This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT [https://lp.lightstonedirect.com/dpn]. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

—-----------------------------

What if planning wasn’t about rigid to-do lists… but about carving out time for surfing with your kids, date nights, and saying “no” to overwhelm?

In this practical episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits with Dr. Sarah Hart-Unger to explore her simple system for goal-setting and life management. Sarah reveals how she evolved from a time-strapped resident to a mom of three who balances medicine, podcasts, and adventure. Dive into yearly visioning (e.g., “What do I really want?”), quarterly goals, monthly calendars, and daily rituals that prevent fires from derailing your dreams. She shares pitfalls like neglecting partner time, the power of friend spreadsheets, and why spontaneity thrives on structure. Drawing from her book, “Best Laid Plans“ and courses, Sarah proves planning is the “knife-sharpening” for a delicious life—efficient, fun, and regret-free.

If your to-do list runs you instead of the other way around, this is your blueprint to reclaim balance and build memories that matter.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

 * Start with yearly visioning: Dedicate hours annually to brainstorm big dreams (e.g., surfing with kids). List audacious goals, then revisit seasonally. Break into quarterly milestones like booking a trip, to keep them alive. This ensures daily life aligns with what excites you, turning “someday” into reality without overwhelm.
 * Master task management: Use a “brain dump” to capture everything, then categorize into urgent vs. important. Schedule non-negotiables first (e.g., dates, friends), block deep work, and review weekly. Embrace tools like digital calendars or spreadsheets to track progress, preventing fires while creating space for spontaneity and joy.
 * Evaluate opportunities thoughtfully: Before saying yes, scan your calendar for fit. Consider energy, family, and fun. Phases matter: Early career? Take more risks. With kids? Be selective. Prioritize relationships (e.g., friend tiers, date nights) to avoid regrets. Planning sharpens life like a chef’s knife—efficient and delicious.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  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. Sarah Hart-Unger is a practicing physician, podcaster, and planning expert who honed her methods during residency and motherhood. Creator of Best Laid Plans Academy with over 100 graduates, she hosts the podcasts Best Laid Plans (solo on planning) and Best of Both Worlds (co-hosted with Laura Vanderkam on work-life fit). 

Her new book, Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living a Life That You Love, offers modern tools for busy lives, balancing medicine, family, and fun.

Connect with Dr. Sarah Hart-Unger:

 * Book: Best Laid Plans (available mid-December at major retailers)
 * Podcasts: Best Laid Plans [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-laid-plans/id1525311647]; Best of Both Worlds [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-of-both-worlds-podcast/id1273625203]
 * Website: theshubox.com [http://theshubox.com] (for courses, blog, and more)

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 E

Goal Setting and Planning for Busy Doctors with Sarah Hart-Unger, MD  | Ep496

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT [https://lightstonedirect.com/dpn]. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

-------------------------------------------

What do you do when a colleague needs coaching but resists every step? 

In this essential episode for physician leaders, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. John Schneider, as they explore starting productive conversations with those who don't want to hear it: from remediation for below-standard behavior to subtle issues. Dr. Schneider stresses asking questions from their perspective, building psychological safety, and inviting participation to open doors for change, not pushing through them. He warns against "hammer" approaches like HR escalation unless minimum competencies fail, and shares the "challenge plus support" quadrant: challenge without support leads to retreat; support without challenge stalls growth. Drawing from his roles as Assistant Dean for Faculty Coaching and private practice coach, he emphasizes leading with belief in people, connecting to their original "calling" in medicine, and accepting that not everyone will walk through the door. If you're in leadership facing resistance.

 This episode offers nuanced, practical strategies to foster trust, inspire evolution, and avoid burnout for you and your team.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

 * Start with Their Perspective, Not Yours: When addressing resistance, ask questions that uncover what they need, not what you think they need. Avoid starting from remediation or "hammer" tactics; build psychological safety by showing you believe in them, inviting participation to make change feel meaningful and voluntary.
 * Balance Challenge and Support for Growth: Use the quadrants: Challenge without support causes retreat; support without challenge leads to stagnation. As a leader, consciously provide both, holding accountable while being "with them" to open doors for self-reflection and behavior shifts, even if they don't always step through.
 * Reconnect to Their Original Calling: Remind resistant colleagues of why they chose medicine, the inspiration that's often buried under policies and metrics. Frame changes as ways to rediscover that purpose, making evolution feel like a personal win, not an imposed fix; not everyone changes, but this invites possibility.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  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. John Schneider is the Division Chief of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery and Associate Professor at Washington University in St. Louis. He serves as the university’s first Assistant Dean for Faculty Coaching and is a Master Certified Physician Development Coach. In addition to his academic and clinical roles, Dr. Schneider runs his own coaching practice called Physicians’ Mind Coaching, focused on helping physicians improve self-awareness, leadership, communication, and professional fulfillment. He is a nationally recognized expert in physician coaching, particularly in having difficult conversations, addressing disruptive behavior, building psychological safety, and guiding reluctant physicians toward personal and professional growth. He trains faculty coaches at Wash U and frequently speaks on topics including conflict resolution, the coach approach in leadership, and burnout prevention.


