Episode 40 - Steve Burrows: Bleed Out

Podcast Summary

• Seeking medical assistance for weight loss and purchasing unique engagement rings online: Telehealth providers like PlushCare offer 24/7 access to doctors for weight loss help, including FDA-approved medication prescriptions. Online retailers like Blunile.com offer unique engagement rings with discounts, and 1800 Flowers has Mother's Day deals on gifts and flowers.

  There are solutions for those struggling with weight loss and seeking medical assistance. PlushCare, a telehealth provider, offers doctors available 24/7 to help patients in their weight loss journey, including the prescription of FDA-approved medications like Wegovy and Zeppound. Additionally, there are convenient online options for purchasing unique engagement rings from Blunile.com, using the promo code "listen" for a discount. For Mother's Day, 1800 Flowers offers various ways to celebrate moms with handmade bouquets, sweet treats, and gifts, with up to 40% off select items. Lastly, for those considering a career in medicine, it's important to remember that even in affluent areas like Marin County, communication with healthcare professionals can be challenging, and personal experiences may not always go as expected.

• The long-term commitment of a medical career can discourage students: Encourage students to view medical career as smaller, manageable steps and emphasize rewards and fulfillment

  The perception of the length and sacrifices required for a medical career can be a significant deterrent for students, especially when compared to more immediate gratification experiences like owning a Jaguar. The speaker's anecdote of giving a talk to high school students and inadvertently discouraging them due to the long-term commitment and training involved highlights this issue. Additionally, the students' backgrounds, with many likely having parents who are doctors, may influence their perspective on the career path. To encourage more students to consider medicine, it's essential to frame the journey as a series of smaller, manageable steps rather than an overwhelming, decade-long commitment. Emphasizing the rewards and fulfillment of the profession can also help counteract the potential discouragement.

• Advocating for loved ones in healthcare system: Having an advocate, even long-distance, is essential for proper care in the healthcare system.

  Being an advocate for loved ones in the healthcare system is crucial, especially when they are unable to speak for themselves. The speaker shared his experience of trying to get proper care for his mother after a routine hip surgery went wrong and left her in a coma. He emphasized the importance of having an advocate, even long-distance, to ensure that medical professionals take the situation seriously and provide adequate care. The process was frustrating and lengthy, but ultimately led to the creation of a documentary, "Bleed Out," on HBO, chronicling the complexities of the American healthcare system.

• A doctor uncle's expertise saves the day: Having a medical professional in the family can be invaluable for advocating for loved ones' care. Questioning discrepancies and seeking second opinions can uncover critical issues and ensure better care.

  Having a family member who is a medical professional can be invaluable in advocating for the care of a loved one. In the discussed story, the speaker's uncle, who is a doctor, played a crucial role in identifying potential issues with the care their mother received during surgery. The doctor's expertise allowed him to notice discrepancies in the anesthesia records, leading the family to suspect falsification and investigate further. This ultimately uncovered a catastrophic loss of blood during the procedure, which resulted in the mother's coma. The story highlights the importance of advocacy, even for medical professionals, and the significant impact it can have on ensuring the best possible care for a loved one. The tale also underscores the importance of questioning medical professionals and seeking a second opinion when concerns arise.

• Doctor's change of heart in malpractice case: conflicting theories: Doctor's peers may have pressured him, emotional toll on family, or medical ethics concerns led to withdrawal from malpractice case, highlighting importance of clear communication, transparency, and ongoing dialogue in healthcare system.

  That there are conflicting theories as to why a doctor, who was initially supportive of a malpractice case, eventually distanced himself from it. It's possible that his colleagues or peers may have pressured him due to the negative attention the case was bringing to the medical community. Another theory is that he saw the emotional toll the case was taking on the patient's family and decided to withdraw to protect them. Regardless of the reason, it's clear that the case was a complex and emotionally charged situation that raised important questions about medical ethics, accountability, and the role of peer pressure in the medical community. The case also highlighted the importance of continuity of care and the need for clear communication and transparency between healthcare providers and their patients. Ultimately, the outcome of the case served as a reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue and improvement in the healthcare system.

• Importance of effective communication and collaboration in healthcare: Acknowledging mistakes, offering apologies, interdisciplinary approaches, accountability, transparency, vigilance, and advocacy are crucial for ensuring continuity of care and preventing medical errors.

  Effective communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals are crucial for ensuring continuity of care and preventing medical errors. The case discussed highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, accountability, transparency, and apology in healthcare. When something goes wrong, acknowledging mistakes and offering apologies can help families and patients gain closure and trust. Additionally, the importance of vigilance and advocacy from family members cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to recognizing changes in a patient's condition and pushing for answers. The lack of these elements in the case led to frustration, confusion, and a prolonged legal battle.

• Clear communication in healthcare saves lives: Honesty and transparency in critical situations can lead to fewer lawsuits, better outcomes, and healed relationships.

  Honesty and transparency are crucial in critical situations, especially in healthcare. The speaker shares a personal experience where clear communication from medical professionals could have saved his mother's life. The fear of legal ramifications and embarrassment can prevent doctors from being open about mistakes, but studies show that apologizing and admitting errors can lead to fewer lawsuits and better outcomes for all parties involved. Apologies can help heal relationships and prevent unnecessary conflict. The importance of honesty and transparency extends beyond healthcare and is a valuable lesson for all aspects of life.

• The Human Touch Matters in Critical Care: Remote technology cannot replace the human touch and expertise of a bedside doctor in managing critical patients. The doctor-patient relationship is crucial for quality healthcare.

  While technology like telemedicine and electronic ICUs have their benefits, they cannot fully replace the human touch and expertise of a bedside doctor, especially in critical care situations. The speaker, who had a personal experience with her mother's care in an ICU, emphasized the importance of a doctor's presence and assessment in managing critical patients. Despite the occasional convenience of remote medical consultations, the speaker believes that the human touch and doctor-patient relationship are essential components of quality healthcare. The speaker also expressed her continued trust and appreciation for doctors, acknowledging the complexities of the healthcare system they work within.

• Respectful communication and collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals: Effective communication and collaboration are essential for delivering high-quality care. Patients should ask questions and seek clarification, while healthcare professionals should listen and respond respectfully. 'Bleedout' film highlights the importance of this relationship and serves as a valuable teaching tool for universities and medical schools.

  Effective communication and collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals is crucial for delivering high-quality care. The patient in this discussion expressed a newfound respect for doctors and their commitment to helping people, but also acknowledged the importance of asking questions and seeking clarification when needed. The film based on their experience has sparked interest among universities and medical schools, who see it as a valuable teaching tool to improve care and train better healthcare professionals. Despite the challenges and mistakes that can occur in the healthcare system, the patient maintains faith in it and sees the potential for growth and improvement. The film "Bleedout" is available on various streaming platforms, including HBO, and has already reached a wide audience, generating a significant response from the medical community.

• The importance of health insurance and quality sleep: Doctor's story highlights the significance of health insurance and quality sleep. UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical plans offer flexible and budget-friendly coverage for nearly three years, while Boll and Branch's organic cotton sheets ensure a comfortable sleeping experience.

  While technology and trends may change, the importance of health insurance and quality sleep remain constant. It was inspiring to hear a doctor's personal story and the impact it had on emphasizing the significance of both. UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical plans, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, provide flexible and budget-friendly coverage for nearly three years in some states, offering peace of mind for those in need of health insurance. Similarly, Boll and Branch's organic cotton sheets provide a soft and comfortable sleeping experience that only gets better with time, ensuring a good night's rest. Both UnitedHealthcare Insurance Plans and Boll and Branch prioritize flexibility and quality, making them valuable resources for those seeking budget-friendly solutions for their health and sleep needs.