Fem MD

In this episode of Fem MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd speaks with Marta Ravin—Emmy-nominated executive producer, showrunner, TEDx speaker, and creator of Personality Hire, a framework focused on the human skills AI can’t replace.Marta shares her deeply personal journey with body image, weight, and identity, shaped by early childhood experiences, cultural pressures of the ’80s and ’90s, and decades in entertainment. She opens up about her recent life transitions, including an 80-pound weight loss using GLP-1 medications—exploring not just the physical changes, but the mental “peace” these drugs brought by quieting lifelong food noise.Together, Marta and Dr. Umstattd unpack the long-term psychological impact of growing up in weight-focused environments, the realities of dieting culture, the promise and risks of GLP-1 medications, and how these drugs may reshape society, Hollywood, and expectations around thinness.Marta Ravin is an Emmy-nominated executive producer, showrunner and writer who has redefined the landscape of television by seamlessly blending comedy, culture and unforgettable storytelling.With roots as a stand-up comic featured on Comedy Central, Marta has been the creative force behind some of television’s most iconic moments, including MTV’s TRL, Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards, Love & Hip Hop reunions, and she created TLC’s Long Island Medium. She most recently served as Executive Producer of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Reunion, and is currently the Executive Producer of Fanatics Fest, continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling, brand partnerships and fandom.Known for her collaborative leadership style, Marta builds and guides high-performing creative teams while mentoring emerging producers and talent across the entertainment landscape.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Marta RavinConnect with Marta:@martaravinhttps://www.martaravinproductions.com/Presented by: @HippocraticCollective

In this powerful episode of FEM, MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with ENT surgeon-turned-author Frances Mei Hardin to discuss her debut memoir and the hidden emotional cost of surgical training.Frances Mei speaks candidly about the anger she carried out of residency and how writing became the vehicle that transformed it. From resident-on-resident hostility and weaponized reporting systems to the psychological toll of perfectionism, sleep deprivation, and hierarchy in the OR, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what many physicians experience but rarely say out loud.They explore:• The cultural legacy of The House of God — and why its themes still ring true• How narrative nonfiction differs from anonymous venting and why accountability matters• Neurodivergence as both vulnerability and superpower in medicine• The role of hypnosis therapy in healing trauma and reclaiming focus• Perfectionism, emotional intelligence, and the cost of brittle excellence• Psychological safety in the operating room and how hierarchy without respect harms patient care• Resident-on-resident toxicity and the bystander effect in surgical cultureFrances Mei shares what it means to “write through the anger." What began as revenge writing evolved into a reckoning with her own blind spots, emotional immaturity, and survival mechanisms. The result is a memoir that examines burnout, identity, agency, and reinvention inside academic medicine.If you are a medical student, resident, attending physician, or simply someone navigating ambition in a high-pressure field — this episode will resonate.📖 Surgeon on the Edge is available wherever books are sold.🎟️ Book tour stops include NYC, Cleveland, Chicago, Philly and more.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dr. Frances Mei HardinConnect with Frances Mei:@francesmeimdhttps://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/frances-mei-hardin-mdPresented by: @HippocraticCollective

In this episode of Fem MD, host Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with Dr. Maheetha Bharadwaj, a urology resident, educator, and content creator.Maheetha shares her journey into medicine, from her early love of science and the arts to choosing urology—a field that blends surgery, patient care, and navigating sensitive topics with empathy. She offers an inside look at the realities of surgical residency, including long hours, on-call challenges, and mentorship in a traditionally male-dominated specialty. Maheetha also discusses her work in gender-affirming care and how she uses social media to educate the public, demystify medicine, and connect authentically with a broad audience.This episode highlights the dedication, creativity, and passion required to balance medicine, mentorship, and innovative outreach in today’s healthcare landscape.Dr. Maheetha Bharadwaj, 4th year Urology Resident at the University of Washington, dancer, advocate, and social media creator. Her journey sits at the intersection of medicine, art, and advocacy. She studied Biology and Biomedical Informatics at Stanford, spent a year at Cambridge learning genomic medicine, and worked in bioinformatics at Memorial Sloan Kettering before heading to medical school. Beyond the lab and clinic, dance has been a constant for nearly 20 years. She has choreographed works exploring patient experiences, including an Indian Classical Dance narrative on the journey through a cancer diagnosis, later published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Her work has earned national recognition, including the Joseph Collins Foundation and Massachusetts Medical Society scholarships.Now, as the 2025-2026 Artist-in-Residence with The Hippocratic Collective, she is creating a new dance project highlighting human connection and sexual dysfunction. Her path to urology was inspired by seeing women surgeons online. Seeing so many women have such different paths in surgery inspired Dr. Bharadwaj to gain the confidence to do the same. During residency, Dr. Bharadwaj has also built a powerful voice on social media. Through dancing skits, educational videos, and humorous creations like the “Medical Kardashian Skits,” she empowers, educates, and entertains, helping restore trust in medicine and inspire the next generation. Her videos have reached millions, sparking conversations about disparities, residency life, and women’s health research. Her goal is to use creativity, humor, and advocacy to build community and show future surgeons, especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds, that there is a place for them in medicine. Outside the OR, you’ll find her choreographing, creating content, and building bridges between medicine and the arts, always reminding us that healing comes in many forms.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dr. Maheetha BharadwajConnect with Maheetha:@dancing_uro_dochttps://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/maheetha-bharadwaj-mdPresented by: @HippocraticCollective

In this episode of FEM MD, host Dr. Lauren Umstattd engages in a candid conversation with Dylan Cade Bates, a seasoned law enforcement professional and mental health advocate. They explore the unique challenges faced by women in law enforcement and the importance of mental health for first responders. The discussion highlights the need for support systems and the significance of addressing mental health issues in high-stress professions.Dylan Cade Bates is a seasoned law enforcement professional, mental health advocate, and founder of Blonde in Blue—a nationwide peer support network dedicated to first responders and their families. With nearly a decade of experience in patrol, investigations, crisis negotiation, critical incident response, and peer support, Dylan brings both professional expertise and lived experience to supporting those serving on the front lines. Certified in Hostage and Crisis Intervention, Trauma-Informed Care, and Peer Support Facilitation, Dylan is also a counselor-in-training.Together with her husband, Po‘okela “Kela” Bates, they lead a movement to break the stigma around mental health in public safety. Blonde in Blue connects first responders and loved ones for real conversations, community support, and resilience tools. Recognizing the challenges these careers pose at home and on duty, Dylan champions honest dialogue and nationwide connection so no responder or family ever feels alone.Dylan’s dedication to peer support has extended into weekly confidential support groups and content creation across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Patreon, making resources and advocacy accessible across platforms. Known for authenticity and compassion, Dylan’s story shows that your scars are proof you survived, and healing happens best when we stand together.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dylan Cade BatesConnect with Dylan & Blonde In Blue:● Website: patreon.com/BlondeinBlue● Instagram: @blondeinbluenetwork● TikTok: @blondeinblue72● Facebook: Blonde in Blue● Podcast: badgesandbreakthroughs.com● All podcast episodes can be found on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple PodcastsPresented by: @HippocraticCollective

In this episode of Fem MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd speaks with Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB-GYN whose surgical career ended after a work-related shoulder injury sustained while delivering a baby. What should have been a routine delivery resulted in permanent damage, ultimately preventing her from returning to operative or obstetric practice.Dr. Pearson shares the difficult aftermath of her injury, including being dismissed by early providers, navigating frozen shoulder and nerve damage, and losing her job when she could no longer meet the “100% of job duties” requirement in her contract. Despite FMLA protections, she was terminated when her leave ended—highlighting the legal and contractual vulnerabilities physicians often overlook.The conversation explores the hidden gaps in disability insurance, the challenges of workers’ compensation, and the emotional toll of losing one’s identity as a physician. Dr. Pearson also reflects on rebuilding her sense of self and purpose after medicine, and how her experience led her to found PearsonRavitz to educate physicians on disability and career protection.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Stephanie Pearson, MDConnect with Stephanie: @drstephaniepearsonhttps://pearsonravitz.com/Presented by: @HippocraticCollective

In this episode of Fem MD, host Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with Brooke Martin—Emmy Award–winning news anchor turned author—to discuss her powerful memoir, Controlled Burn. Brooke opens up about her journey of faith, resilience, and love in the face of unimaginable loss after her daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with a fatal condition. Together, they explore the inspiration behind the book, the emotional challenges of writing through grief, and the lasting impact loss can have on relationships. Brooke also reflects on the power of storytelling and how sharing her story has become a source of hope, connection, and healing for others walking similar paths.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Brooke MartinConnect with Brooke: @brookemartin.tvhttps://morewithbrookemartin.com/Controlled Burn: https://store.dexteritybooks.com/products/controlled-burn-rising-from-the-ashes-to-forge-an-unshakable-faithPresented by: @HippocraticCollective

