The Family Doctor: Lessons Learned. Wisdom Shared.

In our previous episode, we addressed the notion of "raising the lid", speaking up louder for Family Medicine, and for our patients. In this episode, Dr Thomas White converses with Dr Garett Franklin of Raleigh about his career and his special interest in and passion for advocacy for our specialty. Listen and hear how Dr Franklin was introduced to medicine growing up in a small community in North Carolina, and about his journey from undecided, to chemical engineering, to Family Medicine, and ...

Have you ever thought you heard a familiar tune, perhaps out shopping, or on a walk, at a loud party, or in a noisy restaurant? In this episode, Dr White recounts a chance conversation he had with a stranger on a trip, occurring in a most unlikely place and circumstance. The exchange brings up a number of relevant topics, such as listening, purpose, commitment, advocacy, and career, and in a rather unexpected manner, the importance of the Family Physician (or General Practitioner!). This is a...

In this episode, Dr Thomas White welcomes Dr Andrea DeSantis, a Family Physician from Charlotte NC, to the podcast. Hear Dr DeSantis describe her journey from growing up in Pennsylvania near Philadelphia with strong family ties and traditions, the impact of her grandfather's family doctor's house calls, her early career in the hospitality industry, her ultimate decision to pursue medicine, and why the specialty of Family Medicine resonated with her. Her career has been devoted to providing ac...

In this new "mini lesson" we discuss the topic of the new patient coming in for their first visit to their new doctor. Listen to an (almost) real story about the experience of one of Dr White's former patients. Some very wise NC Family Physicians weigh in with their perspectives, leading to five lessons to consider. We hope you find this episode on a topic not commonly discussed both thought-provoking and valuable.

In this episode, we continue to explore the topic of "Time" and "Balance." Listen to Dr White's discussion with Dr Ben Aiken, a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency who now leads Lantern Health, a direct primary care practice with two locations in Asheville NC. Dr Aiken shares the lessons he has learned in his first job as a "juggler" and later as a collegiate athlete, student, resident, practicing physician, husband, and father. In addition to practical tips on...