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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Imagine a world where late-career physicians are equipped with tools just as precise as those used in aviation. Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Andrew White, a visionary in internal medicine and clinical informatics, as he unveils the transformative power of electronic health records (EHRs) in enhancing patient safety. Through Andrew's unique career path from molecular biology to medicine, we explore the profound impacts of clinical informatics, such as the use of EHRs for reminders in DVT prophylaxis and the strategic navigation of care variability. You'll be intrigued by Andrew's insights into the delicate balance between adhering to established protocols and adapting to the nuanced needs of each patient.
As we journey further, the dynamics of risk management and career transitions in procedural fields take center stage. Together with Andrew, we dissect the delicate dichotomy between senior and junior physicians in high-risk situations, shedding light on the necessity of structured workforce planning. We also delve into the sensitive issue of cognitive decline among seasoned practitioners, discussing how certain institutions are pioneering cognitive and physical exams to ensure continued excellence in patient care. Andrew's recent research underscores the importance of blending professional deference with robust performance assessments, providing invaluable insights into the complexities of self-regulation and external evaluation.
In our final exploration, we confront the pressing need for continuous professional development and the psychological drive for validation that propels many physicians. We draw parallels between the demanding fields of medicine and aviation, advocating for simulation training and self-assessment to maintain competency, particularly in the latter stages of a medical career. The conversation culminates in a call for intergenerational collaboration, where mentorship between younger and older doctors fosters community building and knowledge transfer. With a focus on fairness and support, we explore how institutions can create empowering environments that uphold patient safety and high-quality care, steering clear of age-based discrimination while championing lifelong learning.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-white-931b9660/

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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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In a profession where the stakes are incredibly high, how can collaborative platforms reshape the practice of medicine? This episode also explores the creation of Murmur, a specialized social media app for interventional cardiologists, co-founded by Dr. Joseph Walsh and Dr. Aidan Raney. We discuss the unique challenges faced by interventional cardiologists transitioning from fellowship to practice and how Murmur offers real-time advice, case-sharing, and emotional support. Discover how leveraging a robust network inspired by Annie Duke's "Thinking in Bets" can democratize expertise, enhance clinical practice, and foster a collaborative environment that transcends geographical boundaries.
Finally, learn why specialization is key to excellence in interventional cardiology and how to build a sustainable and collaborative medical program. We emphasize the importance of focusing on specific areas to achieve high proficiency, recognizing personal limits, and fostering a supportive medical community. From transitioning skills into new ventures to balancing professional responsibilities with meaningful family interactions, this episode provides a compelling discussion on harmonizing personal and career goals, the value of mentorship, and the commitment to lifelong learning in the medical field.
https://murmurmd.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-walsh-853b9424/
https://x.com/joewalshmd

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Ever wondered how a career journey with multiple pivots can shape a person's professional and personal growth? Join us as we catch up with my old friend Kevin Beedon, whose career path has been anything but linear. Kevin's transition from an aspiring interventional cardiologist to a chemical engineer, and eventually into global marketing, offers a rich tapestry of experiences. He opens up about his time navigating the dot-com boom, the aftermath of 9/11, and his current work in circadian rhythm research, shedding light on the contrasting cultures of large corporations and nimble startups.
Navigating through the complexities of career transitions and personal adversities, Kevin emphasizes the importance of courage and resilience. We discuss the significant role supportive work environments play in fostering growth and share anecdotes of making impactful contributions behind the scenes. Whether facing institutional roadblocks or job loss, Kevin’s journey demonstrates the necessity of self-reflection, accountability, and the courage to drive meaningful change.
In the latter part of our conversation, we dive into transforming workplace culture through engagement and education. Kevin introduces the "E to the fourth power" framework—Engage, Educate, Enable, and Empower—as a strategy for achieving better patient outcomes and workplace satisfaction. From the importance of maintaining authenticity to the value of fun in the workplace, we explore how small daily interactions can lead to larger goals. Join us for a compelling discussion on personal growth, meaningful relationships, and authentic leadership, filled with wisdom, humor, and practical advice that you won't want to miss.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-beedon-421134/

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