Thriving in Medicine: The Physician's Guide to Doctoring

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Bradley B. Block, MD
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Medicine Health & Fitness Education Self-Improvement
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1.5K - 2.5K listeners Neutral 4.9 rating 99 reviews 449 episodes USA
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Hey there, doc. Welcome to the podcast that feels more like grabbing coffee with a colleague who gets it.

This podcast is for physicians who are driven to grow—those who strive for more in their careers and lives. We tackle the challenge of sustaining personal and professional growth while practicing full-time medicine. Each episode delivers expert insights and brass-tacks, immediately actionable advice that ensures you leave better equipped than when you started listening. Covering a wide range of topics that impact every aspect of a physician’s life—in and out of the exam room—we help you keep advancing toward your best self.

We’re diving into the real-life questions that make or break your days (and nights):

How do I talk to my patients without sounding like a robot—or losing my mind? What’s the trick to managing my team when everyone’s running on fumes? Can I actually improve patient satisfaction without selling my soul? Why does work stress show up at home, and how do I fix it? How do I make extra cash and still sleep at night? Burnout, moral injury… is there a way out? What’s the secret to being a great leader—and not just the boss? Do scrub colors really matter, and what’s with the eternal pager saga? Oh, and we don’t shy away from the fun, messy stuff: getting stains out of your white coat, building a brand on social media, or figuring out if ditching the white coat altogether is the move.

This podcast is about being real—because medicine is hard, life is messy, and you deserve more than survival mode. Let’s laugh, learn, and figure out how to find the fulfillment you’ve been chasing.

Pull up a chair, put your stethoscope down, and let’s talk. You’re not alone in this.

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  • br***@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com

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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics

Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on Thriving in Medicine: The Physician's Guide to Doctoring.

Hosts

Dr. Bradley Block

Previous Guests

Kathleen McGuinness
Kathleen McGuinness is a certified dementia practitioner, senior home safety specialist, and end-of-life specialist. As the head of a home care company and a commissioner on the Montgomery County Commission on Aging, she brings decades of experience supporting families through the complexities of elder care. Her personal journey as a caregiver for her aging parents and husband informs her empathetic and practical approach.
Dr. MinhTri Nguyen
Dr. MinhTri Nguyen is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Stanford University. Previously, he served as medical director of the Internal Medicine Clinic at Metro Health Systems and president of the House Officers Association at Case Western. Named one of Northeast Ohio's Top 25 Under 35, Dr. Nguyen is passionate about physician leadership and emotional intelligence, drawing from his extensive training in human behavior and team dynamics.
Dr. Timothy Gilligan
Dr. Timothy Gilligan is an associate professor of medicine and medical oncologist specializing in urological malignancies at the Cleveland Clinic, where he serves as Associate Director of the Communication Skills course. As president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, he leads efforts to improve healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan co-edited Communication, the Cleveland Clinic Way, and focuses on educational interventions for allyship, microaggressions, and anti-racist culture as the DEI officer for GME at Cleveland Clinic.
Jamie Fleischner
Jamie Fleischner is the founder and president of Set for Life Insurance, a company dedicated to helping physicians secure disability and life insurance since 1993. With over 30 years of experience, she has worked with more than 30,000 doctors across the country, offering tailored solutions like Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) disability insurance. Inspired by her personal experience caring for her mother during a double lung transplant, Jamie is passionate about ensuring physicians protect their income and financial stability.

Topics Discussed

elder care legal documents difficult conversations technology in care cognitive decline mental health medication compliance multi-generational care leadership emotional intelligence healthcare physician leadership team dynamics patient outcomes burnout delegation trust communication medical conversations empathy compassion peer-to-peer learning healthcare communication physician-patient trust delivering bad news SPIKES protocol empathy in medicine building trust with patients communication skills training flattening hierarchy in healthcare Cleveland Clinic communication disability insurance life insurance financial stability physicians coverage group policies premium optimization life events

YouTube Channel

Channel Info

Physician's Guide to Doctoring
@physiciansguidetodoctoring

Channel Stats

Subscribers: 1,310
Total Videos: 645
Total Views: 134,410
Joined: Mar 9, 2022
Location: United States

Description

This is a personal and professional development podcast for physicians. Dr. Bradley Block interviews experts who can teach us everything we should have been learning while we were memorizing Kreb's Cycle.

Dr. Block is an otolaryngologist with ENT and Allergy Associates on Long Island and is available for speaking on optimizing the patient experience. He is also available as a medical consultant for issues related to the practice of otolaryngology and outpatient medical care and as a medical expert witness within the field of otolaryngology.

If you have a suggestion for a guest or a question for a previous guest, please get in touch!

Additional Info

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Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on Thriving in Medicine: The Physician's Guide to Doctoring.

