Difficult Conversations -Lessons I learned as an ICU Physician

Shawn Gibbs, co-founder and CEO of GIV Gowns, joins hosts Dr. Anthony Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ to discuss how dignity and trust can transform the healthcare experience. Shawn shares how two years of service work in Haiti shaped his understanding of dignity and led him into medicine and entrepreneurship. After repeatedly seeing patients delay important care because they felt exposed, uncomfortable, or unheard, he began designing modern patient gowns that protect privacy while still giving clinicians the access they need. Shawn also shares powerful stories of the gowns’ emotional impact, including a 12-year-old leukemia patient whose custom lacrosse “hero gown” helped him feel like an athlete instead of a sick child. The conversation explores how clothing can restore confidence for children, older adults, psychiatric patients, and anyone facing a frightening medical procedure. Shawn also discusses GIV Gowns’ new direct-to-consumer option, his mother’s experience using the gowns during breast cancer treatment and why allowing patients to choose what they wear can help them feel more prepared, respected, and engaged in their care. Please hit the subscribe button now!  Hosts:Dr. Anthony OrsiniLiz Poret-Christ Guest:Shawn GibbsFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniShawn Gibbs LinkedInGIV GownsBuying for a Facility (email link)

Host:  Liz Poret-ChristGuests:Tracey PiparoJennifer O’BrienIn this special episode of Difficult Conversations, Liz Poret-Christ hosts in memory of her husband Ken, whose voice you hear in the show’s intro/outro and who passed away about a year ago from glioblastoma. Liz shares how that loss and the painful reality that palliative care and hospice are often introduced far too late sparked the conversation. She welcomes two guests, Tracey Piparo, a longtime physician associate who transitioned from emergency medicine to palliative care because she realized patients and families weren’t being truly heard, and Jennifer O’Brien, a healthcare leader and author of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow, who became an advocate for “death literacy” after caregiving for her late husband through a 22 month cancer illness. Together, they lay the groundwork for why these services matter: palliative care can support quality of life alongside curative treatment, while hospice focuses on comfort and support at end of life.The heart of the episode tackles why clinicians “dance around” these conversations: fear of failure, discomfort with mortality, a high-achiever culture that equates death with losing, and confusion about palliative versus hospice. Liz shares her personal story of repeatedly asking when to involve palliative care, only to be told “not yet,” until a hospice physician finally stated plainly that Ken was actively dying, leaving little time to prepare family and say goodbye. Tracey explains how avoiding clarity can rob patients of informed choices and argues communication should be treated like a clinical procedure, trained, practiced, and supported by specialists when needed. Jennifer adds a compassionate framework her late husband used “precious time” to help families understand when it’s time for the most important conversations (“I love you,” “I’m sorry,” “I forgive you,” “thank you”), and emphasizes that preparing for end of life doesn’t destroy hope, it reshapes it. The episode closes with a strong call for both clinicians and families be clear, ask early, bring in palliative support sooner, and replace “but and or” with “and” so care can hold “hope” and preparation at the same time. For More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-LinkedInIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniTracey Piparo LinkedInJennifer O’Brien WebsitePrecious Time Implementation Guide (free download) by Jennifer O’BrienA Guide to Palliative Care & Hospice (free download) by Jennifer O’BrienFree Resources (free downloads) by Jennifer O’BrienThe Hospice Doctor’s Widow: A Journal by Jennifer O’Brien 

This episode of Difficult Conversations features Dr. Jessica Daigle, a board-certified pediatrician, NICU and pediatric hospitalist, and founder and CEO of Mom & Me, MD, joining Dr. Anthony Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ for a conversation about what families remember most in healthcare, not perfect outcomes, but how clinicians show up in the hardest moments. Jess opens with a core theme, medicine’s discomfort with silence, uncertainty, and pain, and how the pressure to “fix” everything can unintentionally deepen trauma. The discussion repeatedly returns to the idea that there are multiple patients in the NICU experience (baby, mother, father/partner), and that compassionate presence, transparency, and patient-centered communication can change how families carry grief, fear, and uncertainty.Jess shares her personal path into NICU work, first through early fascination with neonatology, then through a personal experience, a traumatic miscarriage where she delivered her baby herself, and later a prolonged hospitalization and preterm birth of her son Liam. Those experiences reshaped her focus from “the baby only” to the whole family system, and helped inspire her work through Mom & Me, MD. She also highlights her devotional book Anchored in Hope for NICU parents, designed to support the emotional and spiritual toll alongside the medical journey. The episode closes with Jess reflecting on her first time delivering serious news as an attending, how hard it is to balance urgency, honesty, and empathy, and the lasting truth that even when outcomes are heartbreaking, families often remember and value the clinician who stayed present and helped them navigate with humanity. Please hit the subscribe button now! For More Information:Difficult Conversations Podcast The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniJess Daigle, MD FAAP LinkedInDr. Jess Daigle InstagramMom & Me MDAnchored In Hope: A NICU Parent’s Devotional: 30 Days of Strength, Peace, and Hope by Jessica Daigle, MDThe Long Dying of Baby Andrew by Robert & Peggy StinsonDifficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini Podcast- Episode 91: Not What I Had In Mind with guest Laura Diaz-Freeland

Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini- Episode 93Difficult Conversations is back with one of its most personal, emotional episodes yet. Dr. Anthony Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ return to talk with guest Dr. Stephanie Tan, a physician and clinical trial specialist whose career has spanned surgery, dermatology, pharma, academia, and regulation across Asia and Australia. Stephanie shares how her own health redirected her from surgery into research, giving her a rare 360-degree view of medicine and clinical trials. That perspective and her personal journey ultimately led her to co-found AbbeMed, a doctor-led concierge service that helps patients and families cut through red tape and connect with the right specialists, clinical trials, and cutting-edge therapies around the world.The heart of the episode is Stephanie’s deeply moving story as both doctor and mother. She recounts the long, frustrating process of noticing her young daughter’s developmental delays, fighting through months-long waitlists, and finally receiving an ultra-rare genetic diagnosis, only to be met with silence from the pediatric neurologist who didn’t know what to say. Dr. Orsini and Liz unpack what compassionate communication could have looked like in that moment and why “I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out together” can be so powerful. From there, they explore how AbbeMed aims to be that “friend in the business” for families facing complex or rare conditions, and Dr. Tan offers advice to new doctors: stay curious, think beyond rigid training, be honest when you don’t know, and always validate your patients’ emotions. She closes with a message of hope for patients and caregivers: Keep an open mind, don’t give up, if there’s a will, there’s a way, and services like AbbeMed exist to walk that path with you acting like you have a friend in the business. Download this episode now to hear more! Top of FormHosts:Liz Poret-ChristDr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Dr. Stephanie TanFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-X/[email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniAbbeMed

In this podcast episode, Dr. Anthony Orsini discusses the value of difficult conversations in the medical field, reflecting on how his podcast has allowed him to connect with incredible people over the years. He reintroduces Dr. Robert Pearl, a former CEO of Kaiser Permanente, who first appeared on the podcast in 2021. Dr. Orsini highlights Dr. Pearl’s work and his new book, "ChatGPTMD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine," which explores the role of AI in healthcare. Dr. Pearl emphasizes the broken state of the healthcare system, particularly the inefficiencies and challenges surrounding chronic disease management. He advocates for the integration of AI in medicine, arguing that it can enhance patient care, reduce costs, and ultimately save lives if clinicians are willing to embrace the technology.Dr. Pearl discusses how generative AI, like ChatGPT, can revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered by providing tools that make the practice more efficient and effective. However, both he and Dr. Orsini acknowledge the importance of maintaining the human element in medicine. They stress that while AI can assist with diagnoses and administrative tasks, the physician's role in building relationships and providing compassionate care remains irreplaceable. The conversation ends with a call for healthcare professionals to actively engage with AI to harness its potential while preserving the critical human touch that defines quality patient care. Please hit the subscribe button now!   Host:Dr. Anthony Orsini Guest:Robert Pearl, M.D.For More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-X/[email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniRobert Pearl, MD WebsiteRobert Pearl, MD X/TwitterRobert Pearl, M.D. LinkedInChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine by Robert Pearl, MDDifficult Conversations Podcast-Episode 153: Uncaring Conversations about Physician Culture with guest Robert Pearl, M.D. 

On this episode, Dr. Anthony Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ introduce guest, Laura Diaz-Freeland, whose twin daughters were born at the very limits of viability at just 23 weeks gestation. Laura’s memoir, “Not What I Had in Mind,” is discussed, highlighting the emotional journey and the deep empathy found in motherhood that she experienced following the birth of her extremely premature daughters.  Dr. Orsini was part of the team who cared for her twins and they discuss the bond that Laura forged with the medical staff. Laura  discusses at length the emotional rollercoaster, exhaustion and helplessness that she and her family experienced.  The episode covers the profound advancements in neonatal care and the ethical dilemmas faced by parents and medical professionals in the treatment of such young infants. As a seasoned professional in marketing and creative writing, Laura’s poignant reflections highlight the importance of informed choices in the face of life’s most fragile beginnings, giving voice to the silent struggles and triumphs of preterm birth.  Laura advocates for parental choice and informed decision-making in cases of extreme prematurity, sharing insights from her 224-day hospital experience with her twins.  She stresses the need for compassion from healthcare providers and the importance of informed consent.  Dr. Orsini and Laura delve into the delicate conversations that occur in neonatal care, emphasizing the need for a supportive team approach to patient care.  Laura recounts how, despite feeling alone during the initial decision-making process, she later felt part of a team at the Hospital that was committed to her twins’ survival.  Laura also mentions the unique nicknames she has for the medical staff, like ‘The Godfather’ for Dr. Orsini, and ‘Behemoth Hands’ for the surgeon, reflecting their impactful roles in her and her daughters’ lives. For parents navigating this journey, we end with Laura sharing advice to parents to educate themselves, be gracious with themselves, and to not yell at the medical staff.  Please hit the subscribe button now!  Top of FormHosts:Dr. Anthony OrsiniLiz Poret-ChristGuest:Laura Diaz FreelandFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-X/[email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniLaura Diaz Freeland WebsiteLaura Diaz Freeland InstagramNot What I Had in Mind: A Motherhood Origin Story by Laura Diaz FreelandCOFFEE + CRUMBS-“Delusional Hope” by Laura Diaz Freeland 

In this episode, Dr. Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ are joined by guest, Dr. Samantha Winemaker, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care at McMaster University in Ontario, and co-author of the book, Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 keys for navigating a life changing diagnosis. Dr. Winemaker, an advocate for open communication, emphasizes the importance of patients expressing their need for honesty in their healthcare interactions, even when it involves tough conversations. Her work in palliative care, recognized by numerous awards and her co-hosting of “The Waiting Room Revolution” podcast, reflects her dedication to improving the healthcare journey for patients.  She shares her personal path into palliative care, shaped by her medical interests and her desire to move away from internal medicine.  Frustrated by the healthcare system’s delayed engagement with palliative care, she calls for a change, pushing for better public mortality awareness and suggesting that providers integrate palliative skills without necessarily labeling them as such to combat societal discomfort with death.Dr. Winemaker’s critique of the healthcare system extends to the misconceptions surrounding palliative care and the need for rebranding to reflect its comprehensive role. She argues for mandatory training in communication and palliative care skills in medical and nursing schools to ensure providers are well-equipped to support patients effectively.  She shares a story about a patient with lung cancer, to highlight the importance of informed decision-making and understanding the progression of illness. This episode also features insights into the book, Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest, which offers 7 keys for navigating life-changing diagnoses, aiming to empower patients in managing their health. Dr. Winemaker aligns with Liz’s experiences with chronic illness, agreeing that patients should feel free to request full disclosure from their physicians to mitigate the fear of the unknown. She expresses her view on dying, considering it a natural chapter of life, and hopes to live her best life until the end without fear. Dr. Winemaker also shares her goal for the podcast and book, which is to educate patients worldwide, empowering them to navigate the healthcare system effectively and to manage their illnesses with confidence and knowledge. Hosts:Dr. Anthony OrsiniLiz Poret-ChristGuest:Dr. Samantha WinemakerFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniDr. Samantha Winemaker WebsiteHope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis by Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien SeowThe Waiting Room Revolution Podcast

Welcome to another episode of Difficult Conversations-Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician. In this episode, get ready to explore the journey of Jon Brandt, a remarkable entrepreneur whose journey is not just about business, but about purpose and change, especially in the realm of mental health in educational settings. Liz Poret-Christ and Dr. Anthony Orsini dive into Jon’s recent sale of the Thrive Alliance Group, and his vision for integrating mental wellness into the fabric of our school systems. As we explore Jon’s journey, from the founding of Sage Day Schools to his innovative approach with Thrive Alliance, we’ll uncover the layers of a mission-driven life that has touched many. Today, we trace Jon’s path from the loss that ignited his passion for mental health advocacy to the innovative ideas that propelled him into healthcare industry, revolutionizing patient care and worker standards.  Dr. Orsini uncovers the milestones in Jon’s career, highlighting the value of an outsider’s perspective in healthcare innovation. The discussion also touches on lessons learned from failures, the power of facing difficult conversations, and how his ventures have had a clear social impact. He also hints at his new venture, an educational program for entrepreneurs incorporating stoic wisdom, which is still in the early stages. Join us as Jon shares his insights on mental health, driving change, and leaving a positive mark on the world. Please hit the subscribe button now!Hosts:Liz Poret-ChristDr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Jon BrandtFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Jon S. Brandt LinkedInJon S. Brandt X/TwitterThrive Alliance GroupDifficult Conversations Podcast-Episode 191: Fighting for our Heroes with Corey FeistNational Healthcareer AssociationThe Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck

Welcome to Difficult Conversations. You may have  heard the story of Dr. Lorna Breen, who was an accomplished physician that tragically took her own life during the spring of 2020. Today, Dr. Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ are honored to introduce guest, Corey Feist, who is the co-founder, and President of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. Corey dives into his personal journey, driven by the tragic suicide of his sister-in-law, Dr. Lorna Breen, and his mission to transform the healthcare system to support the well-being of healthcare professionals. The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation’s work includes awareness efforts to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, advocating for changes in licensing laws and credentialing questions to protect healthcare workers’ rights, and advancing solutions that aim to improve the overall well-being of the healthcare workforce.Corey shares insights into the challenges within healthcare, such as electronic medical records and burnout, which prompted him to take action.  He discusses the “All in Wellbeing First for Healthcare” initiative, that includes grants to fund well-being solutions, a starter kit for healthcare systems to kickstart well-being initiatives, and a focus on removing barriers to mental health access. We’ll also hear the significant progress the foundation has made, including the passing of the Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act and the creation of the All In Champions Challenge Badge program,. Corey emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals reaching out for help and clarifies that the most reliable source for information on the status of physician licensing and mental health concerns is their website because the foundation regularly updates this information. He also discusses the need to remove questions about past mental health issues from peer reference forms, stressing the importance of creating a supportive environment and ensuring confidentiality for healthcare workers seeking help.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit the subscribe button on your favorite podcast platform and download this episode to hear more! Hosts:Dr. Anthony OrsiniLiz Poret-Christ Guest:Corey FeistFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources J. Corey Feist LinkedInDr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ FoundationDr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation YouTubeNational Physician Suicide Awareness DayDr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation ToolkitAll In: Caring For Caregivers988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini- Episode 88In this episode, host Liz Poret-Christ along with Dr. Orsini, welcome guest Gina Jacobson, who discusses the Working with Cancer initiative. The initiative, born out of a heartfelt response to the need for better workplace support for employees facing cancer and chronic illnesses, aims to create a safe and positive environment for disclosing health conditions at the workplace. Gina, a survivor of stage four colon cancer, shares her passion for the initiative and her belief in the power of workplace support. The initiative has garnered support from major companies, including Yahoo, Disney, Walmart, SAP, Adobe, as well as The Orsini Way, all dedicated to fostering more inclusive and supportive workplaces, regardless of the company's size. Gina’s own experience surviving Stage 4 colon cancer and her belief in the power of workplace support have driven her commitment to this initiative. Gina explains how companies can become involved in the initiative, emphasizing flexibility, and providing a framework with five commitment pillars. The conversation underscores the significance of teaching people how to support colleagues facing cancer and the need for a safe space for difficult conversations at work. The discussion also explores the challenges of sustaining the Working with Cancer initiative and ensuring continuous training. Gina discusses the importance of ongoing training,  teaching people how to speak to and  support their colleagues facing cancer. She  emphasizes the need to provide a safe space for individuals and caregivers to have difficult conversations at work, how personal experiences and emotions play a role in advocating for the initiative’s global change, and its integration into inclusive manager training. Cohort sessions for managers are introduced as a way to offer intensive, real-time support. Gina highlights the initiative as a catalyst for promoting empathetic and compassionate communication in various challenging situations, extending beyond cancer. For more information,  check out the Working with Cancer Pledge website and connect with Gina for more information. Hit the subscribe button now!Hosts:Liz Poret-ChristDr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Gina JacobsonFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Gina Jacobson LinkedInStrive for 5 with Gina JacobsonPublicis GroupeThe Working with Cancer PledgeDifficult Conversations Podcast-Episode 180: Recognizing Fear with Gina Jacobson 

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, I have the distinct honor  to have another incredible guest and that is Dr. Bruce B.J. Miller, who is a longtime hospice and palliative care medicine physician as well as an author, TEDx presenter, and keynote speaker.  He has given over one hundred talks on the topics of death, dying, palliative care, and the intersection of healthcare with design.  Led by his own experiences as a patient, Dr. Miller advocates for the roles of our senses, community, and presence in designing a better ending.  His career has been dedicated to moving healthcare towards a human-centered approach. His 2015 Ted Talk, “What really matters at the end of life", has been viewed more than eleven million times, and his work has been the subject of multiple interviews and podcasts including Oprah Winfrey, PBS, The New York Times, and the Ted Radio Hour. We will be talking about his book, A Beginner’s Guide to the End,   Dr. Miller currently sees patients and families via Telehealth through Mettle Health, a company he co-founded with the aim to provide personalized holistic consultations for any patient or caregiver who needs help with navigating the practical, emotional, and existential issues that come with serious illness and disability. We start out by hearing BJ Miller’s story, from his childhood experiences, his accident, and what brought him to working in palliative care medicine. BJ tells us a beautiful story about a nurse that locked eyes with him and held his hand upon arrival at the burn unit at St. Barnabas Hospital in New Jersey,. Dr. Orsini talks about the importance of human connection between doctors and patients and how BJ's story is very similar to Marcus Engel’s story who was a previous guest on this podcast.  BJ explains why we struggle with talking about dying which starts with denial. and he shares thoughts on what we need more of in this mission of medicine to help physicians,. Dr. Orsini talks about how training is so limited with physicians which is why he’s dedicated the last ten years of his life  to teach them how to be more comfortable with end of life and tragic diagnosis. If you enjoyed this podcast, please go ahead and hit follow. Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Dr Bruce BJ MillerFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources :TED2015: “What really matters at the end of life” - BJ MillerMettle HealthA Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death I"m Here with Marcus Engel - Difficult Conversations - Lessons I learned as an ICU physician Podcast Episode 102

In this episode of Difficult Conversations, Dr. Orsini is joined by Chris Newlin, Executive Director of the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) in  Alabama, where he’s responsible for providing leadership and management, as well as participating in national and international training programs for the protection of children. He has more than 25 years of experience working as a Forensic Interviewer, Victim Advocate, Therapist, and other leadership roles in child advocacy.  Today, Dr. Orsini and Chris delve into the complex world of child advocacy. Chris sheds light on the emotional challenges faced by professionals striving to protect vulnerable children. We’ll hear about his background, tracing his journey from being an army kid  to finding his passion for safeguarding children’s well-being. The episode explores the history and evolution of Children’s Advocacy Centers, highlighting their global impact in providing safe spaces for children to share their experiences. The conversation shifts towards the vital role of forensic interviewers in child advocacy work.  These professionals who interact with children and faced traumatic events like child sexual abuse, are discussed in detail.  The challenges they encounter in building rapport, extracting accurate information, and creating a supportive environment are examined. Dr. Orsini shares his own experience working with forensic interviewers and child advocates through The Orsini Way and highlights their dedication to improvement.  Chris talks about his TEDx Talk focusing on child abuse, the staggering economic costs of child abuse on a national scale, and he cites research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on health, productivity, and substance abuse throughout adulthood. Dr. Orsini and Chris Newlin discuss strategies for preventing burnout among child advocates, emphasizing the significance of self-care, staying genuine, and maintaining emotional engagement.  We end with Chris sharing a personal experience of a difficult conversation with a family member facing a serious medical diagnosis and how he navigated through it. He emphasizes the importance of being patient, providing evidence, and allowing time for individuals to process challenging news. If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit the subscribe button on your favorite podcast platform and download this episode to hear more! Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Chris NewlinFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Chris Newlin LinkedInNational Children’s Advocacy CenterTEDx Talks: Financial Impact of Child Abuse with Chris Newlin (YouTube)Difficult Conversations Podcast-Conversations About Child Advocacy with Anthony DeVincenzo

Hello and welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  Today, we are excited and honored to have as our guest, Julie McFadden, otherwise known as “Hospice nurse Julie,” on social media, where she has almost a million viewers between TikTok and Instagram. Her warm and insightful ability to normalize and explain the death and dying process has made her a cultural icon. Julie has been a nurse for fifteen years, ten in the ICU, and five taking care of hospice patients. Her gift to the world has been sharing her experiences and discussing topics like death to help others understand the process and alleviate any anxieties they may have about it.  She’s a funny, honest, and natural storyteller and her amazing following has helped expand the conversations about death and dying and change the way people view hospice care. Julie tells us more about herself, her journey to becoming an ICU nurse, and what led to her decision to transition into doing hospice. She worked in ICU for ten years and she talks about coming to the realization that there was a missing link to talking about big life goals with what’s going to happen with certain patients. When Julie started speaking up, she realized her voice mattered and it started making an impact with more conversations happening with family members. Julie tells us about two patients she took care of in the ICU who impacted her and made her realize she really wanted to do hospice care. She details the difference between palliative care and hospice, she explains the biggest thing she learned, and why she became so passionate about working in hospice. We learn how “Hospice nurse Julie” started, how topics such as, “The Rally,” “Death with dignity,” and “Myths about morphine,” all came to her, and why she picked TikTok as her platform. Julie explains the process she goes through with families, the conversations she has, and how she navigates through them. Liz and Dr. Orsini talk about the guilt family members feel and the phrase they teach, “Sometimes the more loving thing to do is to not do anything.”  We hear the one question that Julie gets asked the most from people and we learn the most fulfilling thing about her job. If someone is newly diagnosed, scared, and referred to hospice, Julie shares the first conversation she has with this person, and Dr. Orsini shares a sweet story behind his father-in-law last words, “I won!” We end with Julie telling us the most difficult type of conversations she has and how she navigates through them. . If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Hosts:Liz Poret-ChristAnthony Orsini Guest:Julie McFaddenFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Hospice nurse Julie TikTok Hospice nurse Julie InstagramHospice nurse Julie YouTubeHospice nurse Julie-End Well (YouTube)