Email:   john@physiciansmind.com

About the H

How physician leaders handle change resistant colleagues, with John Schneider, MD | Ep495

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT [https://lightstonedirect.com/dpn]. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

-------------------------------------

When a patient storms in frustrated or scared, what if you could de-escalate in under 90 seconds? 

In this eye-opening episode, host Dr Bradley Block chats with Doug Noll, as he explains "affect labeling": simply reflecting emotions ("You’re frustrated, worried, scared") to downshift the brain’s limbic system and reactivate executive function. Backed by UCLA studies, this tool builds instant trust, makes visits efficient, and works on anyone, from ER patients to grocery clerks. Learn the 3-step process: ignore words for 90 seconds, read emotions innately, and reflect without "I understand." Doug shares role-plays, practice tips like labeling TV ads or silent shows, and why this flips arguments by meeting the universal need to be heard. Perfect for physicians facing high-stakes emotions, this episode equips you to listen people "into existence" for calmer, more connected care.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

 * Master Affect Labeling Basics: Ignore words for 90 seconds, read emotions instinctively (we’re hardwired for it), and reflect with "You" statements like "You’re frustrated, scared, confused." This downshifts the limbic system, calms patients fast, and builds trust by showing deep understanding without saying "I get it."
 * Practice Everywhere for Real-World Skill: Label emotions in ads, silent TV scenes, or checkout chats to hone listening without words. Start with strangers ("You’re excited your shift’s ending?") to see shoulders drop and rapport build, proving it works beyond medicine, even in prisons or arguments.
 * Flip Tension into Connection: In visits, label all fears upfront (pain, failure as parents) to deregulate emotions, then hype positively ("You’re loving, doing everything right"). This meets the unmet need to be heard, ends escalations, and makes encounters efficient, enjoyable, and loyalty-building.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  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:

Doug Noll is a former civil trial lawyer turned award-winning mediator and peacemaker. He left a successful legal career to focus on resolving deep conflict and teaching de-escalation skills that actually work even in maximum-security prisons. Co-founder of the Prison of Peace Project, Doug has trained incarcerated individuals to become certified mediators, proving his methods succeed in the toughest environments.

He is the author of the bestselling book De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less, which teaches a neuroscience-backed technique called affect labeling (reflecting emotions to instantly calm the brain), and offers the Advanced Emotional Competency online course.

Website: dougnoll.com [http://dougnoll.com]

Email: doug@dougnoll.com

Book on Amazon : De-Escalate [https://www.amazon.com/Escalate-Calm-Angry-Person-Seconds/dp/1582706557]

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 Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

<

The Two-Step Process for Turning Difficult Patients into Raving Fans, with Doug Noll, JD | Ep494

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT [https://lightstonedirect.com/dpn]. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

 

 

How do you rise in academic medicine without losing your sense of purpose?

Dr. Bradley Block joins Dr. Joseph Losee  for a powerful conversation about the real path to academic advancement. Drawing from over two decades as a department chair, program director, and mentor, Dr. Losee reveals how saying “yes” shaped his journey from young faculty member to national leader—and why the same word must be used intentionally at different seasons of life.

The discussion explores the balance between sacrifice and wellbeing, the shifting culture of academic medicine, and how meaning and mentorship sustain long-term fulfillment. Dr. Losee also shares insights on conflict resolution, leadership development, and his latest venture, Clarity Med Solutions, where he pioneers early dispute mediation to restore trust and healing between physicians, patients, and health systems.

