TarHeal Wellness: A Podcast for Residents

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, she and Robert Rowe talk more about the UNC Women’s Center for Mood Disorders, which Dr. Meltzer-Brody helped found, and trainee opportunities at the Center. They also discuss her new role of Executive Dean. She’ll offer sage advice for current doctors in training and shares an impactful story from her own residency days, involving a murder on the wards. Catch up on Part 1 to hear about Dr. Meltzer-Brody’s medical career journey and how she became a mental health pioneer with support from UNCNew Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

In this episode, Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody—psychiatrist, internationally recognized perinatal mental health expert and the new Executive Dean of the UNC School of Medicine. The two discuss how an interest in community and personal stories led Dr. Meltzer-Brody down a path leading to medicine, psychiatry, and women’s mental health, building something from the ground up in medicine to benefit patients and how UNC supported her dreams. Dr. Meltzer Brody then explains postpartum depression and why trainees may be at increased risk, as well as how to identify, treat, and possibly prevent it. Lastly, the two explore the growing presence of physician mental health care that led to her creation of the Taking Care of Our Own Program here at UNC. Don’t miss Part 2, where Dr. Meltzer-Brody discusses the UNC Women’s Center for Mood Disorders, her new role of Executive Dean, advice for success in residency, and a personal story from her own training.New Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

In part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Ntiense Inyang, Preventive Medicine Co-Chief Resident and future CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer, she and host Robert Rowe discuss careers transitions. The two then explore Ntiense’s global health work and open up about the seldom discussed topic of the challenges of personal relationships as a busy medical trainee, something that can greatly add to the stress of an already stressful work-life balancing act. Check out part 1, where we Ntiense discusses how disappointment in her career turned out to be a wonderful gift that led to her medical calling, and learning on the job as a resident.New Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

In this episode, Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Ntiense Inyang, Preventive Medicine Co-Chief Resident and future CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer, about how her pursuit to follow a generations-long family tradition of practicing medicine wasn’t without unique challenges, finding her medical calling, learning on the job as a resident, and how rejection, redirection, and disappointment in her career became the gift she didn’t know she needed.  Don’t miss Part 2, where we further dive into transitions in one’s medical career, her global health work, and touch on the seldom discussed topic of the challenges of personal relationships as a busy medical trainee. New Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala sits down with Dr. Amit Algotar — a physician, educator, and researcher working at the forefront of lifestyle and preventive medicine. Dr. Algotar is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona’s Department of Family and Community Medicine and a practicing physician at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson.He is board certified in Preventive Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine — and is recognized as a Fellow of both the American College of Preventive Medicine and the Obesity Medicine Association. Through both his clinical practice and research, Dr. Algotar is helping to redefine how we approach chronic disease, cancer survivorship, and provider wellness.In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Amit Algotar, we take a deeper look at how preventive and lifestyle medicine set themselves apart from traditional internal or family medicine. Dr. Algotar walks us through the unique frameworks of these specialties and why they matter more than ever in today’s healthcare landscape.We also discuss the future of lifestyle medicine — not just as a clinical tool, but as a foundational shift in how we train the next generation of physicians. From early implementation in medical school curricula to the urgent need to move from a disease-based to a prevention-based model, this episode challenges the way we think about the role of healthcare in long-term wellness.New Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/ 

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala sits down with Dr. Amit Algotar — a physician, educator, and researcher working at the forefront of lifestyle and preventive medicine. Dr. Algotar is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona’s Department of Family and Community Medicine and a practicing physician at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson.He is board certified in Preventive Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine — and is recognized as a Fellow of both the American College of Preventive Medicine and the Obesity Medicine Association. Through both his clinical practice and research, Dr. Algotar is helping to redefine how we approach chronic disease, cancer survivorship, and provider wellness.In Part 1, we dive into Dr. Algotar’s residency training and what led him to specialize in preventive, obesity, and lifestyle medicine. We explore his research on prostate cancer and how powerful lifestyle modifications can drive better outcomes. But it’s not just about his patients — Dr. Algotar also shares how he applies those same principles to his own life.We talk about the relationships that sustained him through residency, the importance of reaching out, and the victories and challenges he faced along the way. Our conversation touches on burnout, the signals our mind and body give us, and the importance of replenishing the buckets that drain us.New Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/ 

In Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with Dr. Ronald Falk, he and Robert Rowe dive deep into the emotional and cultural core of medicine. Dr. Falk opens up about imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the myth of having all the answers—even as a world-renowned expert in kidney disease. He reminds us that vulnerability, curiosity, and teamwork are the true foundations of great medical practice.We also explore his powerful work in medical communication, from the Chair’s Corner podcast to statewide outreach efforts, and discuss how listening, plain language, and cultural humility can rebuild trust with patients and communities. Dr. Falk closes with reflections on what brings him joy—and timeless advice for incoming residents beginning their journey in medicine.Catch up on Part 1 for Dr. Falk’s journey through UNC, nephrology, and the changing culture of academic medicine.New Webpage!https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/(1:42) How physicians can work through imposter syndrome and self-doubt(6:08) Dr. Falk's program "Chair's Corner" and how doctors can become better medical communicators (18:16) What brings him Joy(20:20) Final advice for new residents and trainees

In this episode, Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Ronald Falk—renowned nephrologist, mentor, and former Chair of Medicine at UNC School of Medicine. Dr. Falk reflects on his journey from aspiring virologist to leader in kidney disease research (2:15), the transformative role of mentorship (5:54), and the enduring magic of UNC’s culture (9:32). From early days as a resident drawing blood and inserting dialysis catheters to helping shape UNC’s supportive, resident-led environment, Dr. Falk shares insights on lifelong learning, leadership, and why he’s remained at UNC for decades.Don’t miss Part 2, where we dive into imposter syndrome, rebuilding trust in medicine, and the power of listening.New Webpage!https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/(2:15) - Dr. Falk's medical journey(5:54) - The transformative role of mentorship(9:32) - What makes a career at UNC special(12:43) - How residency at UNC has changed over time(17:16) - Creating a balance between specialization and well-roundedness(21:28) - How patients of this era are different(23:21) The importance of life-long learning

Match Day is a momentous occasion filled with excitement, relief, and sometimes, disappointment and uncertainty. In this special mini episode of TarHeal Wellness, Dr. Robert Rowe reflects on the emotions of Match Day, offering encouragement and perspective to medical students and trainees as they embark on their careers.Whether you’re celebrating a match at your dream program or facing unexpected challenges, this episode serves as a reminder that Match Day is just one step in a lifelong journey. Robert shares personal insights from his own experience and advice for navigating the ups and downs of residency and beyond.The episode concludes with an announcement of a new series coming this summer.

Dr. Tr'Vel T. Lyons is an associate researcher at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, where he contributes to the Center for Education, Identity, and Social Justice. A first-generation education scholar, Dr. Lyons holds a Ph.D. in Urban Schooling from UCLA, where his dissertation, "Cacti in the Classroom," explored supportive learning environments for Black boys in their formative ninth-grade year.Alongside his academic pursuits, Dr. Lyons is an avid sprinter and the founder of We Still Sprint Club, a community initiative focused on fitness, resilience, and camaraderie through hill sprints. Through the club, he emphasizes the mental and physical discipline that sprinting brings, drawing parallels between the commitment required in both his research and athletic passions.Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Lyons enjoys mentoring, hiking, and sharing new music every Friday. His life’s mission weaves his academic focus and love for sprinting, fostering both educational advancement and Black joy.In part 2, we focus on how healthcare workers such as residents, can start getting creative by building their own physical activity movements through social connections. Dr. Lyons shares his personal insights into scaling these community-based initiatives through organic growth, content creation and innovation.

Dr. Tr'Vel T. Lyons is an associate researcher at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, where he contributes to the Center for Education, Identity, and Social Justice. A first-generation education scholar, Dr. Lyons holds a Ph.D. in Urban Schooling from UCLA, where his dissertation, "Cacti in the Classroom," explored supportive learning environments for Black boys in their formative ninth-grade year.Alongside his academic pursuits, Dr. Lyons is an avid sprinter and the founder of We Still Sprint Club, a community initiative focused on fitness, resilience, and camaraderie through hill sprints. Through the club, he emphasizes the mental and physical discipline that sprinting brings, drawing parallels between the commitment required in both his research and athletic passions.Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Lyons enjoys mentoring, hiking, and sharing new music every Friday. His life’s mission weaves his academic focus and love for sprinting, fostering both educational advancement and Black joy.In part 1, we discuss his educational research background and how he got into physical activity as a tool for wellness, longevity, consistent healthy habits, and building community for healthcare professionals.

