The Heart of Psychiatry

This might be our nerdiest episode yet—and that’s saying something. In our Season 2 kickoff, Margaret and I sit down with Dr. Margo Funk, psychiatrist and QTC whisperer, to explore the strange, stressful overlap between psychiatry and cardiology. We talk about our worst fears on call, how to spot when an EKG is lying to you, and why it might be time to stop blaming Haldol and start looking at your T wave. There are metaphors involving horses, guns, Timberlake, and Kool-Aid. Somehow, it all makes sense. If you’ve ever been scared of EKGs, risk calculators, or calling your attending at 2AM—this one’s for you. Takeaways: I thought I understood the QT interval—until I realized I didn’t. Turns out, there’s a difference between what the EKG says and what your patient actually needs. Not all meds are the villains we make them out to be. Spoiler: Haldol gets a redemption arc. Trazodone… does not. I finally learned what that weird slope on the T wave actually means. And yes, it involves potassium. ICD storms are real—and they are terrifying. Dr. Funk explains why treating the aftermath is as critical as preventing the next one. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is call your attending. Or carry a caliper. Or question the computer. -- Ready to take your exam prep to the next level? Go to http://www.NowYouKnowPsych.com and enter the code BEPATIENT at checkout for 20% off. Watch on YouTube: @itspresro Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content Get in Touch: ⁠⁠⁠howtobepatientpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices