Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare

What happens when insurance companies and emergency physicians clash over fair payment, leaving patients caught in the middle? 

In this Echo Episode, part two of a two-part series, Dr. Andrea Austin talks with Dr. Jillian Schmitz about the pressing challenges in emergency medicine today.

Dr. Schmitz explains the intricacies of surprise billing, where out-of-network emergency care leads to unexpected patient costs, and the No Surprises Act’s intent to protect patients by removing them from billing disputes. She highlights the implementation challenges, including insurance companies’ failure to follow regulations, skyrocketing arbitration fees, and delays in payme...

What does it take to lead emergency medicine through unprecedented challenges like workforce shortages and systemic burnout?

In this Heartline Echo Episode, Dr. Andrea Austin sits down with Dr. Gillian Schmitz to explore her career trajectory, from civilian roles in military medicine to becoming ACEP's past president. Gillian reflects on her path, inspired by her father's military service, and how she balanced family life with a demanding career. They discuss the hidden opportunities in government jobs like those at the VA or Uniformed Services University, the resilience of EM physicians, and the impact of events like the...

What happens when the demands of academic emergency medicine collide with personal health and family priorities? 

In this Heartline Echo Episode, Dr. Andrea Austin speaks with Dr. Shannon McNamara about her transition from simulation director and ED physician to urgent care provider amid burnout, moral injury, and the pandemic.

Shannon recounts her nomadic upbringing, love for emergency medicine's complexity, and challenges in dysfunctional systems—including chronic illness, night shifts, and institutional politics. She discusses stepping away from academics, embracing urgent care for autonomy and balance, and applying simulation principles like huddles and debriefs to real-world tea...

What does it take to break free from financial stress and become a changemaker in healthcare? 

In this episode, Dr. Andrea Austin connects with Michael Swartz, a fee-only financial planner and coach who specializes in guiding physicians from residency to retirement. Drawing from his work at Schwartz Financial Planning, and his Health and Wealthness podcast, Michael offers a roadmap for physicians to navigate financial challenges and align their careers with their purpose.

They explore how the psychological weight of student loan debt can drive overwork and burnout, with Michael sharing strategies to reframe debt as a...

What does it take to lead change in healthcare’s most challenging environments? In this episode, Dr. Andrea Austin connects with Stephen Berkeley, a healthcare administrator turned change facilitator, and Anne Boland, a coaching psychologist, to explore how leadership, self-awareness, and curiosity can reshape healthcare systems.

Stephen shares his 35-year journey in healthcare administration, from Australia to India, and how a shift from self-focused to service-oriented leadership transformed his approach. Anne reflects on her privilege of coaching leaders who turn dysfunctional teams into thriving ones, emphasizing the power of listening and collaboration. 

Together, they...

Ever wonder why healthcare policy feels like a maze? Or how one doctor can spark systemic change? In this episode of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, Dr. Andrea Austin talks with Dr. Scott Pasichow, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and a passionate advocate for equity and reform.

Scott’s advocacy journey began with a personal realization: the inequities in family leave policies for residents. His push for fairer policies led to incremental changes at the ACGME and ABEM, ensuring better support for new parents. From testifying on EMS bills to...

Healthcare’s broken system hurts patients and physicians, but collective action can heal it. In this episode of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, I sit down with Kim Downey, a physical therapist, three-time cancer survivor, and Community Ambassador for Medicine Forward and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. Kim shares her transformative journey—facing thyroid and breast cancer, multiple surgeries, and the loss of her radiation oncologist to suicide—which sparked her mission to found Stand Up for Doctors. She discusses how gratitude, like thank-you notes, fosters connection, and how patients can advocate for physicians to improve care. Kim highlights the ne...

Burnout and trauma can feel like dead ends, but what if they’re inflection points for growth? In this episode of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, I, Dr. Andrea Austin, share a deeply personal chapter from my book Revitalized, reflecting on my recovery from soul-level burnout during the pandemic. Drawing on lessons from therapy, coaching, and vulnerability, I explore the power of “and”—embracing pain while finding joy. I discuss top-down (e.g., CBT) and bottom-up (e.g., EMDR, somatic) therapies, along with the role of coaching for future-focused growth. Inspired by Dr. Lorna Breen’s story, I advocate for stigma-fre...

Burnout doesn’t have to be the only option in medicine. 

In this conversation, Dr. Diane Shannon shares her personal journey through burnout and how she found her way through. 

We explore the small, yet impactful changes that can completely transform a physician’s career—whether it’s learning to set boundaries or recognizing the trauma and moral injury that so often go unspoken in our profession.

I’m excited to dive into how Dr. Shannon has been coaching and empowering other physicians, especially women physicians, to overcome the pressures of perfectionism, manage their emotio...

You shouldn’t need a PhD in insurance billing to understand why your medication costs $600 this month and $60 the next. But for millions of Americans, that’s the reality.

In this episode of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, I talk to pharmacist and startup founder Vinay Patel, whose decade-long career spans high-volume pharmacy operations, clinical program design, and now, drug pricing reform.

Vinay’s origin story begins with a moral injury: watching patients forced to choose between rent and medications. Instead of accepting the system as-is, he built one that works better. From negotiating fair reimbursement rates...

In episode 104, I sit down with David Norris, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI innovator, to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare. As the CEO of Affineon, David brings a wealth of experience and a passion for solving real-world problems in the medical field.

Our conversation delves into the exciting possibilities AI offers for reducing administrative burdens on healthcare providers, particularly in managing clinical inboxes. We discuss how AI can act as a powerful ally, helping clinicians focus more on patient care and less on paperwork.

Key insights from our discussion include:

In episode 103, I sit down with Dr. Bradley Block, an ENT surgeon and host of the Physician's Guide to Doctoring podcast, to explore the art of effective communication in healthcare. Our conversation delves into the challenges physicians face when interacting with patients and offers practical strategies to enhance these crucial interactions.

Dr. Block shares his journey from an "uninspiring" path to medical school to becoming a passionate advocate for better doctor-patient communication. We discuss the importance of addressing patients' underlying concerns, navigating difficult conversations, and maintaining professional boundaries while providing compassionate care.

Key insights from...

In episode 102, I sit down with Dr. Anita Bangale, a fellow emergency medicine physician who has expanded her career beyond the ER walls. We explore the concept of appreciative inquiry and how it can transform healthcare from within, focusing on what's going right rather than dwelling on the negatives.

Dr. Bangale shares her personal journey of rediscovering joy in medicine after experiencing burnout. She discusses the pivotal moment when she realized the need for change and how she embarked on a path of self-discovery and career diversification.

Key insights from our conversation include:

In this Heartline Echo Episode, I sit down with Sharee Johnson, a psychologist, executive coach, and author of "The Thriving Doctor," to explore the critical role of leadership in transforming healthcare. As we navigate the complexities of modern medicine, we delve into the essential skills and mindsets that can help physicians not just survive, but truly thrive in their careers.

Our conversation sheds light on the pressing need for a new approach to physician leadership, one that goes beyond traditional management and embraces a more holistic, human-centered perspective. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and...

In episode 101, I sit down with Dr. Cheryl Martin, emergency physician and host of The Mind Full Medic podcast, to explore the fascinating world of changemaking in healthcare. As we delve into the findings of my recent research, we uncover the essential ingredients that enable healthcare professionals to become effective agents of positive transformation.

Our conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between individual agency and organizational support, highlighting how these elements intertwine to create an environment where meaningful change can flourish. We discuss the challenges faced by changemakers in healthcare and the strategies they employ to...

In this Heartline Echo Episode, envision a transformative journey beyond the confines of clinical practice—a path where medical expertise converges with an entrepreneurial spirit! Join us in this week's episode with Dr. Gina Siddiqui as she discusses her passion for patient care and how it led her to become the founder and CEO of ⁠Carte Clinics⁠, a membership-based on-call physician service. Listen in as Dr. Siddiqui offers invaluable lessons that will leave you feeling inspired, informed, and empowered to pursue any business idea.

There is a lot of learning that can be done independently if you follow...

In this Heartline Echo Episode, Dr. Shikha Jain discusses her journey into medicine and her multifaceted career. The conversation highlights systemic changes needed in healthcare, such as pay transparency, diverse leadership, and supporting women's career development. Dr. Jain emphasizes the importance of personal joy, career advancement, and family balance in her professional decisions, offering insights into navigating a demanding field while driving meaningful change.

Join Dr. Shikha Jain on this inspiring journey as she shares her insights, strategies, and unwavering passion for creating a more equitable future for women in medicine. Immerse yourself in a conversation that...

In this Heartline Echo Episode, Dr. Shan Liu, a physician and children's book author shares her journey of writing ⁠The Masked Hero⁠. Inspired by her great-grandfather's invention of a face mask to combat the Manchurian plague, Dr. Liu illustrates how heroes come from diverse backgrounds. Join us in this week's episode to learn of how Dr. Liu went from feeling defeated during the worst moments of the pandemic, including when hate crimes and discrimination against Asian Americans peaked, to discovering her voice and a way to connect with her daughter by writing ⁠The Masked Hero⁠.

"I wanted to, as a...

In this Heartline Echo Episode, I revisit a powerful conversation with Drs. Maryanna Barrett and Maria Paasch, two innovative OB-GYNs who have transformed their practice by integrating functional medicine. Their journey from traditional obstetrics and gynecology to a more holistic approach offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance patient care and rediscover their passion for medicine.

Our discussion explores the essence of functional medicine, challenging the conventional "collection of body parts" approach to healthcare. We delve into how this integrative method looks at the body as an interconnected system, seeking root causes...

In this Heartline Echo Episode, we revisit a powerful conversation with twin OB-GYN twin sisters, Dr. Maryanna Barrett and Dr. Maria Paasch. Their journey from childhood aspirations to becoming trailblazers in women's health care offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of medicine.

As we explore their story, we uncover the pivotal moments that shaped their career paths, from their father's influence as a surgeon to their unexpected parallel choices in specialization. The sisters' candid reflections on their medical school and residency experiences provide valuable insights for aspiring healthcare professionals.

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In this Heartline Echo Episode, I sit down with Dr. Maryam Zia, a hematologist and oncologist at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, to explore the profound impact of compassionate care in challenging healthcare environments. Dr. Zia's journey serving underserved communities offers a unique perspective on the rewards and challenges of working in public healthcare.

Our conversation delves into the heart of what it means to be a woman in medicine, the emotional bonds formed with patients, and the delicate balance between professional dedication and personal well-being. Dr. Zia's insights shed light on the complexities of providing care...

In this Heartline Echo Episode, we revisit a powerful conversation about recovery in healthcare. As part of a three-part series, this episode focuses on macro recoveries - extended breaks that go beyond standard vacations. I share my personal experience of taking a three-month sabbatical from clinical work, which led to a transformative shift in my approach to emergency medicine. Joined by Dr. Cheryl Martin and Dr. Dan Dworkis, we explore the importance of long-term recovery for healthcare professionals.

Key insights from our discussion include:

In this Heartline Echo Episode, I sit down with Dr. Arian Nachat, an emergency medicine and palliative care physician who's making waves in healthcare. We explore her multifaceted career and the innovative platform she's created to address critical gaps in palliative care access.

Dr. Nachat shares her journey from emergency medicine to palliative care, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. We discuss the challenges facing healthcare today, including the corporatization of medicine and its impact on patient-doctor relationships.

Our conversation delves into the heart of what it means to provide compassionate...

In this Heartline Echo Episode, I sit down with Dr. JoAn Monaco, a trailblazing plastic surgeon who has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for women in surgery. As we celebrate Women's History Month, Dr. Monaco's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead for women in medicine.

Dr. Monaco shares her fascinating path to plastic surgery, from an 18-hour jaw reconstruction case that ignited her passion to becoming the first female graduate of her prestigious integrated plastic surgery residency. Her story is a testament to perseverance...

In this Heartline Echo Episode, I sit down with my dear friend and fellow emergency medicine physician, Dr. Torree McGowan, to explore the intricate balance of professional demands and personal well-being. As an Air Force veteran with multiple combat deployments and a now-retired member of the Oregon Air Guard, Torree brings a unique perspective to the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in today's ever-changing landscape.

Our conversation delves into the complexities of managing multiple roles—from emergency physician to military commander, homeschooling parent, and passionate equestrian. We discuss the importance of recognizing when it's ti...

In episode 101 (Heartline Echo Episode: Must Listen Conversations), I sit down with Dr. Megan Ranney, a trailblazing emergency physician, researcher, and public health advocate. We explore the intricate landscape of healthcare activism, from firearm injury prevention to reproductive rights and beyond.

Dr. Ranney shares her inspiring journey from a young emergency medicine resident to a national voice for innovative public health approaches. We discuss the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including a heartbreaking case that changed her perspective on firearm injuries and the profound impact of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

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In this milestone 100th episode of Heartline Change Making in Healthcare, I reflect on the journey that has brought us here and the path that lies ahead. From its inception as "The Revitalizing Doctor" to now, this podcast has evolved into a platform for exploring the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in healthcare transformation.

I begin by acknowledging the mentors and colleagues who have shaped this journey, including Dr. Dan Dworkis, founder of The Emergency Mind, who provided invaluable insights into finding one's purpose in medicine. His words serve as a reminder that our roles as healthcare professionals...

In episode 99, I hand over the reins to Dr. Verena Voelter, host of the "Let's Talk Value" podcast, as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation about value-based healthcare and physician well-being. As an emergency doctor with experience in the Navy and a passionate advocate for healthcare transformation, I share my insights on the challenges facing our healthcare system and the importance of prioritizing both patient and clinician health.

Key insights from our conversation include:

In episode 98, I sit down with Dr. Josh Hartzell, a retired colonel and faculty member at the Center for Health Professions Education, to explore the critical importance of caring leadership in healthcare. As a seasoned medical educator and former program director for the Walter Reed Internal Medicine Residency program, Dr. Hartzell brings a wealth of experience and insights to our conversation.

We delve into the heart of what it means to be a caring leader in the challenging landscape of modern healthcare. Dr. Hartzell shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a respected figure in...

In episode 97, I sit down with Dr. Laura Suttin, a board-certified family physician, certified coach, consultant, author, and speaker. We explore her journey from traditional medical practice to entrepreneurship and coaching, uncovering the transformative power of coaching in healthcare.

Dr. Suttin shares her personal experience of working with a coach and how it led her to become one herself. We discuss the impact of coaching on physician well-being, career satisfaction, and patient outcomes, backed by peer-reviewed research from institutions like Mayo Clinic.

Key insights from our conversation include:

In episode 96, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OBGYN turned insurance expert. She shares her powerful journey from the bedside to becoming a champion for physician financial protection. Dr. Pearson's story of career-changing injury and subsequent transformation offers invaluable insights for healthcare professionals at all stages of their careers.

Our conversation delves into the often-overlooked aspects of disability and life insurance and the unique challenges faced by physicians in protecting their financial futures. Dr. Pearson's personal experience illuminates the importance of proper insurance coverage and the potential pitfalls many doctors unknowingly face.

Key...

In episode 95, I sit down with Josh Sarkis, Chief Strategy Officer for PharmaSmart, to uncover the transformative world of healthcare technology and innovation. Recorded amidst the buzz of the Health Innovators Conference, our conversation takes a deep dive into Josh’s inspiring journey from a small business owner to a key player in revolutionizing blood pressure monitoring.

Josh recounts PharmaSmart’s origins, starting as a distributor of blood pressure kiosks, and the pivotal decision to design their own clinically validated devices. We explore the evolution of their patented kiosks, which have set a new standard for accuracy, acce...

In episode 94, I sit down with two inspiring medical leaders: Dr. Amandeep Hansra, founder of Creative Careers in Medicine, and Dr. Elise Putt, the organization’s Chief Operations Officer. Together, they are redefining how doctors perceive their professional journeys, creating new pathways to exciting opportunities beyond traditional clinical roles.

Our conversation highlights a growing movement in medicine—one that champions diversity, innovation, and personal fulfillment. We explore how shifting career preferences among graduates, increased exposure to non-traditional paths, and the strength of community are reshaping the future of healthcare.

Key insights include:

In Episode 93, I sit down with Dr. Brian Clyne, an emergency physician and leadership coach, to explore the transformative power of coaching in healthcare. We delve into Dr. Clyne's journey from medical school to emergency medicine, and how a pivotal experience with a leadership coach sparked his passion for coaching others.

Key insights from our discussion include:

In Episode 92, I sit down with Dr. Kara Pepper, a physician coach and eating disorder specialist, to explore the intricate connections between perfectionism, burnout, and self-compassion in healthcare. Dr. Pepper's journey from professional ballet dancer to physician offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by high-achieving professionals.

We delve into the often-overlooked world of eating disorders, discussing how these conditions can manifest in unexpected ways and impact healthcare providers themselves. Dr. Pepper shares valuable insights on recognizing and addressing eating disorder behaviors across diverse populations, challenging common misconceptions.

Key topics we explore include:

In episode 91, Dr. Jessi Gold—psychiatrist and author of "How Do You Feel?"—joins us to unpack the mental health challenges unique to healthcare professionals. As the inaugural Chief Wellness Officer for the University of Tennessee System, Dr. Gold brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation, focusing on curiosity and self-reflection as tools for resilience and growth.

Dr. Gold shares her insights on the importance of curiosity and self-reflection in navigating the complexities of a medical career. We discuss the prevalence of mental health issues among healthcare workers, the impact of workplace culture on well...

In episode 90, I sit down with Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist and expert in well-being, to examine the intricate challenges of burnout in healthcare. Our discussion explores moral injury, the critical role of social connections, the power of positive psychology, and the importance of a holistic approach to supporting physician well-being.

Dr. Fisher offers a unique perspective, shaped by growing up in a family of seven physicians, which informs his understanding of the profession’s pressures. Together, we challenge traditional views on burnout and uncover strategies for creating meaningful change.

Key insights include:

In episode 89, I sit down with Dr. Rebecca Szabo, a simulation educator from Australia, to explore the transformative impact of healthcare simulation. Our discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in integrating simulation-based education programs within teaching hospitals, drawing from Dr. Szabo's recent publication in Advances in Simulation.

My special guest is Dr. Rebecca Szabo who provides valuable insights on advancing simulation-based education in teaching hospitals. We discuss strategies for tailoring your approach to different audiences when advocating for simulation, methods for demonstrating its value to decision-makers, and ways to manage the balance between revenue generation and internal...

Episode 88: In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Weill, a renowned transplant surgeon and accomplished author, to uncover the intricate world of organ transplants.

Dr. Weill takes us on a journey through his impressive career, from his early days as an intern to his rise as a leading expert in lung transplants. We discuss the emotional highs and lows of transplant surgery, the critical decisions involved in patient selection, and how personal experiences have shaped his professional approach. 

In this candid conversation, Dr. Weill opens up about the often-overlooked struggles within the healthcare s...

In Episode 87, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Byerly, an obstetrical anesthesiologist and certified life coach, to dive deep into how trauma shapes our careers and personal lives. As healthcare providers, we’re trained to care for others—but how often do we address our own wounds?

Dr. Byerly shares her powerful story of overcoming burnout and becoming a passionate advocate for physician wellness. We unpack the often-missed link between childhood experiences and our medical careers, discussing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) score and its surprising relevance to healthcare professionals.

In this episode, we explore: