kermit’s frustration with the limited way doctors communication information to patients and caregivers

How Kermit’s Care Paths software allows clinicians to curate videos, documents, audio files and forms to help patients understand their diagnosis and what to expect in treatment

How clinicians are using Care Paths to onboard patients of all ages successfully

Connect with Mr. Farmer

Care Paths

Kermit on LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Pain Management Physicians

Resources

Kermit’s LinkedIn Post

Tough Medical Conversations (The Doctor’s Side)

Christine Meyer — Wed, 10 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

The patients I send to a pain management doctor are some of the most challenging cases in our practice.

Typically, these patients have been to physical therapy, they’ve had imaging and been prescribed meds, but they’re still struggling with chronic pain.

So, doctors who specialize in pain management are often tasked with explaining treatment options that sound scary and delivering bad news.

What is the best way to approach these tough medical conversations?

Dr. Ron Lincow, DO, is a pain management doctor with Pain Management Physicians, a private practice out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain conditions with a focus on nonsurgical, musculoskeletal medicine.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Ron shares some of the most difficult conversations he’s had with patients, exploring how to communicate bad news without alarming patients prematurely.

Ron discusses his approach to explaining a patient’s treatment options and describes the challenge of both advocating for patients and protecting your relationships with referring doctors you disagree with.

Listen in for Ron’s advice to patients on processing scary information and learn how doctors can approach tough medical conversations with honestly, empathy and openness.

Key Takeaways

What inspired Ron’s shift from primary care to pain management (6 months shy of finishing school)

How Ron delivered the difficult news that an 18-year-old patient had a brain tumor to her mother

How Ron learned to be truthful in communicating bad news without alarming patients prematurely

The challenge Ron faced in trying to discourage a patient from having back surgery he didn’t need

How to be a patient advocate and protect your relationship with referring doctors you disagree with

Ron’s approach to initiating conversations with patients and explaining their treatment options

What doctors can learn from reading a patient’s body language and facial expressions

Ron’s experience with telling a patient he’d like to wean them off of narcotic pain medication

Why doctors should avoid absolutes, e.g.: telling a patient ‘you have the worst back I’ve ever seen’

Ron’s advice for patients on how to process scary information and follow up with your doctor

The danger in treating an EMG vs. a person and how it led to unnecessary surgery for Ron’s patient

Ron’s challenge to doctors not to leave the examining room if their patient still has questions

Connect with Dr. Lincow

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Shelby Riley, LMFT & Associates

Tempted to Say It’s All in Your Head? Try THIS Instead

Christine Meyer — Wed, 03 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

When people are struggling with their mental health, they tend to bring it up with their primary care doctor first.

And while I love that my patients feel comfortable bringing these issues to me, I don’t always feel like I have the time or expertise to facilitate a really good conversation and address their concerns effectively.

So, more often than not, I end up writing a prescription.

What can PCPs do to engage in better conversations with patients about their symptoms of anxiety and depression? How can we work with psychiatrists to support patients around their mental health?

Shelby Riley is the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist behind Shelby Riley, LMFT & Associates, a practice based in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, that offers therapy to individuals, couples, teens, kids and families.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Shelby explains what most primary care doctors do well in mental health conversations with patients and how we can improve simply by making sure people know we care.

Shelby discusses the challenge therapists face in giving patients very difficult feedback and describes the advantage she has over PCPs in being able to model repair when she handles a conversation poorly.

Listen in for Shelby’s insight on being honest with patients when a mental health concern is out of our scope of practice and learn how patients can prepare for conversations with their PCP around mental wellbeing.

Key Takeaways

How PCPs and psychiatrists can work as a team to support patients around their mental health

How most PCPs give patients good options for dealing with mental health concerns

Why primary care doctors should encourage therapy vs. relying on medication alone to address anxiety and depression

Shelby’s advice on working with teens and young adults experiencing mental health issues

How it’s received by patients when a PCP says, ‘There’s nothing wrong with you; it’s all in your head’ (and how to reframe the message effectively)

How PCPs might approach conversations about weight from a place of love, not judgement

The challenge therapists face in giving patients very difficult feedback

Shelby’s experience of feeling physically unsafe with a client and the steps she takes to keep her team safe

What Shelby does when a patient needs a higher level of care than her outpatient therapy practice provides

The advantage therapists have in being able to model repair when they handle a conversation poorly

What Shelby does if a patient is working with a healthcare professional she doesn’t trust

Why making patients feel you care is more important than the words you use in conversation

Shelby’s advice to patients on initiating the mental health conversation with your PCP

Why Shelby suggests being honest with patients when PCPs feel out of our depth in mental health conversations

Connect with Ms. Riley

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Pharmaceuticals or Natural Treatments? You Don’t Have to Choose

Christine Meyer — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Doctors trained in the West often resist nontraditional treatment modalities and focus on prescribing pharmaceuticals, citing data to back up our decisions.