This episode is a roadmap for physicians seeking impact, growth, and balance—without losing sight of what truly matters.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

 * Say Yes With Intention: Early in your career, saying yes opens doors, builds credibility, and creates opportunities. But as your life evolves, align your yeses with your passions—and protect your energy for what truly matters.
 * Sacrifice is the Path to Leadership: Every leader pays a price for impact. True advancement in academic medicine requires time, service, and persistence—but when rooted in purpose, those sacrifices yield meaning and legacy.
 * Relationships Are the Real Reward: From mentoring residents to mediating patient disputes, relationships—not titles—define success. Meaning in medicine comes from connection, compassion, and helping others thrive.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  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. Joseph Losee is Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Dr. Ross H. Musgrave Endowed Chair of Pediatric Plastic Surgery. A nationally recognized surgeon, educator, and leader, he has authored over 250 publications, edited seven textbooks, and led multiple professional societies.

He co-chairs the UPMC Physician Wellbeing Initiative, teaches leadership in the Katz Graduate School of Business, and is the founder of Clarity Med Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in leadership coaching and conflict resolution.

📍 Connect with Dr. Losee

 * University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine – Faculty Profile [https://www.pediatrics.pitt.edu/people/joseph-e-losee-md]
 * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joseph-losee [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-losee?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BbUomoyJvSwCuQI9zbflCeg%3D%3D]
   
   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 Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com  or visit http://www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com

A Clear Path to Promotion in Academic Medicine, with Joe Losee, MD, MBA | Ep493

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT [https://lightstonedirect.com/dpn]. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

___________________

 Ever wonder why success doesn’t feel successful?

You’ve checked every box — med school, residency, family, stability — yet still feel that quiet tug of restlessness. Dr. Richard Boyatzis, joins Dr. Bradley Block to unpack why even accomplished physicians often lose their sense of meaning mid-career. Drawing from his Intentional Change Theory, Dr. Boyatzis explains that fulfillment dips every 7–10 years as part of our natural life cycle — what he calls liminality, the space between “what was” and “what’s next.” The fix isn’t distraction (real estate, side gigs, or skydiving), but rediscovering your vision — your “ideal self” — and aligning daily work with your true values.

He warns against the trap of coaching for compliance — trying to fix patients (or yourself) through fear and goals. Instead, focus on coaching with compassion — inspiring sustained change through purpose, gratitude, and hope. Physicians, he says, thrive when they reconnect to why they entered medicine: to help, heal, and matter. Through personal stories, neuroscience, and humor, Dr. Boyatzis offers a practical roadmap for reigniting passion without abandoning your profession — whether that means teaching, mentoring, volunteering, or simply reframing success through renewed purpose.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

 * Revisit Your Vision Every 7–10 Years:  Midlife restlessness isn’t failure — it’s biology. Reflect on your ideal self by asking, “If my life were fantastic 10–15 years from now, what would it look like?” Write it down, talk it out, and use it to guide new choices in work and life.
 * Coach (and Care) with Compassion, Not Compliance: Patients — and physicians — change through hope, not fear. Replace “If you don’t…” warnings with vision-driven goals (“What do you want to live for?”). Shared purpose boosts motivation, treatment adherence, and well-being.
 * Recharge with Purposeful Connection: Gratitude and positive storytelling aren’t fluff — they activate the parasympathetic system and restore energy. Start meetings or days with one uplifting story, or jot three things you’re grateful for. It rewires stress into meaning.
   
    

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  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!

Dr. Richard Boyatzis is a Distinguished University Professor at Case Western Reserve University and one of the world’s most cited scholars on emotional intelligence, leadership, and behavior change. Co-author of Primal Leadership and Helping People Change, his latest book, The Science of Change, distills decades of research into how individuals and organizations achieve sustained transformation. A global consultant and teacher, his work has reached over 1.5 million learners worldwide.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-boyatzishttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-boyatzis-401822a  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-boyatzis]
Website: https://case.educase.edu [https://case.edu/weatherhead/about/faculty-and-staff-directory/richard-boyatzis]

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy As

How the Unfulfilled Physician Can Find Purpose Again, with Richard Boyatzis, PhD | Ep492

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT [https://lightstonedirect.com/dpn]. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

_________________________________

Are we all slowly “turning to plastic”?

Professor Dr. Oliver Jones says: calm down. In this myth-busting episode of Succeeded In Medicine Podcast, Dr. Jones dismantles the fear around microplastics and “forever chemicals” (PFAS) with hard science and regulatory reality.