Replay on Demand! Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, my guest is the incredible Cy Wakeman, who is a drama researcher, a global thought leader, and New York Times best-selling author. She has been deemed “the secret weapon to restoring sanity to the workplace” and has helped companies such as Google, Facebook, NBC Universal, Johns Hopkins, and countless others how to navigate our rapidly changing world using good mental processes to harness energy wasted in workplace drama, and reinvent that effort into achieving profound business results. As a highly sought-after conference headliner, she’s a regular contributor on Forbes.com,  The Huffington Post, and has been featured on the Today Show, Ask Gary Vee Show,  and the New York Times Business Insider. Cy has published three books, the latest of which we’ll talk about today called, No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results. Cy tells us about herself and she shares with us her lifelong pursuit. She reveals some statistics about her research  with hardworking, super achieving, professional people and how they spend two and a half hours a day in drama in the workplace. Dr. Orsini shares some advice about how he teaches healthcare professionals to help them prevent burnout and his   concept of  “It’s hard to fire your best friend.” Cy tells us she believes in two things, “you love people up and then you call them up,” and shares a story about an upset nurse and why she said to her, “If you were great, what would great look like?” She also talks about how self-reflection is the ultimate drama diffuser.  Cy explains her concept of toggling up and toggling down. Dr. Orsini talks more about why he loves conflict resolution with a great story and clarifies how great leaders make you self-reflect and how to look at things differently. The topic of leadership and the culture of business comes up in the conversation, and whether or not we need to train the leaders and if there are some leaders that just have to go. Find out why Cy doesn’t believe in working on culture and why she said, “We don’t have to fix the culture, we have to fix the climate.” If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes. Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Cy Wakeman For More Information:The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniTEDx Presentation - How the Human Connection Improves HealthcareResources Mentioned:Reality-Based LeadershipReality-Based Leadership with Cy Wakeman LinkedinCy Wakeman-YouTubeNo Ego Podcast with Cy WakemanNo Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results by Cy Wakeman

Welcome to Difficult Conversations -Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician.  Liz Poret-Christ is our host and she’s joined by guest Molly Mattocks who is a writer, and end-of-life coach. Molly was an associate pastor before becoming a full-time caregiver for her daughter Izzy, who had neuroblastoma for nearly a decade before passing away in 2021. She is now dedicated to helping shift the cultural narrative around death because she believes our ability to embrace death is intricately woven into our ability to embrace life. We’ve had many conversations on this show about the importance of end-of-life discussions with some amazing guests, and although it’s sad and uncomfortable, we agree that the difficult conversation about our successful ability to transition out of this world is deeply connected to how we exist in this one.  On her Instagram page, Molly writes insightful, heartbreaking, and inspiring letters to her daughter, Izzy. We see the indescribable heartbreak of a grieving mom trying to learn how to live without her daughter. Her Instagram page is a tribute to her daughter and a heartbreaking window into her soul. We are so happy Molly is here to share her story.  As always, the promise on this show will be to inspire you and teach you how important communication is in medicine, business, and in everyday life.Molly shares her experience caring for her daughter Izzy.  Molly started writing letters to Izzy on Instagram as a way of coping with her grief and helping others in similar situations. She transitioned to coaching others and recently started end-of-life doula training and accepted a position as a hospice chaplain. She touches on the role of death doulas in supporting individuals during the dying process and emphasizes the importance of starting end-of-life conversations early, not being afraid to have them. She explains how grief is a process of getting used to loss and becoming a different person. Molly learned that grief is not a season of getting over the loss, but rather a season of getting used to loss and becoming a different person. We end with Molly sharing the difficult conversations she had with her daughter’s doctor about her terminal illness and end-of-life care, and how having these conversations helped her make decisions and provide her daughter with the end that she deserved.  Host:Liz Poret-ChristGuest:Molly MattocksFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Molly Mattocks CoachingMolly Mattocks InstagramDifficult Conversations about Death and Dying-Episode 175 with Julie McFadden “Hospice Nurse Julie”The Problem With Dying-Episode 161 with Dr. Bruce B.J. Miller

Today, you’re in for a real treat because Dr. Orsini and Liz Poret-Christ are having a superstar loaded episode! This episode is  about kidney donation. Liz shares a personal story about her daughter’s unlikely friendship with Frank Mara, Vice President of Community Relations for the New York Giants, and how he’s in need of a kidney transplant, which he’ll talk about with us.  Also, on the list of superstars joining us is Matt Cavanaugh, an active duty US Army Strategist and President of the National Kidney Donation Organization.  In 2022, he became  the first living kidney donor to finish the full four deserts race in one year. Matt donated his left kidney in 2021 to a stranger and started a donation chain that facilitated eight transplants.  Our next superstar is Ned Brooks, who’s the Founder and CEO of the National Kidney Donation Organization. He is a non-directed kidney donor who kickstarted a chain of three transplants in 2015. The organization has facilitated numerous transplants and helped find living donors for patients in need of a kidney transplant.  We start with learning about the National Kidney Donation Organization. They discuss the barriers to kidney donation and how the organization supports potential donors throughout the process and dispel misconceptions about kidney donation and discuss the physical recovery time. They explain that being a donor can be like an insurance policy for oneself, as donors move to the top of the list should they ever need a kidney later in life. Ned touches on the process of what happens after you donate your kidney. Matt shares his experience of becoming a sponsored athlete after his kidney donation and emphasizes that kidney donation has been a second wind to him. Ned discusses the differences between directed and non-directed donors and explains that non-directed donors often feel a deep sense of gratitude. Matt shares his most difficult conversation when he faced discussing his decision to donate with his family, particularly his wife. Ned tells us the story of the young mother that received his kidney and what happened. We also have Frank Mara joining us. He shares his story of how he found out he needed a kidney transplant and meeting Ned, who’s been a godsend. Frank tells us his most difficult conversation, which was explaining to his kids what was going on.  He’s had so much support from family and friends and after sending out emails asking for a kidney donation, many people have registered to donate, but he’s waiting to see if there’s a match. We’re all hoping for great news soon, Frank!  Hosts:Dr. Anthony OrsiniLiz Poret-ChristGuests:Matt CavanaughNed BrooksFrank MaraFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-LinkedInIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources National Kidney Donation OrganizationNational Kidney RegistryMara FamilyMatt Cavanaugh Living Donor GamesNed Brooks LinkedIn

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. On this episode,  Dr. Orsini is Co-hosting with Liz Poret-Christ. Today, they’re having a great conversation with Chuck Saia, who’s a Senior Partner at Deloitte and Member of the Quinnipiac University Board of Trustee’s, where he's the Chair of the Student and Academic Affairs Committee. In his thirty year career, Chuck has held various leadership positions at Deloitte, he’s a CPA, and holds an MBA from Quinnipiac University. He’s also the author of, YOU GOT THIS KID! Words of Advice for Young Leaders, YOU GOT THIS KID! Leadership Advice for Children, and is the Co-founder of YOU GOT THIS KID! Leadership Foundation, which focuses on teaching empathy and leadership to medical students. Chuck is a frequent keynote speaker at some of the largest companies and universities in the world.  Chuck’s unique approach to teaching others about leadership is just one of the many wonderful things that we’ll be talking about today.  Chuck tells us his journey to becoming a successful leader and the importance of putting in the effort, being authentic, and having difficult conversations. He emphasizes the need to start with self-exploration, understanding what makes you special and different, and having enough thick skin to lead with your authentic self. He also discusses the impact of empathetic leadership and putting others’ interests ahead of your own. We’ll find out how he came up with the idea for his books, why he donates all proceeds to Lupus Research and Environmental Sustainability Studies, and how hisYOU GOT THIS KID! Leadership Foundation  has had such a positive impact on his life. He also talks about the leadership training program he established for medical students at Quinnipiac University and how he thinks if we educate people more on the importance of team and mentorship to help people navigate through career and life, it might help in addressing burnout in the medical field. He shares his favorite part of the book  about an eagle mom, and another part of his book with a caterpillar character that has a purpose.    If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit the subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Hosts:Dr. Anthony OrsiniLiz Poret-ChristGuest:Chuck SaiaFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Chuck Saia LinkedInYOU GOT THIS KID! Leadership FoundationYOU GOT THIS, KID! Words of Advice for Young Leaders by Chuck SaiaYOU GOT THIS KID! Leadership Advice for Children by Chuck Saia

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, I have two amazing women joining me that are doing extraordinary work. My guests are Noa Ries and Kim Havens. They are Founders of Kahilla, which is an innovative digital platform to scale access to personal and professional development for underrepresented minorities in the corporate world.  They had a vision in 2018, to transform the culture of the corporate world and see more equity in positions of senior leadership. Through their curated content and ongoing engagement, Kahilla helps members become more confident, informed, and emboldens them to make their own choices, whatever they may be.  The spirit of empowerment, inclusivity, and accountability forms their core values, and every aspect of Kahilla, including their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, and charitable commitments. Noa and Kim are going to share with us everything you need to know about Kahilla, a company built by these amazing women.  Noa shares her story of starting her career in advertising and being an entrepreneur. Kim shares her story  commercial real estate development.  They tell us how they met through their children and decided after a meeting over guacamole and chips to form Kahilla.  They have some incredible clients they work with in Fortune 500,  as well as smaller organizations in commercial real estate, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. We also  hear about their memberships, as well as the new men’s program they are launching in April. Kim and Noa explain three ways they coach a woman who needs to have a difficult conversation: one-to-many, peer-to-peer, and crowdsourcing. They tell us   what their biggest barriers were when they started the company just 4 years ago. They share their reason  behind their recent decision to expand to minority men.  Kahilla has a program for people called the Step Up Reach Down Gifting Program, and Kim gives us the details. There’s some great advice on what you can do to create a more inclusive environment in the workplace, as well as some advice for the facilitator of a meeting to make sure everyone’s included. Kahilla has individual memberships now available that are very affordable, and you get all the benefits of executive coaching, curated content, and community.   We end with Noa and Kim sharing the most difficult type of conversations they’ve had and advice on how to navigate through those conversations. If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit the subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.  Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuests:Noa RiesKim HavensFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony Orsini Resources KahillaNoa Ries TwitterNoa Ries LinkedInKim Havens TwitterKim Havens LinkedIn

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.   Today our guest is Mr. Ryan Estis, who is a globally recognized sales and leadership expert, speaker and author. Ryan has been advising clients on navigating change, improving performance, influencing culture, and accelerating growth. He’s a Founding Partner of ImpactEleven, where he’s helping define and shape a community that’s influencing culture and shaping the future of both personal and professional growth. In this episode, we talk about Ryan’s story and how he went from a rockstar rising sales professional to becoming one of the top keynote speakers in the industry. As a speaker, Ryan is known for his innovative ideas on leading change, improving sales effectiveness, and preparing for the future of work. He’s been recognized as one of “the best keynote speakers ever heard” by Meetings & Conventions magazine. His works and writings have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur Magazines,. His book Prepare for Impact, coming later this year, offers a playbook for individuals to capture opportunity, accelerate growth, and leading into the future. As always, the promise on this show will be to inspire you and teach you how important communication is in medicine, business, and in everyday life. Ryan shares his story about hearing a speaker that changed the perspective of his career and inspired him to follow his passion to teach and coach.  We hear the path Ryan took to master the craft of  speaking.  Preparing for a keynote takes a lot of work, and we’ll find out about the hundreds of hours of preparation, perfecting the delivery, and bringing the energy into a conference.  We hear how Dr. Orsini met Ryan and how he helped him bring his speaking skills to another level.  Ryan tells us about how the word “community” kept coming up in his  life, and this is what led to the creation of ImpactEleven, a place where people can be inspired to share, teach, and spread their message to the world.  Dr. Orsini explains how attending the ImpactEleven Bootcamp had such an influence on him.  We’ll find out about how bootcamp started and the meaning behind Ryan’s mantra, We’re better together! Liz shares the experience she had learning about ImpactEleven’s operating principle called, “Give generously, don’t keep score.”  Ryan tells us about the importance of storytelling?  He shares with us how a story about  a cup of coffee changed his life. Hosts:Anthony OrsiniLiz Poret-ChristGuest:Ryan EstisFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Ryan Estis WebsiteRyan Estis TwitterRyan Estis & Associates YouTubeImpactElevenA Cup of Coffee Changed My Life-Ryan Estis-Goalcast (YouTube)