But medication is not the answer for every patient, and many are interested in exploring natural treatments to manage their health.

So, what if it doesn’t have to be an either/or? What if medical professionals were open to offering patients a holistic treatment plan that combines natural therapies with prescription medication when necessary?

Dr. Asha Pai Bohannon, PharmD, CDCES, CPT, is the founder of PAI Wellness Group, a holistic wellness practice that helps patients manage their diabetes and other chronic issues.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Asha explains how her experiences as a pharmacist and hard-to-diagnose patient inspired her East meets West approach to health and wellness.

Asha describes how she was plagued by gut issues, extreme fatigue and weight loss resistance for years, discussing why Western medicine failed her and how she finally connected with a naturopath who helped her find answers.

Listen in for Asha’s insight on being open to nontraditional modalities and learn how to talk to your doctor about exploring natural treatments to manage your health.

Key Takeaways

How PAI Wellness Group offers patients a holistic approach to diabetes management

How Asha’s experience as a pharmacist and patient inspired her to build a holistic health business

The major gut symptoms that Asha began to suffer from 15 years ago

Asha’s frustration each time her bloodwork came back normal and her doctor said there was nothing wrong

The extreme fatigue and weight loss resistance Asha experienced after having her second child

Why Asha was initially resistant to the medication her GP prescribed and what happened when she finally tried it

Asha’s experiences with a new GP and several specialists as her laundry list of symptoms grew

How Asha finally connected with the naturopath who helped diagnose her mycotoxin illness

Asha’s East meets West approach to treating her sensitivity to toxic mold and chronic inflammation

Asha’s advice on developing self-awareness around how you are feeling

How a patient might initiate a conversation with their physician around nontraditional ways of managing disease

How doctors can respond to patients who request a holistic approach in a way that maintains the relationship

Connect with Dr. Bohannon

PAI Wellness Group

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Big-Name Care, Big-Name Egos? Not Always

Christine Meyer — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

When Pam’s dad was diagnosed with tongue cancer 13 years ago, she made it her mission to find him the best possible care.

So, after a consult with a local surgeon, Pam made appointments for a second and third opinion with university-level providers within driving distance.

What was their experience navigating big-name surgeons and oncologists at well-known university hospitals? Did such accomplished doctors come with outsized egos?

On this episode of Tell Me More, Pam describes the mistake a top surgeon made in speaking to statistics without addressing her dad’s particular case and explains why her dad ultimately chose the team at Johns Hopkins to treat his tongue cancer.

Pam also shares her experience advocating for her mom when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, challenging doctors to offer clear guidance and explain the WHY behind a patient’s treatment options.

Listen in for Pam’s practical advice on dealing with university-level egos and learn how to act from a place of confidence, remembering that even prestigious doctors work for you!

Key Takeaways

Why Pam sought a second and third opinion with university-level providers when her dad was diagnosed with tongue cancer

The mistake an accomplished surgeon made in speaking to statistics without addressing Pam’s dad’s particular case

How the third opinion Pam and her dad got differed from the two previous consultations

Why the accomplished surgeon at Johns Hopkins suggested treating Pam’s dad with radiation vs. surgery

How the radiation oncologist that treated Pam’s dad was both outstanding in his field and an outstanding person

The lack of guidance a local surgeon offered when Pam’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer

How Pam connected with the Chief of Breast Surgery at Johns Hopkins for a consult with her mom

The benefit of having a doctor who explains the WHY behind your treatment options

Why Pam and her mom ultimately chose clustered over weekly radiation treatments

Pam’s advice on navigating university-level egos by remembering that even prestigious doctors work for you

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Resources

Johns Hopkins Medicine

How to Talk About Pregnancy (At 22)

Christine Meyer — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Emily was married at 22 and went off birth control. And while she wasn’t actively trying to get pregnant, she was not NOT trying.

