“My doctor doesn’t listen”. Miscommunication between patients and their healthcare team can have a tremendous impact on patient trust AND their health. With 20 years of practice, Dr. Christine Meyer has had thousands of conversations with patients-not all of them great. Join us as we explore the keys to restoring patient trust, creating a better patient experience, and improving healthcare outcomes simply by having better conversations.
When a patient comes to me with complicated symptoms, I typically order a series of tests to arrive at a diagnosis. But what happens if those tests all come back normal? There are conditions that can’t be identified by CAT scans, blood tests or ultrasounds. And sometimes testing only adds to a patient’s anxiety and makes them feel worse. So, how do you decide when testing is necessary and when it isn’t? On this inaugural episode of Tell Me More, I sit down with my pediatrician husband, Christopher, to discuss how his approach to testing differs from mine and why testing children often does more harm than good. We explain why American doctors tend to over-rely on tests, and I share a case study of a patient whose tubal ligation post ablation syndrome couldn’t be diagnosed with a CAT scan, ultrasound or lab work. Listen in to understand how poor communication leads to patient mistrust and learn how to diagnose patients and communicate clearly—without over-relying on tests. Key Takeaways How my pediatrician husband Christopher’s testing philosophy differs from mine The question Christopher asks before ordering a test for a patient Why doctors in India look down on American physicians for our overreliance on tests How my patient with tubal ligation post ablation syndrome couldn’t be diagnosed through testing Why testing in children often does more harm than good An example of a young leukemia patient who could have been diagnosed sooner with lab work Why doctors tend to write off patients when their tests come back normal How power of suggestion makes us believe a problem is much worse How a doctor’s inability to communicate leads to patient frustration and mistrust The power in showing confidence and humility in communication with patients Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email: christine@christinemeyermd.com Resources Atul Gawande
For many years, Keri suffered from debilitating gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, weight fluctuation, and depression before she was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism. And she has had more than her fair share of conversations with doctors. How did the experience improve once Keri felt heard? How did effective communication impact her health? And what does effective doctor-patient communication look like? On this episode of Tell Me More, Keri joins me to describe the mental and physical symptoms of hypothyroidism and discuss how long it took to get an accurate diagnosis. Keri explains the power in building trust with your healthcare team and shares her maddening experience with a doctor who discounted how she felt because her numbers were “normal.” Listen in for Keri’s advice to listeners who think they might have hypothyroidism and learn why doctors can’t rely on data alone to treat human beings. Key Takeaways How long Keri suffered from GI issues before she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism Keri’s experience with a doctor who discounted how she felt because her numbers were “normal” How Keri’s fatigue, GI issues, weight gain and depression were symptoms of hypothyroidism How often Keri checks her TSH, T3 and T4 to make sure they’re in the range she feels best The power in finding a doctor who makes you feel heard Why asking open-ended questions facilitates more effective communication with patients The frustration of retelling your story over and over to new doctors (especially with a chronic condition) How hypothyroidism impacts your mental health Keri’s advice for listeners who think they might have hypothyroidism Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
Danielle doesn’t feel like a medical miracle. But after experiencing a stroke at the age of 33, being misdiagnosed for several months and enduring complications from brain surgery, her health journey is truly extraordinary. Unfortunately, Danielle and her husband Stan had a number of difficult conversations with the not-so-sympathetic specialists who treated her along the way. What were those conversations like? Should we tolerate a certain amount of arrogance from medical professionals at the top of their field? And what is the best way to approach healthcare conversations when your life is at stake? On this episode of Tell Me More, Danielle joins me to explain why her husband, Stan questioned her initial diagnosis of AVM and walk us through her interactions with the three high-profile neurosurgeons she went to for a second opinion. Danielle describes how she learned that she had been misdiagnosed and was still in danger, sharing her experience with surgery to fix the irregular connection in her brain and why she didn’t love her doctor’s bedside manner—but trusted his confidence. Listen in to understand why it’s crucial to have an advocate when your health is compromised and learn to listen to your gut in challenging conversations with healthcare providers. Key Takeaways Danielle’s experience of having a stroke as a 33-year-old mom Why Danielle’s husband Stan questioned her initial diagnosis of AVM How the neurosurgeon reacted to a request for a second opinion Danielle’s interactions with the 3 high-profile specialists her husband sought out How Danielle learned she had been misdiagnosed How the vascular neurosurgeon delivered the news that Danielle was still in danger Why we tolerate arrogance in a physician when paired with skill How Danielle was blindsided by the possibility of needing a craniotomy The relationship between a positive attitude and a positive health outcome How Danielle’s doctor reacted to her complications from surgery Danielle’s advice on listening to your gut when talking to healthcare providers Why it’s crucial to have an advocate if your health is compromised Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
