Difficult Conversations -Lessons I learned as an ICU Physician

In this podcast episode, Dr. Anthony Orsini discusses the value of difficult conversations in the medical field, reflecting on how his podcast has allowed him to connect with incredible people over the years. He reintroduces Dr. Robert Pearl, a former CEO of Kaiser Permanente, who first appeared on the podcast in 2021. Dr. Orsini highlights Dr. Pearl’s work and his new book, "ChatGPTMD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine," which explores the role of AI in healthcare. Dr. Pearl emphasizes the broken state of the healthcare system, particularly the inefficiencies and challenges surrounding chronic disease management. He advocates for the integration of AI in medicine, arguing that it can enhance patient care, reduce costs, and ultimately save lives if clinicians are willing to embrace the technology. Dr. Pearl discusses how generative AI, like ChatGPT, can revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered by providing tools that make the practice more efficient and effective. However, both he and Dr. Orsini acknowledge the importance of maintaining the human element in medicine. They stress that while AI can assist with diagnoses and administrative tasks, the physician's role in building relationships and providing compassionate care remains irreplaceable. The conversation ends with a call for healthcare professionals to actively engage with AI to harness its potential while preserving the critical human touch that defines quality patient care. Please hit the subscribe button now!     Host: Dr. Anthony Orsini   Guest: Robert Pearl, M.D. For More Information: Difficult Conversations Podcast [https://theorsiniway.com/difficult-conversations-podcast/] The Orsini Way [https://www.theorsiniway.com/] The Orsini Way-Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theorsiniway] The Orsini Way-LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bbn-foundation] The Orsini Way-Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theorsiniway/] The Orsini Way-X/Twitter [https://twitter.com/TheOrsiniWay] drorsini@theorsiniway.com [drorsini@theorsiniway.com] It’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony Orsini [https://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Delivery-Healthcare-Conversation/dp/1098304470/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WX914C694PFF&keywords=it%27s+all+in+the+delivery&qid=1678399863&sprefix=it%27s+all+in+the+delivery%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1] Robert Pearl, MD Website [https://robertpearlmd.com/] Robert Pearl, MD X/Twitter [https://x.com/RobertPearlMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor] Robert Pearl, M.D. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-pearl-m-d-32427b98/] ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine by Robert Pearl, MD [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWCV9DVZ] Difficult Conversations Podcast-Episode 153: Uncaring Conversations about Physician Culture with guest Robert Pearl, M.D. [https://theorsiniway.com/podcast/uncaring-conversations-about-physician-culture-with-robert-pearl-m-d/]

On this episode, Dr. Anthony Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ introduce guest, Laura Diaz-Freeland, whose twin daughters were born at the very limits of viability at just 23 weeks gestation. Laura’s memoir, “Not What I Had in Mind,” is discussed, highlighting the emotional journey and the deep empathy found in motherhood that she experienced following the birth of her extremely premature daughters.  Dr. Orsini was part of the team who cared for her twins and they discuss the bond that Laura forged with the medical staff. Laura  discusses at length the emotional rollercoaster, exhaustion and helplessness that she and her family experienced.  The episode covers the profound advancements in neonatal care and the ethical dilemmas faced by parents and medical professionals in the treatment of such young infants. As a seasoned professional in marketing and creative writing, Laura’s poignant reflections highlight the importance of informed choices in the face of life’s most fragile beginnings, giving voice to the silent struggles and triumphs of preterm birth.   Laura advocates for parental choice and informed decision-making in cases of extreme prematurity, sharing insights from her 224-day hospital experience with her twins.  She stresses the need for compassion from healthcare providers and the importance of informed consent.  Dr. Orsini and Laura delve into the delicate conversations that occur in neonatal care, emphasizing the need for a supportive team approach to patient care.  Laura recounts how, despite feeling alone during the initial decision-making process, she later felt part of a team at the Hospital that was committed to her twins’ survival.  Laura also mentions the unique nicknames she has for the medical staff, like ‘The Godfather’ for Dr. Orsini, and ‘Behemoth Hands’ for the surgeon, reflecting their impactful roles in her and her daughters’ lives. For parents navigating this journey, we end with Laura sharing advice to parents to educate themselves, be gracious with themselves, and to not yell at the medical staff.  Please hit the subscribe button now!   Top of Form Hosts: Dr. Anthony Orsini Liz Poret-Christ Guest: Laura Diaz Freeland For More Information: Difficult Conversations Podcast [https://theorsiniway.com/difficult-conversations-podcast/] The Orsini Way [https://www.theorsiniway.com/] The Orsini Way-Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theorsiniway] The Orsini Way-LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bbn-foundation] The Orsini Way-X/Twitter [https://twitter.com/TheOrsiniWay] drorsini@theorsiniway.com [drorsini@theorsiniway.com] It’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony Orsini [https://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Delivery-Healthcare-Conversation/dp/1098304470/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WX914C694PFF&keywords=it%27s+all+in+the+delivery&qid=1678399863&sprefix=it%27s+all+in+the+delivery%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1] Laura Diaz Freeland Website [https://laurahere.com/] Laura Diaz Freeland Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ohhilaurahere/?hl=en] Not What I Had in Mind: A Motherhood Origin Story by Laura Diaz Freeland [https://www.amazon.com/Not-What-Had-Mind-Motherhood/dp/B0C9P25H1H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CN7BYERX2FN1&keywords=not+what+i+had+in+mind+laura+diaz+freeland&qid=1707238879&sprefix=not+what+i+had+in+min%2Caps%2C240&sr=8-1] COFFEE + CRUMBS-“Delusional Hope” by Laura Diaz Freeland [https://www.coffeeandcrumbs.net/blog/2023/5/25/delusional-hope]

