The Human Doctor: Recent Episodes
Dr. Kimberly Manning and Dr. Ashley McMullen
Dr. Kimberly Manning and Dr. Ashley McMullen are two dope academic internists who use the power of storytelling to explore the human side of medicine, along with teaching, living, learning, and all things in between
On this final episode of our 10th season, Ashley reflects on her sabbatical journey and the many lessons learned during this period of diastole. Thanks again to all our listeners - we love you!
We love when a plan comes together. This week Kimberly reflects on a critical decision she made in the past and the unforeseen benefits that came as a result.
Today we're giving a quick preview of our upcoming live recording and our love for the Society of General Internal Medicine.
This week Kimberly shares two experiences that show we don't always need to travel far to expand our worlds and perspectives.
This week Ashley is back in town to share a reflection on how a few small acts of encouragement put her on the path to dream bigger for herself.
This week Kimberly is back on the mic reflecting on her role as an educator. When we want our learners to be more than just "fine" we need to teach them more than just knowledge.
We are constantly called to re-evaluate our roles in any given season or circumstance. Though this is often easier said than done, especially when it comes to those we care for. This week Ashley tells a story about learning when to fix and when to be still.
Sometimes the things that feel routine or ordinary can become the most important factors for letting us know when something is off. This week, Kimberly shares a powerful reflection on two experiences where a change in routine led to significant discoveries.
This week Ashley reflects on her relationship to work and how that's evolved over time with the help of some really sage advice
Despite all that's happening in the world, we need not look too far to find moments that uplift and inspire us. Yet it requires our attention and intention to find beauty in the seemingly mundane. In today's episode, Kimberly reflects on a few recent extraordinary ordinary moments in her life.
"Home" carries different meanings for all of us - from places, to people, to feelings and sensations. Those meanings can also evolve overtime. This week Ashley reflects on how her sense of home changed during a period of many transitions.
Even as human doctors, we appreciate the extraordinary value of non-human connections. This episode Kimberly unpacks several experiences that demonstrate how four-legged friends can be more like family.
Much of life happens outside of our control. Yet, even when we do have the ability to plan, prepare, and make choices for the outcome we want, things can still fall apart. This week Ashley shares how she coped after an experience she prepared for went very wrong in more ways than one.
Welcome back for season 10! This week Kimberly is kicking us off with a story from Grady Hospital and some words of wisdom for moving through difficult times.
Sometimes choosing yourself requires a bold move. In this last episode of the season, Ashley shares a story about a choice she's making for herself in 2026 and how she got there despite some real challenges. Again, we are so grateful to all of you who are listeners to this podcast. We look forward to being back in the new year!
This week of Thanksgiving, Kimberly shares some lessons on gratitude and perspective learned from the incredible patients at Grady Hospital.
Commemorating meaningful life events looks different for every person and every occasion. Yet, it's always worth asking whether these moments of celebration reflect something genuine, or does it just seem. This week, Ashley shares how one particular celebration has shifted over the years.
Being a human doctor also depends on the human staff and other healthcare professionals who help us see our patients in ways that we often miss. This week Kimberly is back with a reflection on some very important and practice changing advice from a colleague at Grady Hospital.
Often as educators we learn as much, if not more, from our students than the lessons we impart. In this episode, Ashley reflects on an early challenge she faced as an educator and what she learned in the process.
Topics Discussed: Tuskegee University Homecoming 2025 * Baldwin: A Love Story* - by Nicholas Boggs * Differences Matter - UCSF School of Medicine
Words have the power to affect us for life. This week, Kimberly shares how a few simple words of advice impacted her in a lasting way.
Topics Discussed:* Relationship between scorpion size and venom potency
This week Ashley reflects on one of her most enduring friendships and the improbable circumstances in which it formed.
Topics discussed:* Med-Peds - Combined Residency Training Program in Internal Medicine & Pediatrics * Dr. Manning's recent speaking engagements: Plenary at Fall APDIM in Atlanta, IDWeek in Atlanta
In educational settings, when we teach matters just as much as what we teach. This episode, Kimberly shares an important lesson from her time in training that still influences how she shows up as an educator today.
Topics discussed:* Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books - Philadelphia, PA * University of Pennsylvania - 44th Annual Mossell Lecture on Health Equity with Dr. Manning * Thank a Physical Therapist! World PT Day - September 8th.
In a time of so much divisiveness, it can be hard to find ways to co-exist across differences. This week Ashley reflects on two difficult experiences and the choice to hold onto her own truth in spite of those who disagree.
The "what"- forgiveness Topics discussed: * Baldwin: A Love Story - by Nicholas Boggs * The Book of Delights- by Ross Gay * NPR's Throughline Podcast - "James Baldwin's Shadow" with Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
This week Kimberly shares a recent experience with one aspect of medical culture that is best left in the past.
Topics Discussed:* Porto Half Marathon * "Portuguese Love"- by Teena Marie
Sometime the greatest hinderance to your future self is comparison to your past. This week Ashley shares about a particular journey to overcome that barrier and all the unexpected ways it shaped her current state.
-------------------------The "what" - Manifest Topics Discussed:* Happy Birthday Dr. Manning! * The First-Ever Home Night Game at Tuskegee University * Dedicating your miles during a race
This week Kimberly reflects on some sage advice she received from a Grady elder and how that experience still resonates with her today.
The "what" - Surprise Topics Discussed:* Lake Hartwell - bordering GA & SC
This week we're live from Grady Memorial Hospital. Ashley reflects on a challenging clinic encounter and the importance of establishing trust early on in a relationship.
The "what" - Partnership Topics Discussed: Chattanooga, TN - Dr. McMullen approved ✔️ * Song in a Weary Throat: Memoir of an American Pilgrimage - by Pauli Murray * The Let Them Theory* - by Mel Robbins * The Mel Robbins Podcast - "What I Wish I Knew in My 20s". Guest: Dr. Meg Jay - clinical psychologist.
This week Kimberly reflects on two important experiences where one serious lapse in communication taught her how to move another conversation forward.
Topics discussed: Heritage Fire Tour * Anything We Love Can Be Saved- by Alice Walker * Zikora - A Short Story* - by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
We're baaaaaack for another season! Thanks to all our listeners for rocking with us for another round of stories and sisterhood. This week, Ashley shares a recent experience where she found that sometimes the best plans are the ones we never made and never anticipated. Let us know what you think!
Topics Discussed: 510 Hikers * Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. 57th National Convention * Calm the Fck Down - by Sarah Knight * Why We Sleep - by Matthew Walker, PhD
On the final episode of this season, Kimberly shares a powerful reflection on how a singular experience can have an unforeseen impact even decades later. Thanks again to everyone who's been listening and following us along this journey. We'll be back after a summer recharge.
Huge shout out to the Society of General Internal Medicine for inviting us to record live from the 2025 annual conference! "From Ideas to Action" - Ashley and Kimberly share a little about the evolution of The Human Doctor podcast and each tell a story highlighting what it means to be a human doctor in times such as these.
In this episode, Ashley reflects on an experience where she found the courage to speak up and gained an important lesson in dealing with disagreements.
Kimberly is back on the mic this week to reflect on a brief moment in the past that could have changed her life in a major way.
Lessons come to us in all sorts of ways, especially in the places we least expect. Today, Ashley shares a story about being open to new things, especially when we think we have nothing to learn.
Change is inevitable. It can be hard at times, but change can also be an opportunity embrace a new way of being and seeing ourselves in the world. This episode, Kimberly shares a story about a significant change she went through in the past and what she learned from that experience.
Topics Discussed: Formerly Incarcerated People's Performance Project * Adolescence* on Netflix * Masters of the American College of Physicians - 2024/2025 * Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025
Have you ever had an instance where you made up your mind to do something, but your body said "no"? This episode, Ashley shares an experience that highlights how our bodies sometimes alert us to deeper truths that we'd rather avoid thinking about.
Topics Discussed: Colorectal Cancer Screening - Guidance from the CDC * Transgender Day of Visibility - 3/31 * Black Liturgies - by Cole Arthur Riley * Quote from The Kite Runner* - by Khaled Hosseini * Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025
While reflecting on two pivotal experiences as a mom and as an educator, Kimberly gives a masterclass in the value of pausing to ask questions before assuming the worst.
Topics Discussed: March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month * "Racial Disparities and early-onset colorectal cancer: A call to action" - by Andrew Chan, MD, MPH * Their Eyes Were Watching God - by Zora Neale Hurston, audiobook narrated by Ruby Dee * The Color Purple* - by Alice Walker * Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025
When things feel uncertain and you have no idea what to do, every once in a while, the answer you need is right there in front of you. This week, Ashley reflects on a beautiful connection that was made during a time of doubt.
When we find ourselves in certain situations that seem like way more than we bargained for, sometimes we do have to ask the question, "if not me, then who?" Recently, Kimberly was thrust into one of these circumstances and in this episode, she shares her experience of how things unfolded.
Often, it's only through proximity to different lived experiences and that issues become personal enough for us to change our thoughts and behaviors. This week, Ashley reflects on some key moments that opened her awareness to issues she hadn't previously contended with.
Topics Discussed: UCSF Black Caucus Gala * Oakland Black Joy Parade * How Can Black People Write About Flowers at a Time Like This - poem written and read by Hanif Abdurraqib * Quiet* - book by Susan Cain * Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez (@DoctoraEdith) * Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025
The stories we often tell ourselves, about ourselves, later become self-fulfilling prophesies that can either help us reach our potential or keep us constricted. Sometimes we need to pump the breaks long enough to ask, what story am I telling and is it true? Sometimes we need others to help us do it. This week Kimberly shares a pivotal moment that invited her to reshape her narrative and learn to aim higher.
Topics Discussed: * Becoming Wise - by Krista Tippett * On Being - Podcast * Jesus and the Disinherited - by Howard Thurman * The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin * Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025
How you treat people always matters; and in places or spaces where there are differences in power, it's even more important to recognize the type of impact we can have on others. Here, Ashley shares a story from training and lessons she learned from a negative interaction.
Topics Discussed:
- White Coat Investor - On YouTube
- Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025!
At a time when concepts like diversity and inclusivity may seem dilute or even controversial in some cases, it's worth revisiting the WHY behind DEI. This episode, Kimberly highlights how proximity to a very different lived experience set her up to become a better doctor and better human.
Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025!
The HD Pod is back! This week Ashley shares some important updates from our time away and a story that highlights the importance of taking the occasional leap of faith, especially in times that feel difficult or uncertain.
Topics Discussed: * Unrivaled - Women's Basketball League * Poet Andrea Gibson * All Fours, by Miranda July * Australia recs: State Library of New South Wales, The Rocks, Botanic Gardens of Sydney * Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025
In many situations, the line between right and wrong can be blurred or confusing, but sometimes it is very clear. On this final episode of the season, Kimberly gives a powerful reflection on accountability and owning what is right vs. what is wrong when it comes to certain behaviors.
Everyone expresses grief or sorrow in different ways, and in an ideal world, we would all feel safe enough to do so however we choose. This week, Ashley shares stories on what this has looked like in her life.
When is the last time you paused to really take in a meaningful moment - big or small? This week, Kimberly shares a reflection on this practice along with an invitation for us all to make time to appreciate the moments we may look back on one day and long for.
Topics Discussed: Nexus Summit 2024 Conference * The Message - by Ta-Nehisi Coates * Marcus Bookstore - Oakland, CA * Playground* - by Richard Powers * "Cherish the Day" - by Sade * Make a plan to vote!
Today, Ashley reflects on the most important gift she received in her medical training - it's one that continues to give, even to this day.
Our words have power - and sometimes a positive word can be life-giving, especially in a world that often prioritizes negativity. This week, Kimberly shares a story about a patient who reminded her of this possibility.
This week, Ashley reflects on some pivotal experiences from medical training and the lessons she learned.
In today's episode, Kimberly describes an encounter with a patient that pushed her to think differently about what it means to "do no harm"
This week Ashley will share a story from her personal statement for residency applications, which is one that highlights her motivation for becoming an internist and a human doctor. Also, on our 100th (!) episode, we'd like to send a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners and supporters - we could not have made it to this milestone without you!
This week, Kimberly is back on the mic to share some wise reflections on her experiences of being in the spotlight, and what we actually mean when we talk about "imposter syndrome".