In this episode Dr. Rui Ariyapala sits down again with Dr. Tiffany Avery. Dr. Tiffany Avery is a board-certified Medical Oncologist and Lifestyle Medicine physician with a special interest in breast cancer survivorship and differences in cancer survival. After completing fellowship training at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Avery served as Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA and Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. She also served as a Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer in the Health technology space. She is currently an Advisory Board Member of Angels Surviving Cancer, a community-based breast cancer survivorship group based in Houston, TX. In this capacity, Dr. Avery has been an invited speaker to discuss topics that include cancer prevention, treatments, clinical trials, survival disparities in cancer and has led grant writing efforts to secure funding for community-based educational efforts targeted to breast cancer survivors. Dr. Avery is also a co-host of 3 Black Docs, a podcast aimed at eliminating healthcare disparities. Dr. Avery is a proud New Orleans native currently living in Houston with her husband and two sons. She enjoys running, gardening, yoga, and learning to surf. In part 2, we delve deeper into clinical implications, work-life balance and the reality of becoming an attending, from a wellness perspective. We then have insightful discussions on her accomplished healthcare executive career, and how our listeners can be inspired to diversify their skillset alongside clinical practice. Dr. Avery shares that her joy is by carving out a career through personal agency.

In this episode Dr. Rui Ariyapala has an engaging conversation with Dr. Tiffany Avery. Dr. Tiffany Avery is a board-certified Medical Oncologist and Lifestyle Medicine physician with a special interest in breast cancer survivorship and differences in cancer survival. After completing fellowship training at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Avery served as Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA and Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. She also served as a Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer in the Health technology space. She is currently an Advisory Board Member of Angels Surviving Cancer, a community-based breast cancer survivorship group based in Houston, TX. In this capacity, Dr. Avery has been an invited speaker to discuss topics that include cancer prevention, treatments, clinical trials, survival disparities in cancer and has led grant writing efforts to secure funding for community-based educational efforts targeted to breast cancer survivors. Dr. Avery is also a co-host of 3 Black Docs, a podcast aimed at eliminating healthcare disparities. Dr. Avery is a proud New Orleans native currently living in Houston with her husband and two sons. She enjoys running, gardening, yoga, and learning to surf. In part 1, we explore the highs and lows of her internal medicine residency, hematology oncology fellowship and the nuances of transitioning into managing responsibilities as an attending. Dr. Avery shares her advice for our listeners on how she managed all these expectations along the way, refining her lens on wellness during her medical training.

In this episode of TarHeal Wellness, host Dr. Robert Rowe continues his conversation with Dr. Damon Tweedy, psychiatrist, Duke University School of Medicine professor, and bestselling author of Black Man in a White Coat and Facing the Unseen. The two dive deeper into the history and ongoing challenges of mental health care in medicine. Dr. Tweedy shares his insights on the mind-body divide, the stigma surrounding mental health in medical training, and the systemic barriers that have shaped psychiatric care. They also explore Dr. Tweedy’s journey as an author, his advice for physicians looking to write, and his limited series podcast, Unhealed. Follow Dr. Tweedy by going to www.damontweedy.com.Key Topics & Timestamps:🧠 [00:01] - The historical separation of mental health from general medicine🏥 [02:44] - How psychiatric care has been physically and culturally isolated in hospitals📚 [10:50] - Dr. Tweedy’s journey from medical trainee to bestselling author✍️ [16:00] - Advice for physicians who want to write and publish their own stories🌍 [24:00] - The racial history of Duke Medicine and the inspiration behind Unhealed🔮 [27:00] - The lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health training

In this episode of TarHeal Wellness, host Dr. Robert Rowe sits down with Dr. Damon Tweedy, psychiatrist, Duke University School of Medicine professor, and bestselling author of Black Man in a White Coat and Facing the Unseen. Dr. Tweedy shares his personal journey through education and medicine, the unique challenges he has faced as a Black male physician, and the ongoing struggles and improvements in mental health awareness within the medical community. Key Timestamps include: Dr. Tweedy’s early life, navigating racial dynamics in education (3:33), the dynamics of representation in education, including medical education and how they can affect the perspectives of physicians (18:47), how physicians can help break the stigma of mental health (27:53), changing perspectives on mental health in patient care (36:31), and how medical trainees can approach challenging patient interactions (43:23).

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala welcomes back with Dr.  Mark Martinez, who is a native New Yorker practicing Emergency Medicine at Baptist Health South Florida in Miami. He attended medical school at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn before completing his residency in Emergency Medicine at Albert Einstein/Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. Dr. Martinez recently graduated with a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Florida International University, and he shares how he developed his approach to preventing and mitigating physician burnout and discusses the utility of ‘Participative Management’. Dr. Martinez had practiced physician coaching for several years focusing on wellness and personal development. The motivation for all of that was a difficult and protracted personal battle with burnout and mental illness. Aside from practicing emergency medicine Dr. Martinez is currently working as a consultant for the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, developing a more evidence-based and specific approach to medical student selection. In this episode we discuss all the non-clinical aspects of attending life, including knowing your professional and financial self-worth, when negotiating contracts. Dr. Martinez articulates the difference between monetary wealth and abundance. He further explains the highs and lows of being an attending physician, and how we must empower ourselves with knowledge to prepare for scenarios that you cannot learn in a medical textbook.Feel free to check out part 1 (Episode 62) which introduces Dr. Martinez’s background in Emergency Medicine and pragmatic residency wellness tools for burnout and part 2 (Episode 83) focusing on the clinical and administrative responsibility of an attending physician.