In this episode, Dr. Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ are joined by guest, Dr. Samantha Winemaker, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care at McMaster University in Ontario, and co-author of the book, Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 keys for navigating a life changing diagnosis. Dr. Winemaker, an advocate for open communication, emphasizes the importance of patients expressing their need for honesty in their healthcare interactions, even when it involves tough conversations. Her work in palliative care, recognized by numerous awards and her co-hosting of “The Waiting Room Revolution” podcast, reflects her dedication to improving the healthcare journey for patients.  She shares her personal path into palliative care, shaped by her medical interests and her desire to move away from internal medicine.  Frustrated by the healthcare system’s delayed engagement with palliative care, she calls for a change, pushing for better public mortality awareness and suggesting that providers integrate palliative skills without necessarily labeling them as such to combat societal discomfort with death. Dr. Winemaker’s critique of the healthcare system extends to the misconceptions surrounding palliative care and the need for rebranding to reflect its comprehensive role. She argues for mandatory training in communication and palliative care skills in medical and nursing schools to ensure providers are well-equipped to support patients effectively.  She shares a story about a patient with lung cancer, to highlight the importance of informed decision-making and understanding the progression of illness. This episode also features insights into the book, Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest, which offers 7 keys for navigating life-changing diagnoses, aiming to empower patients in managing their health. Dr. Winemaker aligns with Liz’s experiences with chronic illness, agreeing that patients should feel free to request full disclosure from their physicians to mitigate the fear of the unknown. She expresses her view on dying, considering it a natural chapter of life, and hopes to live her best life until the end without fear. Dr. Winemaker also shares her goal for the podcast and book, which is to educate patients worldwide, empowering them to navigate the healthcare system effectively and to manage their illnesses with confidence and knowledge.  Hosts: Dr. Anthony Orsini Liz Poret-Christ Guest: Dr. Samantha Winemaker For More Information: Difficult Conversations Podcast [https://theorsiniway.com/difficult-conversations-podcast/] The Orsini Way [https://www.theorsiniway.com/] The Orsini Way-Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theorsiniway] The Orsini Way-LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bbn-foundation] The Orsini Way-Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theorsiniway/] drorsini@theorsiniway.com [drorsini@theorsiniway.com] It’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony Orsini [https://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Delivery-Healthcare-Conversation/dp/1098304470/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WX914C694PFF&keywords=it%27s+all+in+the+delivery&qid=1678399863&sprefix=it%27s+all+in+the+delivery%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1] Dr. Samantha Winemaker Website [https://linktr.ee/sammywinemaker] Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis by Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow [https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Best-Plan-Rest-Life-Changing/dp/1774582961] The Waiting Room Revolution Podcast [https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/podcast]

