Episode 13: Abuse in Healthcare: The Hidden Reality Every Medical Worker Faces

In this episode of Out of Network, Dr. Ryon Parker and Dr. Rishi Seth tackle a topic most people never see but every healthcare worker knows too well—abuse inside the medical system. From physical assaults and verbal attacks to intimidation and impossible expectations, they break down the shocking reality that nurses, doctors, and staff face daily. This isn't about rare incidents; it's about systemic abuse happening in hospitals and clinics nationwide, and what needs to change to make healthcare feel human again.What You'll LearnThe staggering statistics: 52% of ER nurses report physical violence, and 1 in 7 physicians have been physically assaulted by patients or familiesHow to distinguish between patients who are genuinely confused/delirious versus those with manipulative agendasWhen and how healthcare providers can legally terminate difficult patient relationships without abandonment chargesWhy the "customer is always right" mentality is destroying healthcare and what leaders can do insteadTimestamps00:00 – Introduction: The hidden abuse crisis in healthcare03:00 – Physical violence against healthcare workers: real stories from the frontlines10:00 – Patient abandonment laws vs. provider safety: where's the line?17:00 – The review system dilemma: when bad patients leave bad reviews24:00 – Why healthcare violence is escalating and what's driving patient frustration27:00 – Closing thoughts: stopping the normalization of abuseAbout the Violence CrisisRecent studies show that healthcare workers face violence at alarming rates, with 42 states now working to make violence against healthcare workers a felony. The Buffalo, Minnesota mass shooting by a disgruntled patient serves as a tragic reminder of how serious this crisis has become.Resources & Links MentionedEmergency Nurses Association 2024 workplace violence study: https://www.ena.org/news-publications/newsroom/emergency-nurses-association-launches-new-study-workplace-violenceJAMA physician assault survey: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9707179/"From Worst to First" by Gordon Bethune (Continental Airlines customer service philosophy): https://www.amazon.com/Worst-First-Continentals-Remarkable-Comeback/dp/0471356522Nurse Blake's social media advocacy for safe staffingConnect with Out of NetworkWebsite: https://www.outofnetworkpod.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outofnetworkpodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutofNetworkPodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@outofnetworkpodcastConnect with the HostsParker Medical - Las Vegas, NV → https://bit.ly/parkermedicalDr. Ryon Parker → https://www.instagram.com/dr.ryonparker/Seth Premiere Medical - Tampa, FL → https://bit.ly/sethpremiereDr. Rishi Seth → https://www.instagram.com/drrishiseth/Enjoyed the Episode?If you liked this conversation, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share this podcast with a friend—it helps more people discover a new vision for healthcare.