Welcome to Difficult Conversations.  Today, we have Liz Poret-Christ hosting along with Dr. Orsini.  A few weeks ago, when Liz was scrolling through Facebook, she came across the PELOTON Cancer Warriors page and saw a post by Gina Jacobson. Her thoughts about battling cancer, mixed with a bit of dark humor, and a lot of honesty made Liz realize that she would be a great guest on this podcast. So, joining us today is Gina Jacobson. For the past twenty-seven years, Gina has worked in a broad range of roles with the Publicis Group, including overseeing media at Starcom and creative development at Leo Burnett. Her official title at Starcom is Chief Growth Officer, but she thinks of herself as a “Chief Potential Officer.” She’s known for her critical strategic thinking, digging into her client’s businesses, and has a passion for building and nurturing teams who deliver engaging, strategic work.   Gina was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2018, and has outlived her prognosis by several years, and intends to keep living a joyful and purposeful life, helping others realize their full potential.  Get ready to hear Gina’s story and be inspired! Gina shares her background story and how she got to where she is today with her career. We learn how her leadership style and philosophy of “recognizing fear” started, and she goes in depth how her philosophy deepened after her cancer diagnosis.  Gina tells us about the breakdown she had at a conference in front of her whole leadership team and reveals how having cancer changed her philosophy of leadership, how she views the world, her job, and how being more vulnerable helped her and her co-workers. We hear the story about the four oncologists Gina interviewed and how their communication affected her ability to envision a successful path forward. She explains how each of the conversations went, and how she ultimately chose the one that communicated with her in a way that she felt this physician was her advocate and one that she could trust. With the great connection she had with this physician, she makes a point that the positive attitude certainly made for an easier journey and a more tolerable journey.  Gina describes her cancer journey as a “masterclass in fear” and shares her message to everyone.  We hear about her blog and a post she wrote about telling the kids, and specifically one with her son, and his response that felt like a knife in the gut for a mother to hear. We end with Gina telling us the type of conversation she finds most challenging and the strategies she’s developed to get better at having those difficult conversations. If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit the subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Hosts:Liz Poret-ChristDr. Anthony Orsini Guest:Gina Jacobson For More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Gina Jacobson Blog-SubstackWe Are All Made of Stars-Gina’s Blog

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.   My guest today, is Mindy Spigel.  Mindy  has dedicated her career to improving healthcare and helping patients get over their fears of the  system. She has a master’s degree in nursing, has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and has taught in both academic and clinical fields. Her passion is helping people create meaningful connections as a leader and team member while providing the best care.  She enjoys helping leaders build strong teams in exceptional work environments. It’s her desire to alleviate fears, build trust, and create an exceptional experience for all.  Mindy has been honored to have presented at numerous national, state, and local conferences, she recently published a research study on the “Fears of Parents When Their Child is a Patient, and she just released her first book, There’s a Snake on My Head! Strategies for Alleviating Fear and Anxiety in Healthcare, which we are going to be talking about today. Mindy tells us about her journey and what gave her a passion for patient experience. She expresses why she’s been a very big advocate for shared decision making and asking the team  how can we make this work? We hear about the inspiration behind the title of her book, There’s a Snake on My Head! Strategies For Alleviating Fear and Anxiety in Healthcare. Dr. .  Mindy and Dr Orsini discuss why it is such a big mistake when hospitals try to t way to improve patient experience is treating hospitals like hotels. She tells us about  things she learned in her research about what people are afraid of. In her book, Mindy talks about Five Relieving Strategies, and the first one is build a relationship. It’s about finding commonality, and Dr. Orsini talks about how we could find commonality in just about everyone.  Mindy explains her second strategy which is, choose your words carefully.  She shares an aha moment story.  In part two of her book, Mindy talks about how healthcare team members are people too and she explains more about this. Also, we find out what prompted Mindy to write her book, what she hopes will understand after reading the book. Mindy talks about what she is currently doing and her hopes for the coming months in her career. We end with Mindy telling us the most difficult type of conversation she’s had, and advice on how she navigated through it. Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Mindy Spigel For More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Mindy Spigel [email protected]’s a Snake on My Head! Strategies for Alleviating Fear and Anxiety in Healthcare for Patients, Families, AND Healthcare Teams by Mindy G. Spigel

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, I have a wonderful guest who’s been doing great things in the healthcare field and has some wonderful stories to share.  My guest today is Jeff Atwood.  Jeff is a healthcare leader, author, and speaker who has more than twenty-five years of healthcare leadership, marketing, and storytelling experience. He consults with healthcare and community groups nationally, sharing insights and encouragement found at the crossroads during his two decades serving healthcare organizations, while raising a daughter with significant and developmental challenges. Jeff’s books have been published by Simon & Schuster, Random House, and Harvest House, and today we’ll be talking about his latest book, Need to Know for Graduates: Little Things That Make a Big Difference, which was released earlier this year. Jeff shares his journey and how he entered a career in healthcare by accident.  He tells us about his daughter who has had a seizure disorder her entire life, and how he and his wife had the opportunity to touch almost every part of the healthcare system as parents. We hear about the Gratitude Symposium and Jeff shares a sweet story, as well as his thoughts about how the healthcare community is wired with gratitude. Dr. Orsini shares his insights on the importance of teamwork when it comes to providing care to human beings, and we hear some great stories of the true kindness of people in healthcare  We hear some great advice about how we can bring even more beauty and humanity out in medicine, and why acknowledging  people when they do good things is so important.  Dr. Orsini tells us his “sticker story” and why such a simple thing seems to bring so much excitement to people. He tells a tender story about a housekeeper in the Neonatal ICU. Jeff’s discusses his most recent book, Need to Know for Graduates: Little Things That Make a Big Difference, and his idea behind the book that shares advice and things he thinks are important for parents to tell their kids. He explains how as a parent you really need to be intentional with what’s important and how you say it. Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Jeff AtwoodFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Jeff Atwood (Email)Need to Know for Graduates: Little Things That Make a Big Difference by Jeff AtwoodNeed to Know for New Parents: Little Things That Make a Big Difference by Jeff Atwood

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  Our guest today is my friend, Ellen Reilly, who is an industry leader focused on the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data. She’s the Global Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences at WHOOP, a company that debuted in 2015,. Ellen has led large organizations in driving change to transform and simplify business processes while delivering bottom line measurable benefits. This is another part of a long series about physician wellness, and we’re going to build upon  a previous episode with guest, Brian Ferguson. Brian is doing real important work with  WHOOP.  As always, Dr. Orsini keeps his promise about two things, that you will feel inspired, and you will have learned valuable lessons to be a better and more compassionate communicator.Ellen tells us her background and how she ended up at WHOOP. We find out what WHOOP does and why it is unique in the industry.  Dr. Orsini tells us that agreed to be on the Healthcare Advisory Board for WHOOP because he was so impressed with what it does, and he shares what he loves about it. There are a lot of hospitals that are doing some studies right now with WHOOP and Ellen shares some of those studies with us.  We also hear about the type  of data  consumers and healthcare workers use to understand the impact of such factors as alcohol, smoking, and  caffeine, and how it changes their behaviors and recovery.  Ellen tells us how people are using WHOOP to measure things such as the strain of stress.  Ms Reilly explains how WHOOP helped her improve her life in a positive way by using it every day. Also, we learn how WHOOP could be used for real time data to make people aware of how outside factors effect their own wellness.  Dr. Orsini and Ellen discuss the major impact Whoop can have on physician wellness, professional burnout and  ultimately patient safety. Ellen tells us the most difficult conversation she’s had in her life and shares advice how she navigated through it.  We end with learning where Ellen sees WHOOP going in the future. If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Go ahead and download this episode now! Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Ellen ReillyFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:[email protected] UniteDifficult Conversations Podcast-Episode 164: Reaching Peak Performance in Medicine with Brian FergusonDifficult Conversations Podcast-Episode 110: Avoiding Burnout with Dr. Dike Drummond

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  This interview was recorded over a year ago and for reasons best not discussed were not been able to make it live. Well the big day is finally here. Today, you are in for a real treat because my special guest is a true legend and a local hero in the field of Neonatology here in Central Florida and in the country.  He is a hero not only because of his accomplishments, but because of the positive impact that he has left on so many lives and families. My guest today is Dr. Gregor Alexander, who is a friend, a former partner, and someone whom I’ve learned a great deal from.  He has treated more than 45,000 critically ill newborns and has touched the lives of countless other families and children through his work with Orlando Health and the Arnold Palmer Foundation.  He has been locally and nationally recognized by organizations such as March of Dimes, Children’s Miracle Network, and the American Institute for Public Service, to name a few. His relationship with Arnold Palmer and the work they’ve done together is a story he will share today.  His story is so inspirational and interesting that Gregor is currently working on a book about his life as a Baby Doctor and what it means to truly live a  purposeful life. Gregor shares with us an incredible story about his family, living in Columbia, becoming a doctor, and how he ended up in the United States.  He tells us about coming to Central Florida, working in a tiny NICU, and becoming the director. He talks about the miracle that came to him in 1981, which was Arnold Palmer, who helped with making a dream come true in 1989 to open the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.  We also learn about the dream and planning of building the Winnie Palmer Hospital.  Gregor goes into detail about the relationship he formed with Arnold Palmer over the years and why he called him the “King of Hearts.” Dr. Orsini talks about meeting Arnold Palmer, how he changed the game of golf, and how humble he was. Gregor tells us about the survival rates of babies back in 1975 and how scary it was. We hear Gregor’s philosophy on having that human connection with the families of premature babies, how he takes great pleasure and honor taking care of babies, and how he uses humor to start his relationships with the families.  Also, find out why he says we are becoming “emotional billionaires.” Dr. Orsini brings up the importance of finding commonality. Gregor shares with us what he’s currently doing in his life, which includes mission trips, caring for babies, and writing a book about his life that he hopes will be an inspiration to people not only in the medical field, but for people that come to this country and have a dream and want to succeed like he did.  Check out Dr. Alexander's upcoming book "The Baby Doctor" Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Dr. Gregor AlexanderSponsor:The Finley ProjectFor More Information:The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:[email protected]

Welcome  to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, joining me as my guest is somebody who embodies everything that I think should be right in healthcare. With over forty years of healthcare leadership experience, Thomas Dahlborg is a voice for relationship centered and compassionate care and servant leadership. He’s the President and CEO of Dahlborg HealthCARING Leadership Group, a leader, advisor, internationally recognized speaker, and an amazing writer of two multiple award-winning books, From Heart to Head & Back Again:  a Journey Through the Healthcare System,  and The Big Kid and Basketball…and the lessons he taught his Father and Coach. Tom is a father, husband, and coach, and he also coaches healthcare leaders and a coach of young men. He believes at the end of the day, it’s all about love and impact.  Tom shares his journey into healthcare,  starting out in a small community hospital. In his book, From Heart to Head & Back Again:  a Journey Through the Healthcare System, Tom tells us about going door to door trying to get people’s opinions on the healthcare system, and he shares the story about one person he met who was the wife of a soldier, and the points she made to him that were so important.  We hear about Tom’s journey, and the one doctor that treated him a whole person that helped him heal. Find out why he states in his book that we are hurting our doctors, our nurses, our families, our patients, our communities, and ourselves. We learn some key pieces Tom learned working in quality improvement, and he explains why the real solution is integrity, love, losing ego and focusing on what the real problem is. Another story we hear is about a doctor that Tom was connected to when he was sick, the incredible conversations he had, and the relationship that developed all leading to the right path for him.  We talk more about Tom’s organization, Dahlborg HealthCARING Leadership Group, and what they do. We end with finding out Tom’s diagnosis of healthcare, the most difficult conversation he’s had, and how he navigated through it. Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Thomas Dahlborg For More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Dahlborg HealthCARING Leadership [email protected] (email)Thomas Dahlborg LinkedInDahlborg HealthCARING Leadership Group YouTubeFrom Heart to Head & Back Again: a Journey Through the Healthcare System by Thomas Dahlborg Sr.