Welcome to another episode of Difficult Conversations-Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician. In this episode, get ready to explore the journey of Jon Brandt, a remarkable entrepreneur whose journey is not just about business, but about purpose and change, especially in the realm of mental health in educational settings. Liz Poret-Christ and Dr. Anthony Orsini dive into Jon’s recent sale of the Thrive Alliance Group, and his vision for integrating mental wellness into the fabric of our school systems. As we explore Jon’s journey, from the founding of Sage Day Schools to his innovative approach with Thrive Alliance, we’ll uncover the layers of a mission-driven life that has touched many.  Today, we trace Jon’s path from the loss that ignited his passion for mental health advocacy to the innovative ideas that propelled him into healthcare industry, revolutionizing patient care and worker standards.  Dr. Orsini uncovers the milestones in Jon’s career, highlighting the value of an outsider’s perspective in healthcare innovation.  The discussion also touches on lessons learned from failures, the power of facing difficult conversations, and how his ventures have had a clear social impact. He also hints at his new venture, an educational program for entrepreneurs incorporating stoic wisdom, which is still in the early stages. Join us as Jon shares his insights on mental health, driving change, and leaving a positive mark on the world. Please hit the subscribe button now! Hosts: Liz Poret-Christ Dr. Anthony Orsini Guest: Jon Brandt For More Information: Difficult Conversations Podcast [https://theorsiniway.com/difficult-conversations-podcast/] The Orsini Way [https://www.theorsiniway.com/] The Orsini Way-Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theorsiniway] The Orsini Way-LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bbn-foundation] The Orsini Way-Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theorsiniway/] The Orsini Way-Twitter [https://twitter.com/TheOrsiniWay] drorsini@theorsiniway.com [drorsini@theorsiniway.com] It’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony Orsini [https://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Delivery-Healthcare-Conversation/dp/1098304470/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WX914C694PFF&keywords=it%27s+all+in+the+delivery&qid=1678399863&sprefix=it%27s+all+in+the+delivery%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1] Resources Mentioned [https://twitter.com/cbrianferguson]: Jon S. Brandt LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-s-brandt-6943981/] Jon S. Brandt X/Twitter [https://twitter.com/jsb28ceo] Thrive Alliance Group [https://thrivealliancegroup.com/] Difficult Conversations Podcast-Episode 191: Fighting for our Heroes with Corey Feist [https://theorsiniway.com/podcast/fighting-for-our-heroes-with-corey-feist/] National Healthcareer Association [https://www.nhanow.com/] The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck [https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Traveled-Timeless-Traditional/dp/0743243153/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25ZT1MKBEPV6&keywords=the+road+less+traveled&qid=1701200540&sprefix=the+road+less+traveled%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1]

Welcome to Difficult Conversations. You may have  heard the story of Dr. Lorna Breen, who was an accomplished physician that tragically took her own life during the spring of 2020. Today, Dr. Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ are honored to introduce guest, Corey Feist, who is the co-founder, and President of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. Corey dives into his personal journey, driven by the tragic suicide of his sister-in-law, Dr. Lorna Breen, and his mission to transform the healthcare system to support the well-being of healthcare professionals. The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation’s work includes awareness efforts to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, advocating for changes in licensing laws and credentialing questions to protect healthcare workers’ rights, and advancing solutions that aim to improve the overall well-being of the healthcare workforce. Corey shares insights into the challenges within healthcare, such as electronic medical records and burnout, which prompted him to take action.  He discusses the “All in Wellbeing First for Healthcare” initiative, that includes grants to fund well-being solutions, a starter kit for healthcare systems to kickstart well-being initiatives, and a focus on removing barriers to mental health access. We’ll also hear the significant progress the foundation has made, including the passing of the Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act and the creation of the All In Champions Challenge Badge program,. Corey emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals reaching out for help and clarifies that the most reliable source for information on the status of physician licensing and mental health concerns is their website because the foundation regularly updates this information. He also discusses the need to remove questions about past mental health issues from peer reference forms, stressing the importance of creating a supportive environment and ensuring confidentiality for healthcare workers seeking help.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit the subscribe button on your favorite podcast platform and download this episode to hear more!  Hosts: Dr. Anthony Orsini Liz Poret-Christ  Guest: Corey Feist For More Information: Difficult Conversations Podcast [https://theorsiniway.com/difficult-conversations-podcast/] The Orsini Way [https://www.theorsiniway.com/] The Orsini Way-Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theorsiniway] The Orsini Way-LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bbn-foundation] The Orsini Way-Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theorsiniway/] drorsini@theorsiniway.com [drorsini@theorsiniway.com] It’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony Orsini [https://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Delivery-Healthcare-Conversation/dp/1098304470/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WX914C694PFF&keywords=it%27s+all+in+the+delivery&qid=1678399863&sprefix=it%27s+all+in+the+delivery%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1] Resources  J. Corey Feist LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-corey-feist-jd-mba-94a64114/] Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation [https://drlornabreen.org/] Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@dr.lornabreenheroesfoundat4265] National Physician Suicide Awareness Day [https://npsaday.org/] Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation Toolkit [https://drlornabreen.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ALLIN_Audit-Change-Communicate-Toolkit_5.3.23.pdf] All In: Caring For Caregivers [https://drlornabreen.org/caring-for-caregivers/] 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline [https://988lifeline.org/]