But after three years, nothing had happened. She brought it up with her PCP and OBGYN, who both said, ‘Well, you’re still young…’

So, it wasn’t until Emily was 30 years old and seeking help from a fertility specialist that she found out her thyroid levels were off.

And within two months of going on Synthroid, Emily was pregnant.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Emily explains why it took eight years to get a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and ten years to have her first successful pregnancy.

She describes what the team at Main Line Fertility did to make her feel supported and encouraged and how she had a second child without the help of a fertility specialist once her thyroid was in check.

Listen in for Emily’s insight on using Dr. Google to initiate medical conversations and learn what young people can do to engage in their own health care, partnering with doctors to solve problems together.

Key Takeaways

How Emily went off birth control at age 22 but nothing happened for several years

The short conversations Emily had with her PCP and OBGYN about her irregular periods and possible infertility

Why Emily dismissed her other symptoms, i.e.: fatigue, GI issues

How Emily finally got pregnant at 30 but miscarried early on

Emily’s experience at Main Line Fertility and how her fertility specialist delivered the news that she has hypothyroidism

How Emily got pregnant within 2 months of going on Synthroid but miscarried again

Emily’s first successful pregnancy and how she delivered a healthy baby girl in 2020

How Emily got pregnant with her second child in 2021 without the help of a fertility specialist

Emily’s advice to young people around doing your own research and asking questions to understand what’s going on with your body

What the fertility specialist’s team did to make Emily feel supported and encouraged

The danger in explaining away a patient’s symptoms with their age (young or old)

How to use Dr. Google to initiate a conversation with your doctor about your health

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Resources

Main Line Fertility

How Rude Doctors (Myself Included) Are Driving Pharmacists Away

Christine Meyer — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

A few weeks ago, I sent in a prescription for an opioid medication for a longtime patient of mine. And when the pharmacist called and left a message, I immediately got angry.

Why was he questioning my authority?

As a result, I went into the conversation ready for a fight. And I’m not proud of the way I treated the pharmacist—who was simply trying to do better by my patient.

Dr. Melissa Turner, PharmD, knows what it’s like to interact with rude doctors. She spent eight years working as a retail pharmacist at CVS Health before burnout drove her away.

Today, Dr. Turner runs Tarheel PGx Consulting, a business that offers patients personalized medication and nutrition management based on their genetics.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Dr. Turner joins me to describe a day in the life of a retail pharmacist, discussing what they do beyond counting pills and putting them in bottles.

Dr. Turner shares some of her most challenging conversations with providers, including a traumatic experience with a doctor who threatened to report her for not filling a subscription.

Listen in to understand why Dr. Turner left retail pharmacy and find out how doctors can improve our conversations with retail pharmacists and work together for the good of our patients.

Key Takeaways

How I got defensive when a pharmacist called me with feedback on how we might do better by a patient

Dr. Turner’s traumatic experience of being verbally attacked by a doctor who threatened to report her

Why there’s a lack of appreciation for retail pharmacists among patients and providers

A day in the life of a retail pharmacist and what they do beyond counting pills and putting them in bottles

The important role pharmacists play in alerting doctors to potential drug interactions and allergy issues

The immunization goals retail pharmacists are required to meet in addition to their many other duties

How the opportunity to help people inspired Dr. Turner to chose a career in pharmacy

Why Dr. Turner made the decision to leave retail pharmacy and turn in her 2 weeks’ notice at CVS

How the Happy PharmD program helped Dr. Turner start her own business in pharmacogenomics and nutrigenetic testing

How Dr. Turner’s life has changed for the better since she left retail pharmacy to start her own business

What doctors can do to improve our conversations with and help prevent burnout among retail pharmacists

Connect with Dr. Turner

Dr. Turner on LinkedIn

Tarheel PGx Consulting

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Resources

The Happy PharmD Program

“It’s JUST Thyroid Cancer!” Four Words I Will Never Say (Again)

Christine Meyer — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

When Leslie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, her oncologist said, “This is the best cancer you can get.”

And while she understands in hindsight that he meant to put her at ease, in the moment, Leslie resented his delivery and wondered if he really cared.

Was he taking her situation lightly? How could any cancer be considered good?

On this episode of Tell Me More, Leslie describes the feeling of heat in her throat that persisted for four years before she was finally diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Leslie explains what inspired her to ask for a third neck ultrasound though her doctor deemed it unnecessary, and we consider how the cancer could have been prevented from moving into her lymph nodes had it been caught sooner.

Listen in for insight into the experience of being treated with radioactive iodine and get Leslie’s advice for doctors on taking an interest when patients advocate for themselves and reassuring them that you’re committed to their care.

Key Takeaways

The feeling of heat in her throat Leslie mentioned for 4 years before she got a diagnosis

How Leslie had a neck ultrasound following her wellness checks two years in a row but didn’t have her thyroid nodules biopsied

The conversation with an acquaintance that inspired Leslie to push for a third ultrasound

How Leslie was finally diagnosed with thyroid cancer via a fine needle aspiration biopsy and how her doctor delivered the news

How Leslie’s cancer could have been prevented from moving into the lymph nodes had it been diagnosed sooner

Why Leslie was baffled by having to ask the doctor for a third ultrasound

What a doctor takes into consideration before they order a given test

Why doctors say thyroid cancer is ‘the best cancer you can get’ and how that message is received by patients

Leslie’s experience of being treated with radioactive iodine and self-isolating for 7 days

Leslie’s advice for patients on telling your doctor when you’re not comfortable with how they’re handing your care

Leslie’s challenge for doctors to be interested when patients advocate for themselves

Connect with Dr. Meyer

When Testing Gets in the Way on Tell Me More EP001

Resources

Treating a Whole Person vs. Treating a Disease

Christine Meyer — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

What makes for a good doctor-patient relationship?

Yes, we want a doctor who has excellent control of our disease. Someone who diagnoses us correctly and gets us to a point where we’re pain-free.

But for a patient living with a challenging condition like rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to consider quality of life. To find out what matters most to them and develop a treatment plan accordingly.

Nora was an active, athletic, 35-year-old who’d just gotten married when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. And she had to see more than one rheumatologist before she found a partner who listened to her concerns and partnered with her to make decisions together.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Nora describes how her health journey began on a camping trip when she couldn’t get up on her own and discusses the very different conversations she had with two GPs about her joint pain.

Nora shares why bedside manner is just as important to her as a doctor’s technical skills and explains how she found a rheumatologist who understood that becoming a mom was important for her quality of life.

Listen in for insight into the strong doctor-patient relationship between Nora and her rheumatologist, Dr. Jaworski, and learn how to find a doctor you trust who serves as a partner in your healthcare journey.

Key Takeaways

How Nora’s journey began on a camping trip when she couldn’t get up on her own

Nora’s reaction to the GP who attributed her issues to being overweight and sore from packing for move

How the next GP Nora saw took extra time to ask questions and referred her to a rheumatologist

Why Nora’s first rheumatologist pushed for treatment with biologics despite Nora’s concerns about having a family

How Nora’s second rheumatologist, Dr. Jaworski, explored treatment options that were less dangerous for pregnancy

Why bedside manner is just as important to Nora as a doctor’s technical skills

Dr. Jaworski’s initial approach to treating Nora’s rheumatoid arthritis and how it evolved after she had her sons

Nora’s recent season of struggle and what Dr. Jaworski did to help her get through an important work trip to Germany

How Dr. Jaworski’s consideration of Nora’s quality of life strengthens their doctor-patient relationship

Nora’s advice on standing up for yourself in the search for the right rheumatologist

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Resources

Dr. Michael Jaworski

The Long Road to a Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis (at 61!)

Christine Meyer — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Kathy’s problems began in 2011 with a cold that wouldn’t go away.

She was initially diagnosed with bronchiectasis, and after seeing a local specialist, Kathy discovered she had mycobacterium avium complex or MAC as well.

But the cocktail of antibiotics she was taking didn’t stop her nagging cough or keep her from getting sick on a regular basis. And then she started seeing blood in her sputum.

Why did it take 10 years for Kathy to start feeling good again? How did she finally get the help she needed?

On this episode of Tell Me More, Kathy joins me to share her decade-long journey through the healthcare system and discuss how she found the program at National Jewish Hospital in Denver that changed her life.