Microplastics—defined as plastic particles <5mm—are mostly from degraded waste, not just cosmetics. Found everywhere (lungs, brains, sewage), yet the WHO and FDA find no evidence of health effects at real-world exposures. Sensational studies use unrealistically high doses; background contamination skews results. The “5 grams of plastic a week” claim? Physically impossible.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) aren’t “forever”—they degrade slowly, not eternally. Used in firefighting foam, non-stick coatings, and water-repellent gear, high occupational exposure (e.g., near military bases) warrants concern. But everyday levels? Far below harm thresholds. Drinking water guidelines are so strict that detecting any PFAS fails compliance—costing millions to treat with no proven health gain.

Dr. Jones warns: chemophobia drives reformulation (e.g., BPA → BPS) often replacing well-studied compounds with less-tested ones. Tobacco, alcohol, and UV light have proven risks—yet get less outrage. Regulators (FDA, EPA) rigorously test products; fear shouldn’t override evidence.

Physicians get a framework: teach patients dose makes the poison, prioritize proven risks (alcohol, smoking), and resist social media’s BS asymmetry—where debunking takes 10x the effort of spreading misinformation.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

 * Reframe Risk with “Dose and Context” for Patients: When patients panic about microplastics or PFAS, ask: “What’s the exposure level? What’s the proven harm?” Use Dr. Jones’s analogy: a glass of wine ≠ instant cancer; a nanogram of PFAS ≠ endocrine collapse. Print a one-pager contrasting proven risks (alcohol, UV) vs. unproven (microplastics) to calm fears and build trust.
 * Stop Personal Chemophobia—Model Evidence-Based Living: Keep using plastic cutting boards, microwave-safe containers, and receipts. Track one actual risk instead: cut alcohol units by 20% this month. Log mood/energy—patients notice your calm, data-driven choices and follow suit.
 * Counter Misinformation with BS Asymmetry Awareness: Social media claims spread 10x faster than rebuttals. Save Dr. Jones’s line—“If it were that dangerous, we’d see it in public health data”—as a canned response. Share one FDA/WHO microplastics summary yearly with your practice newsletter to pre-empt panic.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  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. Oliver Jones is a multi-award-winning chemist and professor at RMIT University (Melbourne). An internationally recognized expert in analytical and environmental science, he develops methods to measure chemicals in water, food, and the environment. Originally from Manchester, with a PhD from Imperial College London, he bridges chemistry, biology, and engineering to solve real-world problems. A passionate science communicator, he’s featured in The Guardian, ABC News, and The Washington Post. 

LinkedIn :

Is Your Kitchen Plastic Slowly Poisoning You, with Oliver Jones, PhD | Ep491

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT [https://lightstonedirect.com/]. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

_________________________________

You can hack every minute, but if those minutes don’t serve what truly matters, what’s the point? 

In this focused episode of Succeeded In Medicine Podcast, Dr. Ari Tuckman challenges the blind chase of “more done.” Drawing from his fifth book, The ADHD Productivity Manual, he explains why physicians must first ask: To what end am I being productive?

The discussion unpacks the gap between being busy and being productive—especially in high-stakes medicine where reactivity rules. Dr. Tuckman introduces temporal discounting, the bias that makes immediate rewards (another patient, one more episode) feel far stronger than future costs (burnout, unfinished charts, missed family moments). He shares how to make future outcomes visceral: close your eyes and feel the drag of a sleep-deprived day versus the clarity of a rested one.

Time is treated like money—finite, non-renewable, and requiring deliberate allocation. Priorities, Dr. Tuckman stresses, are revealed in actions, not words: if “health” or “family” never make the calendar, they aren’t priorities. He advocates sacred time blocks, realistic scheduling that buffers emergencies, and ruthless to-do list decluttering (hesitate to justify? delete).

On work-life balance, the financial tension of private practice surfaces: every hour off is lost revenue. Yet true wealth is the margin to take that time when it counts. Dr. Tuckman adds the hard truth: “Part of the cost of a good life is sometimes doing things you hate.” Minimize suffering—finish unpleasant tasks fast, without mental gnawing.

