The Human Doctor

Despite all that's happening in the world, we need not look too far to find moments that uplift and inspire us. Yet it requires our attention and intention to find beauty in the seemingly mundane. In today's episode, Kimberly reflects on a few recent extraordinary ordinary moments in her life. 

"Home" carries different meanings for all of us - from places, to people, to feelings and sensations. Those meanings can also evolve overtime. This week Ashley reflects on how her sense of home changed during a period of many transitions.

Even as human doctors, we appreciate the extraordinary value of non-human connections. This episode Kimberly unpacks several experiences that demonstrate how four-legged friends can be more like family.

Much of life happens outside of our control. Yet, even when we do have the ability to plan, prepare, and make choices for the outcome we want, things can still fall apart. This week Ashley shares how she coped after an experience she prepared for went very wrong in more ways than one. 

Sometimes choosing yourself requires a bold move. In this last episode of the season, Ashley shares a story about a choice she's making for herself in 2026 and how she got there despite some real challenges. Again, we are so grateful to all of you who are listeners to this podcast. We look forward to being back in the new year!

This week of Thanksgiving, Kimberly shares some lessons on gratitude and perspective learned from the incredible patients at Grady Hospital.

Words have the power to affect us for life. This week, Kimberly shares how a few simple words of advice impacted her in a lasting way.  Topics Discussed: Relationship between scorpion size and venom potency 

In a time of so much divisiveness, it can be hard to find ways to co-exist across differences. This week Ashley reflects on two difficult experiences and the choice to hold onto her own truth in spite of those who disagree.  The "what"- forgiveness    Topics discussed:  Baldwin: A Love Story - by Nicholas Boggs The Book of Delights - by Ross Gay NPR's Throughline Podcast - "James Baldwin's Shadow" with Eddie S. Glaude Jr.  

We're baaaaaack for another season! Thanks to all our listeners for rocking with us for another round of stories and sisterhood. This week, Ashley shares a recent experience where she found that sometimes the best plans are the ones we never made and never anticipated. Let us know what you think! Topics Discussed: 510 Hikers Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. 57th National Convention  Calm the F*ck Down - by Sarah Knight Why We Sleep - by Matthew Walker, PhD

On the final episode of this season, Kimberly shares a powerful reflection on how a singular experience can have an unforeseen impact even decades later. Thanks again to everyone who's been listening and following us along this journey. We'll be back after a summer recharge. Dr. Manning as the keynote speaker at the American Thoracic Society Annual Meeting in San Francisco, CA Clio's Books - Oakland, CA FOREVER - Netflix Series Rustin - Netflix Film about Bayard Rustin  Watch Moonlight The Myth of Normal - by Dr. Gabor Maté

Kimberly is back on the mic this week to reflect on a brief moment in the past that could have changed her life in a major way.

Today, Ashley reflects on the most important gift she received in her medical training - it's one that continues to give, even to this day.  Topics Discussed: Make a plan to vote!

Our words have power - and sometimes a positive word can be life-giving, especially in a world that often prioritizes negativity. This week, Kimberly shares a story about a patient who reminded her of this possibility.    Topics Discussed: Women in Medicine Summitt 2024 - Dr. Manning's Closing Keynote Speech  Beyond the A Word: Reproductive Life Stories  Make a plan to vote!

This week, Kimberly is back on the mic to share some wise reflections on her experiences of being in the spotlight, and what we actually mean when we talk about "imposter syndrome".   Topics Discussed: Check your voter registration status here! Make a plan to vote!

Is there someone in your life you can trust to be there in moments of triumph, but also in times of potential failure? This week Ashley shares memories of times when she had the courage to let someone in, and what she took away from those experiences.  Topics Discussed: Elderhood - by Louise Aronson  Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez (@DoctoraEdith)   There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.

On today's episode, Ashley reflects on a meaningful patient experience, as well as the privilege and challenges of human doctoring.  Topics Discussed: Dr. Lucy Kalanithi (@rocketgirlmd) Annual Paul Kalanithi Writing Award - Dr. McMullen being a judge for the 2024 contest When Breath Becomes Air - by Dr. Paul Kalanithi How many hugs a day do we need? Virginia Satir - Author, social worker, psychotherapist

Each of us at some point in our lives will have the experience of not being chosen for something or not getting the thing we desperately wanted. This week, Kimberly shares her reflections on this experience and some important lessons along the way.  Topics Discussed: Clio's Bookshop - Oakland, CA Harriett's Bookshop - Philadelphia, PA Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books - Philadelphia, PA Dr. Manning's Movie Recs: American Fiction - directed by Cord Jefferson, starring Jeffrey Wright  The Holdovers - directed by Alexander Payne, starring Paul Giamatti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph See Dr. McMullen & Dr. Manning at the SGIM Meeting! Society of General Internal Medicine - Meeting in Boston May 15-18, 2024 The Human Doctor Podcast at SGIM

Even the most humanistic doctors can sometimes make the wrong assumptions about the patients in their care. In this episode, Kimberly reflects on a time when she missed the mark and how that changed her practice.  Topics Discussed: Children's Fairyland - Oakland, CA Society of General Internal Medicine - Meeting in Boston May 15-18, 2024 The Human Doctor Podcast at SGIM I Did a New Thing - by Tabitha Brown Against Medical Advice Discharges - Things We Do For No Reason, Journal of Hospital Medicine 

In this episode, Ashley shares the story of a decisive moment where she did something she never could have imagined herself doing before.  Topics Discussed: Yonah Mountain Vineyards  We're Not Really Strangers - Card Game  Image shared by Dr. McMullen - Speaking at #OurFirstStand Rally (Jan 2017) Alley Cat Bookstore - Closed in 2021 Mamie Till-Mobley - "Let The World See" 

Today, Kimberly shares about a recent reunion with a person who made a significant difference in her life and career. Topics Discussed:  The Sympathizer - by Viet Thanh Nguyen  The Vietnam War - PBS Documentary Series by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick  The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store - by James McBride Deacon King Kong - by James McBride Dr. André Churchwell visits Emory Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Atlanta Chapter