A lot of us feel a little blue during the holiday season. But for some, that blueness is much more significant. It can be a medical diagnosis of clinical depression or anxiety that disrupts their lives. And as good as medicine has gotten over the years, we still do a pretty rotten job when it comes to talking to patients about their mental health. There's this stigma that if life is pretty good, and you have a lot going for you, you should just be able to pick yourself up by the bootstraps. So, how can clinicians broach the subject of mental health with patients who may need support? And how do you start a conversation with your doctor if you happen to be struggling? On this episode of Tell Me More, I introduce you to a patient of mine named Amy who describes the physical symptoms she’s experienced off and on since college and discusses how she was finally diagnosed with anxiety and seasonal depression. We explore why it’s crucial for clinicians to be open to feedback if medication isn’t working, and Amy explains what she did beyond taking citalopram to engage in self-care and improve her mental health. Listen in for Amy’s advice to clinicians on being compassionate to patients with mental health issues and learn how to open up to your doctor to improve your mental wellness and enhance your quality of life! Key Takeaways How Amy experienced mental health symptoms in college but didn’t understand the diagnosis Why it’s crucial for clinicians to show their work and explain the why behind a treatment Amy’s physical symptoms of brain fog, exhaustion, IBS and a short fuse How Amy was finally diagnosed with anxiety and seasonal depression (and how those conditions manifest differently in different seasons of life) What Amy did to improve her mental health beyond taking medication Amy’s willingness to share her mental health challenges with others How having a full serotonin bucket gives Amy the mental clarity to pause before she reacts Amy’s advice to clinicians on how to speak to patients with mental health issues What drove Amy’s decision to stop taking her medication (and how she felt when she had to start again) Amy’s advice for listeners on how to talk to clinicians about your mental health Why it’s crucial for clinicians to be open to feedback if the first prescription isn’t working Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
11 years ago, Kim woke up with a headache that refused to go away. After five days of suffering, she went to her primary care doctor and was diagnosed with adult-onset migraines. But four months and 23 medications later, she was admitted to the hospital for pain control. None of the treatments had worked. That’s when the hospital neurologist accused Kim of faking her symptoms to get attention. And Kim started to wonder if she was losing her mind. On this episode of Tell Me More, Kim joins me to discuss the physical symptoms she experienced in the four months leading up to her hospitalization and describe how the chronic pain led to suicidal ideations. She walks us through the long list of specialists she saw and treatments she tried before a neurosurgeon asked the right questions and discovered her displaced cervical spine. Listen in to understand what the neurosurgeon who saved Kim did differently from the neurologist who dismissed her and learn how to confront a doctor who does you wrong in a way that makes them better. Key Takeaways How Kim was initially diagnosed with adult-onset migraines (yet medication didn’t help) The symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea Kim suffered in addition to her headache Kim’s experience of trying 23 different medications and countless treatments with no relief How Kim’s chronic pain and dizziness led to suicidal ideations Kim’s reaction to the hospital neurologist who accused her of faking symptoms for attention The neurosurgeon who discovered Kim’s displaced cervical spine and resolved her pain Kim’s post-op confrontation with the neurologist who dismissed her Why a good physician will not be offended if you advocate for yourself and ask for a second opinion Kim’s advice to PCPs on creating a team of colleagues to support patients who aren’t doing well What the neurosurgeon who saved Kim did differently than the other doctors she’d seen Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