In this episode of Fem MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd interviews author Audrey Bellezza, who shares how, at age 50—healthy, active, and a mom of two boys—she was blindsided by a diagnosis of stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer. Audrey recounts the shock, the agonizing period of unknowns, and how biomarker testing revealed a mutation-driven cancer.She explains her targeted therapy treatment, its difficult side effects, and how seeking specialists at Johns Hopkins introduced her to the possibility of a groundbreaking vaccine now in early clinical trials. Alongside her advocacy, Audrey has authored a Jane Austen trilogy and most recently released Anne of Avenue A, blending her love of literature with her mission to inspire hope.Audrey also founded Love4Lungs, a nonprofit dedicated to funding research, supporting patients, and raising awareness that lung cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. She leaves listeners with a quote from her latest novel that now guides her life: “Don’t delay what brings you joy.”Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Audrey BellezzaConnect with Audrey: @audreybellezzawritesLove4Lungs: https://www.love4lungs.org/Anne of Avenue A: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Anne-of-Avenue-A/Audrey-Bellezza/For-the-Love-of-Austen/9781668097656Presented by:  @HippocraticCollective 

In this episode of Fem MD, Lauren sits down with Emmy-nominated producer Chelsea White — known for her work on Watch What Happens Live and The Drew Barrymore Show — for an honest, layered conversation about identity, neurodiversity, and the freedom that comes from embracing every part of who you are.Chelsea was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at just three years old, a moment that shaped how she understood herself long before she had language for it. Growing up with Tourette’s and OCD meant navigating stigma, misunderstanding, and the pressure to hide the parts of herself that didn’t fit neatly into others’ expectations.Together, Lauren and Chelsea talk about:• What early diagnosis actually felt like from the inside• The misconceptions about Tourette’s and OCD that still persist• How Chelsea found her voice in the entertainment industry• Why mentorship matters — especially for young women• The moment she stopped trying to “pass as normal”• How embracing your quirks can become your superpower, not your liabilityThis is a conversation about resilience, authenticity, and choosing to show up as your full self even in rooms that weren’t built with you in mind. Chelsea’s story is a reminder that your differences are not something to hide — they’re the very things that set you free.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Chelsea WhiteConnect with Chelsea: @thechelseawhitehttps://thechelseawhite.com/Presented by:  @HippocraticCollective 

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Fem, MD, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Melyssa Hancock opens up about her 12-round, 3-year IVF journey—one that spanned multiple clinics, a cross-country move of frozen embryos, a complicated surrogacy process, canceled transfers, and more than $250,000 in out-of-pocket costs.We talk about:Fertility preservation as a surgical traineeWhy she switched IVF clinics after two failed transfersWhat it’s actually like to do daily injections, hormone surges, and constant ultrasounds while running a busy private practiceHow IVF reshaped her marriage, her sense of identity, and her mental healthThe moment she saw the faintest line on a pregnancy test after years of negativesHow hyperbaric oxygen therapy and NAD ended up part of her “Hail Mary” cycleNearly pursuing surrogacy — and why she ultimately carried her daughterThe emotional, physical, and financial toll on female physicians navigating fertilityWhy we need to talk about infertility in medicine loudly and without shameDr. Hancock also shares the birth story of her daughter, Olivia, and why the struggle made motherhood even more profound.This is one of the most intimate, vulnerable conversations we’ve had on Fem, MD — and a must-listen for anyone in medicine who’s ever wondered when (and whether) their personal life will catch up to their professional one.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Melyssa Hancock, MDConnect with Melyssa: @drmelyssahancockhttps://drmelyssahancock.com/Presented by:  @HippocraticCollective ​

In this episode of Fem, MD, Lindsey White—professional fit model, jewelry designer, and mother—joins to explore how fashion, identity, and creativity collide. Through years of working within an industry obsessed with measurement and perfection, Lindsey learned the tension between being the “ideal” body and living in a body that evolves.She opens up about the quiet discipline behind fit modeling, the emotional toll of maintaining sameness, and the moment she began to question who she was really working to please. As motherhood transformed her perspective, Lindsey turned to jewelry design as a new form of expression—one rooted in authenticity rather than approval.This conversation traces her journey from compliance to creativity, unpacking how we learn to define beauty, success, and worth in our own terms. It’s a thoughtful look at how self-acceptance takes shape when we stop trying to fit and start learning to create.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Lindsey WhiteConnect with Lindsey: @lmw_studiohttps://www.lmwhitestudio.com/Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