Kathy explains how the medical team in Denver’s approach differed from that of her local pulmonologist and walks us through the conversations that led to a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

Listen in for Kathy’s advice to patients with difficult-to-diagnose pulmonary issues and learn how she transitioned from never-ending drug treatments to a simple air clearance routine.

Key Takeaways

How Kathy’s cold that wouldn’t go away led to an initial diagnosis of bronchiectasis

Kathy’s conversations with the specialist who diagnosed her mycobacterium avium complex

The antibiotic cocktail Kathy took 3X per week for 5 years to treat her MAC

Why the blood in Kathy’s sputum was dismissed (even after she woke up gagging on blood on a trip)

What inspired Kathy to see an infectious disease specialist and the treatment she recommended

The program at National Jewish Hospital in Denver that finally diagnosed Kathy with cystic fibrosis

How the team in Denver’s approach differed from that of Kathy’s prior pulmonologist

How Kathy transitioned from ongoing drug treatments to just air clearance

Kathy’s advice for patients struggling with bronchiectasis who aren’t improving

How most of the specialized treatment at NJH was covered by Kathy’s insurance

Kathy’s conversations with her daughters around navigating cystic fibrosis

Connect with Dr. Meyer

‘What It’s Like to Learn You’re Going to Live Longer Than You Expected’ in The New York Times

Resources

Using the Aerobika

National Jewish Health

Dr. Lommatzsch at National Jewish Health

A Cocktail A Day Keeps The Doctor Okay? Nope.

Christine Meyer — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

For most of my adult life, I had no relationship with alcohol whatsoever. And then, in 2016, I discovered a love of bourbon and started enjoying an old fashioned when I was out with family and friends.

But then the pandemic hit, and I started having a regular cocktail at home to cope with the stress. I was only drinking one adult beverage, but I was drinking every night.

Fast forward to three months ago when a patient I’ve known for a long time expressed worry that I was drinking too much. I was stunned. And angry.

Nevertheless, her comments inspired me to reflect on my habits and take a 30-day break from alcohol.

On this episode of Tell Me More, I’m exploring the impact alcohol had on my health, explaining why I blamed menopause and the stress of COVID for my poor sleep and memory dysfunction.

I discuss why I felt anxious and irritable for the first ten days of Dry January before my brain fog lifted and I felt like a new person by the end of the month.

Listen in to understand the science behind alcohol’s impact on your brain, mood and sleep quality—and learn how easy it is to slip into a drinking habit, no matter who you are or how much you know!

Key Takeaways

How I got to a place where I needed a 30-day break from alcohol

Why I drank very little before I discovered a love of bourbon in my 40’s

How I coped with the stress of COVID by having a regular drink at home

Why I blamed menopause for my poor sleep and brain fog

Why I didn’t recognize the impact alcohol was having on my health

What inspired me to reflect on my drinking habits

How consistent alcohol use impacts your brain, mood and quality of sleep

Why I felt anxious and irritable for the first 10 days of Dry January

How my brain fog lifted and I felt like a new person by the end of the month

How easy it is to slip into a drinking habit (no matter how smart you are)

What to say to a loved one who’s started drinking consistently

Connect with Dr. Meyer

This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace

Resources

What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health on the Huberman Lab Podcast

Four Docs, Two Years, One Drummer: A Mystery Diagnosis Solved

Christine Meyer — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

As the drummer in a popular band, Jeff has been playing music and performing for audiences of thousands for many years.

But at the end of 2020, he started experiencing symptoms of dizziness and a feeling of heaviness in his upper body during shows. Jeff relied on kinesthetic memory to play the drums, while he focused on not fainting.

And despite the best efforts of his primary care doctor, a GI specialist, a gallbladder surgeon and the team at his local ER, Jeff still didn’t have answers two years later!

On this episode of Tell Me More, Jeff shares his frustrating two-year journey to find an explanation for his nagging symptoms.

Jeff discusses his decision to see a different PCP for a fresh set of eyes, describing what the new doctor learned by monitoring his heart over a two-week period.

Listen in to understand how taking a mild beta blocker has resolved Jeff’s symptoms and learn how to reach out for a second opinion when your case is hard to diagnose.