Many times, the primary barrier to us achieving our goals is our own thoughts. However, being practical does not have to mean overthinking or succumbing to the idea that certain goals just don't make sense for us. This week, Kimberly shares an inspiring example of a time she set out to achieve something seemingly out of reach.
Is there someone in your life you can trust to be there in moments of triumph, but also in times of potential failure? This week Ashley shares memories of times when she had the courage to let someone in, and what she took away from those experiences.
July is a major transition time for folks in the medical field. Just like in many other institutions or professions, in medicine, it's easy to look at new changes and lament that things "aren't like they used to be." However, we should pause to recognize, thankfully, that things can and often do change for the better. This week, Kimberly reflects on the early days of her training and a few changes that she's grateful for.
On today's episode, Ashley reflects on a meaningful patient experience, as well as the privilege and challenges of human doctoring.
This episode, Kimberly shares a very personal story of caring for a loved one in the hospital and how it has shifted her perspective as both a doctor and caregiver.
Topics Discussed:* CP solvers episode on Juneteenth with Dr. Manning and her father Mr. William Draper, Sr. * More Juneteenth listening: The History and Meaning of Juneteenth by The Daily (NYT) from 2020
This week we share another special episode recorded at the Society of General Internal Medicine annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, featuring a very special guest storyteller, Dr. Utibe Essien - an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine, an award-winning health equity researcher, and an all-around dope human doctor.
Live from the Society of General Internal Medicine 2024 annual meeting in Boston, MA! Kimberly and Ashley share the stage to tell the story of their first meeting and a meaningful connection that would lead to the beginnings of The Human Doctor Podcast and so much more.
In the final episode of this season, Ashley shares a story about a profound experience in residency that shaped her perspective on patients and their families, and how we care for both.
Who are the friends that you can call on no matter what the circumstance? Who are the those that you can trust to love and care for you, even when you feel you don't deserve it? In our busy adult lives, we often miss opportunities to form deep connections beyond the bounds of traditional family and romantic partnerships. However, on this episode Kimberly takes the time to celebrate one of these connections and what it means to her.
Topics Discussed:* Kierstin Kennedy, MD: CMO @ UAB and Visiting Professor at Emory * Interview with Flau'jae Johnson, Angel Reese, and Haley Van Lith (LSU Women's Basketball) * Dawn Staley on Caitlin Clark * Shanta Zimmer, MD - Check out her episode with the Review of SystemsMedEd Podcast
See Dr. McMullen & Dr. Manning at the SGIM Meeting!* Society of General Internal Medicine - Meeting in Boston May 15-18, 2024 * The Human Doctor Podcast at SGIM
This week Ashley is back on the mic sharing a story from early adulthood when an unexpected message resonated in unexpected ways.
Topics Discussed: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - Revelations * Charlie Varon- A mentor of Dr. McMullen * Documentary - Trembling Before G-d, directed by Sandi Simcha DuBowski (2001) * Song - Joy & Pain* by Maze feat. Frankie Beverly
See Dr. McMullen & Dr. Manning at the SGIM Meeting!* Society of General Internal Medicine - Meeting in Boston May 15-18, 2024 * The Human Doctor Podcast at SGIM
Each of us at some point in our lives will have the experience of not being chosen for something or not getting the thing we desperately wanted. This week, Kimberly shares her reflections on this experience and some important lessons along the way.
Topics Discussed: Clio's Bookshop - Oakland, CA * Harriett's Bookshop- Philadelphia, PA * Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books - Philadelphia, PA * Dr. Manning's Movie Recs: American Fiction - directed by Cord Jefferson, starring Jeffrey Wright * The Holdovers* - directed by Alexander Payne, starring Paul Giamatti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph
See Dr. McMullen & Dr. Manning at the SGIM Meeting!* Society of General Internal Medicine - Meeting in Boston May 15-18, 2024 * The Human Doctor Podcast at SGIM
When it comes to difficult news, what we say and how we say it matters a lot, especially in medicine. Today, Ashley recalls a moment in training where this concept became very clear.