In this episode, Dr Rui Ariyapala welcomes back with Dr Mark Martinez, who is a native New Yorker practicing Emergency Medicine at Baptist Health South Florida in Miami. He attended medical school at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn before completing his residency in Emergency Medicine at Albert Einstein/Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. Dr. Martinez recently graduated with a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Florida International University, and he shares how he developed his approach to preventing and mitigating physician burnout and discusses the utility of ‘Participative Management’. Dr. Martinez had practiced physician coaching for several years focusing on wellness and personal development. The motivation for all of that was a difficult and protracted personal battle with burnout and mental illness. Aside from practicing emergency medicine Dr. Martinez is currently working as a consultant for the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, developing a more evidence-based and specific approach to medical student selection. We discuss his penultimate years as a resident, specifically making medical decisions and managing people as he prepares for attending life.  For personal and professional growth, he emphasizes that physicians should never stop reading, especially as an attending. Dr. Martinez gives advice on how to regulate emotions when taking on the burden of the ultimate clinical and administrative responsibility.Feel free to check out part 1 (Episode 62) which introduces Dr. Martinez’s background in Emergency Medicine and pragmatic residency wellness tools for burnout.

In this episode of the Tarheel Wellness podcast, host Dr. Robert Rowe resumes his conversation with Dr. Karina Olivo-Holzl, a preventive medicine resident at UNC. Dr. Olivo-Holzl delves into her experiences with medical translating, the challenges of being apart from her family during her training, and the critical importance of listening to her body. She shares a personal health scare that led to a life-saving diagnosis and emphasizes the necessity of self-care and seeking help when needed. This episode offers valuable lessons on balancing professional demands with personal well-being and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that highlights the human side of medical training and the journey towards health and wellness.

In this episode of the Tarheel Wellness podcast, host Dr. Robert Rowe sits down with Dr. Karina Olivo-Holzl, a current preventive medicine resident at UNC. Dr. Olivo-Holzl shares her inspiring journey from her early days in her mother's microbiology lab in Venezuela to her medical training and practice in her home country, and the challenges and opportunities she encountered upon immigrating to the United States. She discusses her experiences working in the NICU Milk Bank, becoming an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and her passion for addressing health disparities and social determinants of health. Dr. Olivo-Holzl also reflects on the personal and professional hurdles she faced, including adapting to a new culture and language, and the support systems that helped her along the way. Join us for an insightful conversation about resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of medical excellence.

In this episode, Dr Rui Ariyapala welcomes back with Dr. Wilson who is also known as Dr. Burnout™ and is on a mission to revolutionize workplaces and eradicate burnout culture across healthcare, mental health, public service, and government organizations. As a Speaker, Author, Organizational Consultant, and TV Host of Leadership Beyond Burnout, Dr. Wilson brings a fearless, transformative approach to building resilience and empowering women in leadership—impacting workplaces and saving millions in turnover costs. With the insight of a Therapist, Organizational Psychologist, Retired US Marine, and Executive Coach, she’s driven by personal loss to help 5,500 women overcome burnout and cultivate 1,000 thriving workplace cultures. Her acclaimed Restoration Retreats—Reignite, Revive, & Renew™—offer clients renewed purpose, stronger relationships, and a revitalized impact.In this part, we discuss pragmatic tools that residents can use to tackle burnout. We delve into personal techniques residents can use such as habit stacking, mindfulness practices with the five senses, self-efficacy, as well as focusing on internal, specific root causes of burnout which are unique to each resident. Dr. Wilson shares her “Break free from Burnout in 3 mins per day” tool which she hopes will help residents. She closes the discussion with advice for residents and physicians on how to build their own wellness and burnout prevention platforms. Be sure to check out part 1, (episode 79) where we discuss Dr. Wilson’s career and background in burnout prevention and mental resilience.Break Free From Burnout in 3 Minutes a Dayhttps://firststeptherapeuticservices.ac-page.com/break-free-from-burnout-in-3-minutes-a-day