0:00 27:39

EP456 - Elder Care Essentials: Tough Talks and Legal Prep with Kathleen McGuinness

Hosts
Dr. Bradley Block
Guests
Kathleen McGuinness
Keywords
elder care legal documents difficult conversations technology in care cognitive decline mental health medication compliance multi-generational care

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protectionact now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

______

As physicians reach mid- and late-career stages, many face the challenge of managing medical issues for their aging parents. In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block interviews Kathleen McGuinness, who shares insights from her personal experience caring for her parents and husband. Kathleen offers effective strategies for navigating legal documents such as wills and medical power of attorney, initiating difficult conversations about care, and using technology to stay connected.

She also addresses sibling dynamics, cognitive decline, mental health, and medication compliance, providing actionable insights for physicians balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Whether youre dealing with multi-generational care or geographic distance, this episode equips you with tools to support aging loved ones effectively.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

  1. Prepare Legal Documents Early: Ensure aging parents have a will, durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, advanced healthcare directive, and HIPAA release form in place while theyre still healthy to avoid complications later.
  2. Use Technology for Connection and Care: Leverage tools like Alexa for reminders, CareZone for medication tracking, and CaringBridge to share updates with family, reducing the burden of care coordination.
  3. Involve Professionals for Tough Conversations: Engage a geriatric care manager or social worker to navigate discussions about moving to assisted living or managing cognitive decline, minimizing family power dynamics.

About the Show:

The Physicians Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Kathleen McGuinness is a certified dementia practitioner, senior home safety specialist, and end-of-life specialist. As the head of a home care company and a commissioner on the Montgomery County Commission on Aging, she brings decades of experience supporting families through the complexities of elder care. Her personal journey as a caregiver for her aging parents and husband informs her empathetic and practical approach.

Contact Kathleen:

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physicians Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected] or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

  • @physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook
  • @physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube
  • @physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Lets grow! 

 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

0:00 28:28

#EP457 - Leadership Lessons from the Exam Room to the Boardroom

Hosts
Dr. Bradley Block
Guests
Dr. MinhTri Nguyen
Keywords
leadership emotional intelligence healthcare physician leadership team dynamics patient outcomes burnout delegation

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protectionact now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

__________

Leadership isnt just a title, its a mindset physicians need to embrace to shape the future of healthcare. In this episode, Dr. MinhTri Nguyen explains how physicians can leverage their inherent skills to become great leaders. From filling leadership voids in high-stakes moments like a code to mastering emotional intelligence in the exam room and beyond, Dr. Nguyen shares actionable insights on adapting, delegating, and inspiring teams. He also explores why physicians must reclaim leadership roles to drive meaningful change in healthcare, offering practical advice for doctors at any career stage.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

  1. Fill the Leadership Void: Step up in moments of uncertainty, like during a code, and adapt until a more experienced leader arrivesphysicians are trained to act decisively.
  2. Master Emotional Intelligence: Recognize and manage your emotions and those of others to build trust, improve patient outcomes, and reduce burnout.
  3. Delegate to Amplify Efficiency: Use leadership skills to delegate effectively, freeing up time for patient care or personal life while empowering your team.

About the Show:
The Physicians Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:
Dr. MinhTri Nguyen is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Stanford University. Previously, he served as medical director of the Internal Medicine Clinic at Metro Health Systems and president of the House Officers Association at Case Western. Named one of Northeast Ohios Top 25 Under 35, Dr. Nguyen is passionate about physician leadership and emotional intelligence, drawing from his extensive training in human behavior and team dynamics.

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/minhtri-nguyen-8bb6541ab

About the Host:
Dr. Bradley Block Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physicians Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected] or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Lets grow! 

 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

0:00 26:51

EP455 - Dr. Timothy Gilligan shares how to build trust in critical medical conversations (Part 2)

Hosts
Dr. Bradley Block
Guests
Dr. Timothy Gilligan
Keywords
trust communication medical conversations empathy compassion patient outcomes burnout peer-to-peer learning

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

_________

In this continuation of an insightful two-part series, Dr. Bradley Block dives deeper with Dr. Timothy Gilligan, a medical oncologist and president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare. Dr. Gilligan shares proven methods for teaching communication to resistant attendings, using peer-to-peer learning and “rolling with resistance” to encourage growth. 

Drawing from the ASCO Patient-Clinician Communication Guidelines, he emphasizes mastering simple basics like listening and showing care. Dr. Gilligan also tackles empathy versus compassion, advocating for imagining patients’ perspectives while maintaining boundaries to prevent burnout. With compelling stories and practical tips, this episode equips physicians to enhance their practice and find balance.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

  1. Embrace Resistance in Teaching: Validate resistant physicians’ concerns and use peer stories to demonstrate that communication skills improve with practice, like building muscle memory.
  2. Master the Basics: Apply ASCO Guidelines by prioritizing listening, eye contact, and expressing care—simple steps that drive better patient outcomes without complexity.
  3. Empathy with Limits: Imagine patients’ experiences to deliver compassionate care, but set professional boundaries and recharge with activities like tennis to stay resilient.

About the Show:

The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Timothy Gilligan is an associate professor of medicine and medical oncologist specializing in urological malignancies at the Cleveland Clinic, where he serves as Associate Director of the Communication Skills course. As president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, he leads efforts to improve healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan co-edited Communication, the Cleveland Clinic Way, and focuses on educational interventions for allyship, microaggressions, and anti-racist culture as the DEI officer for GME at Cleveland Clinic.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygilliganmd

Website: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Timothy-Gilligan

 

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected] 

Mail to:[email protected] or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

 

 

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow! 

 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

0:00 32:54

EP454 - Dr. Timothy Gilligan shares how to build trust in critical medical conversations (Part 1)

Hosts
Dr. Bradley Block
Guests
Dr. Timothy Gilligan
Keywords
healthcare communication physician-patient trust delivering bad news SPIKES protocol empathy in medicine building trust with patients communication skills training flattening hierarchy in healthcare Cleveland Clinic communication

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

______

How can physicians communicate better to build trust and improve patient outcomes? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Timothy Gilligan to explore the art and science of healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan shares compelling stories, like convincing a patient with testicular cancer to accept treatment by focusing on their identity, and offers actionable techniques for flattening hierarchies, delivering bad news, and teaching communication skills to seasoned attendings. From the SPIKES protocol to staying present in tough moments, this episode is packed with strategies to enhance empathy, earn trust, and navigate challenging conversations—no matter where you are in your career.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

  1. Listen First to Build Trust: Start patient encounters by asking, “What have other doctors told you?” to understand their perspective and show you value their story, fostering trust before sharing medical details.
  2. Use the SPIKES Protocol for Bad News: Ensure the right setting, gain permission, assess patient knowledge, deliver clear information, respond with empathy, and summarize next steps to guide tough conversations effectively.
  3. Reset Between Patients: Take 5-10 seconds to breathe and ground yourself before entering a room to stay present and avoid carrying emotional baggage from prior encounters.

About the Show:

The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Timothy Gilligan is an associate professor of medicine and medical oncologist specializing in urological malignancies at the Cleveland Clinic, where he serves as Associate Director of the Communication Skills course. As president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, he leads efforts to improve healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan co-edited Communication, the Cleveland Clinic Way, and focuses on educational interventions for allyship, microaggressions, and anti-racist culture as the DEI officer for GME at Cleveland Clinic.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygilliganmd

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

__________

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

 

healthcare communication, physician-patient trust, delivering bad news, SPIKES protocol, empathy in medicine, building trust with patients, communication skills training, flattening hierarchy in healthcare, Cleveland Clinic communication, Dr. Timothy Gilligan

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow! 

 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

0:00 27:43

EP453 - Disability and Life Insurance: What Physicians Need to Know with

Hosts
Dr. Bradley Block
Guests
Jamie Fleischner
Keywords
disability insurance life insurance financial stability physicians coverage group policies premium optimization life events

This episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Insurance

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

_______
What happens if an injury or illness stops you from practicing medicine? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Jamie Fleischner to explore how physicians can protect their financial stability with disability and life insurance. With over 30 years of experience, Jamie shares actionable insights for mid-career doctors reassessing their coverage, from navigating group policies to calculating life insurance needs for a non-breadwinner spouse. They discuss when to update policies (hint: every major life event), the pitfalls of relying solely on group coverage, and strategies to optimize premiums without sacrificing security. Whether you’re a resident or nearing retirement, this episode offers practical steps to ensure your income and family are safe no matter what life throws at you.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

  1. Reassess Every Three Years or After Life Events: Review your disability and life insurance at least every three years or after major changes like marriage, kids, or a new job to ensure coverage matches your current needs.
  2. Supplement Group Policies: Add an individual disability policy for portability and “own occupation” protection—group plans often cap benefits and don’t cover specialty-specific disabilities.
  3. Calculate Life Insurance: For a spouse, estimate monthly replacement costs (e.g., childcare, household help)—$1 million in coverage yields about $4,000/month—and set the term until kids are independent.

About the Show:

The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Jamie Fleischner is the founder and president of Set for Life Insurance, a company dedicated to helping physicians secure disability and life insurance since 1993. With over 30 years of experience, she has worked with more than 30,000 doctors across the country, offering tailored solutions like Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) disability insurance. Inspired by her personal experience caring for her mother during a double lung transplant, Jamie is passionate about ensuring physicians protect their income and financial stability.

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

.

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected] or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

 

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow! 

 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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4.9 rating 99 reviews

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4.9 ratings 97 reviews

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