Key Takeaways

The symptoms of dizziness, pain and heaviness Jeff started experiencing just over 2 years ago

How Jeff’s episodes seemed to occur only when he was playing drums

The testing Jeff’s primary care doctor conducted and why she sent him to a GI specialist

Why the GI surgeon decided against removing Jeff’s gallbladder

Jeff’s difficult conversation with a physician who dismissed his symptoms as nerves from performing

How Jeff underwent another round of testing in the ER after a rough weekend of episodes

Why Jeff went to a different primary care practice for fresh eyes and what the new doctor learned by monitoring his heart over a 2-week period

How Jeff’s vagus nerve was overreacting to the adrenaline rush of playing drums

How taking a mild beta blocker resolved Jeff’s symptoms

Jeff’s advice to patients with nagging symptoms who can’t get answers from their PCP

Why Jeff is considering a shift to the practice that resolved his issue

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Is Undiagnosed ADD the Cause of Your Mental Health Issues?

Christine Meyer — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0400

When I was growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, ADD wasn’t a thing. Kids with attention deficit disorder struggled to succeed and often developed anxiety and depression as a result.

This is exactly what happened to Kim, and it wasn’t until she was homeschooling her own children during the pandemic that she made the connection: Perhaps the cause of her mental health issues was undiagnosed ADD.

But it’s been much more challenging than you might expect for Kim to receive the appropriate treatment.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Kim joins me to explain how she was diagnosed with depression as a young adult and why her mental health treatment took a turn for the worse when her psychiatrist added bipolar disorder to the mix in 2017.

Kim describes how she was dismissed when she first mentioned adult ADD to her neurologist, what steps she took to get diagnosed by a neuropsychologist, and why her mental health history is still stopping her from getting adequate treatment.

Listen in for insight on what it’s like for Kim to live with adult ADD and learn how to honor your intuition and advocate for yourself when a doctor’s mental health treatment plan doesn’t seem right.

Key Takeaways

When Kim was first diagnosed with and treated for generalized anxiety and depression

Why Kim was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2017 and how the meds led to her hospitalization

How Kim’s psychiatrist responded to her request to come off bipolar meds and why she brought her husband along for the appointment

The revelation Kim had as she was homeschooling her kids during the pandemic and discussing their struggles with ADD

How Kim’s neurologist dismissed her when she mentioned adult ADD

Kim’s journey to being diagnosed with ADD by a neuropsychologist

How Kim’s mental health history is preventing her from getting appropriate treatment for ADD

What it’s like for Kim to live with ADD as an adult and how it impacts her relationships

Why practitioners should be careful about diagnosing mental health disorders

Kim’s advice to patients to honor our intuition and keep searching if something’s not right

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Why the System Doesn’t Work for Women Who’ve Experienced Pregnancy Loss

Christine Meyer — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Molly endured the life-or-death experience of an ectopic pregnancy. Then, when her obstetrician said it was safe, she got pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby boy.

Today, she has two children under the age of two. And while Molly is grateful to have had two successful pregnancies, the journey was fraught with the frustration of having to explain her history again and again.

So, what can we do to make women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss feel supported?

On this episode of Tell Me More, Molly joins me to discuss her first pregnancy, walking us through the nine weeks leading up to an emergency ultrasound and surgery to treat her ectopic pregnancy.

She explains how three different practitioners offered very different prognoses for her second pregnancy and what she did to take charge of the process when she was pregnant for the third time.

Listen in to understand why the system doesn’t work for women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss and learn what obstetricians can do to support women during and after an ectopic pregnancy.

Key Takeaways

How Molly’s first pregnancy was confirmed through a message in her online portal

The gas pains, constipation and spotting that led Molly to have a series of bloodwork and exams

Why Molly went to Google to find out what her bloodwork should look like

Molly’s experience having an emergency ultrasound and surgery to treat her ectopic pregnancy

The guidance Molly got on how long to wait before trying to get pregnant again

How 3 doctors interpreted the results of Molly’s hysterosalpingogram very differently

How Molly had a successful second pregnancy and delivered a healthy boy

What Molly did to take charge of the process when she was pregnant for the third time

Why the system doesn’t work for women who’ve experienced a pregnancy loss

How to advocate for yourself if you’re considering pregnancy for the first time

Molly’s advice on navigating the system for women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss

What obstetricians can do to support women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss

Connect with Dr. Meyer

The Doctor Who Dismissed Kim vs. the Doctor Who Saved Her Life

Christine Meyer — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

11 years ago, Kim woke up with a headache that refused to go away. After five days of suffering, she went to her primary care doctor and was diagnosed with adult-onset migraines.