Molly endured the life-or-death experience of an ectopic pregnancy. Then, when her obstetrician said it was safe, she got pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby boy. Today, she has two children under the age of two. And while Molly is grateful to have had two successful pregnancies, the journey was fraught with the frustration of having to explain her history again and again. So, what can we do to make women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss feel supported? On this episode of Tell Me More, Molly joins me to discuss her first pregnancy, walking us through the nine weeks leading up to an emergency ultrasound and surgery to treat her ectopic pregnancy. She explains how three different practitioners offered very different prognoses for her second pregnancy and what she did to take charge of the process when she was pregnant for the third time. Listen in to understand why the system doesn’t work for women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss and learn what obstetricians can do to support women during and after an ectopic pregnancy. Key Takeaways How Molly’s first pregnancy was confirmed through a message in her online portal The gas pains, constipation and spotting that led Molly to have a series of bloodwork and exams Why Molly went to Google to find out what her bloodwork should look like Molly’s experience having an emergency ultrasound and surgery to treat her ectopic pregnancy The guidance Molly got on how long to wait before trying to get pregnant again How 3 doctors interpreted the results of Molly’s hysterosalpingogram very differently How Molly had a successful second pregnancy and delivered a healthy boy What Molly did to take charge of the process when she was pregnant for the third time Why the system doesn’t work for women who’ve experienced a pregnancy loss How to advocate for yourself if you’re considering pregnancy for the first time Molly’s advice on navigating the system for women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss What obstetricians can do to support women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
When I was growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, ADD wasn’t a thing. Kids with attention deficit disorder struggled to succeed and often developed anxiety and depression as a result. This is exactly what happened to Kim, and it wasn’t until she was homeschooling her own children during the pandemic that she made the connection: Perhaps the cause of her mental health issues was undiagnosed ADD. But it’s been much more challenging than you might expect for Kim to receive the appropriate treatment. On this episode of Tell Me More, Kim joins me to explain how she was diagnosed with depression as a young adult and why her mental health treatment took a turn for the worse when her psychiatrist added bipolar disorder to the mix in 2017. Kim describes how she was dismissed when she first mentioned adult ADD to her neurologist, what steps she took to get diagnosed by a neuropsychologist, and why her mental health history is still stopping her from getting adequate treatment. Listen in for insight on what it’s like for Kim to live with adult ADD and learn how to honor your intuition and advocate for yourself when a doctor’s mental health treatment plan doesn’t seem right. Key Takeaways When Kim was first diagnosed with and treated for generalized anxiety and depression Why Kim was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2017 and how the meds led to her hospitalization How Kim’s psychiatrist responded to her request to come off bipolar meds and why she brought her husband along for the appointment The revelation Kim had as she was homeschooling her kids during the pandemic and discussing their struggles with ADD How Kim’s neurologist dismissed her when she mentioned adult ADD Kim’s journey to being diagnosed with ADD by a neuropsychologist How Kim’s mental health history is preventing her from getting appropriate treatment for ADD What it’s like for Kim to live with ADD as an adult and how it impacts her relationships Why practitioners should be careful about diagnosing mental health disorders Kim’s advice to patients to honor our intuition and keep searching if something’s not right Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
As the drummer in a popular band, Jeff has been playing music and performing for audiences of thousands for many years. But at the end of 2020, he started experiencing symptoms of dizziness and a feeling of heaviness in his upper body during shows. Jeff relied on kinesthetic memory to play the drums, while he focused on not fainting. And despite the best efforts of his primary care doctor, a GI specialist, a gallbladder surgeon and the team at his local ER, Jeff still didn’t have answers two years later! On this episode of Tell Me More, Jeff shares his frustrating two-year journey to find an explanation for his nagging symptoms. Jeff discusses his decision to see a different PCP for a fresh set of eyes, describing what the new doctor learned by monitoring his heart over a two-week period. Listen in to understand how taking a mild beta blocker has resolved Jeff’s symptoms and learn how to reach out for a second opinion when your case is hard to diagnose. Key Takeaways The symptoms of dizziness, pain and heaviness Jeff started experiencing just over 2 years ago How Jeff’s episodes seemed to occur only when he was playing drums The testing Jeff’s primary care doctor conducted and why she sent him to a GI specialist Why the GI surgeon decided against removing Jeff’s gallbladder Jeff’s difficult conversation with a physician who dismissed his symptoms as nerves from performing How Jeff underwent another round of testing in the ER after a rough weekend of episodes Why Jeff went to a different primary care practice for fresh eyes and what the new doctor learned by monitoring his heart over a 2-week period How Jeff’s vagus nerve was overreacting to the adrenaline rush of playing drums How taking a mild beta blocker resolved Jeff’s symptoms Jeff’s advice to patients with nagging symptoms who can’t get answers from their PCP Why Jeff is considering a shift to the practice that resolved his issue Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