Topics Discussed:* Society of General Internal Medicine - Meeting in Boston May 15-18, 2024 * The Human Doctor Podcast at SGIM * Dr. Manning's Life Advice - How to decide what you're going to do or not do: + Is this a nonrepeatable life event? + Will I regret it? + Bonus Question: Who is the person to you?
Even the most humanistic doctors can sometimes make the wrong assumptions about the patients in their care. In this episode, Kimberly reflects on a time when she missed the mark and how that changed her practice.
Topics Discussed: Children's Fairyland - Oakland, CA * Society of General Internal Medicine - Meeting in Boston May 15-18, 2024 * The Human Doctor Podcast at SGIM * I Did a New Thing - by Tabitha Brown * Against Medical Advice Discharges* - Things We Do For No Reason, Journal of Hospital Medicine
Many of us have heard the disheartening statistic that Black women experience the highest rates of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States, 3x that of white women, and regardless of socioeconomic status. This week Ashley offers a humanistic lens to this fact by sharing the story of her own mother's experience bringing her into this world.
Check out The Human Doctor Podcast at the SGIM Conference in Boston - May 15-18, 2024
On this episode, Kimberly reflects on a really difficult but necessary choice that she made when she was younger. It's a choice that she still makes routinely today.
Topics Discussed: Dr. Manning at the Power Rising Conference * Harriett's Bookshop- Philadelphia, PA * Legacy by Dr. Uché Blackstock * Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books - Philadelphia, PA * Marcus Books - Oakland, CA * Deacon King Kong* - by James McBride * The Human Doctor Podcast at the SGIM Conference in Boston - May 15-18, 2024
In this episode, Ashley shares the story of a decisive moment where she did something she never could have imagined herself doing before.
Topics Discussed:* Yonah Mountain Vineyards * We're Not Really Strangers - Card Game * Image shared by Dr. McMullen - Speaking at #OurFirstStand Rally (Jan 2017) * Alley Cat Bookstore - Closed in 2021 * Mamie Till-Mobley - "Let The World See"
Today, Kimberly shares about a recent reunion with a person who made a significant difference in her life and career.
Topics Discussed: * The Sympathizer - by Viet Thanh Nguyen * The Vietnam War - PBS Documentary Series by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick * The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store - by James McBride * Deacon King Kong - by James McBride * Dr. André Churchwell visits Emory * Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Atlanta Chapter
This week, Ashley reflects on a moment where so much changed in the blink of an eye.
Topics Discussed: Chain-Gang All-Stars* - by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah * MLK Day - 1/15/24 * Delta Sigma Theta Founders Day - 1/13/24 * Learn about platelet donation * Learn about becoming CPR-certified
Happy New Year fam! This week, Kimberly shares with us a thoughtful reflection about an interaction she had with a trainee.
Topics Discussed:
- Chain-Gang All-Stars - by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
- The 1619 Project - Nikole Hannah-Jones
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store - James McBride
- The Color of Water - James McBride Memoir
- Hidden Potential - Adam Grant
- Podcast
- Takeaways:
- Set your sights on something specific rather than "doing your best"
- Instead of asking people for feedback - ask for advice
This episode, Ashley shares a recent experience in clinic that helped reshape her views on gifts and giving. We want to also wish all of our listeners a wonderful and safe holiday season. We'll be back in the New Year!
Topics Discussed:
- The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman
- Elderhood - by Louise Aronson
This episode Kimberly shares another compelling story along with some unforgettable advice she received while on the wards at Grady Hospital
Topics discussed: * Wellness - by Nathan Hill * Chain-Gang All-Stars - by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah * Bellevue Literary Review * The James Webb Telescope Detects a Heartbeat - by Terry Tierney
We're back and excited to kick-off another season of storytelling on the Human Doctor Pod. This week, Ashley is on the mic to tell you about an experience in medical training that needed a time-out for serious reflection.
We've made it to our final episode of the season. This week we're leaving you with another powerful story from Kimberly about a meaningful exchange she had with a young patient at Grady. As we move into this period of rest/restoration, we continue to extend our deepest gratitude to all our listeners - please know that both Kimberly and Ashley are %100 Team YOU.