But four months and 23 medications later, she was admitted to the hospital for pain control. None of the treatments had worked.

That’s when the hospital neurologist accused Kim of faking her symptoms to get attention. And Kim started to wonder if she was losing her mind.

On this episode of Tell Me More, Kim joins me to discuss the physical symptoms she experienced in the four months leading up to her hospitalization and describe how the chronic pain led to suicidal ideations.

She walks us through the long list of specialists she saw and treatments she tried before a neurosurgeon asked the right questions and discovered her displaced cervical spine.

Listen in to understand what the neurosurgeon who saved Kim did differently from the neurologist who dismissed her and learn how to confront a doctor who does you wrong in a way that makes them better.

Key Takeaways

How Kim was initially diagnosed with adult-onset migraines (yet medication didn’t help)

The symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea Kim suffered in addition to her headache

Kim’s experience of trying 23 different medications and countless treatments with no relief

How Kim’s chronic pain and dizziness led to suicidal ideations

Kim’s reaction to the hospital neurologist who accused her of faking symptoms for attention

The neurosurgeon who discovered Kim’s displaced cervical spine and resolved her pain

Kim’s post-op confrontation with the neurologist who dismissed her

Why a good physician will not be offended if you advocate for yourself and ask for a second opinion

Kim’s advice to PCPs on creating a team of colleagues to support patients who aren’t doing well

What the neurosurgeon who saved Kim did differently than the other doctors she’d seen

Connect with Dr. Meyer

It's All In Your Head: Navigating the Mental Health Conversation.

Christine Meyer — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

A lot of us feel a little blue during the holiday season. But for some, that blueness is much more significant. It can be a medical diagnosis of clinical depression or anxiety that disrupts their lives.

And as good as medicine has gotten over the years, we still do a pretty rotten job when it comes to talking to patients about their mental health. There's this stigma that if life is pretty good, and you have a lot going for you, you should just be able to pick yourself up by the bootstraps.

So, how can clinicians broach the subject of mental health with patients who may need support? And how do you start a conversation with your doctor if you happen to be struggling?

On this episode of Tell Me More, I introduce you to a patient of mine named Amy who describes the physical symptoms she’s experienced off and on since college and discusses how she was finally diagnosed with anxiety and seasonal depression.

We explore why it’s crucial for clinicians to be open to feedback if medication isn’t working, and Amy explains what she did beyond taking citalopram to engage in self-care and improve her mental health.

Listen in for Amy’s advice to clinicians on being compassionate to patients with mental health issues and learn how to open up to your doctor to improve your mental wellness and enhance your quality of life!

Key Takeaways

How Amy experienced mental health symptoms in college but didn’t understand the diagnosis

Why it’s crucial for clinicians to show their work and explain the why behind a treatment

Amy’s physical symptoms of brain fog, exhaustion, IBS and a short fuse

How Amy was finally diagnosed with anxiety and seasonal depression (and how those conditions manifest differently in different seasons of life)

What Amy did to improve her mental health beyond taking medication

Amy’s willingness to share her mental health challenges with others

How having a full serotonin bucket gives Amy the mental clarity to pause before she reacts

Amy’s advice to clinicians on how to speak to patients with mental health issues

What drove Amy’s decision to stop taking her medication (and how she felt when she had to start again)

Amy’s advice for listeners on how to talk to clinicians about your mental health

Why it’s crucial for clinicians to be open to feedback if the first prescription isn’t working

Connect with Dr. Meyer

Arrogance in Medicine: Is It Ever Ok?

Christine Meyer — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Danielle doesn’t feel like a medical miracle. But after experiencing a stroke at the age of 33, being misdiagnosed for several months and enduring complications from brain surgery, her health journey is truly extraordinary.

Unfortunately, Danielle and her husband Stan had a number of difficult conversations with the not-so-sympathetic specialists who treated her along the way.

What were those conversations like? Should we tolerate a certain amount of arrogance from medical professionals at the top of their field? And what is the best way to approach healthcare conversations when your life is at stake?

On this episode of Tell Me More, Danielle joins me to explain why her husband, Stan questioned her initial diagnosis of AVM and walk us through her interactions with the three high-profile neurosurgeons she went to for a second opinion.

Danielle describes how she learned that she had been misdiagnosed and was still in danger, sharing her experience with surgery to fix the irregular connection in her brain and why she didn’t love her doctor’s bedside manner—but trusted his confidence.

Listen in to understand why it’s crucial to have an advocate when your health is compromised and learn to listen to your gut in challenging conversations with healthcare providers.

Key Takeaways

Danielle’s experience of having a stroke as a 33-year-old mom

Why Danielle’s husband Stan questioned her initial diagnosis of AVM

How the neurosurgeon reacted to a request for a second opinion

Danielle’s interactions with the 3 high-profile specialists her husband sought out

How Danielle learned she had been misdiagnosed

How the vascular neurosurgeon delivered the news that Danielle was still in danger

Why we tolerate arrogance in a physician when paired with skill

How Danielle was blindsided by the possibility of needing a craniotomy

The relationship between a positive attitude and a positive health outcome

How Danielle’s doctor reacted to her complications from surgery

Danielle’s advice on listening to your gut when talking to healthcare providers

Why it’s crucial to have an advocate if your health is compromised

Connect with Dr. Meyer

"It's a familial digestive problem!" Nope. It was hypothyroidism

Christine Meyer — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 19:00:00 -0400

For many years, Keri suffered from debilitating gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, weight fluctuation, and depression before she was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

And she has had more than her fair share of conversations with doctors.

How did the experience improve once Keri felt heard? How did effective communication impact her health? And what does effective doctor-patient communication look like?

On this episode of Tell Me More, Keri joins me to describe the mental and physical symptoms of hypothyroidism and discuss how long it took to get an accurate diagnosis.

Keri explains the power in building trust with your healthcare team and shares her maddening experience with a doctor who discounted how she felt because her numbers were “normal.”

Listen in for Keri’s advice to listeners who think they might have hypothyroidism and learn why doctors can’t rely on data alone to treat human beings.

Key Takeaways

How long Keri suffered from GI issues before she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism

Keri’s experience with a doctor who discounted how she felt because her numbers were “normal”

How Keri’s fatigue, GI issues, weight gain and depression were symptoms of hypothyroidism

How often Keri checks her TSH, T3 and T4 to make sure they’re in the range she feels best

The power in finding a doctor who makes you feel heard

Why asking open-ended questions facilitates more effective communication with patients

The frustration of retelling your story over and over to new doctors (especially with a chronic condition)

How hypothyroidism impacts your mental health

Keri’s advice for listeners who think they might have hypothyroidism

Connect with Dr. Meyer

christine@christinemeyermd.com

When Testing Gets in the Way

Christine Meyer — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

When a patient comes to me with complicated symptoms, I typically order a series of tests to arrive at a diagnosis. But what happens if those tests all come back normal?

There are conditions that can’t be identified by CAT scans, blood tests or ultrasounds. And sometimes testing only adds to a patient’s anxiety and makes them feel worse.

So, how do you decide when testing is necessary and when it isn’t?

On this inaugural episode of Tell Me More, I sit down with my pediatrician husband, Christopher, to discuss how his approach to testing differs from mine and why testing children often does more harm than good.

We explain why American doctors tend to over-rely on tests, and I share a case study of a patient whose tubal ligation post ablation syndrome couldn’t be diagnosed with a CAT scan, ultrasound or lab work.

Listen in to understand how poor communication leads to patient mistrust and learn how to diagnose patients and communicate clearly—without over-relying on tests.

Key Takeaways

How my pediatrician husband Christopher’s testing philosophy differs from mine

The question Christopher asks before ordering a test for a patient

Why doctors in India look down on American physicians for our overreliance on tests

How my patient with tubal ligation post ablation syndrome couldn’t be diagnosed through testing

Why testing in children often does more harm than good

An example of a young leukemia patient who could have been diagnosed sooner with lab work

Why doctors tend to write off patients when their tests come back normal

How power of suggestion makes us believe a problem is much worse

How a doctor’s inability to communicate leads to patient frustration and mistrust

The power in showing confidence and humility in communication with patients

Connect with Dr. Meyer