Addiction, Bias, and the Truth Medicine Still Avoids

In this episode of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, we’re taking on one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized areas in healthcare. Addiction medicine.We like to think medicine is guided by evidence, not bias.So why is addiction medicine still so misunderstood, even within the medical field itself?And what does that reveal about the systems meant to treat both patients and physicians?If you’re a doctor, healthcare leader, or patient, you belong here.🔹 Dr. Sarah Nasir, DO, FASAM is an Addiction Medicine and Osteopathic Family Medicine physician dedicated to reshaping conversations around substance use, recovery, and compassionate care.🔹 Dr. Olapeju Simoyan, MD, MPH is a board-certified specialist in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, writer, and advocate bringing clarity and humanity to some of healthcare’s most complex conversations.Both guests wear many hats. But at the core of their work is a shared mission: helping medicine confront the assumptions and stigma that continue to surround addiction.Too often, addiction is viewed through the lens of judgment instead of understanding. Even within healthcare, physicians working in this field can face misunderstanding, skepticism, and silence.Together, we explore what addiction medicine can teach the rest of healthcare about compassion, evidence, and the courage to treat people as human beings first.In this conversation, we explore:- Why addiction medicine remains misunderstood in healthcare- The role stigma and bias still play in patient care- How physicians can approach addiction with greater humanity and evidence-based understanding- The emotional realities of working in addiction medicine- What healthcare systems still get wrong about recovery and supportAddiction medicine doesn’t expose weakness in people. It exposes blind spots in systems.Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/sP6RoXorAbQ🔗 Connect with our guests:Dr. Sarah Nasir🌐 sarahnasir.com🔗 https://lnkd.in/gwCWxeRHDr. Peju Simoyan🌐 https://lnkd.in/eKE9wNtz🔗 https://lnkd.in/gMNfR25gThis episode is sponsored by Brian Case and Direct Wealth Care, providing conflict-free tools and resources that help physicians address the financial stress not talked about in medicine.If today’s conversation resonated with you, and if you’re ready to go deeper…🌿 Join us at the Stand Up (for) Doctors! Inaugural Physician RetreatA weekend to connect, empower, recharge, and celebrate.📍 Windrose on Hudson🗓 October 9–12, 2026🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/gaeNWzQFWe would be honored to have you join us.Interested in sponsoring an episode or supporting this movement?📩 Email us — [email protected] when doctors reclaim joy, everyone benefits.#StandUpForDoctors #PhysicianWellness #JoyInMedicine #LaughterIsMedicine #WhiteCoats #HealthcareLeadership #DoctorSupport #HealingHealthcare #Episode156