What Caregiving Taught this Physician about Physician Blind Spots with Heather Gatcombe, MD | EP512

Being on the caregiver side of complex, rare disease care reveals critical gaps in our healthcare system, even for two physician parents with strong connections. In this powerful follow-up episode of Succeed In Medicine, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. Heather Gatcombe, as she recounts her family’s journey: her son’s initial metabolic stroke-like episodes at age 7, the five-year path to a definitive mitochondrial disease diagnosis (including a muscle biopsy and eventual identification of a pathogenic variant), sudden heart failure at age 11 during the COVID-19 pandemic, ECMO, LVAD placement, and successful heart transplant. She openly discusses the immense challenges of hospital discharge with an LVAD when no pediatric rehab would accept him, managing tube feeds and alarms at home without adequate home health support, and the frustration of subtle symptoms like throat clearing being overlooked as a sign of heart failure. Dr. Gatcombe also reflects on moments where she felt her family wasn’t fully heard, and the lasting impact of those experiences. Throughout the conversation, she shares how this journey has made her a more empathetic and effective clinician, particularly in communicating uncertainty, avoiding premature reassurance, listening to parental intuition, ensuring robust discharge planning with support services, and staying curious even when a diagnosis remains elusive. This episode offers practical lessons for all physicians on improving communication, supporting families through diagnostic uncertainty, preparing patients for safe transitions home, and the power of transparency and advocacy in rare disease care. Three Actionable Takeaways: Communicate uncertainty honestly and compassionately: When the diagnosis isn’t clear yet, be transparent about what you know and don’t know. Offer guidance on next steps, second opinions, and support resources rather than premature reassurance that may later need to be walked back. Prioritize discharge planning and support services: The transition from hospital to home is one of the most vulnerable periods. Ensure patients and families have home health, equipment (wheelchair, shower chair, etc.), dietician and nurse navigator follow-up, and clear instructions before discharge, especially for medically complex cases. Listen to patients and families as the experts on their own bodies: Parental intuition and lived experience matter. When a child or family member expresses concern, even if it seems outside the norm,  take it seriously, investigate, and avoid dismissing it. Follow up after adverse events when possible to maintain trust. 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. Heather Gatcombe is a board-certified radiation oncologist at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and an Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She specializes in breast radiation oncology and serves as Vice Chair for Community and Belonging. As the mother of a child with mitochondrial disease who experienced metabolic strokes starting at age 7, progressing to heart failure and transplant, she is deeply committed to raising clinician awareness, reducing diagnostic delays, and advocating for patients and families. She serves on the Board of Trustees and the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board Clinical Training and Education Committee of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF). Website: https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/profiles/gatcombe-heather.php LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-gatcombe-md-3891875 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathergatcombe UMDF: https://umdf.org/about/board-trustees 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 [email protected]  or visit 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 www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow! Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.