From ER Doctor to Middle School Teacher: Dr. Keith Pochick on Trust, Equity, and Education Reform

In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David sits down with Dr. Keith Pochick, an ER doctor turned middle school teacher, to explore his remarkable journey from emergency medicine to the classroom at Providence Day School in Charlotte. Dr. Pochick reflects on what pushed him to leave the ER and pursue teaching (01:37), sharing the rewards and challenges of life as an emergency physician (05:24) and how the changing landscape of healthcare shaped his views on equity (08:46). Throughout the conversation, he discusses the role of trust in both patient care and student learning, the inequities he witnessed in healthcare, and why he believes meaningful education reform is urgently needed.Dr. Pochick discusses the deep inequities he witnessed in healthcare and how those disparities affect patient outcomes (11:49). He also explains why building trust is foundational—both when treating patients and when supporting students (18:50). Later, he opens up about the moment he decided he could no longer continue practicing medicine (25:13) and what it felt like to navigate the transition into teaching (29:46).David and Dr. Pochick explore the striking common threads between medicine and education (34:57), from human connection to managing anxiety in high-stakes moments. Dr. Pochick then reflects on the ideas behind his book Tickled Soul and the philosophical journey that shaped it (38:08). The conversation turns to the future of education at (41:03), where he considers whether meaningful reform—or outright revolution—is needed to address issues of equity, funding, and student support.The episode closes with Dr. Pochick honoring the influential teachers who shaped his own life and career (43:28).Send us a text with your thoughts or ideas, and follow and subscribe to The Teacher’s Forum so you don’t miss future episodes.Join the Conversation:[email protected]@theteachersforum.bsky.socialX (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.