Why Doctors Are Dying: The Hidden Crisis in Healthcare with Kim Downey

SummaryIn this episode of Tell Me More, CJ Quartlbaum interviews Kim Downey, a pediatric physical therapist who shares her personal journey through significant health challenges, including thyroid and breast cancer. Kim discusses the impact of these experiences on her perspective of the healthcare system, particularly the concept of moral injury among healthcare professionals. She emphasizes the need for advocacy, connection, and support for doctors, highlighting the alarming rates of burnout and suicide in the medical field. The conversation also touches on the systemic issues within healthcare as a business and the importance of community in supporting healthcare providers.Kim Downey, PT, founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, is a physical therapist, three-time cancer survivor, and fierce advocate for physician well-being. As an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and Community Ambassador for Medicine Forward, she brings deep insight into both the clinical and human sides of medicine. She amplifies the voices of doctors and patients, addressing challenges like burnout, moral injury, and loss of autonomy. Kim’s mission is to foster connection and advocacy for healthier doctors and a stronger healthcare system.This is the link to purchase the book: White Coats, Courageous Hearts: True Stories of Doctors Reclaiming Their Humanity in a System That Challenges It (Stand Up (for) Doctors!): Downey PT, Kim: 9798998897702: Amazon.com: Books Get full access to CJ's Substack at tellmemorewithcj.substack.com/subscribe