For most of my adult life, I had no relationship with alcohol whatsoever. And then, in 2016, I discovered a love of bourbon and started enjoying an old fashioned when I was out with family and friends. But then the pandemic hit, and I started having a regular cocktail at home to cope with the stress. I was only drinking one adult beverage, but I was drinking every night. Fast forward to three months ago when a patient I’ve known for a long time expressed worry that I was drinking too much. I was stunned. And angry. Nevertheless, her comments inspired me to reflect on my habits and take a 30-day break from alcohol. On this episode of Tell Me More, I’m exploring the impact alcohol had on my health, explaining why I blamed menopause and the stress of COVID for my poor sleep and memory dysfunction. I discuss why I felt anxious and irritable for the first ten days of Dry January before my brain fog lifted and I felt like a new person by the end of the month. Listen in to understand the science behind alcohol’s impact on your brain, mood and sleep quality—and learn how easy it is to slip into a drinking habit, no matter who you are or how much you know! Key Takeaways How I got to a place where I needed a 30-day break from alcohol Why I drank very little before I discovered a love of bourbon in my 40’s How I coped with the stress of COVID by having a regular drink at home Why I blamed menopause for my poor sleep and brain fog Why I didn’t recognize the impact alcohol was having on my health What inspired me to reflect on my drinking habits How consistent alcohol use impacts your brain, mood and quality of sleep Why I felt anxious and irritable for the first 10 days of Dry January How my brain fog lifted and I felt like a new person by the end of the month How easy it is to slip into a drinking habit (no matter how smart you are) What to say to a loved one who’s started drinking consistently Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com Resources This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health on the Huberman Lab Podcast
Kathy’s problems began in 2011 with a cold that wouldn’t go away. She was initially diagnosed with bronchiectasis, and after seeing a local specialist, Kathy discovered she had mycobacterium avium complex or MAC as well. But the cocktail of antibiotics she was taking didn’t stop her nagging cough or keep her from getting sick on a regular basis. And then she started seeing blood in her sputum. Why did it take 10 years for Kathy to start feeling good again? How did she finally get the help she needed? On this episode of Tell Me More, Kathy joins me to share her decade-long journey through the healthcare system and discuss how she found the program at National Jewish Hospital in Denver that changed her life. Kathy explains how the medical team in Denver’s approach differed from that of her local pulmonologist and walks us through the conversations that led to a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Listen in for Kathy’s advice to patients with difficult-to-diagnose pulmonary issues and learn how she transitioned from never-ending drug treatments to a simple air clearance routine. Key Takeaways How Kathy’s cold that wouldn’t go away led to an initial diagnosis of bronchiectasis Kathy’s conversations with the specialist who diagnosed her mycobacterium avium complex The antibiotic cocktail Kathy took 3X per week for 5 years to treat her MAC Why the blood in Kathy’s sputum was dismissed (even after she woke up gagging on blood on a trip) What inspired Kathy to see an infectious disease specialist and the treatment she recommended The program at National Jewish Hospital in Denver that finally diagnosed Kathy with cystic fibrosis How the team in Denver’s approach differed from that of Kathy’s prior pulmonologist How Kathy transitioned from ongoing drug treatments to just air clearance Kathy’s advice for patients struggling with bronchiectasis who aren’t improving How most of the specialized treatment at NJH was covered by Kathy’s insurance Kathy’s conversations with her daughters around navigating cystic fibrosis Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com Resources ‘What It’s Like to Learn You’re Going to Live Longer Than You Expected’ in The New York Times Using the Aerobika National Jewish Health Dr. Lommatzsch at National Jewish Health