On this episode, Ashley recounts an experience where she had to have a difficult conversation with someone she loves. It's a reminder that even the most cherished relationships can oft times be complicated.
Kimberly is back on the mic this episode with an insightful reflection on the importance of acknowledgement and its impact, especially towards learners.
This week Ashley shares a narrative from her first year on faculty where a difficult patient interaction helped her realize a sense of agency in terms of how the experience unfolded.
Topics Discussed:
- "Diastolito" at Yeppa & Co, Buckhead, Atlanta
- The Nap Ministry - Rest as Reparations
- The Nocturnists episode with Eric Topol, MD, author of Deep Medicine
- Clinical Problem Solvers Juneteenth episode w/ Kimberly and her dad, Mr. William Draper
Note: this episode contains some explicit language
Each of us, at one point or another, have faced the choice of whether to stand up for someone or something, even when it comes at a personal cost. We hope that in those moments we'll always choose to do what's right, but because we're humans, we oftentimes fall short. This week, Kimberly shares a powerful reflection about a time when she faced this choice.
Topics Discussed:
- "What you say impacts what you see" - Dr. Manning
- Bonsai Garden - Lake Merritt (Oakland, CA)
- Actively Black Athletic Wear
- Film - Beautiful Boy
- Stand - Donnie McClurkin
- I'll Stand By You - The Pretenders
Stepping into a more senior role often comes with greater responsibilities, as well as greater repercussions for adverse events. Ashley reflects on her first experience stepping into a new attending role and the challenges that came with it.
When was the last time you did something big, purely because you wanted to do it? This week Kimberly shares some wisdom she received from a Grady patient, and how that led to a pivotal moment in her life.
This episode, Ashley shares about a recent experience where she had to push herself outside the boundaries of her comfort zone.
This week Dr. Manning shares an uplifting reflection on the critical role of representation and what it means to push the boundaries of what we think is possible for ourselves as well as others.
Have you ever had certain experiences or chance meetings with other people that just seemed meant to be? Whether we believe it is an act of divine will or simply pure luck, those moments can have a lasting impact. This week Ashley shares a story about an important connection that felt predestined.
Check out the following references mentioned in this episode:
The Pain We Carry (newharbinger.com)
Downs Oakland
This week, Kimberly shares an incredible story about an exchange with a young patient who was anticipating a life-changing event.
As healthcare providers, we are often in a zone of learning new information and new ways of doing things. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself how your care of a person may have changed had you known back then what you know now? In this episode, Ashley shares a story about a time where she would have done things differently.
Who are the people in your life that will speak up for you, even when you're not there? Are you that person for someone else? This week Kimberly reflects on key moments that epitomized what it means for someone to truly have your back.
This week, Ashley is back in the storytelling hot seat, sharing about a very memorable experience and how it has shaped her perspective going forward.
Welcome back! We're excited to kickstart this next season with a phenomenal story from Kimberly as she reflects on a time when a stranger's unexpected kindness left a lasting impression.
In this final episode of Season 4, Ashley looks back on a few key moments in her professional life and personal journey towards greater love and self-acceptance.
Has someone else's persistence ever moved you to do things you were absolutely convinced you wouldn't do? On this episode, Kimberly examines a series of moves that landed her in a pivotal moment.
Has someone else's persistence ever moved you to do things you were absolutely convinced you wouldn't do? On this episode, Kimberly examines a series of moves that landed her in a pivotal moment.
Have you ever had an experience that felt out of completely out of control? Even in the midst of turmoil, sometimes we must throw down a flag and find a moment to reflect. This week, Ashley shares a story and the lessons learned from it.
Oftentimes the best thing we can do for those we care for, as well as for ourselves, is to be still and know exactly who we are. On today's episode, Kimberly drops some serious wisdom as she recalls an experience when she first learned this lesson well.
How many of us struggle to say no to the many tasks and asks that place a heavy toll on our well-being? This week, Kimberly reflects on a time where she had to reconcile what was being asked of her and how much she could give.
At many points in life, we may find ourselves tasked with letting go of our attachments, but not our hope. This week Ashley reflects on an experience where this lesson be very real.
Are there moments you can recall when someone or something changed the course of your professional or personal life? Today, Kimberly reflects on a few key moments that set her on the path to becoming the phenomenal writer and clinician educator we know and love today.
