Empathy Differentials

It's been a year since I published Empathy Differentials! So we did something different to mark the occasion- a solo podcast, uncut, and purely personal. This reflection after my own hospitalization means a lot to me, and I hope you can relate to the lessons learned.

After a delayed diagnosis of a rare disease at 4 years old, patient Kelleigh sheds light on the ways that her medical journey has shaped who she is today and how advocacy comes from a number of sources. Filled with lessons for patients and healthcare providers alike, Kelleigh has become a true expert of her disease.

In running a health policy and public health course with medical students and trainees this month, I was inspired to invite a policy change maker and experienced advocate to the podcast. In a message of hope, Rebecca shares with us the pivots of her career that keep guiding her to her ultimate prize, better patient care for all.

I am joined by my west coast best friends as we traverse the challenging questions patients ask us as we take care of them IN the hospital. Hospital admissions are a tough and very vulnerable point in time, and we aim to take some of the mystery out of the processes that patients encounter.

As the year comes to a close, the holidays are often associated with joy, connection, and belonging—but for many, they can also deepen feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. In this episode, licensed professional counselor Molly draws on her own lived experiences to explore the complex and often unsettling realities of mental health in the current era, inviting listeners into an honest and compassionate conversation.

Dealing with infertility at an early age, patient Susan shares the heartbreaking and rewarding pathway to motherhood she experienced, and lays down the lessons for all of us to understand about those struggling to get to parenthood. *Activation warning- for those of you who are on this journey or have dealt with this in the past, this may be comforting or activating. Please take self-care if you are listening and feel free to not listen knowing the topic is a challenging one.

In this thought-provoking interview with three rehabilitation specialists from physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech & language pathology (SLP), we learn the importance of human-centeredness in post-acute care.

As a young patient diagnosed with a chronic illness, Dari gives us a lens to look at priorities, identities, and values while living life to the fullest with Lupus. An inspiring story for other young patients and youth living with chronic conditions.

In one of the most incredible journeys into medicine, medical student Carlos tells the story of how he found his calling in neurosurgery and delivers the details on what patients need to understand behind the scenes.

Maritza discusses the stories of her many medical experiences as a caregiver for her sister, as she and her mother continue to be fierce advocates in a system that wasn't quite built for their loved one.

Talking about healing from a different perspective, Dr B clarifies the role of a palliative care doctor and hospice team while dispelling some of the myths surrounding death and end of life care.

In an incredibly transparent interview, Victor takes us on a detailed tour of his experiences in various hospitals as a patient with Sickle Cell Disease. He has some important takeaways for patients, physicians, and for health systems as a whole. This episode was produced by Anisha Kumar, a brilliant student mentee. 

Dr. W shares with us his journey from Barbados (the home of the great Rihanna!) to the US, in this insightful interview about care across the world, lessons learned, and the future of medicine.

Today we meet with Coach Jimmie, a man in his 40s who was hospitalized after a series of mysterious symptoms that scarily kept him in the hospital for several days.

We all have a reason for starting podcasting journeys. This is my why for this show-- bridging the empathy differentials between patients and healthcare providers.