What makes for a good doctor-patient relationship? Yes, we want a doctor who has excellent control of our disease. Someone who diagnoses us correctly and gets us to a point where we’re pain-free. But for a patient living with a challenging condition like rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to consider quality of life. To find out what matters most to them and develop a treatment plan accordingly. Nora was an active, athletic, 35-year-old who’d just gotten married when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. And she had to see more than one rheumatologist before she found a partner who listened to her concerns and partnered with her to make decisions together. On this episode of Tell Me More, Nora describes how her health journey began on a camping trip when she couldn’t get up on her own and discusses the very different conversations she had with two GPs about her joint pain. Nora shares why bedside manner is just as important to her as a doctor’s technical skills and explains how she found a rheumatologist who understood that becoming a mom was important for her quality of life. Listen in for insight into the strong doctor-patient relationship between Nora and her rheumatologist, Dr. Jaworski, and learn how to find a doctor you trust who serves as a partner in your healthcare journey. Key Takeaways How Nora’s journey began on a camping trip when she couldn’t get up on her own Nora’s reaction to the GP who attributed her issues to being overweight and sore from packing for move How the next GP Nora saw took extra time to ask questions and referred her to a rheumatologist Why Nora’s first rheumatologist pushed for treatment with biologics despite Nora’s concerns about having a family How Nora’s second rheumatologist, Dr. Jaworski, explored treatment options that were less dangerous for pregnancy Why bedside manner is just as important to Nora as a doctor’s technical skills Dr. Jaworski’s initial approach to treating Nora’s rheumatoid arthritis and how it evolved after she had her sons Nora’s recent season of struggle and what Dr. Jaworski did to help her get through an important work trip to Germany How Dr. Jaworski’s consideration of Nora’s quality of life strengthens their doctor-patient relationship Nora’s advice on standing up for yourself in the search for the right rheumatologist Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com Resources Dr. Michael Jaworski
When Leslie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, her oncologist said, “This is the best cancer you can get.” And while she understands in hindsight that he meant to put her at ease, in the moment, Leslie resented his delivery and wondered if he really cared. Was he taking her situation lightly? How could any cancer be considered good? On this episode of Tell Me More, Leslie describes the feeling of heat in her throat that persisted for four years before she was finally diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Leslie explains what inspired her to ask for a third neck ultrasound though her doctor deemed it unnecessary, and we consider how the cancer could have been prevented from moving into her lymph nodes had it been caught sooner. Listen in for insight into the experience of being treated with radioactive iodine and get Leslie’s advice for doctors on taking an interest when patients advocate for themselves and reassuring them that you’re committed to their care. Key Takeaways The feeling of heat in her throat Leslie mentioned for 4 years before she got a diagnosis How Leslie had a neck ultrasound following her wellness checks two years in a row but didn’t have her thyroid nodules biopsied The conversation with an acquaintance that inspired Leslie to push for a third ultrasound How Leslie was finally diagnosed with thyroid cancer via a fine needle aspiration biopsy and how her doctor delivered the news How Leslie’s cancer could have been prevented from moving into the lymph nodes had it been diagnosed sooner Why Leslie was baffled by having to ask the doctor for a third ultrasound What a doctor takes into consideration before they order a given test Why doctors say thyroid cancer is ‘the best cancer you can get’ and how that message is received by patients Leslie’s experience of being treated with radioactive iodine and self-isolating for 7 days Leslie’s advice for patients on telling your doctor when you’re not comfortable with how they’re handing your care Leslie’s challenge for doctors to be interested when patients advocate for themselves Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com Resources When Testing Gets in the Way on Tell Me More EP001
A few weeks ago, I sent in a prescription for an opioid medication for a longtime patient of mine. And when the pharmacist called and left a message, I immediately got angry. Why was he questioning my authority? As a result, I went into the conversation ready for a fight. And I’m not proud of the way I treated the pharmacist—who was simply trying to do better by my patient. Dr. Melissa Turner, PharmD, knows what it’s like to interact with rude doctors. She spent eight years working as a retail pharmacist at CVS Health before burnout drove her away. Today, Dr. Turner runs Tarheel PGx Consulting, a business that offers patients personalized medication and nutrition management based on their genetics. On this episode of Tell Me More, Dr. Turner joins me to describe a day in the life of a retail pharmacist, discussing what they do beyond counting pills and putting them in bottles. Dr. Turner shares some of her most challenging conversations with providers, including a traumatic experience with a doctor who threatened to report her for not filling a subscription. Listen in to understand why Dr. Turner left retail pharmacy and find out how doctors can improve our conversations with retail pharmacists and work together for the good of our patients. Key Takeaways How I