Holidays are an especially difficult time of year to be in the hospital. Today, Ashley reflects on her own experience as an intern during this season and how she found healing in the midst of burnout.
Have you ever come close to doing something but for some reason didn't quite see it through? This week, Kimberly talks about a very special experience that almost did not happen.
For many of us, early experiences in childhood can have a major impact on how we view ourselves and others going forward. In today's episode, Ashley shares one of these moments.
Have you ever thought you knew something, or someone, but turned out you didn't actually know the full story? This week Kimberly reflects on a time when this occurred and the wisdom she took away from that experience.
This week Ashley shares a story about a formative experience in medical school and some important lessons learned about taking care of others while caring for yourself.
This week Kimberly is back with an important reflection on her journey through higher education. Oftentimes the real question is not about whether you'll be great, but rather, who is deserving of your legacy.
We're back! After a restorative break, we're on the mic again for another season of stories, conversation, and connectedness! This week Ashley shares story from her time in medical school and how it shaped her perception of a particular specialty.
Oftentimes the most important moments of our lives occur exactly when we least expect. For this final episode of Season 3, Kimberly shares a story of how the stars aligned in all the ways she never saw coming.
How often do we stop to take in the day-to-day moments in life that are truly awe-inspiring? This week, Ashley reflects on one of these moments and how it changed her.
It's not often that we find ourselves immersed in an experience that is completely new and outside our normal comfort zones. However, when we do, it can leave us forever changed. This week, Kimberly recalls an event that left a lasting impact.
One of the biggest challenges we continue to face in medicine is taking the time to be still and truly see the person in front of us. This week Ashley reflects on an experience with a patient where an unexpected bond was formed.
In medicine and in life we don't always get things right, but we do have to own up to our decisions. This week Kimberly reflects on how a particular decision impacted her during medical training.
We often face choices that are very painful but also can lead us to a life of greater authenticity. Along the way, it's important that we affirm our truest selves and recognize that each of us is uniquely incredible. This week Ashley shares a story about part of this journey.
Through our hardest times - sometimes you just need someone who sees you and understands. Kimberly shares a powerful reflection this week on what it means to step into the fellowship of suffering with another human being.
How often do we stop to think about how tasks that feel menial or annoying to us, may make a huge difference in the lives of those we care for? In this episode, Ashley reflects on a time where this question really hit home.
Happy Pod-i-versary! It's been one year since we launched The Human Doctor Podcast and we're commemorating this milestone with another phenomenal story of humanism in medicine. This week Kimberly reflects on a pivotal lesson she learned from her patients at Grady Hospital.
In a culture that places high value on productivity, there is a lot of pressure to do things, as well as fear of what happens when we don't. In this week's episode, Ashley reflects on this idea.
Have you ever experienced something so hard or so devastating that you found yourself questioning whether things would ever get better? Yea, we've been there too. This week, Kimberly shares a story about one of those times.
Often the most important skills we learn in medicine are the ones least recognized or valued. Listen in to this week's conversation as Ashley reflects on a memorable experience and how those skills came through.
This week, Kimberly shares a story and reflects on one of the challenges she experienced while recently caring for a loved one.
Hey y'all, welcome back for Season 3! As humans in medicine, there are inevitably times in which we do not show up fully for those we care for. However, it's imperative to reflect on how we got there and what to change. This week Ashley reflects on an important experience that occurred during her training.
Each of us is endowed with our own unique purpose and potential. However, instead of tapping into something authentic within ourselves, we often allow fear to lead us towards what feels safe. In this last episode of season 2, Kimberly shares a story inspiring us to be original.
Painful moments often become perfect opportunities for us to grow into our more fully actualized selves. This week, Ashley tells a story about a time when she learned this lesson well.
In medicine we're trained to provide help and healing to our patients. Yet, in the day-to-day grind of this profession, we can easily miss the help and healing that our patients provide to us. In this episode, Kimberly shares a story of such an experience and how it changed her.
Has fear ever kept you from doing something you were truly meant to do? Tune in this week as Ashley shares a story about how fear almost derailed her plans and what pushed her to keep going.