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.   In previous episodes, we’ve had some guests that talked about the problem of substance abuse among physicians. We heard about an incredible film documentary on physician suicide and we heard from  physicians about their journey with burnout,  This is an important topic because it doesn’t just impact doctors and their families, it also affects patients. According to one statistic, physician suicide affects 900,000 patients per year in the United States, and a physician dies by suicide in the U.S. on an average of one per day,  That speaks to a very larger problem in healthcare.  Recently, I read the book, Why Physicians Die by Suicide:  and I knew I had to have the author on since he has a unique insight into this problem. Today, my guest is Dr. Michael Myers, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at SUNY-Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn.  He’s a specialist in physician health , a researcher, teacher, and consultant, as well as an author of nine books. He’s a highly regarded speaker and lecturer on all aspects of physician well-being. Michael shares the story about his medical school roommate who committed suicide.  We find out how Dr. Myers started out in Internal Medicine and the game changing decision that made him take the leap into Psychiatry. Dr. Orsini and Dr. Meyers share their concerns on the “elephant in the room” problem, how we got into this crisis, . Many physicians are asking for help, but as Dr. Meyers explains there is work being done to make it easier and more permissible to ask for help. We dive into Dr. Meyers book, and he shares stories about the hundreds of families he interviewed, and how this changed his life,  To the family and friends of physicians out there, Dr. Meyers goes in depth on how they can identify the red flags  To the physicians  who are feeling depressed or having suicidal thoughts, he sheds some light on what the rules and laws are that protect them, and the best way to find the psychiatrist that is right for them.    If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Go ahead and download this episode now! Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Dr. Michael MyersFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Michael F. Myers, MD WebsiteDr. Michael Myers LinkedInDr. Michael Myers TwitterWhy Physicians Die by Suicide: Lessons Learned from Their Families and Others Who Cared by Michael F. Myers, MD

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. On this episode, the conversation we’ll be having not only affects physicians but quite possibly affects everyone who is listening.  We’ll be talking about the complex world of medical malpractice liability coverage. It affects the cost of care, it affects physicians, patients, and hospitals, often even dictating care by a doctor.  My special guest today is Jennifer Wiggins, who’s the CEO and Founder of Aegis Malpractice Solutions in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which is a niche insurance agency focused exclusively on medical malpractice insurance solutions for independent healthcare providers and medical groups. Jen brings a depth of knowledge  with nearly twenty years of experience in the malpractice industry. Jennifer tells us about two big gaps in the marketplace she observed while working at MedPro, and why she decided to start her own business.  We hear some great recommendations from Jennifer explaining what doctors should be asking at the time of their initial contract negotiations about having malpractice insurance,  She touches on Good Samaritan laws and how they differ based on where you practice. Dr. Orsini and Jennifer chat about having outside malpractice insurance and how it’s important to be your own advocate when it comes to getting an attorney if you need it. We learn the importance of communication in malpractice lawsuits. Jennifer explains the two biggest control levers that you can pull to make yourself safer as a practitioner that has to do with communication and documentation. Dr. Orsini tells us about the workshops they do at The Orsini Way for physicians to help them avoid malpractice lawsuit. Apology Laws are different in every state and Jennifer touches on taking advantage of any risk management courses you can take to make yourself aware of other tools and resources out there.  We hear about a podcast Jennifer does, Malpractice Insights, and we find out how she helps someone who needs malpractice insurance, but she can’t find a carrier for them.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please go ahead and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Go ahead and download this episode now! Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Jennifer WigginsFor More Information:Difficult Conversations PodcastThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony Orsini Resources Mentioned:Jennifer Wiggins LinkedInAegis Malpractice SolutionsMalpractice Insights Podcast (Apple Podcasts)The Role of Apology Laws in Medical Malpractice (The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law)

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, we have another incredible guest joining us that I know you’re going to love. Jennifer George is an award-winning author, speaker, podcast host, and compassion-focused physiotherapist, with a lot of experience in the private and public sectors of care.  She became a caregiver to her chronically ill father and it was with this personal experience of witnessing his journey through the healthcare system that shaped her professional practice.  She has spent the last 14 years learning and reflecting on the importance of communication in our health and educational systems.  Jennifer is the host of Healthcare Provider Happy Hour Podcast and the author of Communication is Care: 9 Empowering Strategies to Guide Patient Healing. Jennifer is also a mentor to future and current health providers on discovering their purpose, achieving fulfillment, and creating empowering patient experience. As always we start off with Jennifer sharing her remarkable story about taking care of her ill father. We hear her journey of how she became a patient advocate, and how it blossomed into to writing her  book. Dr. Orsini talks more about how in healthcare, we tend to confuse the term communication with the term information. We discuss Jennifer's book  in depth  and   her philosophy which sets the tone; - “In a lot of ways, my patients have lost their sense of identity.  They have gone from living life on their terms to living life within the framework of the health care system.” Jennifer discusses in depth each of the 9 Empowering Strategies to Guide Patient Healing.  Dr. Orsini shares a funny story about his cousin who had to be savvy at a doctor’s office, and tells us that Jennifer’s book reminds us that as a provider, you can make a difference and choose not to let any system or any pressure from the outside stop those special moments that you have with your patient.  We end with Jennifer sharing the most difficult conversation she had in her life and advice on how she navigated through it. Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Jennifer GeorgeFor More Information:Difficult Conversations Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Jennifer George WebsiteJennifer George TwitterJennifer George LinkedInHealthcare Provider Happy Hour Podcast with Jennifer GeorgeCommunication is Care: 9 Empowering Strategies to Guide Patient Healing by Jennifer George

Welcome  to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  Today, we have another incredible guest, Joshua Washington, who is the President of Lee Malveaux People, Strategy & Solutions.  As an organizational psychologist, Joshua has helped over 200 medical facilities with people, strategy, and performance.  He’s also trained over a thousand executive leaders and developed a one-to-one physician coaching program helping doctors reach the top percentile nationally in patient experience.  His passion for people development shines through his work and serves as the foundation of his success. He has a new book out called, The Mentality of Success, which he’ll tell us more about,  As always, Dr. Orsini keeps his promise about two things, that you will feel inspired, and you will have learned valuable lessons to be a better and more compassionate communicator. Joshua shares his background and journey, which is centered around communication and impacting the value of people. We learn how Joshua got started  coaching doctors. Dr. Orsini and Joshua chat about the lack of money spent on teaching communication to doctors. Joshua makes a point about physicians being one of the main professions that are constantly learning and constantly growing, which is why administrators should invest more into training.  We find out Joshua’s approach to communicating with physicians  as well as why the communication skill set should be a culture within your physician group. Joshua details his four-step process. He explains why data is critical, getting to know each doctor on a personal level, and how long the coaching/physician relationship typically lasts.  Dr. Orsini talks about the training he does, which like Joshua’s approach, has a beginning, middle, and an end. We hear about the greatest aha moments that Joshua  sees  in  physicians’ eyes when they talk about the personal versus the practical. Dr. Orsini shares with us how many physicians he thinks are fighting to hold on to their love for medicine , and why it’s okay to ask for coaching.  We hear more about Joshua’s new book, The Mentality of Success, how it’s more of a personal development book.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please go ahead and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Go ahead and download this episode now! Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Joshua WashingtonFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Joshua Washington LinkedInLee Malveaux-People, Strategy & [email protected] Joshua MentalityThe Orsini Way-Podcast-Episode 114: The Patient Experience-Discovering the Best in Others with Diane Rogers

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  Today, I am lucky to have  as mu Co-host, Elizabeth Poret-Christ, who is the Managing  Director of The Orsini Way. Our two guests today are, Dr. Sandra Cammarata and Dr. Giovanni Campanile, who  wrote the  book, The Sicilian Secret Diet Plan, which introduces the pleasure and wonderful health benefits of the Sicilian version of the Mediterranean Diet. Dr. Campanile is a Clinical and Functional Cardiologist and Founding Director of the Chambers Center for Well-Being in Morristown, NJ.  He’s board-certified in five different specialties and subspecialties including Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Integrative Medicine, Anti-Aging Regenerative Medicine,  Dr. Sandra Cammarata practices Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Tufts University.  She was raised in Catania, Sicily, graduated from Catania Medical School, and moved to the U.S. with her husband Giovanni. Giovanni and Sandra share their backgrounds with us,   We find out what makes the Sicilian Diet unique.  We discuss their book, The Sicilian Secret Diet Plan.  Sandra points out five things that help us live long: healthy diets, healthy sleep, exercise, connecting with others, and the ability to stay in the present.  Giovanni explains it’s not just diet, but how we live our lives that is so important . We learn what prompted them to write their book. Liz shares her concern on so much misinformation about how to eat healthy and if you’re one of those people that is trying to focus more on your health we find out where you can begin. We hear some history, facts, and information about the Sicilian Diet and their book,  Sandra shares a story of growing up in Sicily, how no one ate anything from a box, and some really great information on pasta.   Find out how you can use the Sicilian way of eating to lose weight, what you should be looking for when purchasing meat, chicken, and fish, and why Giovanni tells his patients that a half a pound a week is twenty-five pounds at the end of the year.Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniCo-Host:Elizabeth Poret-ChristGuests:Dr. Sandra CammarataDr. Giovanni CampanileFor More Information:Difficult Conversations Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources:The Sicilian Secret Diet The Sicilian Secret Diet PodcastThe Sicilian Secret Diet InstagramThe Sicilian Secret Diet Plan YouTubeThe Sicilian Secret Diet Plan by Giovanni Campanile, MD and Sandra Cammarata, MD

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.   Today, I am honored to have as my guest, Paul Falcone, who is widely considered and  expert on communication and human resources.  Paul is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Motion Picture and Television Fund and former Head of HR for Nickelodeon. He is a best-selling author of a number of books, including one  we’ll be speaking  about today called, 101 Tough Conversations to Have With Employees:  A Manager’s Guide To Addressing Performance, Conduct, And Discipline Challenges. He’s also the creator of The Paul Falcone Workplace Leadership Series, which includes his latest book that was just released called, Workplace Ethics: Mastering Ethical Leadership and Sustaining a Moral Workplace. Paul’s a regular columnist at SHRM’s HR Magazine and a long-term instructor in UCLA’s Extension School of Business & Management.  We start with Paul sharing his story and we find out the importance of soft skills and building relationships. We learn things that have changed tremendously in medicine and business with having so many options these days, especially with the Gen Y and Gen Z’s.  Paul and Dr. Orsini talk about having the important trust factor. . Dr. Orsini  points out that medicine and business are so similar because we have to communicate.  Paul shares a great HR story and  advice to always go with your heart and when in doubt err on the side of compassion. We Discuss Paul's book, 101 Tough Conversations to Have With Employees. We find out the most difficult conversation Paul has with people being in HR..  You don’t want to miss Paul’s advice about the important conversation in HR and with people before a Christmas party.  Paul’s latest book, Workplace Ethics,, was just released and he tells us the theory behind the book, and gives examples of workplace ethics. He also shares advice on what to say to an employee who is being harassed but is afraid to say anything to HR because their boss is going to find out. We end with Paul explaining what COVID has done for HR.Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Paul FalconeFor More Information:Difficult Conversations Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Paul Falcone WebsitePaul Falcone TwitterPaul Falcone LinkedInPaul Falcone-Books on AmazonThe Orsini Way-Podcast-Episode 105: Difficult Conversations and Workplace Violence with Larry Barton

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  Today, I am are honored to have another amazing guest.  Our guest today is Dorothy Roberts, who is the George A. Weiss University Professor of Law & Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania with joint appointments in the Departments of Africana Studies and Sociology and the Law School where she holds the inaugural Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil Rights. She’s also the founding director of the Penn Program on Race, Science, & Society. Dorothy is the author of several award-winning books including, Killing the Black Body, Shattered Bonds, Fatal Invention, and Torn Apart, coming out soon. Recent recognitions of her work include 2019 Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees at Rutgers University, 2017 election to the National Academy of Medicine, 2016 Society of Family Planning Lifetime Achievement Award. Her TED talk on, “The problem with race-based medicine.” has had over 1 million views. Dr Roberts tells us about her background, growing up in Chicago and how she pursued her interest in social justice.  We learn what race-based medicine is and why it is such a big problem. Dorothy shares a story about a clinical trial she participated in and why it seemed so unscientific to use race as a variable. We find out who Dr. Samuel Cartwright was,  and why he is so important to understanding the role that racial medicine has played over time  in America.  Dorothy discusses the impact that diagnostic tools being used in medicine today that use  automatic race correction have  for black patients based on false assumptions.   We learn why it is so important when speaking to medical students and physicians to ask why they are using race when they should be looking at genetics.  We discuss her  book, Fatal Invention, that is used by incoming medical students across the country, as well as her new book coming out in April, Torn Apart, which is about racism in the child welfare system.  Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Dorothy RobertsFor More Information:The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Dorothy Roberts [email protected] Talk 2015- Dorothy Roberts: The problem with race-based medicineFatal Invention: How Science, Politics, and Big Business Re-Create race in the Twenty-first Century by Dorothy RobertsTorn Apart:  How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families—and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World by Dorothy Roberts 

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is something most people are familiar with but are uncomfortable talking about. As my guest today, I have one of the foremost experts on PTSD who will tell us  about the groundbreaking work she’s been doing here in Central Florida. Dr. Deborah Beidel is the Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor of Psychology at University of Central Florida. She is also the Director of UCF RESTORES program, which is a clinical research center dedicated to changing the way post-traumatic stress disorder is understood, diagnosed, and treated. Her use of virtual reality to treat people suffering from PTSD has led to the development of treatments that are 2 -3X more effective than standard psychological treatments.  Dr. Beidel is the author of over 300 scientific publications on the treatment of anxiety disorders and PTSD.  Her most recent work involved leading a team of scientists and clinicians develop a new virtual reality system that allows clinicians to use virtual reality to treat veterans, active-duty personnel, first responders, and survivors of mass shootings with PTSD. Dr. Beidel takes us through her journey, which started in the 1990’s, with her and two colleagues searching for a better way to treat Vietnam Veterans with PTSD. We find out the various historical names for PTSD.  She discusses PTSD , the symptoms that develop, and why it’s a conversation people don’t want to have. We hear Dr. Beidel’s thoughts on why there needs to be a change at the administrative level, so  PTSD can be recognized earlier. She  discusses the need  for more therapists who are culturally competent. Dr. Orsini mentions some important points about getting the person to admit to themselves. that they have PTSD. He says "Its a difficult conversations they sometimes need to have with themselves."  Dr. Beidel details more about the RESTORES program, which utilizes exposure therapy, virtual reality, and  intensive outpatient treatment. We also learn how some of their programs are federally funded, and with the help of the state legislature in Florida, the treatment is provided at no cost to Florida residents who meet the criteria for PTSD. Dr. Beidel tells us where  treatments are available, and about a grant she received to do this treatment on 3 military bases around the country. We end with Dr. Beidel sharing with us the most difficult conversation she’s had and how she navigated though it. If you enjoyed this podcast, please go ahead and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Dr. Deborah BeidelFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Dr. Deborah Beidel LinkedinDr. Deborah Beidel-USF UCF RESTORESUCF RESTORES Twitter

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. On this episode, we have another amazing guest!  Joining us today is Dr. Wendy Dean. Dr. Dean is a writer, speaker, podcast host, and the President and Co-Founder of Moral Injury of Healthcare, which is a nonprofit organization that provides training and consultation to organizations focusing on alleviating distress in their workforce. Dr. Dean has been a practicing clinician,  trained in psychiatry.  She also worked for the Department of Defense and was an executive for a large international non-profit, supporting military medical research.  As always, Dr. Orsini keeps his promise about two things, that you will feel inspired, and you will have learned valuable lessons to be a better and more compassionate communicator.  Dr. Dean shares her background with us and her journey to becoming a doctor. She tells us why she decided to leave surgery and go into psychiatry?  Find out why Moral Injury is a better term than burnout when describing what healthcare professionals are feeling right now.   She goes in depth about the state of psychiatry and mental health care being in a tough place right now. We hear the story of how Dr. Dean met Dr. Simon Talbot, and what prompted them to start Moral Injury of Healthcare.  Dr. Dean shares ways resiliency programs can help people, such as nurses, but they do not fix the problems that causes moral injury. Dr. Orsini and Dr. Dean share their thoughts on hospitals being run now by people who are not in the healthcare industry, and how there is a lack of quality communication. We hear some great advice from Dr. Dean about the future for Moral Injury of Healthcare and what she would like to see happen in facilitating the relationship between the patient and the clinician. After having this enlightening conversation today, Dr. Orsini concludes that physician burnout should be replaced with the term moral injury. If you enjoyed this podcast, please go ahead and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Go ahead and download this episode now! Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Wendy Dean, MDFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Moral Injury of HealthcareWendy Dean, MD WebsiteWendy Dean, MD [email protected] Matters Podcast with Wendy Dean, MD & Simon G. Talbot, MDThe Orsini Way- Podcast- Episode 158: Do No Harm-Conversations About Physician Suicide with Robyn Symon

Welcome  to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  On today’s episode we will be talking about High Performance Medicine. I have the pleasure of having as my guest, Brian Ferguson, who is the founder and CEO of Arena Labs, a company that has pioneered the field of High Performance Medicine.  Before founding Arena Labs, Brian served in the military as a Navy SEAL Officer.  Aside from his duties at the tactical level, he worked with senior leaders to understand the impact of accelerating technology on the modern battlefield.  Brian spent his career working in high performance organizations, learning from leaders and decision makers in the U.S. national security, the military, and technology which helped him build Arena Labs. Brian and Arena Labs are on a mission to re-imagine healthcare, training doctors and nurses as elite performers by investigating clinicians with the same training tools and technology as Navy SEALS, Olympic athletes, and creative masters. Arena Labs believes hospitals can reduce burnout and provide healthcare teams with the ability to flourish in the face of a demanding stressful career.  We start out getting to know who Brian Ferguson is, how he became a Navy SEAL, the story behind Arena Labs, and the toolkit he developed to help physicians and nurses manage a stressful high consequence environment. He tells us about WHOOP, who they’ve partnered with to provide a wearable sensor and explains how they use it. We learn more about Arena Labs long-term goal and how Brian would love to see a world where healthcare sees them as a trusted, necessary partner for every clinician in the world, helping them understand their biomarkers, improve their sleep, and how to think about the tools for dealing with stress  Dr. Orsini talks about the importance of data for hospitals with nurses and physicians.  Brian explains how in special operations and pro sports, modern technology and data have made us smarter in understanding the human system. He uses an analogy of concussion protocols in pro sport and military. Arena Labs number one value is humility, and Brian elaborates how they can provide clinicians with the toolkit to feel more confident in the face of stress. Brian shares some valuable tips on how to get through a stressful situation,    We end with Brian explaining what happened in the tale of two operating rooms, and he shares two difficult conversations he’s had and how he navigated through them. If you enjoyed this podcast, please go ahead and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Brian FergusonFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedInThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Brian Ferguson LinkedInArena LabsWHOOPReduce Anxiety & Stress with the Physiological Sigh with Dr. Andrew Huberman (YouTube

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, our guest host is Liz Poret-Christ, who is the Director of Programming at The Orsini Way. Liz has a very personal relationship with our special guest, Gunnar Esiason. Gunnar  is the son of Boomer Esiason, and known for his  life-long battle with cystic fibrosis. Boomer and Gunnar were featured on the cover of the October 1993 Sports Illustrated to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis, and he has spent his entire life in the public eye, first as a child of a famous athlete, and now as an advocate and resource for those living with CF. Gunnar is a rare disease patient advocate who is passionate about early- stage drug development, patient empowerment, and health policy. He has developed a patient engagement platform for a medical nutrition company, built a venture philanthropy practice at the Boomer Esiason Foundation, and was the head coach of his high school’s alma mater’s varsity hockey team. He has consulted on clinical trial development, a real-world evidence population health study, and a cystic fibrosis-specific mental health and wellness screening tool. Currently he hosts the podcast, The State of Health with Gunnar Esiason.  Gunnar has been a household name in Liz’s family since her daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 2003. Liz and her family have benefited  from the generosity of the Boomer Esiason Foundation, learning about treatments, the importance of athletics, and insights into the latest medical research.  We start by Gunnar telling us about his personal journey  and how cystic fibrosis has affected his family.  We find out the story behind why Gunnar changed his mind about going to Law School after getting out of college, and he goes in depth about  his own patient experience and why he’s so excited about  patient advocacy.  We hear a story about a conversation Gunnar had with his doctor when he was very sick and only 22 years and what happened when he got a spot in the TRIKAFTA clinical trial program.  We end with Gunnar sharing a conversation he found to be  most difficult.  He tells us  about the amazing things he is doing with the Boomer Esiason Foundation and talks  about their program supporting athletes with cystic fibrosis.   Host:Liz Poret-ChristGuest:Gunnar EsiasonFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Gunnar Esiason WebsiteGunnar Esiason TwitterGunnar Esiason InstagramBoomer Esiason FoundationBoomer Esiason Foundation TwitterThe State of Health Podcast with Gunnar Esiason 

Welcome to Difficult Conversations - Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician. This week Liz Poret-Christ and Dr. Anthony Orsini send a very special Holiday Message to all of their faithful listeners. Liz and Dr. Orsini discuss the best podcast episodes of the 2021 and talk about all of the wonderful people who have honored them by being guests. Dr. Orsini and Liz discuss the highlights of the year and what they have learned from their guests. We end with Liz Poret-Christ quizzing Dr. Orsini about quotes from the year and which guest said them.  See how he  does on the quiz by listening now.. If you haven't been able to listen to each episode this year, this is a good review to find out which will be the next one you download. To listen to any and all of the episodes that were discussed today, go to your favorite podcast platform or listen by clicking on the link to The Orsini Way WebsiteIf you haven't yet followed this podcast this is a great time to do it. As always we keep our promise that each week you will feel inspired and learn valuable communication skills that you can use now. Go ahead download and follow now. The Orsini Way Website Difficult Conversations - Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesTED Talk - How the Human Connection Improves Healthcare

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, my guest is Stuart Levine, who is the Chairman of the Board and CEO for STUART LEVINE & ASSOCIATES.  He was the former CEO for Dale Carnegie & Associates.  Stuart is an international best-selling author of three books, The Six Fundamentals of Success and Cut to the Chase, and the co-author of the  international best seller The Leader in You. Stuart has been delivering speeches around the globe for over twenty years on the subjects of leadership, change management, and organizational transformation. He is a sought-after commentator on TV, print, and social media. Stuart also has extensive experience in healthcare leadership and  his experience in business and healthcare make him uniquely qualified to speak to us today about these important topics. Stuart talks about different types of leadership, why command and control didn’t work then, and doesn’t work now.  Dr. Orsini brings up a talk he recently did on physician burnout. Stuart shares his thoughts on bringing back autonomy to the doctors and why it's so  important to keep physicians in the loop of the business of healthcare.  Stuart tells us about  one of the key components that does not get enough attention, and that is “we share learning together.” He elaborates on the one thing his experience in healthcare taught him which is perspective, and shares a touching story that truly elevated him as a human being. Dr. Orsini sheds light on the importance of how the human connection improves healthcare, and Stuart touches on understanding cultural issues and why data is so important.   Find out Stuart’s perspective on leaders and why the the most important thing in leadership is communication. We hear some great advice if you’re interviewing someone for a job and how you can tell if a person is willing to learn.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please go ahead and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Stuart LevineFor More Information:The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterHow The Human Connection Improves Healthcare with Dr. Anthony Orsini (TEDx Talks) It’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:STUART LEVINE & ASSOCIATESThe Six Fundamentals of Success:  The Rules for Getting It Right for Yourself and Your Organization by Stuart LevineThe Leader in You:  How to Win Friends, Influence People And Succeed in a Changing World by Dale Carnegie, Stuart Levine, and Michael Crom