got defensive when a pharmacist called me with feedback on how we might do better by a patient Dr. Turner’s traumatic experience of being verbally attacked by a doctor who threatened to report her Why there’s a lack of appreciation for retail pharmacists among patients and providers A day in the life of a retail pharmacist and what they do beyond counting pills and putting them in bottles The important role pharmacists play in alerting doctors to potential drug interactions and allergy issues The immunization goals retail pharmacists are required to meet in addition to their many other duties How the opportunity to help people inspired Dr. Turner to chose a career in pharmacy Why Dr. Turner made the decision to leave retail pharmacy and turn in her 2 weeks’ notice at CVS How the Happy PharmD program helped Dr. Turner start her own business in pharmacogenomics and nutrigenetic testing How Dr. Turner’s life has changed for the better since she left retail pharmacy to start her own business What doctors can do to improve our conversations with and help prevent burnout among retail pharmacists Connect with Dr. Turner Dr. Turner on LinkedIn Tarheel PGx Consulting Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com Resources The Happy PharmD Program
Emily was married at 22 and went off birth control. And while she wasn’t actively trying to get pregnant, she was not NOT trying. But after three years, nothing had happened. She brought it up with her PCP and OBGYN, who both said, ‘Well, you’re still young…’ So, it wasn’t until Emily was 30 years old and seeking help from a fertility specialist that she found out her thyroid levels were off. And within two months of going on Synthroid, Emily was pregnant. On this episode of Tell Me More, Emily explains why it took eight years to get a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and ten years to have her first successful pregnancy. She describes what the team at Main Line Fertility did to make her feel supported and encouraged and how she had a second child without the help of a fertility specialist once her thyroid was in check. Listen in for Emily’s insight on using Dr. Google to initiate medical conversations and learn what young people can do to engage in their own health care, partnering with doctors to solve problems together. Key Takeaways How Emily went off birth control at age 22 but nothing happened for several years The short conversations Emily had with her PCP and OBGYN about her irregular periods and possible infertility Why Emily dismissed her other symptoms, i.e.: fatigue, GI issues How Emily finally got pregnant at 30 but miscarried early on Emily’s experience at Main Line Fertility and how her fertility specialist delivered the news that she has hypothyroidism How Emily got pregnant within 2 months of going on Synthroid but miscarried again Emily’s first successful pregnancy and how she delivered a healthy baby girl in 2020 How Emily got pregnant with her second child in 2021 without the help of a fertility specialist Emily’s advice to young people around doing your own research and asking questions to understand what’s going on with your body What the fertility specialist’s team did to make Emily feel supported and encouraged The danger in explaining away a patient’s symptoms with their age (young or old) How to use Dr. Google to initiate a conversation with your doctor about your health Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com Resources Main Line Fertility
When Pam’s dad was diagnosed with tongue cancer 13 years ago, she made it her mission to find him the best possible care. So, after a consult with a local surgeon, Pam made appointments for a second and third opinion with university-level providers within driving distance. What was their experience navigating big-name surgeons and oncologists at well-known university hospitals? Did such accomplished doctors come with outsized egos? On this episode of Tell Me More, Pam describes the mistake a top surgeon made in speaking to statistics without addressing her dad’s particular case and explains why her dad ultimately chose the team at Johns Hopkins to treat his tongue cancer. Pam also shares her experience advocating for her mom when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, challenging doctors to offer clear guidance and explain the WHY behind a patient’s treatment options. Listen in for Pam’s practical advice on dealing with university-level egos and learn how to act from a place of confidence, remembering that even prestigious doctors work for you! Key Takeaways Why Pam sought a second and third opinion with university-level providers when her dad was diagnosed with tongue cancer The mistake an accomplished surgeon made in speaking to statistics without addressing Pam’s dad’s particular case How the third opinion Pam and her dad got differed from the two previous consultations Why the accomplished surgeon at Johns Hopkins suggested treating Pam’s dad with radiation vs. surgery How the radiation oncologist that treated Pam’s dad was both outstanding in his field and an outstanding person The lack of guidance a local surgeon offered when Pam’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer How Pam connected with the Chief of Breast Surgery at Johns Hopkins for a consult with her mom The benefit of having a doctor who explains the WHY behind your treatment options Why Pam and her mom ultimately chose clustered over weekly radiation treatments Pam’s advice on navigating university-level egos by remembering that even prestigious doctors work for you Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com Resources Johns Hopkins Medicine
Doctors trained in the West often resist nontraditional treatment modalities and focus on prescribing pharmaceuticals, citing data to back up our decisions. But medication is not the answer for every patient, and many are interested in exploring natural treatments to manage their health. So, what if it doesn’t have to be an either/or? What if medical professionals were open to offering patients a holistic treatment plan that combines natural therapies with prescription medication when necessary? Dr. Asha Pai Bohannon, PharmD, CDCES, CPT, is the founder of PAI Wellness Group, a holistic wellness practice that helps patients manage their diabetes and other chronic issues. On this episode of Tell Me More, Asha explains how her experiences as a pharmacist and hard-to-diagnose patient inspired her East meets West approach to health and wellness. Asha describes how she was plagued by gut issues, extreme fatigue and weight loss resistance for years, discussing why Western medicine failed her and how she finally connected with a naturopath who helped her find answers. Listen in for Asha’s insight on being open to nontraditional modalities and learn how to talk to your doctor about exploring natural treatments to manage your health. Key Takeaways How PAI Wellness Group offers patients a holistic approach to diabetes management How Asha’s experience as a pharmacist and patient inspired her to build a holistic health business The major gut symptoms that Asha began to suffer from 15 years ago Asha’s frustration each time her bloodwork came back normal and her doctor said there was nothing wrong The extreme fatigue and weight loss resistance Asha experienced after having her second child Why Asha was initially resistant to the medication her GP prescribed and what happened when she finally tried it Asha’s experiences with a new GP and several specialists as her laundry list of symptoms grew How Asha finally connected with the naturopath who helped diagnose her mycotoxin illness Asha’s East meets West approach to treating her sensitivity to toxic mold and chronic inflammation Asha’s advice on developing self-awareness around how you are feeling How a patient might initiate a conversation with their physician around nontraditional ways of managing disease How doctors can respond to patients who request a holistic approach in a way that maintains the relationship Connect with Dr. Bohannon PAI Wellness Group Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
When people are struggling with their mental health, they tend to bring it up with their primary care doctor first. And while I love that my patients feel comfortable bringing these issues to me, I don’t always feel like I have the time or expertise to facilitate a really good conversation and address their concerns effectively. So, more often than not, I end up writing a prescription. What can PCPs do to engage in better conversations with patients about their symptoms of anxiety and depression? How can we work with psychiatrists to support patients around their mental health? Shelby Riley is the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist behind Shelby Riley, LMFT & Associates, a practice based in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, that offers therapy to individuals, couples, teens, kids and families. On this episode of Tell Me More, Shelby explains what most primary care doctors do well in mental health conversations with patients and how we can improve simply by making sure people know we care. Shelby discusses the challenge therapists face in giving patients very difficult feedback and describes the advantage she has over PCPs in being able to model repair when she handles a conversation poorly. Listen in for Shelby’s insight on being honest with patients when a mental health concern is out of our scope of practice and learn how patients can prepare for conversations with their PCP around mental wellbeing. Key Takeaways How PCPs and psychiatrists can work as a team to support patients around their mental health How most PCPs give patients good options for dealing with mental health concerns Why primary care doctors should encourage therapy vs. relying on medication alone to address anxiety and depression Shelby’s advice on working with teens and young adults experiencing mental health issues How it’s received by patients when a PCP says, ‘There’s nothing wrong with you; it’s all in your head’ (and how to reframe the message effectively) How PCPs might approach conversations about weight from a place of love, not judgement The challenge therapists face in giving patients very difficult feedback Shelby’s experience of feeling physically unsafe with a client and the steps she takes to keep her team safe What Shelby does when a patient needs a higher level of care than her outpatient therapy practice provides The advantage therapists have in being able to model repair when they handle a conversation poorly What Shelby does if a patient is working with a healthcare professional she doesn’t trust Why making patients feel you care is more important than the words you use in conversation Shelby’s advice to patients on initiating the mental health conversation with your PCP Why Shelby suggests being honest with patients when PCPs feel out of our depth in mental health conversations Connect with Ms. Riley Shelby Riley, LMFT & Associates Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