Sometimes, the truth hurts. This week, Kimberly reflects on an experience where she had to face a hard truth early in her career and the important lesson she learned as a result.
Good mentors are important for helping us achieve our goals. However, great mentors are often those who help us see our potential before we recognize it for ourselves. In this episode, Ashley shares the story of an important mentor who came into her life at a critical time.
Have you ever had an experience where you felt like you were left on the outside, struggling to get in? This week Kimberly tells a story that challenges all of us to think deeper about what inclusion really looks like in medicine.
Sometimes we find love in unexpected places - but we must be willing and open to receive it, and to give love in return. This week Ashley reflects on an unexpected bond with another individual and the important lessons she learned.
In this profession we routinely experience a roller coaster of human emotions. Yet, we're often limited in how or when we are able express those feelings. This week, Kimberly tells us about a pivotal moment in which she recognized the power of letting her emotions show.
We're human beings. Human beings make mistakes. Yet, we don't seem to talk about it enough in medicine. In this episode, Ashley reflects on a mistake that was made during her training and how it impacted her afterwards.
We may not always agree on who or what has worth in our society, but oftentimes, the thing speaks for itself. This week Kimberly shares an epic story of how she handled a murky situation during her first year of residency training.
Have you ever found yourself in "competition" with someone who could have been a potential ally? There are times in life where we may feel like there aren't enough seats at the table, and we build rivalries instead of relationships. In this episode, Ashley shares a story of how one of her most valued relationships almost did not happen.
No matter how hard we try to plan ahead or maintain control of things in our lives, oftentimes the most meaningful changes are born out of the circumstances we least expect. This week Kimberly gifts us with a powerful story about an experience that would change her life in ways she did not see coming.
Have you ever had someone tell you to limit your aspirations or aim low instead of shooting for the stars? This week Ashley reflects on some interesting advice she was given in her last year of medical school.
Welcome back! This week we dive into a new story shared by Kimberly about an experience at Grady's "No Judgement Zone" table that took an unexpected turn.
In medicine, we dedicate a lot of time and energy towards thinking about things that went wrong or could have gone better. For the final episode of this season, Ashley tells us about a time when she got it right.
Errors and adverse events in medicine are complicated. They often stem from so much more than a missed diagnosis or failed procedure. Kimberly reflects on a difficult experience she had as an attending physician and the important lessons she learned.
In this episode Ashley shares a story about a time when her world effectively stopped, but not everyone noticed. On days that feel very ordinary for us, how do we stop and make space for folks whose lives have become anything but ordinary?
Kimberly recalls a valuable lesson she learned from a Grady elder and how it helped her deal with a situation where emotions ran high. Often times we must realize, it's not about us.
Do you want to be truly excellent, or just seem that way? Ashley shares a story about a really difficult experience and the opportunity for meaningful growth.
This week Kimberly shares a story about a time when someone gave her the strength to get through a particularly difficult task. When you see a person flying on one wing, do you help give them the strength to soar, or keep on moving?
Ashley shares a story reflecting on the last time she felt real joy. When we focus on individual achievement and "being the best" or "being the expert", how do we find joy in the process of becoming?
Kimberly reflects on a conflict she experienced during residency. Medical education can sometimes feel like more of a competition than a collaborative learning environment. How do we create spaces where folks can shine without dimming the light for others?
Ashley shares a story about going above and beyond to help a patient during residency. Have you ever felt pressure to "do the most" to make up for failures of the healthcare system?
Kimberly reflects on the importance of recognizing what matters most. When you take an inventory of your priorities, what or who comes first?
Ashley shares a very personal story about knowing her true self and the journey towards welcoming others in to know her as well.
Kimberly shares a story about being interrupted by strangers at work. Is there a type of energy we bring into a space that makes us more or less "stoppable"?
Ashley shares a story on being seen in the workplace. How do you respond when someone's bias renders you invisible?
Kimberly shares a story about receiving some very unsatisfying feedback. How do you respond when the issue is not the work you do, but the essence of you?
Welcome to The Human Doctor Podcast! Get to know Drs. Kimberly Manning and Ashley McMullen, along with two other regularly featured guests...Jewels and Mahalia