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  Even though October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer should be on our minds all year around. I can’t think of anyone more qualified to talk about breast cancer and the many difficult conversations associated with this diagnosis then my special guest, Dr. Michele Blackwood. She is currently the Chief of Breast Services at RWJ/ Barnabas Health and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.  She also serves as the Northern Medical Director of Breast Services and joined St. Barnabas Medical Center as the Medical Director of Breast Health and Disease Management in 2009.  Michele has appeared on national and local media programs, including Fox Five, “60 Minutes,” CBS’s Early Show, and Good Day New York. Even with all her credentials, it is her reputation for the compassionate manner in which she practices and her ability to navigate the many difficult conversations that  that make her special. My Co-host today is Liz Poret-Christ, who is our Director of Programming at The Orsini Way and a patient of Dr. Blackwoods. Dr. Blackwood tells us about her career. She shares the many ways the breast cancer field has evolved dramatically and how survival rates are so much better. Dr. Orsini reveals some incredible statistics about breast cancer. They talk about how healing can begin when you first hear the diagnosis and how medicine is about relationships, and not about the surgery.  Liz shares how her conversation went when she found out she had breast cancer.  Michele takes us through her approach, her plan, and her thoughts on how she has the initial conversation with a patient. We learn how Michele handles each patient’s situation, forms that special relationship with each person, and how she gives them options and guidance. Liz tells us more about how grateful she was with Michele letting her know the best path for her to take with her diagnosis. Michele explains more about physicians evolving in their style over time and how her style has changed.  She also explains how she addresses a lot of things with her patients so they will be in sync with her to have a better outcome after surgery.  We find out how Michele approaches her most difficult conversation with faith, comfort, and quality of life.  We end with Dr. Orsini, Michele, and Liz sharing their words of wisdom, with this being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please   subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Host:Dr. Anthony Orsini and Liz Poret-ChristGuests:Dr. Michele BlackwoodFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini [email protected]’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Michele Blackwood, MD-RWJ Barnabas HealthMichele Blackwood, MD-Rutgers Cancer Institute of New JerseyNational Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. We’ve had several episodes over the past eighteen months on the topics of physician burnout, the toxic culture of medicine, and the high rates of substance abuse in healthcare professionals. These are topics that I care about deeply and  speak about during my presentations and workshops. I recently spoke at a Global Summit on Ending Physician Burnout.  As part of the summit, attendees were able to get a free viewing of a groundbreaking and game-changing documentary , Do No Harm.  This documentary is an honest, deep dive into the increasing rate of physician suicide, its origins, and why this is a serious healthcare crisis, not only for physicians, but patients as well.  Today, we are extremely fortunate to have the producer of this documentary, Robyn Symon, who is a two-time Emmy award-winning filmmaker,  A former PBS producer, Robyn has directed six featured documentary films, as well as produced and directed television programs for various networks. We are so lucky and honored to have her as our guest today! We learn more about Robyn and why she started to investigate the causes behind physician burnout. Dr. Orsini tells us some of the jaw dropping statistics. Robyn reveals the truth  about physician  and medical student suicide  and doctors reporting substance abuse. She talks about the shortage of doctors and how we need to make sure that physicians and nurses are cared for and that they are not sleep deprived. Robyn fills us in about the documentary and talks about Hawkins, who is a very courageous med student willing to talk about his story with depression and suicide attempt.  Dr. Orsini stresses how many physicians just don’t ask for help and there are no real support systems available  Robyn tells us she’s optimistic, but shares her concerns about the pressures on physicians.  Dr. Orsini shares a story with us about “pimping” in medicine and what happened to him when he was a resident.  Robyn shares a great story about the LA Children’s Hospital and what they are doing with their MA’s to free up time for the residents. Dr. Orsini and Robyn talk more about her film as she explains that it’s a tool to open a dialogue.  We end with Robyn sharing the most difficult conversation she’s ever had and how she navigated through it. If you enjoyed this podcast, please go ahead and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.  Host:Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Robyn SymonFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterResources Mentioned:DO NO HARM Exposing the Hippocratic Hoax A film by Robyn Symon (Website)DO NO HARM Exposing the Hippocratic Hoax-Amazon Prime [email protected] ProductionsRobyn Symon LinkedinTEDx Talks-How the Human Connection Improves Healthcare with Dr. Anthony Orsini (YouTube)

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing for the second time my friend and former colleague. Dr. Karen Knops is a Palliative Care Physician and the creator of programs designed to improve communication in medicine. Her work is deeply influenced by her own experiences as a young patient.  After receiving her medical degree in Internal Medicine and completing her Fellowship in Palliative Care, she went on to create and lead the Division of Palliative and Supportive Care for a six hundred bed community teaching hospital as part of the Atlantic Health System, also creating an onsite training program for physicians from multiple specialties, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistant’s. Karen has been recognized as “Top Doctor” in Palliative Medicine in both New Jersey and in the Seattle area where she now lives.  Her models for communication and understanding patient perspective have been published and shared nationally and internationally.  She is a passionate advocate for improving patient experience, and compassion in healthcare. As always, Dr. Orsini keeps his promise about two things, that you will feel inspired, and you will have learned valuable lessons to be a better and more compassionate communicator.One of the biggest problems we have in medicine right now is poor communication between  doctors and patients.  Effective  communication can predict malpractice, prevent medical errors and improve the overall patient experience. Dr, Knops discusses how during her medical training, she realized how hard it was to learn communication skills.  She tells us more about the approach she used to help herself. Dr. Knops later developed a communication framework for patients and providers called A-S-C-E-N-D, and she tells us all about it, what it means, and how it can help you patients and doctors.  Dr. Orsini and Karen discuss the differences between older generations and Millennials with respect to how they communicate. We end with a communication tip and a great story from Dr. Orsini. if you are an attending physician and you’re teaching residents,  Dr. Knops leaves us with some great advice about “honoring the role.” If you enjoyed this podcast, please go ahead and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Go ahead and download this episode now! Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Dr. Karen KnopsSponsor:The Finley ProjectFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Karen Knops, MD LinkedinKaren Knops, MD TwitterThe Orsini Way-Podcast-Episode 128-Conversations about End of Life with Karen Knops, MDThe Anticipation [email protected]

Welcome to Difficult Conversations - Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician with Dr. Anthony Orsini. On this episode, I have the  honor to have as my guest, Steve Lawler, President of the North Carolina Healthcare Association since 2017.  Prior to his current position, Steve served various roles,  in healthcare  in Eastern North Carolina for over twenty years, including seven years as the President of Greenville Hospital.  He served as  Senior Vice President Regional Group of Carolinas HealthCare System until his current role as President of the North Carolina Healthcare Association. As always, Dr. Orsini keeps his promise about two things:  that you will feel inspired, and you will have learned valuable lessons to be a better and more compassionate communicator.Steve tells us  about his journey to becoming the President of North Carolina Health Care Associates.  We learn more about the North Carolina Healthcare Association and Steve's important role.. Dr. Orsini mentions how we are in a crisis with healthcare right now as it is getting more expensive, and Steve shares his thoughts on what healthcare workers can do to make the numbers work better and still keep  high quality of care. We also find out from Dr. Orsini that one of the best things that happened to healthcare in the last ten years was the elevation of the patient experience.  Steve tells us one of the biggest challenges to healthcare is to maintain the humanization of medicine  and how we need to improve  connections with communities.  Steve tells us a great story about a minister that pointed out to him where he was getting it wrong and helped him connect in a more meaningful way to get stuff done. Also, he gives advice on how a community doctor can  take the time to connect and  talk to their patients, especially when there’s never really enough time.  Dr. Orsini touches on how we really need to train doctors more on how to form that relationship with patients, build rapport, find  commonality, and make a personal connection with a patient. Dr. Orsini and Steve chat about the younger generation and how the doctor patient relationship should be less informational,  and  more relational. Find out where Steve thinks healthcare will be ten years from now, and thankfully it looks like we are going in the right direction!  We end with Steve telling us the most difficult conversation he’s had, which was with his aging parents, and he shares advice on the best way to navigate through this conversation. If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes to find out more about what we do and how we teach communication. Go ahead and download this episode now! Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Steve LawlerFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:[email protected] Lawler LinkedinNorth Carolina Healthcare Association

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, my guest is the incredible Cy Wakeman, who is a drama researcher, a global thought leader, and New York Times best-selling author. She has been deemed “the secret weapon to restoring sanity to the workplace” and has helped companies such as Google, Facebook, NBC Universal, Johns Hopkins, and countless others how to navigate our rapidly changing world using good mental processes to harness energy wasted in workplace drama, and reinvent that effort into achieving profound business results. As a highly sought-after conference headliner, she’s a regular contributor on Forbes.com,  The Huffington Post, and has been featured on the Today Show, Ask Gary Vee Show,  and the New York Times Business Insider. Cy has published three books, the latest of which we’ll talk about today called, No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results. Cy tells us about herself and she shares with us her lifelong pursuit. She reveals some statistics about her research  with hardworking, super achieving, professional people and how they spend two and a half hours a day in drama in the workplace. Dr. Orsini shares some advice about how he teaches healthcare professionals to help them prevent burnout and his   concept of  “It’s hard to fire your best friend.” Cy tells us she believes in two things, “you love people up and then you call them up,” and shares a story about an upset nurse and why she said to her, “If you were great, what would great look like?” She also talks about how self-reflection is the ultimate drama diffuser.  Cy explains her concept of toggling up and toggling down. Dr. Orsini talks more about why he loves conflict resolution with a great story and clarifies how great leaders make you self-reflect and how to look at things differently. The topic of leadership and the culture of business comes up in the conversation, and whether or not we need to train the leaders and if there are some leaders that just have to go. Find out why Cy doesn’t believe in working on culture and why she said, “We don’t have to fix the culture, we have to fix the climate.” If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes. Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Cy Wakeman For More Information:The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniTEDx Presentation - How the Human Connection Improves HealthcareResources Mentioned:Reality-Based LeadershipReality-Based Leadership with Cy Wakeman LinkedinCy Wakeman-YouTubeNo Ego Podcast with Cy WakemanNo Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results by Cy Wakeman

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  Nursing leadership is a topic that we’ve discussed more than once on this podcast and we’ve learned the importance of true leadership and how it can negatively or positively affect not only the culture of the hospitals, but also  the wellbeing of patients and  nurse’s.  My special guest today is Kristin Baird, a nurse and former healthcare marketing executive.  She is the Founder of Baird Group, a consulting firm that helps healthcare leaders create cultures where patients want to come for care, where physicians want to practice, and where employees want to work. She is the author of five books and hundreds of articles on culture leadership and patient experience, and today we will be discussing her flagship learning course called, Be the Leader Nobody Wants to Leave- 8 Transformational Skill-Builders for Busy Leaders.   She is a highly sought-after speaker  where she pushes leaders to think differently about their roles in culture and engagement.  We start out with Kristin talking about the  the appalling nursing turnover numbers in long-term care and home care, and the two reasons people are leaving. Dr. Orsini and Kristin share stories about how people crave recognition and not more money. Kristin dives into talking about culture and leadership and how they are related. She mentions a phrase, “What you permit you promote,”  and explains the difference between permissive and being flexible. Kristin tells us about her learning course, Be the Leader Nobody Wants to Leave and explains each of her 8 Skill Builders.  Kristin explains  “Listen with your eyes as well as your ears” because so much is revealed by the nonverbal communication. We find out if anyone can learn to be a leader and how Kristin believes if people have the desire and are coachable, then wonderful things can happen. She shares advice to someone who is interviewing for a nursing leadership position. Also, Kristin explains how hospitals and businesses can invest in training for leaders and elaborates on how you just want to prove return on investment for anything you do. In 2025, 75% of our global workforce will be Millennials, and Kristin talks about how they bring a fresh perspective. We end with Kristin sharing the most difficult conversation in her family that was severely botched by a doctor and what it has taught her.  Don't miss this!! If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes. Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Kristin BairdSponsor:The Finley ProjectFor More Information:Difficult Conversations Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Baird [email protected] the Leader Nobody Wants to Leave- 8 Transformational Skill-Builders For Busy Leaders (course-July 22, 2021)