The patients I send to a pain management doctor are some of the most challenging cases in our practice. Typically, these patients have been to physical therapy, they’ve had imaging and been prescribed meds, but they’re still struggling with chronic pain. So, doctors who specialize in pain management are often tasked with explaining treatment options that sound scary and delivering bad news. What is the best way to approach these tough medical conversations? Dr. Ron Lincow, DO, is a pain management doctor with Pain Management Physicians, a private practice out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain conditions with a focus on nonsurgical, musculoskeletal medicine. On this episode of Tell Me More, Ron shares some of the most difficult conversations he’s had with patients, exploring how to communicate bad news without alarming patients prematurely. Ron discusses his approach to explaining a patient’s treatment options and describes the challenge of both advocating for patients and protecting your relationships with referring doctors you disagree with. Listen in for Ron’s advice to patients on processing scary information and learn how doctors can approach tough medical conversations with honestly, empathy and openness. Key Takeaways What inspired Ron’s shift from primary care to pain management (6 months shy of finishing school) How Ron delivered the difficult news that an 18-year-old patient had a brain tumor to her mother How Ron learned to be truthful in communicating bad news without alarming patients prematurely The challenge Ron faced in trying to discourage a patient from having back surgery he didn’t need How to be a patient advocate and protect your relationship with referring doctors you disagree with Ron’s approach to initiating conversations with patients and explaining their treatment options What doctors can learn from reading a patient’s body language and facial expressions Ron’s experience with telling a patient he’d like to wean them off of narcotic pain medication Why doctors should avoid absolutes, e.g.: telling a patient ‘you have the worst back I’ve ever seen’ Ron’s advice for patients on how to process scary information and follow up with your doctor The danger in treating an EMG vs. a person and how it led to unnecessary surgery for Ron’s patient Ron’s challenge to doctors not to leave the examining room if their patient still has questions Connect with Dr. Lincow Pain Management Physicians Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
Kermit Farmer’s wife, Linda, enjoyed a successful career as an oncologist until she was diagnosed with stomach cancer herself. She faced complications throughout the treatment process and was hospitalized 11 times in ten months before making the decision to go on hospice. And after 18 days of hospice care at home, Linda passed away. Kermit wanted to honor Linda’s legacy. So, he leveraged his experience as a caregiver, his understanding of the medical industry and his background in logistics to build Care Paths, a software platform that helps clinicians communicate effectively with patients. On this episode of Tell Me More, Kermit walks us through Linda’s battle with stomach cancer, describing her pragmatic approach to the disease and the extraordinary way she communicated with her family, colleagues and patients throughout the process. Kermit shares his frustration with the limited way clinicians deliver information and how Care Paths allows doctors to curate videos, audio files and documents to help patients understand their diagnosis and what to expect in treatment. Listen in for Kermit’s insight on how clinicians are using his software successfully and learn how Care Paths is transforming doctor-patient communication and saving lives! Key Takeaways Kermit’s wife Linda’s successful career as an oncologist at Spencer Cancer Center How Linda took extra time to make her patients feel cared for and in control Linda’s stomach cancer diagnosis and how she delivered the news to her colleagues, patients and family Why Linda decided to seek treatment locally and the care plan she helped develop The complications Linda faced during her first round of chemo and the surgery to remove her stomach Why Linda was hospitalized multiple times in the months following her surgery When Linda decided to go on hospice and why she wrote a letter to communicate that to her patients Kermit’s experience as a caregiver and when he felt unprepared to make decisions How Kermit is building Care Paths to carry Linda’s legacy forward Kermit’s frustration with the limited way doctors communication information to patients and caregivers How Kermit’s Care Paths software allows clinicians to curate videos, documents, audio files and forms to help patients understand their diagnosis and what to expect in treatment How clinicians are using Care Paths to onboard patients of all ages successfully Connect with Mr. Farmer Care Paths Kermit on LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website Dr. Meyer on Facebook Dr. Meyer on Twitter Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn Email christine@christinemeyermd.com Resources Kermit’s LinkedIn Post