When a freak accident ended her performing career, Lala Ziemski turned pain into purpose—pivoting from the stage to the kitchen, and eventually building The Firefly, a boutique hotel and restaurant in Panama. Now a private chef in New York City and host of the podcast Put It In My Mouth, Lala joins Dr. Lauren Umstattd for an open conversation about resilience, creativity, and redefining success. They discuss how hospitality principles can transform any business (even medicine), finding alignment after chaos, and why balance—not perfection—is the ultimate luxury.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Lala ZiemskiConnect with Lala: @ohheylala & @thefireflybocasdeltoro Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective0:00 – Meet Lala Ziemski: performer turned chef, hotelier, and podcast host1:00 – From the Mickey Mouse Club dreams to musical theater life2:40 – The freak accident that changed everything4:00 – Learning to start over: from injury to imposter syndrome5:00 – The restaurant that sparked a new passion7:00 – Building a hotel and restaurant in Panama8:30 – The grit it takes to open your own business9:30 – Lessons in resilience and the power of saying “yes” before you’re ready10:50 – How simplicity became her food philosophy11:40 – Working for yourself and learning to let go14:00 – Moving to NYC and reinventing again during the pandemic17:00 – Finding alignment and creating her own rhythm18:10 – The importance of autonomy and mental health19:25 – How Unreasonable Hospitality changed her approach to service22:00 – Making guests feel seen: small gestures that matter23:40 – Inside her podcast Put It In My Mouth — Bourdain meets Sex and the City24:45 – Food, pleasure, and rejecting diet culture26:30 – Turning setbacks into creative control29:00 – Building a show that finally clicked30:00 – Which Sex and the City character is she most like?31:00 – Dating in New York at 47 — and loving her independence33:00 – What makes a perfect first date (and why it’s about thoughtfulness)35:30 – On self-trust, journaling, and slowing down38:30 – Flipping the script: Lala interviews Dr. Lauren on facelifts & filler46:45 – The deep-plane facelift debate explained49:40 – Medical tourism, brow lifts & the “Forever 35 Face”54:00 – Why the neck is the ultimate giveaway56:00 – Wrapping up with travel, food, and the art of balance58:30 – Final reflections and where to find Lala online

Dr. Lily Nguyen’s path to medicine didn’t begin in a classroom - it began at the bedside.After five years as a nurse, she made the rare leap from nursing to medical school and is now completing her residency in radiology. In this episode of Fem MD, Dr. Nguyen reflects on how her nursing background shaped her clinical intuition, her empathy, and her definition of “success.” We talk about identity shifts, impostor feelings, and the quiet power of taking the long way around. Dr. Nguyen shares how she learned to stop comparing timelines and start honoring her own, proving that purpose doesn’t expire and that every detour brings you closer to where you’re meant to be.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dr. Lily Nguyen Connect with Lily: @nursemdlilyPresented by: The Hippocratic Collective

What does it take to survive — and actually thrive — as a surgeon when the system keeps asking you to show up like a machine?In this episode of Fem MD, host Dr. Lauren Umstattd talks with Dr. Mel Thacker — double-boarded ENT, lifestyle medicine specialist, and surgeon-coach — about the “dark surgeon psyche,” the ways training teaches us to disconnect from our bodies and feelings, and how to come back to being a whole person.Mel pulls back the curtain on perfectionism, trauma responses in training, and the dopamine-seeking habits that help us numb out. Whether you’re in the OR, the clinic, or parenting after a 24-hour call, this episode offers humane, practical steps to feel less alone and more like yourself again.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dr. Mel ThackerConnect with Mel: https://www.melthackercoaching.com/Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

What does it really take to be happy? In this episode of Fem, MD, host Lauren talks with happiness coach Dannie De Novo, who shares her powerful journey from years of depression and anxiety to building a life rooted in true joy. Dannie opens up about breaking free from destructive cycles, challenging the idea that happiness is out of reach, and finding the courage to face yourself honestly.Together, they dive into the limits of relying solely on medication, the role of nutrition and mindfulness, and why rewiring your patterns of thought is key to lasting change. You’ll walk away with both inspiration and practical tools—from cultivating gratitude to practicing emotional honesty—that can help you create your own path to well-being.This isn’t about chasing happiness. It’s about building it.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Dannie De NovoConnect with Dannie: https://www.danniedenovo.com/Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