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. As I was driving from my home in Florida to New Jersey, I was listening to an audiobook called, Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors and Patients, which in my opinion is the best analysis and synopsis of the state of healthcare today that I have ever read . Today, I am so honored to have the author of this book, Robert Pearl, MD as my guest. Robert is the former CEO of the Permanente Medical Group,.  Being one of modern healthcare’s 50 most influential physician leaders, Dr. Pearl is an advocate for the power of integrated, prepaid, technologically advanced and physician-led health care delivery. He serves as a clinical professor of plastic surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and is on the faculty of the Stanford Graduate School of Business,   Dr. Pearl is the author of Mistreated: Why We Think We’re Getting Good Healthcare-- and Why We’re Usually Wrong, and his new book, Uncaring:  How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors and Patients, which we’ll be discussing today. He is also a fellow podcaster and  publishes a newsletter called “Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.”  He has published more than 100 articles in medical journals and is a frequent keynote speaker at healthcare and medical technology conferences.Robert describes his success story behind becoming a surgeon, the CEO of Kaiser and author as serendipitous . In his book, Uncaring:  How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors and Patients, Robert first defines physician culture and how it’s helped  and hurt medicine.. Dr. Orsini discusses how change is often hard for physicians, and one of the best thing that’s happened is the elevation of the patient experience  Robert tells us why walking the line as an administrator and physician has helped him. and goes more in depth about the biggest problems with  physician culture. He shares a  phenomenal fact that will shock you. They discuss the importance of  preventative care better and building relationships with patients. Robert shares his thoughts on what we can do about professional burnout and how we can make it better to get doctors to enjoy their work even more.    If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes to find out more about what we do and how we teach communication.  Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Robert Pearl, M.D. For More Information:The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Robert Pearl, MD WebsiteRobert Pearl, M.D. TwitterRobert Pearl, M.D. LinkedinUncaring:  How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors and Patients by Robert Pearl, MDMonthly Musings on American Healthcare by Robert Pearl, MD

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  Its' been  one year since I launched this podcast and I would have never thought it would be so successful. Today,   I will not be the host. Instead, my good friend and colleague, Peter Winick will be our host. Peter is the  CEO of Thought Leadership Leverage and host of his own podcast called, Leveraging Thought Leadership.   Today, Peter will be interviewing me and Elizabeth Poret-Christ.  Liz is The Orsini Way Managing Director, my friend, and colleague for almost ten years now.  She makes The Orsini Way run and is a master communicator and expert in patient experience. There are no preset questions and Peter is going to have the ability to ask us anything he wants, so let’s see what happens!  We start with Dr. Orsini telling us  about his background, the profound experience he had as a neonatal fellow that brought him to teach doctors how to communicate, and his mission. Liz shares some stories with us and how she got into her current position at The Orsini Way. We find out the journey and some of the obstacles that Dr. Orsini had to overcome along the way with running his business.  Liz talks about the good, the bad, and the ugly of getting installed inside of organizations. Also, she talks about how hospitals can save money by training physicians early and how they will save time by implementing this as a top down philosophy so that everyone’s wired the same way, and everyone understands what it takes to be successful. Dr. Orsini brings up the hot topic of patient experience and shares a story about a doctor he helped train early on who recently reached out to him. The top two problems in healthcare right now are rising costs and physician and nursing burnout, and Dr. Orsini talks more in depth about what to do about it. If you haven’t checked out Dr. Orsini’s TEDx talk, go watch it!  We learn more about the power of Dr. Orsini’s training to corporations and business because even businesses have to communicate bad news to clients and others. We end with Dr. Orsini talking about an amazing first year of this podcast and mentioning some great guests.  Liz talks about how  the pandemic drove  their ambition even further, doing virtual training, and how all this has helped them become stronger. If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes.Host: Peter WinickGuests:Dr. Anthony OrsiniElizabeth Poret-ChristFor More Information:Difficult Conversations I Learned as an ICU Physician Podcast EpisodesThe Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterTEDx Talks-How The Human Connection Improves Healthcare with Dr. Anthony OrsiniIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Thought Leadership LeverageLeveraging Thought Leadership PodcastThe Orsini Way-Podcast-Episode 108-Learning to Get on the same Page As Your Doctor with Elizabeth Poret-Christ

Welcome  to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, we are going to have a conversation about sickle cell  and rare diseases with someone whom I believe is uniquely qualified to have this discussion. My special guest today is Dr. Marjorie Dejoie-Brewer, owner of M.A.D.F.I.T MD, a medical consultant, wellness, and health business. She is also a Medical Consultant for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, and more recently held the position of Patient Engagement Lead in rare disease sickle cell for Pfizer.  Dr. Dejoie-Brewer is a patient herself with Sickle Cell Disease, and a firm proponent and practitioner of comprehensive and preventative health and wellness planning. Dr. Dejoie-Brewer has combined her expertise as a physician, her work in multiple sector settings, her passion for wellness, and her experience as a sickle cell patient to address the inequalities of sickle cell patients so that they live healthier lives without distrust of medical providers.  As always, Dr. Orsini keeps his promise about two things, that you will feel inspired, and you will have learned valuable lessons to be a better and more compassionate communicator.Marjorie tells us  about her personal journey as an immigrant's daughter to medical school.  She talks about changing career paths when she found out she had Sickle Cell Disease and the support network she had participating in a program called “Bridging the Gaps” which gave her a viewpoint of what medicine could be in real time. She also tells us what attracted her to starting a wellness clinic and focus on rehabbing individuals. Marjorie shares with us her view of chronic and rare diseases and how it is a redefinition of what optimal is every time you get sick.  Marjorie explains how that delivery of information from the doctor is so vital, and how these conversations definitely need more compassion. Dr. Orsini shares how in his workshops he talks about imagine, plan, and adapt when going into that conversation. We learn more about  issues with lower socioeconomic teenagers and minorities with Sickle Cell crisis  and how they are often viewed as drug seekers. She shares advice on what she tells patients and  providers in a crisis situation.   We end with Marjorie telling us the most difficult conversation she’s had in her life and how she navigated through that conversation. If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes to find out more about what we do and how we teach communication. Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Dr. Marjorie Dejoie-BrewerSponsor:The Finley ProjectFor More Information:The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Dr. Marjorie Dejoie Brewer LinkedinDr. Marjorie Dejoie-Brewer InstagramSickle Cell Disease Association of [email protected]

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. On today’s episode, we’re going to talk about two topics that most people avoid:  medical errors and malpractice lawsuits.  My guest today is Shari Moore, Vice President of Risk Management at Physician’s Liability Insurance Company, also known as PLICO, in Oklahoma.  Shari has more than twenty-three years of experience in the adult care setting, including nine years at Risk of Management and three years as Case Management.  Her mission is to provide proactive risk management education to physicians across Oklahoma to improve the quality of experience for both the physician and the patient. As always, Dr. Orsini keeps his promise about two things, that you will feel inspired, and you will have learned valuable lessons to be a better and more compassionate communicator.Shari tells us her journey from  a Registered Nurse, to the Risk Management field, to her job at PLICO.  We find out what attracted her to Risk Management.  Dr. Orsini mentions the staggering statistics of how much medical malpractice lawsuits cost, and Shari talks about how important communication is in educating and training doctors to form relationships and avoid malpractice.  She tells about PLICO, and how valuable it is for physicians to learn  in-person and interact with other people who are dealing with the same issues.  Dr. Orsini shares some important tips when he teaches conflict resolution.  Shari shares advice on what she does to educate doctors and risk managers on how to reveal that medical error. Also, she tells us two big mistakes physicians make when it comes to having that conversation.  We learn how the relationship should work with the risk manager and the doctor when medical errors occur. Shari tells us a few stories about people that attended their educational programs and how being compassionate, caring, and saying you’re sorry may help in preventing a lawsuit. Last July, PLICO just implemented a Proactive Litigation Support Program, and Shari fills us in on what that entails. Dr. Orsini talks about physicians having the highest suicide rate of any profession. They discuss the stresses involved when a doctor gets sued and how we really need to take care of our doctors and nurses if we’re going to help this issue.  We end with Shari telling us the most difficult conversation that she’s encountered and advice on how to navigate through it, and Dr. Orsini shares a great little piece of advice his father told him at a young age.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes to find out more about what we do and how we teach communication. Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Shari MooreFor More Information:The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Shari Moore LinkedinPLICOSorry Works! 2.0: Disclosure, Apology, and Relationships Prevent Medical Malpractice Claims by Doug Wojcieszak

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. On today’s episode I have the pleasure to have as my guest, Dr. Lisa Strohman, who is a Clinical Psychologist, author, public speaker, and the Founder  of The Digital Citizen Academy.  Dr. Strohman was a visiting scholar for the FBI working on homicidal pedophilia when the Columbine tragedy occurred, giving her an opportunity to be on the front lines of how technology impacts our youth. She has continued to work with law enforcement and the FBI on safety and cyber crimes involving adolescents, while also lending her knowledge and guidance to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She established The Digital Citizen Academy to proactively prevent and develop curriculum for educators and parents on the issues resulting from technology use and misuse. Dr. Strohman is a frequent speaker on the topic of digital technology and its effects on adolescents and has appeared on TV shows and other media outlets. In addition, she has a new podcast called, The Point with Dr. Lisa Strohman.   Lisa takes us through her career, getting her Juris Doctor degree, Ph.D in psychology working with children and working for the FBI,  Dr. Orsini brings up the documentary-drama, The Social Dilemma, and Lisa explains how we get manipulated and addicted  by technology.  She explains how science is involved in how it affects your brain.  She explains how time spent on social media platforms produces changes in the  dopamine receptors of your brain that are very similar to people who are addicted to drugs. The numbers of suicides are escalating in children, especially with the internet and bullying, and Lisa shares with us just how bad they are.   We hear a story about a girl named Molly Russell, who sadly took her life at the young age of fourteen, and what influenced her to do this. . We hear advice from Lisa about teaching our kids that tech is a tool, and to know your value as a parent. Find out more about the Digital Citizen Academy as Lisa explains the incredible programs they offer for K-12, as well as the foundation they rely on to help sponsor programming in the schools .   We end with Lisa sharing with us the most difficult conversation she’s ever had and how she navigated through it.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes. Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Dr. Lisa StrohmanSponsor:The Finley ProjectFor More Information:The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Dr. Lisa Strohman WebsiteDr. Lisa Strohman TwitterThe Digital Citizen AcademyDCA FoundationThe Point with Dr. Lisa Strohman (Podcast)Unplug: Raising Kids In a Technology Addicted World by Lisa Strohman and Melissa Westendorf

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini.  Often, I have drawn parallels between the doctor patient relationship and the business leader to employee relationship.  For success, both require good communication and trust.  Nowhere do these two worlds interconnect more then when it comes to nursing leadership. With all the talk about  the problems facing physicians, it's the nurses who are the face of healthcare. They are the ones in the trenches, holding hands and healing twenty-four seven.  Nursing leadership is more important than ever which is why I am super excited to have someone I believe embodies the essence of what  leadership  is all about. Today, my guest is Dena Carey, Associate Vice President of Women and Infant Health Services at Virginia Hospital Center.  As a Med Surg and NICU trained nurse, Dena has focused her latest role to build a team of nurse leaders that are engaged, respected, and dedicated to building a team of staff focused on one goal: delivering the best patient care and experience to the families they serve.  As always, Dr. Orsini keeps his promise about two things, that you will feel inspired, and you will have learned valuable lessons to be a better and more compassionate communicator.We start by hearing Dena’s journey. She talks about Virginia Hospital Center being a gem and a unicorn, and what it has done for her career. On the topic of patient experience, Dena explains that engaged employees are necessary for a good patient experience, and how the people doing the actual work need to be recognized and appreciated every day. She also shares the key to keeping employees happy, the importance of being open and honest, and how she makes sure every day that everybody on her team feels like they have a voice and a valued member of the  team.  She shares fantastic advice telling us there’s nothing better than a leader going out of their door to talk to the staff because that’s where you’re going to get the real information. We find out how Dena navigated the stress that was put on the nurses and everyone at the hospital during COVID and how motivating and inspiring people is so important to create relationships and promote teamwork. She tells us  how she kept herself, and her leaders, sane and positive. Dena shares great advice for young nurse who want to become  leaders, and why recognizing people is super important in preventing professional burnout.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes. Go ahead and download this episode now! Host: Dr. Anthony OrsiniGuest:Dena CareySponsor:The Finley ProjectFor More Information:The Orsini WayThe Orsini Way-FacebookThe Orsini Way-LinkedinThe Orsini Way-InstagramThe Orsini Way-TwitterIt’s All In The Delivery: Improving Healthcare Starting With A Single Conversation by Dr. Anthony OrsiniResources Mentioned:Dena Carey [email protected] Hospital Center The Orsini Way-Podcast-Episode 140-Speaking the Truth: Debriefing Nurse Leaders-Lori Gunther