From charting between patients to setting boundaries on complex cases, this episode equips physicians to stop surprise-ending their days and start designing them.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

 * Ask the “To What End?” Question Before Any Productivity Hack: Reactivity breeds burnout. Pause and define: What do I want my life to look like? List 3–5 core values (e.g., patient impact, family presence, personal health). For each time or financial decision, ask: Does this align or erode my priorities? Review weekly in 5 minutes to stay intentional.
 * Combat Temporal Discounting with Vivid Future-Feelings: Procrastination wins because future pain feels abstract. Before the immediate reward (skipping notes, doom-scrolling), close your eyes for 30 seconds and feel tomorrow-you: dragging, behind, irritable—versus rested, caught-up, present. Make the future visceral to choose action.
 * Declutter Your To-Do List Ruthlessly and Fast: Overloaded lists paralyze. Set a 10-minute timer weekly. For each item, decide in <10 seconds: Keep or delete? If you pause to justify, it’s not important—delete. Free mental space for what moves the needle.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  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. Ari Tuckman, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist and sex therapist in private practice in West Chester, PA, renowned as an ADHD thought leader. Specializing in ADHD diagnosis and treatment, he also focuses on couples and sex therapy. A frequent media guest on CNN, NPR, and XM Radio, and quoted in The New York Times, USA Today, and more, he co-chairs CHADD's conference committee. Author of five books, including The ADHD Productivity Manual—his latest on universal

Time Management Hacks for Overwhelmed Doctors | Ep490

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone Direct LLC. [https://lightstonedirect.com/] Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

____________________________________________________________________

Struggling to differentiate sinus symptoms? You're not alone—medical training often falls short.

In this solo episode of Succeed in Medicine, Dr. Bradley Block shares how to distinguish between colds, bacterial sinusitis, allergies, and sinus migraines. With insights from years of clinical experience, on sinusitis as a secondary bacterial infection following viruses, not allergies or blockages. He covers "second sickness" patterns, why 10-day watchful waiting beats early antibiotics, migraine misdiagnoses, and treatments like nasal steroids for allergies versus surgery for fungal balls. Debunking myths like balloon sinuplasty for migraines. 

This episode equips physicians with practical tools to avoid overtreatment and improve patient outcomes, learn why facial pressure often points to migraines, when antibiotics are truly needed, and how to spot the “second sickness” pattern of sinus infections. Packed with practical tips and myth-busting, this episode is a must-listen 

for anyone navigating sinus issues or curious about ENT care.

Three Actionable Takeaway:

 * Sinusitis Starts with a Virus: Dr. Block explains bacterial sinusitis as a secondary infection after a cold disrupts sinus mucosa—watch for "second sickness" where symptoms worsen after initial improvement. Hold antibiotics for at least 10 days unless complications like orbital cellulitis arise.
 * Facial Pressure Isn't Always Sinus: Often misdiagnosed as sinusitis, facial pressure (especially weather-related) signals migraines—Dr. Block advises checking for tenderness over sinuses and avoiding unnecessary CT scans or surgery like balloon sinuplasty, which treats mucosa issues poorly.
 * Allergies vs. Sinusitis: Separate Issues: Allergies swell nasal mucosa but don't cause sinus infections due to insufficient allergen entry—treat with nasal steroids or immunotherapy. Fungal balls require surgery, not meds, as they're not true infections.


 

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  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 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 Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com [http://www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com] to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit

What Med School Misses about Sinusitis, Colds, and Allergies | Ep489

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone Direct LLC [http://lightstonedirect.com]. Lightstone Direct LLC connects you to institutional-quality real estate investments backed by a $12-billion AUM firm that co-invests alongside you—your partner in building lasting wealth. All investments involve risk. 

Please visit LightstoneDirect.com [http://lightstonedirect.com] for a full list of disclosures.

__________________________________________________

Can improv skills transform patient interactions in healthcare?


Dr. Bradley Block and Tane Danger, share how improvisation fosters essential skills like active listening, empathy, collaboration, and adaptability. Drawing from over 20 years in improv theater, Tane explains techniques such as "Yes, And" to validate patient concerns and build trust, staying present to avoid jumping to conclusions, and using nonverbal cues for better rapport. Through fun exercises like one-word stories, Tane demonstrates how these tools help healthcare professionals slow down, connect authentically, and navigate unpredictable situations, ultimately making interactions more enjoyable and effective for both providers and patients.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

 * · Stay Present and Listen Actively: In healthcare, it's easy to jump to conclusions based on experience, but staying present ensures accurate diagnoses and builds patient trust. Repeat the last thing a patient says to start your response, slowing down your thought process, demonstrating engagement, and allowing their full story to unfold naturally for better outcomes. 
 * Embrace "Yes, And": Validate patient ideas by starting responses with "Yes" to affirm what they've said, then add "And" to build collaboratively, exploring their concerns without dismissal. This fosters open dialogue, rapport, and partnership, turning potential conflicts into constructive conversations that enhance understanding and adherence to treatment plans. 
 * Incorporate Theatricality: Use exaggerated nonverbal cues, like expressive facial reactions and body language, to show genuine interest in patients' stories. This "theatricality" amplifies empathy, making interactions more authentic and helping patients feel heard, even if you're familiar with their condition, ultimately strengthening trust and the therapeutic relationship. 

About the Show

Succeed In Medicine  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:

Tane Danger is an improviser with over 20 years of experience performing, teaching, and directing improv theater. He is the co-founder of Danger Boat Productions, which uses improv to facilitate important conversations and improve communication and collaboration. As artist-in-residence at the Mayo Clinic Lavin Center for Humanities in Medicine, he trains healthcare professionals in improv techniques to enhance connection, empathy, and quick thinking.

  Website: tanedanger.com [http://tanedanger.com]
Company Website: dangerboat.net [http://dangerboat.net]

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 Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com [http://www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com] to learn more!

Socials:

@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

Improv Techniques to Sharpen Your Interpersonal Skills | Ep488

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone Direct LLC [http://lightstonedirect.com]. Lightstone Direct LLC connects you to institutional-quality real estate investments backed by a $12-billion AUM firm that co-invests alongside you—your partner in building lasting wealth. All investments involve risk. 

Please visit LightstoneDirect.com [http://lightstonedirect.com] for a full list of disclosures.

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What happens when money, meant as a tool, becomes the driving force of our lives, sidelining health, family, and purpose?


In this transformative episode of Succeeded Medicine Podcast, Carl Richards, joins Dr. Cobin Soelberg to unpack how society—especially in the U.S.—has "lost the plot" on money. Drawing from his four years in New Zealand, where he noticed a cultural shift prioritizing life over work, Carl challenges the Western tendency to make money and work the organizing principles of existence, often at the expense of sleep, health, and relationships. He shares a vivid metaphor of money as a discouraged golden retriever, earnestly trying but failing to deliver intangibles like love, happiness, or self-worth. For physicians, this resonates deeply with the pressures of high-stakes careers and financial expectations. 

Carl offers actionable insights: assign money specific "jobs" it can handle (e.g., funding experiences or security) while releasing it from impossible tasks (e.g., defining self-esteem). He introduces the concept of "forcing functions"—deliberate commitments like signing up for a retreat or coaching a child’s soccer team—to align actions with values. Reflecting on his retreats, including a women’s financial advisor event and an upcoming couples’ retreat, Carl emphasizes creating safe spaces for tough conversations about risk, uncertainty, and values. He advocates for quiet reflection—whether through meditation, gardening, or mountain biking—to escape the "matrix" of comparison and competition, a trap many physicians face in demanding healthcare systems. 

Three Actionable Takeaways: 

 * Reframe Money as a Tool to Serve Your Values: Physicians often face societal pressure to prioritize financial success, but Carl emphasizes that money is a tool, not the goal. It excels at funding tangible needs like a secure retirement or family vacations but fails at delivering intangibles like love, self-worth, or happiness. To apply this, list your core values (e.g., family time, patient care, personal health), then evaluate your financial decisions—such as investments or practice expenses—to ensure they align with those values, reducing stress and fostering purpose.
 * Use Forcing Functions to Drive Intentional Change: Carl’s concept of "forcing functions" involves committing to actions that push you toward your desired life, even if uncomfortable. For physicians, this might mean signing up to coach your child’s soccer team to prioritize family, enrolling in a mindfulness retreat to combat burnout, or scheduling regular "quiet time" to reflect on career goals.
 * Prioritize Quiet Reflection to Escape the Comparison Trap: The healthcare system’s competitive "matrix" can erode well-being, but Carl advocates for intentional pauses—through meditation, nature, or activities like mountain biking—to rediscover what truly matters. Physicians can carve out 10-20 minutes daily for journaling or mindfulness to clarify their "world," as inspired by David Whyte’s Sweet Darkness. This practice counters burnout by helping you focus on what brings you alive, such as patient connections or personal growth, rather than external metrics like income or status.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine  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!

How the Behavior Gap Delays Physician Financial Independence | Ep487

This is a podcast that answers the question, "what should we have been learning while we were memorizing Kreb's cycle?" This is a practical guide for practicing physicians and other healthcare practitioners looking to improve in any and all aspects of our lives and practices. Physician and non-physician experts are interviewed on a wide range of topics to help us with personal and professional development. If you want to share you expertise on the podcast, please email me at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or @physiciansguide on Twitter and Instagram.

Bradley Block

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