What if the secret to a long, fulfilling medical career isn’t doing more—but doing less?This week on Fem MD, host Lauren sits down with Dr. Joan Chan, a Canadian family physician, coach, mom, and host of The Other Human in the Room. Joan shares her radical approach to working under maximum capacity, teaching physicians how to reclaim space, set boundaries, and prioritize joy without sacrificing patient care.Together they explore why honoring your limits can actually make you a better doctor, how to recognize the signs that you’re over capacity, and what it looks like to say no without guilt. Joan explains the value of creative days, rest, and small acts of humanity—like a midday nap or playing her ukulele—as well as how technology like AI scribes is reshaping charting and giving time back to clinicians.Her calm, grounded energy offers a refreshing antidote to hustle culture and a reminder that we are all human first, doctors second.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Joan Chan, MDConnect with Joan: https://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/joan-chan-mdAnd listen to her podcast, The Other Human in the RoomPresented by: The Hippocratic Collective

In this powerful episode of Fem MD, host Lauren Umstattd sits down with Alex Owens to share the raw, unfiltered reality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis. Alex speaks candidly about the unique grief of losing parts of oneself—physically and emotionally—captured in her poignant words: “You’re grieving your old self, you’re grieving your breasts.”Through intimate storytelling, Alex and Lauren explore the fears, losses, and identity shifts that come with serious illness. They discuss the tension between maintaining a professional facade and navigating personal pain, the societal pressures to hide vulnerability, and the transformative role of community and connection.This is not just a story about cancer—it’s about identity, womanhood, and the resilience that emerges in the face of life-altering change.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren: @lauren_umstattd_mdGuest: Alex OwensConnect with Alex: @alexowenskcPresented by: The Hippocratic Collective

In this episode of Fem MD, we explore the uncomfortable truth: love alone doesn’t make a marriage last. Dr. Lauren Umstattd opens up about the realities of partnership, drawing from her own experiences to unpack the deeper ingredients that sustain a strong marriage—kindness, respect, communication, and growth. It's a candid conversation about what happens after the honeymoon phase ends, how couples evolve through challenges, and why being intentional in your relationship matters more than romantic ideals. Whether you're married, thinking about it, or questioning what a healthy relationship looks like, this episode offers a thoughtful, grounded perspective on building a life together.

In this powerful episode of FEM MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with Dr. Frances Mei Hardin for an unflinching conversation about the darker realities of surgical training. Frances Mei shares her personal experience navigating a medical culture where bullying, abuse, and emotional isolation are often normalized—and where “resilience” is too often code for silent suffering.Together, they unpack the structural issues baked into the hierarchy of medicine and what it means to walk away—not as a failure, but as an act of reclaiming agency. This episode explores what happens when your identity is bound to your profession, and what’s possible when you begin to untangle that narrative.It’s a must-listen for anyone who’s ever questioned the cost of staying silent in a broken system.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Dr. Frances Mei HardinIG: @francesmei.mdWebsite: https://hippocratic-collective.comPresented by: The Hippocratic Collective

In this episode of Fem MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd unpacks the quiet pressure to be everything to everyone: the perfect doctor, the perfect parent, the perfect partner. But what if success isn’t about getting it all right? What if the real work, and the real growth, comes from simply getting a little better each day? This episode explores how embracing small, consistent improvements can lead to more sustainable fulfillment, both professionally and personally. It’s a conversation about showing up, letting go of unrealistic standards, and making peace with the messy middle.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Lauren @lauren_umstattd_mdPresented by: The Hippocratic Collective

Why do women in medicine still have to be twice as good to get half the credit?In this episode of Fem MD, Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sinehan Bayrak for a raw and real conversation about what it takes to succeed as a woman in medicine—and the unspoken costs of trying to be “perfect” in a system that still rewards mediocrity in men.They talk candidly about the double standards women face in surgery, the psychological toll of perfectionism, and how implicit bias still shapes who gets promoted, praised, or believed. From patient selection to mentorship to the quiet calculus women make every day just to be taken seriously—this episode goes deep on what it means to strive for excellence in a field that often sets the bar unevenly.Whether you're a med student, resident, or attending, this one’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to overperform just to be seen.Host: Dr. Lauren UmstattdConnect with Dr. Sinehan BayrakIG: @dr.bayrakWebsite: https://bayrakmd.com/Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective