The Journey to Better

What happens when a heartfelt friendship of 18 years becomes the catalyst for incredible change in the lives of many? Join us as we take you on a journey with Steve Keene, from his roots in Lincoln, Nebraska, to his remarkable work in the healthcare industry and, more importantly, his transformative efforts in addiction recovery. Hear about our memorable taxi ride in London and how these shared experiences led to the founding of the Pelican Intervention Fund. Since 2013, this charity has raised over $800,000 and helped 160 clients struggling with opiate and alcohol addiction through 12-step, faith-based, long-term residential sober living programs.
We'll break down the 12-step recovery process, its origins, and its profound principles. Discover the individualized nature of "rock bottom," and listen to personal stories that illustrate the varied paths people take towards realizing they need help. We'll explore what makes a great candidate for treatment and the unique challenges faced by different age groups, including those on medically assisted treatment. Through our discussion, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of addiction and recovery.
In the concluding segments, we shine a light on the Pelican Intervention Fund’s deep impact and the power of community support. Learn about the fund's symbolic name and hear inspiring stories of recovery and growth. This episode is not just a testament to the power of service but a call to action for all of us. Let’s reflect on the significance of giving back, spreading hope, and making a positive impact in our own communities. Join us, and together, let’s continue the journey of mutual improvement.
Reach out to Steve:
https://pelicaninterventionfund.org/
&
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-keene-24a3781/

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Dr. Drew Klein joins to dig into the pressing mental health issues facing the healthcare profession today. Dr. Klein, who has a robust background in interventional cardiology and is a critical player in the Physician Wellness Task Force for SCAI, shares his invaluable insights and personal experiences, highlighting the urgent need for the medical community to support its members on their mental health journeys.
We scrutinize the significant barriers medical professionals encounter when addressing mental health issues, from the siloed, competitive culture that discourages open communication to the lack of appropriate support systems compared to those available for substance abuse problems. Our discussion emphasizes the necessity of early intervention, fostering a team-based approach, and developing interpersonal skills to combat feelings of isolation. Drew stresses the importance of creating an environment where seeking help for depression or anxiety is normalized and free of stigma, encouraging a systemic shift that promotes mutual support and understanding within the profession.
The emotional and psychological toll of dealing with trauma and critical care is a focal point of our conversation. We delve into the importance of robust support systems, mandatory access to professional psychological support, and the need for normalized debriefing and therapy for physicians. By advocating for vulnerability, mutual support, and systemic changes, we aim to mitigate the fears of job loss and repercussions of mistakes.
https://x.com/DrDrewKleinPHI

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Interventional Cardiologists Dr. Michael Chan and Dr. Daniel Menees asked to join Bill for a week in the cath lab and sat down to discuss the impacts of asking for help.
The heart of our exchange beats around the courage to be vulnerable and the strength found in community. There's a raw honesty in admitting that sometimes, despite all our expertise, we need to reach out for help. Michael and Dan peel back the curtain on their own experiences with workplace stress spilling into home life, sharing their strategies for resilience. It's a reminder that even as we scale professional peaks, the base camp of supportive relationships remains pivotal. And as we navigate through failures and build trust, we gather invaluable lessons about risk-taking and leaning into the fears that often signal growth opportunities.
As we close the loop on this episode, the resonance of parenting, self-reflection, and the continuous journey toward self-improvement lingers. We underscore the need to give our children the space to chart their own courses, just as we must do for ourselves. The conversation extends an invitation to embrace community within the CTO space and beyond, advocating for the power of solidarity in our collective mental well-being. It's not a monologue—it's a call to action for every listener to reach out, share, and fortify the message that in our most human moments of struggle, we are never alone.

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Dr. Robert Mentz from Duke University shares his fascinating career journey in this episode of "Journey to Better." From his humble beginnings in Wisconsin to becoming a standout heart failure cardiologist and clinical trialist, Robert offers deep insights into his educational experiences at Emory and Brigham, and the mentors who have significantly influenced his path. Listeners will gain a profound understanding of his leadership style, which focuses on investing in people and fostering inclusivity, as well as his passion for revitalizing a heart failure journal and enhancing Duke's heart failure program. Personal anecdotes about family and supporting others enrich our conversation, offering a holistic view of Robert's professional and personal life.
The conversation also tackles the intricate balance between success and mentorship within the medical field. We explore the often challenging dynamics that young professionals face in high-stakes environments and the crucial role mentorship plays in nurturing a culture of support and risk-taking. Discussion points include transitioning from early career achievements to mid-career challenges, the art of passing the torch, and maintaining personal ambitions alongside institutional expectations. Our dialogue emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of collaboration and selflessness, where lifting others is equally prioritized as personal achievement.
We further explore overcoming professional challenges and fostering innovation. Dr. Mentz shares strategies to combat group-think and promote diverse perspectives in clinical and research settings. We discuss the importance of balancing external recruitment with internal cultural cohesion, hiring for fit rather than just talent, and cultivating an environment open to innovation and self-reflection. Throughout, we underline the significance of learning from failures, acknowledging vulnerabilities, and supporting the next generation. The episode closes with reflections on the transformative power of personal relationships and growth, reminding us that perceived failures can often lead to meaningful, positive change.
https://x.com/robmentz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-mentz-54318087/

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Bill hosts Dr. Kate Kearney, Dr. Rhian Davies, and Dr. Kathryn Dawson to discuss the challenges faced by women in interventional cardiology, including gender discrepancies, assumptions about professional abilities, and experiences of imposter syndrome.
They also explored the importance of creating supportive communities, mentorship, and training opportunities to empower women in these roles. Lastly, they addressed issues such as pregnancy discrimination and the need for compassion and solidarity within the team.

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